I kept thinking that I wanted to wait until I had something meaningful or insightful to say before I wrote this post, but today it occurred to me: I got nothing.
Two weeks ago I got word that a pink splot on my back is actually malignant melanoma. Hence, only two posts in the last two weeks. Hence, I dropped off the Facebook and Twitter trains. Hence, the dogs are now allowed on the bed.
I entered this bizarro stage of inertia where time slowed to a stop, but I didn’t get a single thing done – other than watching TV and scratching the dogs.
We’re getting doctors and tests and surgeries lined up. Things are moving along, though slower than I would like. My big surgery is on the 23rd, and I realized yesterday that sitting around and waiting just isn’t me.
I’m not the kind of person to do nothing, so now I’m trying to catch up on everything, get ahead on work, maybe/finally post the holiday coupons I have for you guys, and so on.
Honestly, though, it’s times like these that make me realize just how wonderful it is to have dogs in my life. A pile of pups snuggled up in bed with me is just the thing to turn it all around. (Not to mention all the help from my amazing, incredible, fabulous hubby, friends, and family, too!) Right now, in fact, Emmett is splayed across my legs so I have to hold my laptop at an angle. Cooper is snoring right next to me. Lucas is usually here too, but he’s busy barking at the UPS guy right now. Plus, they still need attention, they need food, they need walks, and they need to play, so caring for the dogs has been a huge relief… just to do something normal when nothing else seems normal.
So that’s that! We’re trying our best to keep it light, focus on the positive, all those old cliches. If you know any cancer jokes, please share! Laughing is so super helpful right now!
In the meantime, snuggle your pups! These guys are the best doctors I could ever ask for!
I am so sorry to hear your news. I read your blog almost daily or as often as you post and I rarely comment but I want you to know how awesome it is. I have missed your funny stories over the last week or so. Your dogs have such similar issues as mine and such amazing little funny quirks/personalities. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers over the holidays and wish you a safe and quick recovery.
Thank you so very much for commenting and sharing such kind words, Alexis! Also, I’m glad to know that my dogs aren’t the only ones with the same set of quirks! 🙂 That’s pretty reassuring!
Oh Maggie! My brother was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of melanoma 5 years ago. This Fall, he celebrated his 3rd anniversary of being cancer-free. He is beating this disease and so can you! I know that you feel a little like being suspended in jello right now but allow those precious pooches to keep you going. They have a healing spirit that will help you through some of the dark days ahead. I’m truly sorry that you are facing this.
Sarah, I’m so glad to hear your brother is doing well!! Thank you so much for sharing your experience and such kind words. And I love how you describe dogs as having a “healing spirit.” So true!
So sorry to hear this. Sending good thoughts and hoping for a speedy recovery, and glad to hear you have so many that support you in the time ahead.
Hugs from Kenzo & Viva!
Thank you so much! And give Kenzo and Viva scratches and belly rubs to say thanks for me!
I think we should make Thursday coffee a regular thing while the pups play — giving us a chance to focus on positive things and have a little fun.
YES! Let’s do it, Ann. That would be so fantastic!
I’m very sorry for what you are facing 🙁 After the “shock” phase passes the “good”news is you’ll be so focused on surg, treatment (if it’s needed) that you won’t be able to think about what’s happening !
Jax my rescue APBT truly got me through my 2nd bout of ca this year.. he layed by me while i was hugging the toilet after treatment, followed my EVERY step to make sure I was ok, gave kisses galore ( typical but somehow more meaningful when sick) and looked at me with those loving Pibble eyes making sure I knew he was there for comfort. He was my best friend before but after this, there are no words! family and friends are amazing when you face ca but Jax was just there ALL the time and I never had to hide my fears, how sick I was to comfort him as I did family and friends. Love on them and draw strength and comfort from them 🙂 Best wishes for you Maggie !!
Anca, thank you so much for sharing your story. I hope all is going well for you. What an amazing dog Jax is! I’m so glad you have him and he took such great care of you!! Give that good boy some extra scratches for me!
I am so sorry you are having to deal with this very heavy news. I will be thinking of you and wishing that everything goes smoothly. Many belly rubs and ear scratches to your puppy heroes!
Thanks, Kristine! These guys appreciate the extra rubs and scratches… although they’re busily snoring at my feet right now! 🙂
Hi Maggie, I’m so sorry you have to face this. I wish I had a joke for you but until I think of one, I just wanted to let you know you are in our thoughts. Bella sends her dainty-girl kisses to help make up for all that boy-dog slobber you’re probably wearing by now. 🙂
Warm regards,
Aw! Thanks, Leslie and Bella!! If you come up with that joke, please send it along! 🙂
Sending lots of love and positive vibes your way- you are so right, dogs are a HUGE help when everything seems to be in the crapper.
I’m never sure quite what to say in these situations but please know that I am thinking about you. You are clearly surrounded by people who love you very much and will do everything to make sure you get the best care possible.
Hugs to you and your family.
Thank you so much, Shauna! I really, really appreciate it!
Oh Maggie, I’m so sorry you’re having to deal with this. I know John, the dogs and your family will be the best support system you could possibly have and they’ll see you through. And, if there is anything we can do please don’t hesitate to let us know. We’ll be thinking of you.
That’s so nice, Amy! Thank you! I’ll definitely keep you posted. Scratches to Buster and Ty for me!
OMG! I just read this!! I am sorry you have to go through all of this! Waiting sucks, I agree with that for sure! My thoughts are with you!
Thank you so much for the kind words! It really means a lot!
So sorry to hear what you’re facing. I’m glad you have such good support. I know it will mean a lot to you in the coming weeks.
Just today I read a column in my newspaper that I thought was special. You might find it encouraging: http://www.crcfl.net/content/view/the-good-that-emerged.html.
I hope everything goes well on the 23rd and you recover quickly.
Pamela, Thank you so much for sharing that article!! That last line really, really got me!
Oh, Maggie, I have been so busy the last few days that I’m jut now getting back around to reading blogs. I’m so sorry you’re having to face this. I can’t imagine how difficult and scary it must be. But if I know anything about you from reading your blog, it’s that you’re one strong, determined woman. Ain’t no doubt about it – cancer has met its match and it’s goin’ down!
I’m sending you warm thoughts of strength and peace to help get you through this. Please keep us updated when you can.
Hugs,
Amber (and brindle kisses from Mayzie)
Thank you so much, Amber!! Your comment totally made my day. And give Mayzie some scratches for me!
I’m sorry to hear that you have to go thru this. I’ve had three surgerys for moles that were melanoma, one removed on my thigh above my knee and two removed by my right earlobe. I had a plastic surgeon do mine and unless you look closely at me, you can’t tell that my ears are now uneven–and who looks at earlobes anyway? :)Thankfully all of mine were thin so no other treatment was needed, just every three month visits to the derm. doc. It is scary, dealing with this, but hug your pups and your family and good thoughts headed your way from Memphis.
Laura, I’m sorry you had to go through three surgeries, but I’m so glad that you’re doing well! I’ll keep you in my thoughts, too!!
There really is nothing like canine therapy when times are rough. Sending good vibes your way – you WILL beat this!
Thank you so much for the good vibes. It really means so much to me!
Our friend Mayzie sent us over to spread some cheer and encouragement! For me, snuggling in with my dog is just about the best medicine there is. Your doctor will do the work, but it’s your dogs who will get the job done!
Sending you positive thoughts for a quick recovery and healing.
All our best – Maureen & HoneyBuzz
Aww! Thank you so, so much, Maureen and HoneyBuzz! From your so sweet comment, I think this line is going to be my new mantra, “Your doctor will do the work, but it’s your dogs who will get the job done!” LOVE IT!
Maggie I’m so sorry you are going through this. I recently had a biopsy and it came back iffy. They were able to get margins with about an inch long by 1/4″ wide by 1/4″ deep excision. Hopefully they will be able to get good margins with minimum amount of cutting. We of course will keep our fingers crossed for you.
I completely understand the dogs pulling you out of things. I spent a lot of time curled up with mine during the process.
Hugs to you!!!
Carroll (Mr. Nubbin’s Mom)
Oh, Carroll! I’m so sorry you were going through it, too. I’m glad to hear your surgery turned out so well. I sincerely appreciated the kind words! Thank you!
Maggie,
We’re so sorry to hear that you’re going through this. As you said, everything feels like it’s in slow motion when you want to be in the fast lane. And soon, it will all be behind you, and you can get on with things. I know you’ll be fine, and with the support of your friends and family – and pups!! – you’re gonna be great. There’s nothing like curling up with a couple of dogs and a cozy blanket. Best therapy in the world!
Hang in there and please keep us posted,
Pibble and her pack
Thank you so much for the words of support! I can’t even begin to explain how much it means to me, but thank you! I will definitely keep you posted. Thank you!
We are sorry that you are going through this. We will pray that your surgery goes smoothly & that things get better from there. Yes, in the meantime love your puppies & keep a positive attitude (I know easier said than done).
XOXOXO
Pauley James
Maggie, I’ve been wracking my brain and the internet all week looking for the perfect joke, as requested. While there are plenty out there, I found this article that seemed to offer even better – a plethora of humor resources pertaining to cancer. I’ll let you decide what tickles your fancy: http://eveonmymind.blogspot.com/2009/08/malignant-melanoma-walks-into-bar.html
Humor certainly does help. In October, when I was diagnosed with Dupuytren’s Contracture – a rare, incurable disease that disfigures the hands, I was thrilled to learn that J. M. Barrie, author of Peter Pan, had DC too and modeled the character of Captain Hook after it. Suddenly, it all seemed ridiculous and connected in some oddly historic and literate way. Ducky from NCIS just had surgery for DC too and I couldn’t help but think, “You’re a forensic scientist – at least on TV – and you thought surgery was a GOOD rout?”
Anyway, I am so in your corner to beat the shit out of this thing. Sorry for the lack of filters, but I’m not playing nice. Eff cancer. That’s what I say. Kick it’s ass and know the hugs are coming fast and furious from me and mine. I won’t stand for anything that threatens people I adore – and I adore you.
Thank you so, so much, Kim. Seriously, that means a lot. I’m so sorry to hear what you’ve been going through – I just finished reading your post about it. I have high hopes that the radiation and other treatments will do the trick for you!
Thanks, Maggie. As for me, I’m doing pretty fantastic by comparison with proper meds. Some days are stiff and achy, but I’ll take that over the constant throbbing and immobility any day. As for you, please do share updates. All of us at BTC are eager for news and every one of us is here for you. You’ve been so heavy on my mind. Big hugs.
I’m so glad things are improving with the right meds!! Hoping all goes well with your treatment. I’ll definitely keep you posted how things are progressing here. So far it seems like everything is hurry up… and wait. Hugs to you!