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.
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.Originally Posted by Catty1
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