Chapter 10 Summary

Dr. North tells Rachel's mother that Grandpa Izzy has two nodules growing on his lungs. He has mesothelioma, a form of cancer also called asbestosis that is associated with people who have worked with asbestos. Grandpa Izzy's history of smoking has made him more susceptible to the disease. Since there's no treatment, Dr. North sees no point in telling Grandpa Izzy about his illness. Distraught, Shirley suggests chemotherapy but Dr. North says the illness is too far advanced. Under her probing, Dr. North reluctantly admits there is a slight possibility that the tests might be wrong. He writes a prescription for pain medication. Reluctantly, Shirley gets up to leave but Rachel has to know more. She asks the doctor what will happen to her grandfather now? Dr. North replies that he will get weaker and weaker.

Chapter 10 Analysis

Rachel takes a tiny step...