While Alice was busy trying to make an appointment, on the other side of the hospital Dana was imagining the many ways she could torture and slowly kill Josh.  It was one of the few techniques she used to get through the agonizing physical therapy sessions everyone insisted she did.  Her thoughts were not too cruel today because Josh was taking it easy on her since she was still recovering from the stomach bug.  Josh even gave her a five minute water break that she greatly appreciated. 

Dr. Kelly walked in while she was taking the break.  “Hi Dana.  How is Josh treating you today?”

“I still think he is trying to kill me, but today is not as bad as other times.”  Dana laughed.

Josh finished with some paper work and joined Dana and Dr. Kelly.  “What brings you to the torture chamber today Dr. Kelly?”

“Hey Josh.  Actually I wanted to talk to Dana.  We have the results back on her blood work from today.”  Dana felt her heart stop as Dr. Kelly turned his attention to her again.  If Dr. Kelly was coming to talk to her than it could not be good.  Josh gave me a concerned look.  “Don’t look so worried, its good news.”  Dana slowly exhaled, finally realizing she had been holding her breath.  “You are starting to feel better because the antibiotics are working as expected.  Also the chemo is doing its job and beating the cancer.  So well that I want to slow down your treatments to give your body a chance to heal.  I do want to continue monitoring your blood work weekly though.”

“That’s great news!”  Josh smiled.  He was excited for Dana and her progress with everything.

Dana smiled slightly.  She was trying not to become too excited about the news.  She had been down this road before and knew it could end badly.  “So what are you saying?”  Dana asked skeptically.

“I am saying that the chemo is working and you are beating the cancer.  Remission is possible and in your near future.  I am hoping that by the beginning of the year you will be chemo and cancer free.”  Dr. Kelly smiled and Dana found herself returning his smile. 

Her smile faded quickly.  “Um…can we ah…can we keep this between us?  At least for now?”

It was Dr. Kelly’s turn to look worried.  “Um…sure.  You are competent to make your own medical decisions so confidentiality applies if you request it.”

Dana looked at her hands as she played with her fingers.  “It’s just that I don’t want to get anyone’s hopes up until we know for sure…especially Alice.  The last few months have been really difficult for her and I can’t put her through that again.”  Dana’s eyes filled with tears and Dr. Kelly and Josh both nodded their heads in understanding.  They witnessed first hand how difficult Dana’s fight with cancer had been and how hard it had been on her friends as well.  Dana hated to keep the potentially great news from everyone, but she felt better knowing she was doing it to protect them.

“Well I will let you get back to P.T.  Just call the office to set up your next chemo appointment and continue to keep your appointment on Fridays to have your blood work checked.  Josh take it easy on her.  Today is a special don’t ruin it by wearing her out physically.”  Everyone laughed and Dr. Kelly made his way to the door.

Alice returned to Physical Therapy as Josh and Dana were finishing up.  She waited silently at the door as Dana scheduled her next appointment and smiled when Dana looked up at her.  Dana was definitely looking much better today and moving better too.  Dana walked over to Alice and they walked together from the hospital.

“Stay here for a minute Dane and I will go get the car.”  Alice began to walk ahead of Dana.  She stopped when she saw Dana continuing to walk with her.

“What?  I feel pretty good and I want to walk to the car.  Besides, Josh said I need to try to walk more and this is a perfect opportunity.”  Dana gave Alice a smile she knew Alice couldn’t resist.

“Okay, if you get tired than you stop and I will get the car.”

“Really Alice, I am fine.  In fact, I want to go somewhere before we head home.”  Dana couldn’t hide the excitement in her voice.

“You really are feeling better.  Alright, where ever you want to go we shall go.”