At 4:30 today, I will finish my first week of interferon.
At 4:30 – a mere five hours from when I’m writing this – I get to walk out of that horrid chemo room and have two whole days without blood tests, IVs, a stream of doctors and nurses… just home with my boys! (Okay, the chemo room isn’t that bad. Everyone gets their own little cubby with a recliner, and they bring you blankets and drinks. But. Still.)
Though this week has been rough, rough, rough, I had an unexpected but pleasant surprise: I was visited by a therapy dog!
That scruffy little girl is Molly Brown, and she visits the oncology wards at the hospital where I’m doing my treatment. They have 25 therapy dogs, all of which are Cairn terriers and Westies because the woman told me they’re hypoallergenic. (I haven’t researched this, but… can anyone verify whether or not that’s true? I was thinking that she just meant they don’t shed, but when I looked at their pet therapy program, those are the only two breeds they allow in… thoughts??)
Anyway, when they wheeled her in I was super excited to have a dog there, a little fuzz ball I could pat for a moment. It was different from Emmett’s and my experiences because this little gal couldn’t walk on the floor – she was wheeled in the wheelchair – and her person had to hold her while the patients patted her. I wanted her on my lap! Boo!
While I was really happy to have a dog there, it gave me a patient’s perspective on therapy dogs, something that I never could have had as just a handler. I took away some thoughts for do’s and don’ts for the future, especially if Emmett and I ever work with patients getting chemo.
This hasn’t been an easy week, but having Molly Brown visit definitely helped! Well, that and my guys crawling into bed to snuggle me every day when I get back from the hospital!
Have a great weekend, everyone!
I’m so sorry to hear about what you’re going through. It is really sweet to see the therapy westie, though. Thanks for sharing.
In re westies and cairn terriers being “hypoallergenic”? I’ve never heard that before about that breed. Furthermore, there really is no difference in allergy reactions in so-called “hypoallergenic” breeds (per this study: http://www.dogtipper.com/blog/2011/07/study-shows-hypoallergenic-dogs-arent-less-allergic.html). They might shed less, but that doesn’t make them “hypoallergenic.” Maybe something to point out to that therapy group…
The Unsinkable Molly Brown meets the Unstoppable Maggie Marton! My pack and I are praying for your escape from the chemo room and speedy recovery. Get well soon, Maggie!
Liam’s Mom
Why couldn’t she walk on the floor? Did they wheel her in, and hold her, to make sure she was definitely not carrying stray germs?
Still, that’s super exciting! I’m sure she really helped tide you over.
Glad you get a respite from treatments. Sounds like a therapy dog visit was educational as well as comforting.
Today, you’re one week closer to saying sayonara to cancer. Woot!!
I love the picture of the 3 of them on the bed; I posted an almost identical picture of my 3 enjoying some bed time just last week: http://www.marriedwithdawgs.com/2012/02/wordless-wednesday-no-room-for-momma.html
It’s wonderful that a sweet little pup brightened your day 🙂 Enjoy your two days with your pups, they look like they are very good at taking care of you!
Love the photo of your boys on the bed – makes me want to crawl in there and join them! They must be such a source of comfort for you. Hang in there, thinking positive thoughts and wishes for you!
I’ve never heard of just one type of dog being allowed in the hospital, but it makes sense if they are hypoallergenic.
I have a friend who just got their Weimaraner certified to be a therapy dog. I am not sure if he is allowed in hospitals, but I do know he can go into old folks homes. What a great idea to not only make you feel good about doing something helpful for others, but I am sure it gives the dogs great skills and obedience!
Hope you are feeling better!
I think hypoallergenic refers to the amount of dander a pet has? Not sure, but I was told my yorkie’s PH is the same as a human’s.
Thank you for writing about little Molly Brown. I am thinking about doing that with my Shiba-inu for a while now, but wasn’t sure if people really appreciate pooch visits. Now i know.
Your babies picture is wonderful!!! I wish you a speedy recovery.
I met someone who was going through cancer treatment and he told me that the most important thing that he looked forward to during the treatment was the dogs that came in and comforted him during his chemo treatments. I know that animals make me smile and it is such a gift to have these four legged provide the unconditional love they give without any remorse!