I am the type of person who likes to have things under control. I plan, organize, and list as much as possible. There is nothing in control with this Lucas situation. So, I’ve been pouring my energy into getting everything prepared for his recovery. Here’s what’s been going on around here lately…
- His amputation is tomorrow. Some of you might remember, many years ago Emmett had his first bout with cancer. He had a nerve sheath tumor in his foreleg, and the oncologist recommended amputation. I was heartbroken. Devastated. With Lucas, I’m not at all. The difference? Emmett was fine. He wasn’t sore or lame. He seemed the picture of health, so it was a shock to face amputation. And, turns out, a second opinion was just the ticket, and his leg was spared. With Lucas, he’s not putting any pressure on that leg. The tumor is starting to jut outward, which is causing him intense pain (you can kind of see it on his front left leg in the pic of him lounging in the garden, above). The medication zonks him out for a little while, then he wakes up crying. I’m ready to get this part over with so we can move on to his recovery. In the meantime, we’ve been getting everything together to make his recovery easier, and we’re so grateful for all the love and support we’ve gotten. John’s mom so kindly got a ramp and harness for the dear boy, and we’ve been arranging our schedules for the weeks ahead. But, first, tomorrow.
- Speaking of his appointment tomorrow… before all this started, I had been working on a nutrition post as part of our Petcurean partnership. I’m going to dust that off and schedule it for tomorrow so that I don’t have to think or do anything other than focus on keeping myself busy. Which leads me to…
- Spring Cleaning!! It’s the most wonderful time of the year! I actually LOVE to spring clean my house. And, I’ve realized that it’s the best way to keep my mind and hands busy in the face of intense worry. So, tomorrow, I’m going to Clean All The Things to keep myself occupied while Lukey’s in surgery! Yippee for cleaning! Who’s excited to scrub the humidifier with a toothbrush and peroxide? This girl!
- So many other great things have been going on that I’ve glossed over. Last weekend I got to represent Pinups for Pitbulls in Chicago (pic in the collage above), and last Thursday I had the pleasure of participating in a Google Hangout to talk about authenticity in writing – one of my favorite topics – that will be my presentation topic at BlogPaws. Missed it? You can catch it here.
- Finally, I can’t emphasize this enough: Thank you. Truly, thank you. I’m so touched for all the kind, thoughtful words of support. You guys mean the world to me, and I’m so grateful that Lucas has so many people thinking positive thoughts for him. Big hugs all around!
So, that’s what’s going on around here! Did you have a nice weekend? Any fun dog-friendly activities? Are you a Spring Clean lover like me or do you avoid it at all costs??
We are soul sisters on controlling the uncontrollable (we’ll show you!) and the cleaning! I listened to the blog paws broadcast this morning and every time you came on with your big, genuine smile I felt happier an stronger! Thank you! We are all set to send up good vibes and prayer for tomorrow. There might even be an interpretive dance to be certain all the good mojo comes your way.
Cleaning All The Things is a great idea to keep your mind off waiting for the call from the surgeon. When Abby had her amp, I tried watching some fave movies – but it was no good. (I also enjoy spring cleaning – and I recently bought The Life-changing Magic of Tidying – or whatever it’s called, so I’m getting ready to “kondo” our house as soon as I have time to go through the whole house in one go!)
Hang in there. Like I said on Facebook, the recovery period can be a little rough. At some point (probably in the wee hours when you’re exhausted) you MIGHT think “what have we done?” but I promise it will all be good in the end. He just has to get through that 2 weeks or so, and then he’ll no longer be in pain, and he’ll start hopping around and be his happy self again. Also be aware that his personality might change a bit while he’s recovering. Our super lovable and sociable girl just wanted to be alone while she was recovering. It was very disheartening to see her hiding behind the big potted plant in our yard, but it was just a short period that she needed to go through while healing up. Seriously, let me know if I can help in any way! I’m just an email away!
Silly boy! Does he think if you throw some dirt on him, he’ll grow? Also, I’ve been imagining the look, and Lucas is going to be one cute tripod. Seriously. THINK OF THE SWEATERS. In all seriousness, you’ve been in my thoughts a lot, and I’ll keep thinking about you tomorrow and until we hear how your baby is doing. (I tried to convince Daisy to send good thoughts, but she’s still grumpy about her weekend haircut and isn’t speaking to any of us.)
Oh, my, your hands (and heart) are full!! You’ve got so much going on, and so much to consider, I don’t know how you do it all. You’re my hero. Wishing the very, very best for Lucas with his surgery, and sending big hugs for you and John!
Oh gosh, Maggie! You have so much on your plate! Lucas is, and will continue to be, in my prayers for as long as he needs them. I, personally, hate spring cleaning, mostly because nothing stays clean for more than an hour around here. So if you run out of rooms to clean at your house, you’re welcome to come clean mine. I’ve been a control freak most of my adult life; but I have found it to be liberating when I let go of the need to control something. Control is just an illusion, anyway. Will keep Luke, you, and John in my thoughts tomorrow and will send positive, healing energy out into the universe for all of you.
Not a fan of cleaning, but doing it anyway. We will be thinking of you and Lucas tomorrow and hoping that everything goes okay. I hear you about getting this part OVER with. Let’s get it done and move on to recover. He’s a big strong boy, I bet he does great.
Hang in there! We’re pulling for him, I bet he’ll recover nicely! 🙂
We’re all thinking and praying for all of you at this time.
Paws crossed and prayers up for you all tomorrow!
When you’re tired of cleaning and waiting for news from the vet, you might want to search for happy videos of tri-pawd dogs playing and having fun. Yes, there will be some pain and adjustment as Lucas recovers from surgery. But soon he’ll be his happy, playful self.
Good luck. We’re all pulling for you.
I love the concept of spring cleaning, but I hate actually doing it. I never make it through my whole house.
I just wanted you to know I’m thinking of you today, and hoping all goes well with the surgery. Recovery will probably be the tough part but once you get through that, I just know Lucas will do great.
Maggie, you are all in my prayers every night, especially at this time.
Praying for the best outcome for Lucas; continuing good results for Emmett; positive thoughts for maintenance for Newt and Cooper, and strength, love and support in every aspect of the coming weeks for you and John.
Hoping everything went well today for Lucas. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. 🙂
Gosh I hate not being in control either!!
I think being freaked out about amputation is normal. At least for humans. Dogs seem to deal with it better than we do. 🙂 I am hoping Lucas rebounds beautifully (and from your Facebook post it seems he’s raring to go) and it reinforces for you that you made the right decision.
Sending prayers for Lucas and you when he is in surgery and for a quick recovery. Our pets are family and when they are troubled so are we. God bless.