Monday, December 28, 2009

Some Things You Just Can't Fix

No matter how much you would like to.


We are waiting for the official word from blood tests and biopsies, but it is a fore gone conclusion. Angel Cakes has lymphoma. Prognosis, 2-6 months maybe a little longer
if she responds to Prednisone therapy. Angel isn't a particularly old dog. She's around 10ish. In other words, one of the youngsters. I've been blindsided on this one. Well, not really. Somewhere in your head, the first time you cuddle that new puppy, you know sooner or later they are going to break your heart. And then we happily forget all about that and just get down to the joyful business of falling in love with them and living with them.

We have the opportunity to make sure we enjoy our time together. We can target all the stuff she loves to do, like goat herding ( her way) and walks with Gene. Special little treats and extra attention. We have time for some good-byes. They are our good-byes. I'm not sure animals have the capacity to know beyond a short time that it is time. Those contemplations are for another day. Today, we're all here and that's enough.


10 comments:

Life Looms Large said...

I'm sorry. Sometimes tests do give unexpectedly good results (which happened with one of our dogs) so I will hope for that for you too.

Such a poignant time with your pup. Take good care.

Sue

Cindie said...

Oh I am so sorry Theresa, I know you'll make the most of the time left with Angel Cakes.
When we lost our Katie 2 1/2 years ago to cancer it was a shock - sick in the morning, died in the afternoon while we were still at the vet, cancer of the lining of the arteries, apparently common in goldens. Talk about being blindsided, she was around 10 too.
Now we have that crazy Bailey who I hope will be around for many years to come.

Theresa said...

Sue,
Thank you, yes, there is the chance they could be wrong.

Cindie,
That was blindsided. I'm told lymphoma is common in females at just about Angels age. Bailey, crazy???! I doubt it, just a young happy guy. ;-)

Michelle said...

I'm so sorry. A good friend just lost her dog yesterday. Such a heartbreaking thing to endure, and yet we keep adding these short-lived creatures to our lives. Why? Because the unconditional love they give us in their few short years is more irresistible than the losing is painful. Enjoy your time together; she knows she is loved and you are her world. We should all be so blessed.

charlotte said...

That was a sad reading, and I feel very sorry for you. I wish you may have still many good weeks left togehter with Angel Cakes.

Leigh said...

Theresa, I am so, so sorry to hear this news. My cat Rascal was diagnosed with lymphoma almost two years ago. Prognosis was similar, 2 to 4 months to live. It was a heartbreak but we decided to go ahead with surgery to remove the lump and chemotherapy (Leukeran and prednisone.) Well, he made it through all that and is still doing well. The vet says there's no sign of the cancer returning. So, they can beat the odds. As they say in the Cat Blogosphere, we'll be purring for you and Angel Cakes.

Susan said...

Oh what a heart ache! I'm sure Angel will play and do her best with each and every day that comes to her.

You enjoy them too..

Our Connor is really slowing down and is sleeping the days away to get over his holiday. I sure wish they lived as long as us

Hugs, Susan

Theresa said...

Leigh thank you for the info on chemo. We have decided not to go that route for Angel. If it was just a single gland we would, her problem is systemic at this point. And congrats on Rascal!

Susan, I share your sentiment about length of life.

And thanks again everyone, for your words of sympathy. They are much appreciated.

Leigh said...

Theresa we probably would have made the same decision if such had been Rascal's case. Angel Cakes has been a lucky dog to be part of your family. We know they can't live forever, but that doesn't make it any easier when their time to cross the Rainbow Bridge comes. Hugs to you and yours.

ladyoftheloom said...

A little late reading this sad post. Our thoughts are with you and Angel. She is a lucky dog to have lived at Camp Runamuck with such fun family and siblings!