Chapter 123: Fighting It Alone
At Meta Doctors Hospital
"Tell me it’s not true. There must be a mistake. My father can’t have a brain tumor!" Alexander demanded as he burst into Doctor Lambert’s office.
Doctor Lambert looked taken aback but swiftly understood Alexander’s sudden outburst. He sighed deeply and said, "I’m sorry, Xander. There’s no mistake. The results are clear—your father has glioblastoma, a very aggressive form of brain cancer."
Alexander clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white. He stared at the doctor, hoping for some sign that this wasn’t happening, that there was a way out. But Doctor Lambert’s eyes only reflected the harsh truth.
"Your father’s condition is serious. Without treatment, he has approximately four months. With ongoing treatment, we’re looking at 12 to 15 months, but I need to be clear—this is a difficult type of tumor to treat."
Alexander’s chest tightened. He had read the medical reports Chubby sent him, but hearing the confirmation from Doctor Lambert made it all too real. His father, Rock Lancaster, the man who had been a pillar of strength his entire life, was now facing a battle with time.
"What about surgery? Isn’t that an option?" Alexander asked with strained voice.
"It is, but there are risks," Doctor Lambert explained. "Surgery can help remove part of the tumor, but it won’t eliminate it entirely. Glioblastomas have a way of spreading into surrounding brain tissue, which makes complete removal impossible. Radiation and chemotherapy can help slow it down, but we’re dealing with a highly resistant form of cancer."
Alexander felt his heart sink. He leaned forward, elbows on his knees, his hands gripping his hair. "There’s got to be something... an experimental treatment, a new drug—anything."