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I have braced myself for this day for so long

31K views 333 replies 49 participants last post by  cgriffin 
#1 ·
I have braced myself for this day for so long as Tia is now 12.
The vet thinks Tia has cancer:(

She developed a lump on her side (muscle) which has increased significantly over the past month or so. We thought that it was just another fatty tumor. However apparently it is full of blood and it is growing. The vet thinks that it could be hemangiosarcoma.

The thought of her suffering is unbearable. I have no idea what to expect. I am wondering if it is safe to let her jump out of the car?

She has a history of partial seizures, panting and feeling hot to the touch. We are wondering how this all fits together. She does sometimes talk out of the blue. Other than this she is not miserable or lethargic. She loves to go on walks and her sparkly personality still shines through.

Can anyone offer any insight of what we might expect?
What do you wish someone told you when you first found out?

We have just put an order in for some Yunnan Biayoa and tumeric/curcumin.
 
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#201 ·
Our Christmas chaos is about to begin so I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has opened their hearts to us, sent us healing energy and shared personal experiences. You have all helped us sort out pieces of what is a very difficult and confusing puzzle. We are stronger thanks to your wisdom, well wishes and advice. Tia seems a lot more happier over the last couple of weeks but there are still worrying signs that remind us that we are still in the depths of the woods.
Nevertheless we wish you all a holiday immersed in love and peace with your fur kids and skin families. May you feel the eternal love of those you have lost through cancer that also surround you. Thanks again for being our rays of sunshine and for guiding us through this thick fog. May 2013 bring you many clear sunny days and happy times and continued success to those who are still fighting. Cheers!


 
#203 ·
Doug

Our Christmas chaos is about to begin so I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has opened their hearts to us, sent us healing energy and shared personal experiences. You have all helped us sort out pieces of what is a very difficult and confusing puzzle. We are stronger thanks to your wisdom, well wishes and advice. Tia seems a lot more happier over the last couple of weeks but there are still worrying signs that remind us that we are still in the depths of the woods.
Nevertheless we wish you all a holiday immersed in love and peace with your fur kids and skin families. May you feel the eternal love of those you have lost through cancer that also surround you. Thanks again for being our rays of sunshine and for guiding us through this thick fog. May 2013 bring you many clear sunny days and happy times and continued success to those who are still fighting. Cheers!

Doug

Wishing you, Tia, and all of your family a beautiful holiday.
 
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#206 ·
Merry Christmas to you as well! Glad Tia is enjoying the holiday season!
 
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#209 ·
Awh Christa you are an angel:)

Tia had a good Christmas, thankyou :)
The run up to Christmas was very low key for us, no tree or lights however as Tia got stronger I managed to bring out a Santa hat or two and took a Christmas portrait. We forced ourselves to go out and attend a couple of family celebrations and checked on T through our web cam regularly:)

Tia seems so much happier since her diarrhea settled down but then it returned the day after Christmas (I am very strict about not giving her any food that might upset her) but I think that she is ok today. Her partial seizures have gotten worse so we are upping the meds slightly which is what we had to do last summer so I am on alert for any wobbly walking or increased anxiety.

The last couple months have been intense for me maybe some people who have been on this road before can relate. I know our time is limited as her lump is clearly significant now even though her spirit is bright. As we see her lump every day we are not as shocked as our visitors.

I resist going out so I can be by her side and make sure that she isn't hot and that she is comfortable. I wake up several times in the night to see if she is ok. Sometimes I hear her bark in my dreams only to find her snoring beside me so it couldn't have been her. Tia will bark if she thinks I have left her alone. She seems to be ok if we leave the house though according to our neighbours and the web cam. I'm not sure if this is her being a diva when I am around or if it is the seizure meds that give her anxiety.

She seems to be stronger in the last few weeks so now finally I am able to get a good nights sleep and chill out a little more. I have done all the reading and worrying I can do on the subject. I made myself have a 'me' day and went out to the Christmas sales only to return with an arm full of dog toys that were definitely not discounted. :p

After all of the running around and Christmas present, fashion and food stress I think that I am coming down with the flu. At least I know that I will be ok soon after a few vitamins. With us both being home for the holidays we are eating well although we are feasting probably a little too much:p One of the small blessings we have is not having to ration Tia's food. For years she has been on a diet but there is no need for it anymore:)

Hot weather is around the corner so this concerns me and so we continue to juggle as Tia holds her head high, wags her tail, smiles and aaahhrrroooowws.

I hope that you had an awesome Christmas and managed not to get your tinsel in a tangle like me:p

Hugs and much love to you and your pups!!

PS Karen your Christmas tree is gorgeous!
 
#210 ·
Doug

Doug

Oh, how I love hearing about Tia. She surely is a dear! So glad you were able to enjoy Christmas and SPOIL her with whatever she likes to eat and with new dog toys!!

Thanks for the compliment on our tree. My hubby and I bought that when we were still dating, so some 27 years ago! I thought it was too expensive back then, but seeing that it's last all these years and still looks wonderful, I'm not complaining anymore. Kisses and hugs to Tia!!
 
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#211 ·
Thank you so much for the update and the hugs.:)

No tinsle on my tree, so nothing to tangle, lol. I stopped using tinsel with all the dogs around that would spread it throughout the house :)

I am so glad to hear that Tia is still going strong despite seizures. She has so much heart and is definitely a fighter :D You go Tia ! :D

I am sorry that you have the flu, I hope you get better fast. I am sure Tia is enjoying cuddling with you to make you feel better also :)

Wishing Tia and you all the best for the new year and hopefully more quality time together!
Hugs coming your way from Tennessee:)
 
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