Duke update post 12

[*LabLoverKEB*]

I am still keeping your Duke in my prayers.
We actually just learned ultrasound guided needle aspirations in lab 2 weeks ago, very interesting. Let us know how everything turns out, and hang in there Traci!

[Karen]

We'll be thinking of you today!

[WELOVESPUPPIES]

With a very heavy heart I have to say my wonderful Dukie boy has cancer. The mass is very porous. I was able to go back and see it on the ultrasound. She did the aspiration, this time it was not full of blood but more "saline-fluid like". No positive cells showing any particular cancer but the porousness says it is. My boy will be even more spoilt than ever...if that is at all possible. I am going to savor every moment left (which I hope is still lots of time). She gave no time frame, just said he could have several months before having any problems. We need to alter his lifestyle slightly, no using the doggie door for fear of him bumping the lump and starting the bleeding again or agravating the tumor. The tumor has grown in 2 weeks, was 9x7 centimeters and is now 9x9.

I am feeling the guilt now of not having some something sooner even though the vet said with this type of cancer it would not have made any difference. It is just so aggressive. It will come back always...

I thank you all for everything, the support, the prayers...everything.

[Queen of Poop]

I am so sorry and sad to hear this outcome. Love him up loads and please give him a hug and kiss from me.

[Karen]

At least now you know, and you can treasure every day as a gift. Give him a kiss on the noggin for me, okay?

[Taz_Zoee]

Oh no, more tears. This is not the way to start the new year with all the sick PT animals.
I do hope Duke has several great months left with you Traci. He sounds like he is doing so well right now and I hope it stays that way.

[pomtzu]

I'm so sorry to hear this.

We're saying prayers for Duke (and the whole family), that he still has a lot of good quality time left, and he will lead a relatively active life with the time he has left with you. Cherish every day that you have with him.

[shais_mom]

I'm so sorry to hear this -
sending lots of love and hugs to you and your family and of course Duke...

[anna_66]

This is not the outcome we had hoped for and I'm so very sorry to hear it.
pomtzu said my exact sentiments...

We're saying prayers for Duke (and the whole family), that he still has a lot of good quality time left, and he will lead a relatively active life with the time he has left with you. Cherish every day that you have with him.

Many more (((HUGS)))
Anna

[boomersooner]

Please do not feel any guilt in Duke's treatment....My sister's wonderful Golden had cancer which had spread before he showed any signs of illness. She kept questioning "what if? I had caught it sooner...." well, the prognosis would have been the same......just love him with all of your heart and make this time with him the best. He lives one day, one moment at a time.....just love him!! You will know what to do which is in his best interest. God Bless you!

[Bonny]

This is very sad to hear. Big (((HUGS))) to you. Will keep praying for you & Duke. God Bless You both & your family.

[cassiesmom]

Oh, Dukey ... this is not the news I was hoping for ... please give him lovies, hugs, snuggles, etc. for me (and some for Ryleigh, Champ and Chopper, too) (((HUGS))) ... elyse

[Catty1]

Oh hon - no radiation, nothing? Nothing can be done????


I am SO sorry!

This is not a good year already for so many of our PT furbabies!

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm so sorry to hear the latest news. Just enjoy the time you have with him and I hope that he still has a lot of good quality time left with you. Lots more prayers and positive thoughts are being sent his way. Please take care. (((HUGS)))

[WELOVESPUPPIES]

Thank you all for all the support. I cried myself to sleep last night...I just can't imagine my life without my Duke. All us animal lovers know this day will come, but no matter how much time we have it comes way to soon. I did a lot of reminising last night, looking back at his life, smiling at his goofiness, his "talking back", all his allergy attacks and thought to myself "wow, I could have lost him way back then, what if he would have been bit or stung when I wasn't around?" If that had happened I would have none of the memories that I have had for the last 7 years...so I am greatful, greatful for all the joy he has brought into my life. I went back and read his dog of the day yesterday.

Oh hon - no radiation, nothing? Nothing can be done????

They offered removal and chemotherapy and radiation. Problem is this cancer is so agressive that even with chemotherapy it will return and usually with a vengence. I have opted against removal as he has already had severe, severe subcutaneous bleeding (pics I posted in the other thread) and to chance opening him up to possibly have him bleed out on the table, well for me that is just not an option at this time(the vet admitted that was a concer of her's too). I know in my heart I will feel I took his life away if that happened, that I should have just enjoyed him and loved him for whatever time God is going to give us. My vet gave me all kinds of stories to help me make my decision, she gave me the positive and the negative. One of her patient's had this same cancer, the owner removed the cancer, did radiation and chemotherapy, the cancer came back...the owner decided to let him go. When asked if she would do the chemotherapy and radiaiton again if faced with this situation she said, no, it was the worst six months of his life. I don't want to make Duke miserable and take the spark away from his eyes just so I can have a few extra months with him. I want to remember him happy, full of life. He has been an amazing dog, an amazing friend, a wonderful listener and a AWESOME face washer. I want him to keep his dignity. Let him run, go for walks, play, and enjoy all the things in life he loves like chasing squirrels and looking for the neighbors cat. I can't take that away from him just for a little more time, I can't be selfish in that way (not that I don't want to be believe me). But I have to do what I think is best for him. As I read in someone elses post, sometimes the cure is far worse than the disease...I believe that to be true. So I am going to love on him, spoil him, let him do and have what he wants...until the time he lets me know its time for me to let him to go.