21 Days - Day 11

"There has been remarkable progress. There seems to be no rejection for the medicine nor has the radiation seen any complications. I wouldn't be surprised if we manage to get her back to zero state in six months."

I nodded, wishing I had learned gymnastics in school at the moment, because all I wanted to do was a double somersault and possibly cartwheel through the ward's corridor. It wasn't often that we got good news, working in the Cancer ward. So whenever any such things happen it was always a welcome break from the usual.

"That's great news, Dr. Arul. It is indeed good news, provided there isn't any remission."

What had just happened was simply this. The medicine that we had given to Smita was not being rejected by her body which is generally what happens in more cases than you would think normal. Also my biggest fear, the radiation wasnt creating any other complications. So in all possibility the treatment can proceed and might eventually turn out to be a success. I know that it sounds like too far-fetched and too premature to break open the champagne and the party hats.

But this is the cancer ward. We see more suffering and more deaths than what one would normally encounter in one's life. So whenever we get a single positive, however small it might be, it's just another reason for us to continue the next day.

I was in a jubilant mood and almost hopped down the dully lit corridor. I made the visits to the other patients. There wasnt much change in the other patients condition. Most days that itself was good news. No news was good news when you are dealing with terminal illness. Being status quo was a good state to be in and in many patient's condition, that was what we were able to do and promise. Longevity, not eradication. Prolonging the inevitable.

No No No. I almost shouted to myself. I wasnt going to go down that path. Today was a good day. There was a chance, however slim, but a chance nevertheless that we would be able to do something for Smita. To validate our experience and apparent expertise. It was for moments like these that we became doctors.

As I signed off on one patient's chart at the nurse desk, the head nurse motioned her hand calling me towards her.

"Yes, sister. Tell me"

"I just went to number 6 to give her after lunch tablets and to check on the drips. I see that the dad is here now. Dr. Tom was around earlier on.  I would suggest you get Dr. Tom to give them a bit of counseling. I have seen it happen before. Parents are the hardest hit and they then start the blame game."

Dr. Tom was our resident psychiatrist and counselor. Meeting up with him might not be the worst thing for the Jayakumars.

" I will see what I can do"

I wanted to burst in the room and shout out the good news and I nearly almost did. I could hear loud conversation but the words weren't audible. I opened the door to hear the last statement although.

"I want a divorce", said Smita's mom.

She turned to the door that opened just then and I stood there framed in the doorway.

Day 12