“And that’s the worst case?” Dana was having trouble managing her emotions. Her anger was starting to overtake her.

“I’m afraid not,” Dr. Wilson answered as gently as she could. “The worst case would be if the tumor has completely invaded the uterus. While the studies don’t confirm anything conclusively, this is most likely what has happened. If this is the case, the best way to proceed will be to perform a hysterectomy as we remove the tumor.”

“Is it possible to remove it without hurting the baby?” For the first time, Al was every bit as frightened as she’d been when Dana’s heart stopped and she heard it in her own voice.

“It may be possible, but it would be a long, complicated and very dangerous surgery.”

“Dangerous for Dana or the baby?"  

“Both.”

“And Dana can’t do some version of chemo while she’s pregnant?” The enormity of it was starting to crush Alice.

“No, the risks to the fetus at this stage of development are too great,” answered Dr. Wilson firmly. “While the surgery would technically leave Dana cancer free, we feel it would not wise to postpone the chemo, even if it is possible to remove the tumor without ending the pregnancy,”

“How long do we have to make a decision?” Dana’s voice was flat and distant.

“We should execute the treatment plan as soon as possible,” Dr. Wilson dropped her final bomb. “I’ve consulted with our best vascular surgeon and she’s agreed to scrub in. We’d like to schedule the surgery for later today.”

Helena was grateful for the rituals of death. They were keeping Lara focused on many things so that her parents’ uncivil behavior felt less noticeable. Lindsay, on the other hand, was a real trouper, making sure that Lara was included in everything, from the briefing on the detailed instructions Charlotte left for her wake and funeral to the selection of a casket, which, oddly Charlotte hadn’t mentioned once.

“She’s testing you,” Lara said quietly.

“I beg your pardon?” Lara’s father was more defiant than polite.

“I’d imagine that I’m here at Lindsay’s insistence and over your objections,” Lara responded evenly. Her sister nodded involuntarily while their parents simply stared at her. “The last time Helena and I visited Charlotte, she told us exactly what she wanted and it wasn’t this.” Lara gestured to the ornate silk lined coffin that her parents favored.