Two weeks ago I had an appointment with our vet for Jake, my boxer/lab pup. About 3 or 2 days before the appointment I noticed the growth in Chloe's mouth. Since Jake was fine and it wasn't as urgent for him to see our vet I decided to take Chloe in his place. Dr. Lakey didn't really like what he saw and suggested we get back in as soon as possible for surgery to remove the growth and biopsy it. This was on a Tuesday, I made the appointment for surgery for the following Monday. While he didn't like what he saw, he did tell me that most of the time when they see a growth in the mouth it's normally nothing. This made me feel a little better & I kept telling myself that this was the second "tumor" scare Chloe had gone through - the previous scare, was just that; it turned out to be a cyst.
I took Chloe in on Monday morning for surgery & was so happy to receive my phone call around 11:30 telling me she was doing great, the surgery went well, & that I could pick her up around 3:00 that afternoon. I was at the vet right at 3:00 ready to pick my sweet baby up; by the time we got home there were some complications and I had to rush her back up to the vet. The following days were great, Chloe was acting like herself and we went about our days like normal. Dr. Lakey had told me that he hoped to have the results of the biopsy by Friday or Monday at the very latest.
Friday came & hit me like a ton of bricks. Cancer. My sweet, sweet baby has cancer. How? She's only 6 years old, she's active, she's full of love and energy! She's not old and lethargic and old... SHE'S NOT OLD! I've definitely had my share of family/friends that have battled cancer and one thing is for sure, cancer doesn't discriminate. To be honest, I felt like I was the one being diagnosed with it today. Hearing the news over the phone, hitting the floor crying, I can barely remember what all Dr. Lakey told me - I can't even remember what type it is exactly. I remember bits and pieces of the information. What I do remember is the information he told me about the study that was done on her type of cancer & the prognosis doesn't look good for my sweet girl. We are going to do everything we can, as long as it doesn't cause her to suffer or causes her pain.
I know some will read this and think I'm crazy for writing a blog about my dog, much less my dog who is suffering from cancer - but that's the thing, she's not JUST my dog. She's my little girl, my best friend, my comforter, my family.
In the meantime a good friend of mine, who works in social media, suggested that I write a blog or create something to where I can document our "journey" through all of this. Maybe it'll help someone else going through a similar situation or maybe it won't - either way, it'll help us get through this rough patch and allow us to make even better memories together.
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| My cuddle bug, getting extra cuddles in today! |
We love you Michelle and your sweet Chloe!
ReplyDeleteCancer...a very, very scary word, but it can be lived with. As you know we have (had) many dogs (family members) who are living with cancer. Most of ours were (are) the large breeds that are prone to cysts and cancers. The decisions you make will impact you and your loved one. Do your research and be at peace with the informed decisions you make. God will guide you. Make the most of each and every day and remember that every day is a good day, some days are just better than others, but they all count~
ReplyDeleteYou know life in itself has it's ups and downs and at times not fair. But we take each day that we have and build good memories . I know you will with Chloe and we will also and hold them in our heart. You know we will be there every step of the way and do whatever we can.Chloe holds a big space in our heart and is loved just like a child is. I sit here and pray hard god will give us many more years with her,she is our sweetpea.
ReplyDeleteI know your Mom. She asked me to read this. We were not blessed to have human babies, but God blessed us with a sweet wonderful Chihuahua. His name is Blaze. My parents gave him to me for my Birthday/Christmas present in 1998. My Birthday is November. He was born on November 3rd. So he had to be six weeks old before I could get him. I am disabled and at that time I had severe asthma. It just hit me over night at the age of 34. I couldn't believe it. I wasn't able to work any more. The doctors told I couldn't or I would be dead in 6 months. My parents heard an ole says that Chihuahua's help asthma patients. So I was in bed 10 months out of the year. So they were willing to try anything. So I got Blaze. Coming home I put him down my shirt and it seems to calm him. Hearing my heart beat. Well little did I know that this was to be his place. If he was scared or just wanted mommy he would head down my shirt. Even when I was driving his little head was sticking out the middle of my shirt like I had a third breast. People would just laugh and I would laugh right along. So I know this bond that you have. I have that with Blaze. Blaze is sick. He has leaking valves on both sides of heart. But they are doing fine. But now he has a mass in his liver. The doctors said there wasn't much we could do for him. But for the last six to eight months, if I can't get him to eat, I spoon feed him baby food. Right now he is eating, but he has gone blind this year. But I am not giving up on my baby. I have asked people to pray for my baby. Don't let anyone tell you, that you are crazy, or that you are not right. I have been talked about you just wouldn't believe. I have lost family because of my dogs in the house, but that is their problem. God can heal and God can give us the strength and the grace to fight and to keep fighting for our babies. I couldn't love Blaze more if I had given birth to him. I don't care what people say. But they are our children, family, comforter tor, they are our laugh, smile, blessings, etc...... I will be praying for you and for your baby. I am so sorry to hear this has happened. Michelle I am here if you want to talk or just need to vent. I am praying for Chloe and for you. You hang in there. I sent you a friend request. We dog lovers have to still together. We are a special family. My doctor even told me that families that have pets in their homes the people are actually happier, healthier than those that don't. That is why people take dogs to nursing homes, because it does them so much good. The companionship alone is worth a ton. They are they to comfort us, to love us, to play with us. They are always giving. Mine he doesn't leave my side. When we sleep he has to be touching mommy. But I wouldn't take a billion dollars for my baby. I hope this helps. I am here. Praying for you Michelle and for Chloe. God bless you both.
ReplyDeleteBy the way. After getting Blaze. I was only in bed 2 months out of the year. He has made a huge difference in my life. He still does. He sees me through a lot. Especially since loosing both of my parents. He is such a blessing. I know Chloe is that for you. Please keep in touch. Accept me as friends and you can have my phone number or you can just message me and I will give it to you. Either way is fine. I am here for you and for Chloe. God can heal Chloe. He has the power.
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