Poppy's PoV

It was like we were at the cliffhanger of our favourite sitcom, both Calum and I leaning forward in our respective seats to gauge what Sam was about to tell us. Was it good? Was it bad? We had no idea. I literally couldn't guess, even with all my nursing knowledge so I knew Calum couldn't have either. He blindly reached for my hand, feeling across the bed until his fingertips reached mine and we held hands almost instantly.

"Okay..." Calum breathed out, wanting the news out there so we could adjust to what was going to happen. One way or another, we needed a plan and for that to be made, we needed to know how bad it really was. Sam grabbed his clipboard, filled with at least twenty pieces of paper and flicked through them. I noted some to be scan reports from the way they were presented, others were blood tests and some were staff documents. He read through everything carefully, not caring about the awkward feeling in the room pressuring him to get things done quicker. He needed to be sure.

"It appears that the chemo..." he breathed in and out heavily. "Has really made a difference. I know the side effects have been hell, and Poppy you are one hell of a woman, but the scans show that the tumour has shrunk away from the neck. It's very possible that we can just monitor it now or cut it out." Calum let out a laugh, but one filled with happiness that came from built up anxiety. He was relieved at the outcome, happy that despite this shitshow, we were going to be okay.

"Cut it out. Please." I was practically begging. "I don't care if I'm on medication for the rest of my life. I do not want to have to go through that again." Calum's hand squeezed mine to comfort me, his thumb rubbing over my knuckles as we always did to each other.

"We need to think more about the next steps, rather than rush in. I know you want it gone and believe me, so do I, but we need to make sure whatever we do keeps it away for as long as possible. We don't want to rush and risk it coming back in a few years time." Sam said sternly, wanting what was best for us but without forgetting his job and the end goal. Calum looked over at me and nodded, saying without any words that he agreed. I had my family to think about now, my son to watch grow up and teach, I had to make sure I was giving him the best life he could have, not watching me suffer once more.

"Okay. Whatever you think, Dr Forrester." I nodded back. "Whatever means I'm cancer free." A small flutter in my heart was caused by the excitement of thinking I could one day be free of all this crap, not having to have chemo, feel under the weather, have everyone on high alert every time they're around me in case something happens to me. The thought of seeing Calum carefree again made everything worth it.

"Of course." Sam continued. "I'll talk with Dr Patel but I'm thinking we could have one more appointment, a follow up scan and then surgery. Once that's done and if it's a success, we would just monitor you to make sure it doesn't get any worse again." He walked closer to us, suddenly breaking the doctorly stance and persona to clap Calum on the back and pull me in for a hug. "It would mean everything to me to see you guys happy again."

"I can't thank you enough for everything Sam. This is actually music to my ears. I know we're not at the finish line but the fact we can see it, it's close enough to plan for, has just made me so happy. It's been crazy but I can't imagine how we would have coped without you there to help us." It was Calum's turn to change the mood and the conversation. His face was brighter than I'd seen in ages, hope and happiness causing a smile bigger than I'd seen and that sparkle in his eyes that had been dormant for so long. It was like the switch had been flicked from doom to hope, dark to light, and we were finally given something to be happy about.

"It's not over yet though." Sam added, sighing slightly. "If I could, I'd click my fingers and you'd be cured, but this is cancer and it sucks. We need to keep an eye on you, see how the tests go and if surgery is an option, great. If it isn't, we need to work out if further chemo would help or if we'd need to go to radiation. It could be an uphill struggle from here, it could be a smooth ride. Right now, I cannot guarantee anything other than my support." He put a hand on my shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

"Whatever happens, I feel better already knowing that the chemo has made some difference. If I need more, or something else, at least I'll be thinking about how it's helping rather than how much I hate the side effects. Sometimes it's all in my mindset. I'm ready to tackle whatever comes." I smiled, albeit half heartedly. It was hard to try to pretend everything was okay, to say that I was happy with the outcome, when I still had things to go through. No one else quite knew what it was like, the pain, the uncomfortable feelings, just not feeling like yourself. But I knew it was time to fight, to continue this battle and try to win, after all this was what life was all about.
With all my friend's at the finish line waiting for me, cheering me on, I knew it'd push me to get to the end whatever the obstacles. Sam, Ashton, Bex, Michael, Crystal, India, Luke, Sierra, Calum and Kai were there for me, fists pumping and voices cheering loudly. I had to make it, I needed to make it. I was going to make it.