Friday

[ksmith]

The surgeon called me with the test results, which confirmed what we feared. King does have hemangiosarcoma, which likely migrated from his spleen. The first consult with the oncologist is next Friday–the surgeon told me that he had already discussed King with him.

King had a decent day today. His appetite has improved by leaps and bounds since Tuesday–he ate three meals of rice, cooked chicken breast, and some of his dry & canned food. He’s still drinking a fair amount of water. Sleeping/dozing a good part of the day. He seems comfortable.

Mirrored from Kristine Smith.

Comments

[goingferal.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry. I *hate* that cancer. It generally isn't too painful for the dog, at least.

Too often, it isn't discovered until way too late and dogs never make it out of surgery. I'm glad King is home with you now.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

One of the options the surgeon explained to me prior to surgery was letting King go on the table if things looked too bad. I couldn't take that route, not until I knew what we were dealing with.

The situation went from "zero" to "hardest decision ever" within 24 hours. I never saw this coming. When they spotted the nodule on his spleen and we decided to monitor in three months, I thought we had time.

Given the type of cancer, even the extra 3 months probably wouldn't have bought King anything.

I don't want him to hurt. I don't want him to be afraid. I hope he can still have a little fun. Gaby wants to play with him, but he's not in the mood and I have to shoo her away.

[goingferal.livejournal.com]

I know one dog who lived 18 months post-splenectomy. Another lived a good 8 months. I think (hope) he's just feeling bad post-surgery and he'll feel better soon--at least for a little while.

You'll know when it's time--and it doesn't sound like either of you are there yet.

[thebluerose.livejournal.com]

"I don't want him to hurt. I don't want him to be afraid."

*nods* Yes I understand, when you have animals and they can't tell if they are in pain or where it hurts, its the most invidious torture I know.

Having lost a pet last year from a wasting disease, I got to have about 6 more months which are precious memories to me, and I know just how you feel. My boy was only 4 1/2 when I had to let him go, its no consolation at all, but you had so many good years with your King.

Its a horrible and heartwrenching situation and you have absolutely ALL of my good thoughts right now.