A Christmas Tale – Part Three

If you haven’t already, read Part One and Part Two here.

The next few weeks were hard; the chemo was horrible and many times Bethany just wanted to give up.  She felt she was a burden to her family.

Bethany had good days and bad days but with all the support she had from her family there was no way she could give up.

Weeks turned into months and being away from her family and her home was hard.

Bethany’s lovely long brown hair all fell out, she lost weight and generally felt awful, giving up seemed the easier option.

*

Gradually her cancer markers improved, and Bethany was able to go back home for a week to be with her family.  While she was home, she became very ill and William came to see her and decided he needed to take her back to London.

Samuel and the girls accompanied them.  Bethany was admitted back to hospital where she lay gravely ill for three weeks.  Slowly she started to improve and was put into a general ward.

“When you are stronger, we are going to try another drug Bethany”, said Dr Charles.

“I am not sure”, she replied weakly, “It’s so hard and also on my family,” she added.

“It’s not time to give up Mummy”, said Maryanne and Jasmine, “we need you”.

*

Treatment was resumed as soon as Bethany was stronger, with each passing day she started to look better.  She gained a little weight and was able to keep food down.

Eventually she was discharged and went to stay with Margaret and William.  Once a month Bethany’s family would come to London and spend a few days with her.  Bethany had to return to the outpatient’s clinic weekly.

After treatment, which lasted for about eighteen months, Bethany was well enough to return home to her family.  She would still need to go to London once a month for a checkup but at this point things were progressing well.

The family now had hope, hope for a better life for Bethany, hope her cancer was gone and hope for the future.  The family had been through a lot over the last two years but their love and strength held them strong.

This was a Christmas miracle for them all, and the power of the family bond shone through making the future look bright.  A few months after Bethany returned home Margaret and William were married, Bethany was maid of honour and looked a picture of health in her beautiful blue dress.  Dr Charles and his wife were guests and the doctor was happy to see how well Bethany looked.  Maryanne and Jasmine made lovely bridesmaids in their pale blue dresses.  It was a beautiful wedding and the perfect family celebration.

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I hope you all have an enjoyable festive season and may 2019 be amazing for you all.

KSR