Imagine writing a whole year's blog and then not being able to access the account to claim it~almost happened when I signed in to what I thought was my blog only to find no blogs on file. Yet I could see the blog on line, whew that would have been heart wrenching to say the least because in reality you don't save the content you write, but now I wonder if I shouldn't! But crisis averted when I realized I was using the wrong account.
So I can only say that we don't have gobs of news on the Diggie Dog saga. The x-rays were done, he was so cooperative that they didn't need to put him to sleep for it so he was perky and ready to leave when I got him. Looking at previous x-rays and talking to his vet. we didn't seem to feel this had much to do with his jaw issue. The fact is those spots were there two years ago and as she said, if he had lung cancer to that degree, he wouldn't be with us now. A miracle walking in that case~
After the inconclusive x-rays, we decided to head on up to the veterinarian university and schedule the CAT scan and a consultation with the veterinarian who was kind enough to answer me by email and was willing to talk with us. I think given the circumstances we're in with Mack, this is the best next step, to be evaluated by the people who are learning and working on cures and helping animals and who have had the most experience with dealing in things like this.
As part of my research and learning curve I've joined two groups, one a kind of forum for dogs with cancer and another on Facebook who are both great sources of information on what other pet owners have faced. At times though, there are more bad posts than good ones about the deaths of pets that their owners tried valiantly to save. The did all they could do and they still lose the dog, sometimes after the poor things have suffered enough surgeries and medications to last five lifetimes. I truly cannot imagine putting my dog through some of what they've done. I'm not being critical of their choices, but I'm well aware of the procedures they're talking about and the noxious drugs they're using out there. This is a huge deal for me to take him for the CAT scan because we have to be so careful with his herniation in his neck that we can't risk further damage, something that has to be impressed on the technicians. We will be sure to put huge red notes on his file to be careful with hyper extension of his neck. Not to mention the amount of radiation to his little body...I'm not a fan of CAT scans for myself, having had tons during my bout with uterine cancer, so this is a huge deal for me to decide to do this.
The last few days have been hard to put anything into the blog. It is simply because it is a matter of absorption. I have to put it all together in my mind to clarify the issues in front of me. I'm a serial thinker, one step at a time. If my boss gives me a job, I have to actually put it on paper and kind of let it marinate before I can tackle it. It isn't going to work if I just plow into it. Same with the little Mack, we aren't plowing into something until it makes sense and has a purpose. He is doing really well with the new diet and the next step is super antioxidants and vitamins and for the most part lots of kisses and hugs. But that is only the first step in this process. The next step has to be considered, filed away and thought on and then we go from there. One of the next steps was getting him the CAT scan, which I know will serve to clarify things further, one step at a time.
The hardest part is allowing him to sleep with me! That has taken it's toll on my sleeping and for obvious reasons. Anyone who has ever had a dog in their bed, and I am not referring to a husband or wife, knows about the little paws of love kicking you in the back and the loss of mattress territory that goes with that. It's tough to actually have possession of a full bed by the time the night is over. I once woke up with my full body possessing about 1/8th of the bed and my head off the pillow where I promptly turned over only to find my dog's head on my pillow~He's not that big a dog, maybe 11 pounds, but you would think he was huge given the ability to take over the mattress. But would I trade that time with him, absolutely not, would I begrudge the little guy the pillow, no way, he's mine and I love his quirky, dog behaviors, and I will treasure them as we move along, to the next step in our journey.
Baby steps...
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