This month marks Emmett’s sixth month after his tumor was removed. Six months from when we thought he’d lose his leg. Six months from our consultation nightmares to the specialist who ultimately saved Emmett’s leg.
We are so incredibly lucky we found an oncology center with consultants from Purdue University, which has one of the best vet schools in the country. Emmett was due for his 6-month check tomorrow, which includes lymph node checks, x-rays, and a very thorough leg exam. Today, though, they called and asked if we could bring him today because there’s an impending snow storm and the radiologist might not be able to make it from Purdue to Indy tomorrow. So John left work and took him.
Which just killed me. I trust John so wholeheartedly, of course, but it just killed me that I couldn’t be there with Emmett, to rub his silky-soft ears, tickle his belly, wrap my arms around his big barrel chest. (Not because he needs the reassurance, of course. Oh no, Emmett adores the vet’s office. He gets showered with treats and attention, so what’s not to love? The hugs and pats are all for me, so I can feel better. Sad, but true.)
This whole Emmett cancer situation… I keep trying to articulate what it’s like, what we’re going through. But, man. There are no words. He’s my baby, my love bug, my best friend. Both Emmett and Lucas have expanded my world exponentially. Through them, I’m connected to this incredible dog-loving community. We’ve met an entire army of kind, incredible, warm-hearted animal advocates, bully-breed lovers, rescue organizations, and all of our AAT friends.
They constantly amaze me with their freedom, their moment-to-moment excitement. They bring us so much happiness and joy. For that, we owe it to them to make sure their lives are safe, happy, enriched, and healthy. Healthy. As in, no cancer.
So now we’re just dealing with what comes. Our three-month round of tests came back clear: no lumps or bumps, clear lungs, clean lymph nodes. We’ll get the results of this round of tests in 5 to 7 days (ugh……). Though the oncologist did biopsy a new little lump on his leg, his first glance at the lung x-rays indicated that they’re still clear. So we’ll see.
I will, of course, keep you posted.
I am wishing you and Emmett the best in the new year! You are very fortunate to have such a great dog, and he is fortunate to have an owner so dedicated. Thank goodness you live so close to an oncology center with some of the best vets around.
Thanks, Lindsay! I really appreciate the kind words, and I certainly feel so lucky to have Emmett.