Fan Fiction
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Life Choice (Chapter 3)
It was a moment. It was an eternity. Everything was happening too fast. Everything was happening in slow motion. Alice’s head was spinning as Dr. Bowman told her that Dana was comatose. Sharon instinctively put her arm around Alice’s shoulders. Helena saw her legs begin to give way and stepped in to steady her as Dr. Bowman led them to the family room, a small, stark conference room tucked into a corner next to the nurse’s station. Helena started to leave, but Alice asked her to stay, knowing that she needed someone to help her remember the details of what the doctor was about to say.
“Dana’s heart was stopped for less than three minutes,” Dr. Bowman began. “We’ll be running a series of tests, but the odds are that her brain was not deprived of oxygen long enough to cause damage.”
Alice held her breath. If this was the good news, the bad news was coming now.
“In regards to the septicemia, I’m sorry to say that the antibiotic does not appear to be working well. There are two options. The first is that we continue with this course and hope that the tide turns before Dana’s organs sustain permanent damage.”
“How long is that?” Alice didn’t recognize the sound of her own voice.
“Given today’s event, we have a day, two at the most.” Alice’s ears were ringing.
“And the other option?” Sharon asked quietly.
“I’d like to add two other antibiotics because I think this bug has developed a resistance to what we’re doing. One is the broad spectrum that we tried in the E.R. and the other is almost as powerful as the one she’s on now.”
“Do it,” Alice said automatically.
“There are serious risks,” Dr. Bowman said. “You must understand that this is the approach of last resort.”
Alice ran her hands through her hair, interlacing her fingers on the back of her head as she stared at the table in front of her.
“Tell me,” she said, closing her eyes.
Before Dr. Bowman could answer, there was a knock at the door and Diane Cedivich announced Irwin Fairbanks’ arrival. Helena took Alice’s hand in hers as the doctor quickly brought him up to speed.
“The complications include the very real possibility that, in combination, these drugs could overwhelm her system and, in her weakened state, she most likely would not survive. There is also the possibility that the drugs themselves could irreversibly damage her organs and she would not survive that either. The kicker is that these particular complications are typical and usually occur within the first 24 hours of the treatment.” Dr. Bowman’s eyes met everyone’s and then locked on Alice.
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AH! I’m so excited! You almost gave me a heart attack after that last chapter. God, I love the bond that Danish has in this story. If only IC would have seen it like it is- Danish are soulmates. Great update, and thanks for not making us wait to long after that last chapter! Please post again soon. I’m completely addicted to this story!
Yay for some good news! If only Season 3 could have been anywhere close to this. Love it, hurry and update again!
DANA LIVES!!! I wasn’t so sure this would be a happy update. I like the fact that you are giving us more of what a cancer patient might experience. Did you do a lot of research? IC had an interesting storyline, but she could have done so much more, even if Dana still eventually had to die.
I’m too kind? You do know your writing is superb?! I’m sure this story will have me crying my eyes out at some point. I’m actually suprised thatI haven’t already. I think the warning you gave us helped. ;) I loved the fact that the gang is hovering aroundDana’s hospital room and Alice has the support she needs. I also like the fact that Dana’s parents (well, her mother) burried the hatchet. I wonder how long that will last. And the sleepyhead- line…priceless. Their love is just undeniable. :)And I agree with you, S3 was a bit drastic (and that’s an understatement), all of them should have had A LOT more happiness in S3.
well, i hope you don’t think my comment was also one of the “misguided” ones. I’m aware that this story will still have drama in it, that’s for sure.I’m glad Dana is ok now.
Wonderful update. I really enjoyed it. I loved how Alice got completely business-like when she had to be. I also loved the “sleepy-head” comment. Classic Alice. I hope that Dana is on the road to recovery, and all goes well. A girl can only take so much crying. I think she’ll bounce back. Probably not back to playing professional tennis or anything, but enough to be healthy and happy. She’s a fighter, and has the unconditional support of Alice and her friends. Great job. I can’t wait to read more.
holy cr*p!!! i just read your last 3 posts back to back. you almost wrecked me. it’s too much to bare & hits too close to home. wow! well done. i hope dana can catch a real break in your story and actually live a long healthy life.
Sorry, that I kinda doubted you in the last chap. You can feel free to throw stuff at me ‘cus I deserve it after reading this update. Anyways, thank God that you updated so quick because this one left off with hope. Btw, loved the sleepy head comment from Al. Sweet update and I’m holding my breath until the next:)
OHHH MY GOD!!! It’s a miracle!!!!! I’m sooo happy! I can’t wait to see what happens next. please let Dana be ok, this was such an emotional chapter and you wrote it so well. Your fortune cookie was right though, I think it’s very true! You’re great!!! Cant wait to read more, post soon!
Phew!.. God what a nightmare situation for Alice to find herself in [ to make THAT choice ]. Heartwrenching and yes i agree with you, not always heartbreaking!! Well thankfully it turned out right and i will look forward to seeing Dana recovering with the help of the lovely Alice. Post soon. Thanks.
Beautifully written – and the way it should have been. Thank you
she’s out of it – thank goodness!
This was so awesome! I loved the last chapter but man was it a tough read. LOL this one was a little nerve racking but ended with a little more hope! Thanks so much for the fast post. I love how you ended it. Such an Alice thing to say. “Welcome back sleepyhead.” Classic, selfless Alice. Keep up the great work!
Pff that was really to close to call! Man I wish IC talked to you before writing the crappy ending that she did. This is so much better, and now on the road te recovery?? Thanks for this quick update…keep um coming.