No doubt about it.
On Wednesday when I wrote something like, “Oh, blah blah! Got the appointments together! Saving a whole day! Should get back in town to get Cooper just before daycare closes! Yay for plans working out!”
That?
Jinxed us.
They expected to have the boys finished up by 4, which would’ve gotten us home around 6:30. But, at about 3:45, the oncology resident came out and said that they noticed the trembling in Emmett’s legs that we mentioned. There was some concern about metastasis to the brain, and her recommendation was to have Emmett be examined by neurology. So, of course, we said yes please. They were in surgery but said they’d pop out to look him over when they had a second.
Thankfully, our very kind friend and neighbor picked up Cooper, and another friend generously volunteered to feed him and visit with him, which was a weight off. We are very lucky people and dogs, that’s for sure!
Anyway, while we were waiting for that next round of tests, we talked about Lucas. In short: They ran his blood test in the morning. The results came back a few hours later. No go. His white counts were too low to administer his chemo dose. They want to try again next week. But, thankfully, instead of the five-hour round-trip drive on the off chance his counts aren’t up, our local vet is repeating the blood work on Monday. If it’s in the safe range, he’ll go back to Purdue on Tuesday or Wednesday.
So, two trips in two weeks after all.
While they were waiting for neurology, though, they brought Lucas out to us. He was VERY happy to see us, but… we still had a wait in front of us for Em’s tests. Plus, the lobby is a stressful place for him to begin with, and filled with lots of other dogs, he gets super stressed out. While John waited for Em, I took Lucas out. We walked around a bit, but he was exhausted. We climbed into the back of the car and blasted the AC and sat together until Emmett finally finished up.
The oncologist sat outside with us and Em to go over the results, which were basically inconclusive. They didn’t do any more radiology like x-rays of his legs or whatever, but she said they felt that it’s most likely age-related muscle problems and arthritis – one of the team heard popping sounds in his leg, though the oncologist didn’t – but that we need to monitor it closely in case there’s progression.
Emmett repeats blood work in six weeks and staging again in 12. Lucas… well, Lucas is back to the vet on Monday, and the results of that blood chemistry will determine our next steps.
On the way back, they got cheeseburgers.
You can see just how serious Emmett is about this. “Is that for me? Please let that be for me. Is it? OMG. I think it is! Gimme!”
We got home right at 7:30 – 12 hours door-to-door – and crashed. Thank goodness for the help of friends, and thank goodness the weekend’s here!
Here’s hoping you and your pups have a fun, relaxing weekend ahead!
Maggie,
You have taught me so much about dealing with all these serious medical issues. You face them as they come, with humor and grace. I thank you with all my heart. We are waiting out some possibly devastating test results for our Greyhound Leann. Because of you I am so much better at the waiting. The results will be the same whether we have fun and loves and ice cream, or we worry, worry, and cry. And meanwhile Leann wouldn’t be having any fun. If the results mean that there isn’t a lot of time, I will make sure however much there is, is the best time ever! ????????????????
Sorry, all those question marks in my comment were supposed to be doggie paws!
I always say bless your heart, and I mean it….hugs brave mom.
stella rose
Way to go mama! You’re doing a great job caring for those pups. 🙂
Cheeseburger faces are the best faces. “Is it mine? I CAN ONLY BE GOOD SO LONG, LADY! I DON’T WANT TO MESS THIS UP!!”
I read, and sometimes re-read your posts on these two. I know I will soon be facing issues like this with my YaYa. She 13, and it seems like she moves slower every day. Sending positive energy for all of you, and good job on the cheeseburgers!!
That was a long day! We hope everyone got some of those cheeseburgers!
Your Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
Oh Maggie, I struggle along with you. I know you are brave, but the truth of the matter is that this is just hard. Lilly now has her third visible knot. In 3 months we have had two surgeries. We have an appointment on Monday to test this third knot to see if it is malignant like the other two. She will not be my first dog to have to put to sleep, but I have had her for 19 years and nothing makes this whole process any easier. If the vet is willing I will have one more surgery. She is so full of life and energy and really has recovered so well from the other two surgeries. To look at her you just could not guess that anything is wrong with her.
I loved the cheeseburger face. Their innocent expressions and unconditional love just tears at your heart. Thanks so much for being an understanding dog lover who helps us by providing a forum to ease our pain, provide education and give us laughs and support. I pray for all or us.
You’re wonderful dog parents to take so much care and effort for the pups. I would do the same, but many folks wouldn’t. You ALL deserved those cheeseburgers…with a side of fries.
Aw…you ended a tough day on a high note…cheeseburgers for everyone! 🙂
I know all about jinxing, and I hate when that happens.
I have seen the trembling in back legs of many senior pets, so I hope that is not worrying you too much, though I know you need to monitor it. I remember one pet sitting client in particular, and that old girl lived a lot of years on those trembling legs.
Have I told you how much I admire your strength and all you and John are doing for your boys? I know it can’t be easy, especially all the waiting for test results, etc. Hang in there.
Man, you guys are dealing with a lot. You all totally earned those cheeseburgers! Sending good thoughts!
Ah, they earned those cheeseburgers! I hope you had one too and had a few moments to relax at lunch. 🙂