Even though it’s out of order, let’s start with the good news: Lucas’ pathology came back benign! Thank goodness!
Coincidentally, the pathology on Lucas came in while we were sitting in the vet’s lobby, anxiously awaiting the results of Emmett’s x-rays.
The positive news gave our heavy hearts a slight lift.
Emmett’s results are not good. He was diagnosed with an insidious, aggressive form of cancer called hemangiosarcoma, which affects the lining of his blood cells. As soon as we received the pathology results, the vet had him right back in to x-ray his heart, liver, and spleen, and to look for fluid build-ups. Because the cancer is so aggressive, often the first sign is far too late and the organs are riddled with tumors. Thankfully, in Emmett’s case, there weren’t any visible tumors, though – she cautioned – x-rays would only show large tumors. We need ultrasounds next.
We head up to an oncologist on Wednesday. They’ll do an exam, look at his test results and x-rays, and help us figure out both a prognosis and a course of action.
I’m sticking with just the facts, ma’am, because anything else and I dissolve into a puddle. Truthfully, I think I’ve cried more over this diagnosis than I did the entire 15 months I was going through cancer treatment. Emmett is my light and my love, and my heart is aching.
We spent the weekend spoiling him: naps in the sun, a bowl of popcorn, his very own turkey burger, and an afternoon at the park – without his brothers. We will continue to do so because it helps us feel like we’re doing something. John snapped this pic during our marathon of relaxing in the sun:
I have a couple posts already scheduled for the week, but I’ll be back to update on Emmett either Wednesday or Thursday. In the meantime, hug your pups and think happy thoughts for Emmett, pretty please!
Good luck! Prayers for Emmett
So very sorry to hear of this diagnosis. In some circles, cancer has been linked to environmental toxicity as well as being genetic, etc. Check out: http://www.optimumchoices.com/testimonials.htm, or perhaps http://healthforce.com/superfoods-rejuvenation/green-mush. The latter, mixed in with cat food helped reduce the frequency of seizures for a 19 year old Maine Coon that had a brain tumour. If you mix in super-foods, how can it not help? Good luck. My love for Emmett.
I’m so sorry to hear this news about Emmett. You’re in my thoughts today and I know you’ll keep us updated.
I am so sorry to hear about Emmett. We will keep Emmett and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Sending you a hug.
Oh Maggie- I’m sending love to your family. You might enjoy a book I’m reading: The Dog Lived and So Did I by Teresa McElhannon Rhyne. Perhaps you switch it around: I Lived and So Did the Dog. Either way- it’s funny and poignant and I think you will appreciate it. (BTW, Teresa is a new WIPIN member which is how I learned of her book)
We know they don’t last nearly as long as they should and hopefully you will have as much loving time with Emmett as possible. You are already doing the quality thing which always wins over quantity.
Oh, Maggie, I am so sorry to hear this. I am sending warm thoughts and prayers for Emmett and will be thinking of you all
You are doing the perfect things for him, spoiling him and loving on him. Try to stay as strong as you can, the waiting to know for sure is one of the worst parts.
Thank goodness it was good news for Lucas.
Well, crud. I’m so sorry to hear the news about Emmett. Best, best wishes as you navigate the upcoming diagnostics and consults.
Glad to hear of good news for Lucas. So very sorry to hear about Emmett’s results. Sending you hugs and Emmett (and Lucas) kisses and ear scratches and belly rubs and everything else they enjoy. Also sending bunches and bunches of happy thoughts. xx
My heart and prayers are with you – let me know if there is anything I can do.
This makes me cry! I just went through this with my precious Chester…and we were too late for him. I can’t tell you how much I am praying for you… We took our boy in because he definitely was under the weather, only to find out he’d been bleeding internally for quite some time… and that the cancer had spread. How devastating to get this diagnosis…
Maggie, I am praying for you and Emmett… and thinking of my Chester, who is no longer with us.
Maggie I’m so so sorry to hear this. I’m fighting tears and heartbreak as I write this as though Emmett was one of my own. Please give all your critters (including john) hugs from Hershey, Graham and me and double hugs and lots of smooches for Emmett.
Maggie, we are so sorry to hear this news. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Oh Maggie! I send you big giant hugs! My heart just got a little tighter in my chest, and I had to go and smother Henry with kisses. My thoughts are with you, John & Em. Keep on spoiling! xoxo
So sorry to hear 🙁 Read up on Curcumin. It is used to treat cancer in people and pets. Many holistic vets recommend it….
Sending you positive thoughts. I have tears in my eyes.
I am so sorry. Hugs and light to you. I’m glad you caught it so soon, and I hope all is well. In the meantime, soak up as much of this beautiful spring weather as you can!
Prayers and crossed paws for Emmett and healing hugs for you.
Oh, Maggie, I am so, so sorry. Sweet Emmett. Hemangiosarcoma is one of the most common cancers that affects German shepherds, so I’ve read some about it; it’s devastating. Thinking about all of you and praying for wisdom for you and the vets and comfort and joy for Emmett.
Oh Maggie, I am so sorry to hear this! I’m sending prayers your way and keeping y’all in my thoughts. 🙁 {hugs}
Oh Maggie,
My heart is heavy for you. I wish there was something I could do besides pray, if you think of ANYTHING let me know.
In the meantime I will pray. For all of you. And for guidance for your vets.
Oh Maggie, I am so sorry to hear this. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We know you Martons are made of some pretty strong stuff so we will be sending you all our love as your family goes through this. Warmest regards…
So sorry to hear about Emmett. Nola, Sarge and I send you all happy thoughts, kisses and wiggle butts.
As Yvonne says, our hearts break for you and we’re sending our thoughts. I truly don’t know what’s worse, watching and waiting, or the sudden loss we’re going through with Chester. Hoping yours can come out the other way! Maybe that’s the answer: hope. Hugs for all of you.
Oh, Maggie, I am so, so sorry. This must feel like more than you can bear. Big hugs to all of you!
I’m tearing up reading this, so I can’t imagine how you must be feeling. I’m so, so sorry. Sending lots of hugs your way!
Happy to hear about Lucas! 🙂 The news about Emmett is sad, but my pack is sending positive thoughts his way. He is definitely a canine hero!
Maggie and John, As hard as all of this is for Emmett, you have to know that you two have given so much love and comfort to not one but three incredible creatures! You have provided a life full of joy and happiness for Emmett, Lucas and Cooper as they onto you. I truly believe we are all here for a purpose, and by God, your purpose was to be the very best parents to these three! You have so accomplished that and then some! My fingers are crossed for a better outcome for Emmett and all of you are in my prayers!
Maggie, I can’t imagine what you’re going through right now, but you’re all in our thoughts right now. I think a weekend of cuddles was the perfect boost everyone needed to gear up for the oncologist appointment, hopefully they’ll have some good news for sweet Emmett.
Praying for Emmett and a big hug for you Maggie. So glad that Lucas is fine.
So sorry to hear this, sweetie. Sending lots of hugs and positive vibes your way. You’ll be in my thoughts.
I’m so sorry for this news! While we know that our pets won’t live as long as we do we never want to hear the dreaded “C” word. I know that Emmett will be spoiled and loved for as long as he has left and no matter what treatment decisions you make.
This makes me so sad. Emmett has one of those faces that makes your heart melt. It hurts my heart to think he is now sick. I am so sorry Maggie. Send you love and prayers in hopes you have a lot more time with Emmett. Cancer sucks.
Thinking of your family and sending my positive thoughts. Emmett is a special dog.
praying …
Oh my, so sorry. Chokes me up. Praying things go well.
oh Maggie, I am so sad to read this about Emmett. Good news for Lucas. All prayers on Emmett now. Your headline of this post is so perfect. Emmett the hero. The love bug. The wise one. All prayers coming your way.
Oh no, my heart is hurting. Prayers for you all.
I’m so sorry to hear Emmett’s diagnosis. I truly hope that you and your vet will work out a plan that will give Emmett many more happy and healthy years. I’ll be praying for him faithfully.
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear this news. We lost our beagle to hemangio, so I know how insidious it is. It’s good news that there were no big tumors though. By the time we found it with our Bailey she already had a big tumor on her heart. I hope there will be good news from the follow up tests. Sending our best pawsitive thoughts your way! (Hooray for the bit of good news about Lucas though!)
We’re glad to hear about Lucas, but we’re so sorry to hear of this about Emmett. We’ve been through cancer 3 times with our last 3 dogs before V&B. I know your heart is breaking right now. Hopefully the oncologists will have a great plan of action to kick this thing in the butt since you seem to have caught it early. We’ll keep all the paws in the house crossed and are sending healing prayers your way. Keep on spoiling him. It will help make him happy, and his brain’s happy place will help him fight this.
I’m so sorry Emmett is sick! Spoil him rotten, give him lots of kisses from his internet fan club, and cherish every last moment. I know how hard this must be for you. Hugs!
I’m adding my tears to your own puddle. I’m sorry to hear Emmett is sick.
Good luck at the oncologist tomorrow. I hope you get the information you need to do the best you can for Emmett. I’ll be thinking of you.