The Diagnosis

Discussing all options is needed when a medical diagnosis is given.

         The Positron Emission Tomography scanner hummed quietly enough to allow him to hear the music through his headphones. He requested to listen to the Beach Boys or Old Crow Medicine Show, whichever was most easily accessible.

         "Rylan, we are almost done. I need to perform another scan of your upper pelvic area." A voice over the intercom advised.

         "I am sorry. Did I move or something?" Rylan asked.

         "You are doing amazing. I want to see if I can get a clearer image. It has nothing to do with you. It should only take ten more minutes."

         "That is fine. I appreciate you doing this."

         "Of course. You have been doing all the work.

         "Do you know when the results will be ready for my doctor to view?"

         "Honestly, I am not sure. After we are done, I will notify the Radiologist, who will review the images and send your doctor the report. I always advise patients to wait about three to four days before contacting their doctor."

         "I know it is not your fault, but it seems like all I have been hearing is to wait. It is challenging to do, considering the diagnosis. What the diagnosis could be."

         "I understand your anxiety and concern. I am sorry you have to wait longer to be told of the diagnosis. There, you are all done. Let us get you pulled out and on your way."


         "It is good to see you again, Rylan. Is this your wife?" Doctor Calabrese asked, holding out his hand to his visitor.

         "Yeah, Adalynn could not be here the first time I came. She was busy with her parents' move."

         "It's nice to meet you, Adalynn."

         "It's nice to meet you finally, Doctor Calabrese."

         "I have asked Rylan to use my first name, Isaiah. Doctor Calabrese is my dad's name. I know you both have been waiting for the results, so let us begin."

         Turning the computer monitor toward Rylan and Adalynn, the screen has scanned images of Rylan's right lung.

          Turning toward the couple, the doctor begins describing what is seen. "Your lungs are two sponge-like organs located in your chest, divided into sections called lobes. Your right lung has three lobes, while your left lung has two lobes. The left lung is smaller because the heart occupies more space on that side of the body."

          Using his pen as a pointer, the doctor points to the right lung. "What you are seeing is what is called Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer," he says. "This type of lung cancer is the most common, about 80% to 85% of lung cancers fall into this category."

          Looking at both of them, he asks, "Do you have any questions so far?"

          "Is this terminal? Is he going to die from this?"

From the scans and blood work, it is in the initial stages. The information so far indicates that this is treatable without chemotherapy."

         "How will this be treated without chemotherapy? I thought that was the only way to get rid of cancer."

         "I understand your concern, Adalynn. Chemotherapy is just one way to treat lung cancer. If Rylan's cancer were more pronounced or had spread, chemotherapy would be used. If we can use surgery or radiation therapy, we will use one or both. Before this, however, I want to get a biopsy of the right lung."

         "Will he be hospitalized?"

         "Good question. I am glad you asked. I will do a needle biopsy; it is the least invasive procedure, has a faster healing time, and is more comfortable for the patient. What about you, Rylan? How are you feeling about this? Do you have any questions?"

         "Well, I admit I am still in shock about this whole diagnosis. I have never smoked, though I grew up with both parents who smoked. Adalynn and my friends do not smoke. Well, at least not around me."

         "Understandable. If neither of you have any more questions, I will have the nurse come in to get a little bit more information. Our next step is to perform a lung biopsy and schedule you for treatment. You will get a call regarding the biopsy. Until then, please call if either of you have any more questions."


         "How do you think it went, Adalynn? I feel better knowing it is not terminal. By the way, who texted you during the visit? Was it one of our family members?"

         "No, it was from my doctor. She sent the results of my examination last week. All this stress is getting to me. I have not been feeling well. Let me read it."

         Well, you have been quiet. Is there anything wrong?"

         "This cannot be right. There must be a mistake--a colossal mistake."

         "What? What is happening?"

         "She says I'm pregnant." The words hung in the air, a surprising twist amid their medical journey.

         "Well, I didn't see that coming," Rylan quipped, his attempt at humor in the face of unexpected news.



Unexpected News: "Well, I didn't see that coming!"
Contest: Writer's Cramp
Words: 830