Thursday, March 12, 2009

A LESS THAN PERFECT DAY

Today. I am glad it is almost over. I really do thank God for every day that He gives me...but, today, was not my most favorite.

I woke up this morning about 4:00 with a killer migraine. I hate when that happens. Usually the ones that wake me up in the early morning are the worst. I took some meds, but not too much, because I needed to be at school today. I got dressed and tried to go, but, I could tell it was just not going to happen. So, I called in sick. Then I took some stronger meds, went back to bed and got up again around 10. I felt a little better. But, those meds make you feel yucky.

This afternoon we went to see the vet to discuss the plans for our sweet dog, Scooter. Boy, was that a hard thing. He told us that his cancer was well advanced and in all the lymph nodes. With chemo, he may have 6 months to a year...but probably most of that time he would be quite ill from the effects of the treatment. Without it, he may have 4-6 months. Alex, made the decision not do the chemo. And, we agreed, and the vet, that this was the best decision. He is going to treat him with steroids, which will probably shrink the lymph nodes and that will be good. He has one that is pressing on his trachea and causing him to cough a lot. This should help that. Surprisingly, other than the cough, he still acts as happy and healthy as always. He is not eating a lot, but he has gone through spells of that before, too.

Alex told the vet, through tears, that he had had Scooter almost the whole time he has been sick. This dog has been through it all with him. So, we are all sad tonight. I am sure we will learn tough lessons through this, which, hopefully, we can use to be a help to others who may go through the same thing.

12 comments:

Jean said...

Oh, Tonja, that is so terribly sad. Dear, dear Alex.

I hope you will feel better in the morning and that there will be things to bring cheer to all of you.

Darby said...

Tonja, I am so sorry for such a hard day. Morgan told me you were out sick today and that they watched Corduroy instead. She's been singing "Zipp-y-do-da" to us. It makes me smile everytime I hear it. But she also told me she doesn't know the "bluebird" part... is that next! :) Hope you are feeling better and I hope that Scooter surprises y'all with several more months of companionship!!!

Southern Lady said...

Tonja ...

I'm so sorry to hear about your day, and hope this finds you feeling better.

I know that was a very hard decision to make about Scooter, but it sounds as if he will at least be comfortable in the coming months. And who knows ... miracles do happen, as you know so well from experience!

I hope you get a good night's rest and tomorrow will be a better day for all of you.

YaYa's Funhouse said...

So sorry for the sad news. Hope are feeling better soon. I also have migraines...not fun. I worked for a neurologist for 12 years so I have seen some pretty bad ones. Praying tomorrow will be better for you.

andi said...

I am sorry friend. So sorry. When our boys hurt, we hurt in such a deep way. I am so praying for you all....please let me know if I can do anything. ANYTHING at all. You have a lot on you right now. Hugs to you and a peaceful night sleep, for you all.

Robin said...

I am so sorry. Words are not enough. I will pray for all of you as you face this hard time. Glad to catch up on your blog last night.

Angela Baylis said...

Hi, Tonja.
I think you know my husband is a vet. I just read this post to him. He has worked at a cancer clinic with one of his professors from Michigan State Vet school for 1-1/2 years. He just said this... "Chemo provides an average of 13 months survival, but the longest he had was 6 years. Side effects are less than 5%. Without chemo the average survival is 3-4 months with the steroids. If the steroid works on shrinking the lymph nodes, at least consider some chemo therapy within the first month after they have reduced in size." That's just another opinion. Take it for whatever it's worth. I hope you are feeling better as well as Scooter. Let me know if Lincoln can help. E-mail me or I can give you our phone number.

Love you,
Angie xoxo

p.s. I'll pray for Alex. I remember when I lost my golden retriever who held literally millions of tears when I went through my divorce. I'm so sorry!

Justabeachkat said...

I hope you're feeling much better today. I have migraines sometime so I certainly know how awful they are. I'm so sorry Alex has had to deal with making such hard decisions.

(We're still in California for another 10 days and having fun, so my computer time is limited.)

Hugs!
Kat

nancygrayce said...

I'm so sorry! I know how really awful it is to lose a friend like Scooter! And they are friends!

LivingTheLife said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog today full of kind words, thoughts and prayers....sweetie...you have way more on your plate than needed right now...so don't you worry about keeping up w/this whole blogging thing.

I've had my share of migraines as well, and they are NOT fun...can really throw your system off for a few days...eh.

As for Scooter and the decisions Alex made...it breaks my heart...b/c I know Scooter is more than a pet, he is a family member that has been a constant source of strength and companionship to Alex for so very long. I will keep you all in my prayers...and I will pray for that miracle we so desire for Scooter.

Hang in there...let me know if I can help from this side of the world...I'll come rescue you whenever you need rescuing!

Blessings
Teresa

LivingTheLife said...

Side note...Alex is continuely in my prayers...for healing and relief from his pain...after re-reading my post I felt it sounded a bit trite...I had forgotten to share that it is a given that Alex is always in my daily prayers...as well as your entire family...I just assumed you knew...of course I should never assume anything...right?

Love to you...
Teresa

Deedra said...

I am so sorry! Alex, is in my prayers....as are you all!