Page 38 - The Exceptional Harley Fetterman

JUDY K JOHNSON

Figure 9: Harley's successful completion of chemotherapy.

Just two months later, as Beth was celebrating the completion of
her master's degree with family, Harley and Kevin presented her with
roses. She presented them with Appreciation Certificates “for helping
her through the strenuous process of study.” Most of her study hours
and even the writing of her thesis where accomplished while she
waited with Harley as he received chemotherapy. After Beth's
celebratory dinner at Marble Slab Ice Cream, the family let Beth
enjoy her choice of HBO movies, “Lord of the Rings: The Return of
the Kings” while relaxing. With fingers crossed, they passionately
yearned for the family's continued serenity knowing that Beth's
studies and were over forever and hoping that Harley's chemotherapy
was over forever, too. Beth's dear Harley quietly, sincerely shared his
thoughts with her.

“You know what, Mom? My trophy that I got for courage for the
end of chemo is also yours. You were very brave too.”

But such peaceful contentment was fleeting–just before Christmas,
Harley had a scheduled routine follow-up MRI scan. Shockingly, it
revealed that Harley's tumor had started growing again. This type of
tumor normally is slow growing, so ordinarily a patient could just
wait awhile to see what happened. However, since the tumor affected

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