The overall news for Sam today was unfortunately not all good. He had 8 teeth that needed to be removed. And what the
vet and I thought was swelling from a root abscess because of a bad tooth and a blocked salivary gland is actually a mass, and given that he's a Golden it is probably cancer. My vet and I discussed treatment options, but I was so stunned by what she was telling me, I just couldn't make a decision. However I did decide to not do one of the options and that was to do surgery to remove the mass. Because of its size, surgery would probably entail removing a good portion of Sam's jaw and at his age (about 13) I just won't put him through that.
To be told that cancer is going to take yet another one of our dogs that has been so healthy has me feeling really defeated. When Sam needed to have his teeth cleaned and the 'bad ones' removed, something about it had me a bit uneasy. But I held onto the thought that it would all be routine and that everything would heal, and Sam would be fine. So instead of being able to put all this behind us, I'm feeling the return of a familiar ache in my heart when I think of what's ahead for Sam.
Sweet Kim
ReplyDeleteWe know how heavy your heart is right now. You have traveled this path so many times, and it just never gets easy- no not at all.
You know where the path leads.
I know your overwhelmed, and I wish there was something that I could say or do- to help you and Sam. But in reality there is nothing.
Your hurting, and we are hurting with you.
We too had hoped this would just be a routine for Sammy. We are so sad to hear this report.
We know how much you love your babies.,, you care so much.
Oh Kim, we are so sorry
love
tweedles
Oh Kim, there are no words. I can only imagine the ache as you make decisions with Sam's best interests in mind.
ReplyDeleteOnly wishing there was something I could say, but I know there isn't. Just know I am thinking of you (all)and saying a prayer.
Mare
I am so sorry you are feeling sadness and pain again over one of your sweet babies. You are their angel who sees them through the good times and times like this. But if he leaves, he runs and plays with all the others who left before. So we are sad because we miss them, but what you do is a gift that they so deserve. Sending you a big giant hug and healing thoughts for you and Sam.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear this news about Sam, Our thoughts and prayers are with you to make the right choices for Sam.
ReplyDeletewags
jazzi
What a year you and your pups have had. I would not have done the surgery either. You are as thoughtful and considerate as any person I know. Sam is in good hands.
ReplyDeleteAm I a fool if I'm still praying that maybe it isn't cancer? Gosh, Sammy's already lived longer than so many Goldens, I would think that if cancer was going to take him, it would have struck years ago.
ReplyDeleteI have no doubt that you will make the right decisions and that Sammy will continue to enjoy his life and know that he is loved for as long as he has left.
I wish I could help ease your pain. Maybe you need to take a vacation to MINNESOTA!
Hi Kim,
ReplyDeleteI know hard this must have hit you. He's not just any Sam, he's your Sam. I know having extractions at that age is chancy and I had so hope it would go okay. Really sorry about the cancer.
I worry about Sam and I worry about you.
May the angels wrap their wings around you and give you comfort.
Love
XXX
Thank heavens Sam is finally in place where he's surrounded by love .
ReplyDeleteOh dear, that makes us so sad. We were hoping, like you, that it wouldn't be too bad. But as Angus said, he's surrounded by love.
ReplyDeleteXXXOOO Daisy, Bella & roxy
So sorry to hear this news. We will all keep Sam in our daily thoughts and prayers. :)
ReplyDeleteWoofs & huggies, <3
~Bailey (Yep, I'm a girl!)
Oh Kim,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for you, for Sam, for the Goldens who have passed on and for the many more that are going to whittle their way into your heart. All I can say is 'take heart, Doggie Angel'. I know how heartbroken you must feel. Just know that love surrounds you all - you and your precious Goldens, and especially Sam!!! My thoughts and prayers are with him specifically.
(((BIG HUGS)))
With love
Caryl
My dear Kim, I am so very sorry that you are dealing with this dreaded disease again. I wish we could find a way to eliminate cancer in humans and pets once and for all. Oh dear Sam. I will be praying for you to have wisdom in choosing the best path for him and peace during this time. Wish I could come be a shoulder to lean on. Sending lots of love to you.
ReplyDeleteNoreen
My heart goes out to you and Sam. I am so very sorry. I am sending love and prayers to you both. I know you love him and will do what's best for him. God Bless you, Kim.
ReplyDeleteI don't even know what to say to make your heart feel better. I am speechless. It's terrible that we go to the vet with something in mind and instead receive news we never want to hear. I am so sorry for you and for Sam. You and Sammy will be in my Prayers.
ReplyDeleteAna
We are sorry to see the probable cause BUT we do know Sam will be safe for as long as he's meant to be here -
ReplyDeleteHe understands - just ask him!
Hugz&Khysses Headed South,
Khyra and Phyll
mabel sends her love
ReplyDeleteIt's never easy to take, chew and digest the news of cancer in a pet. I'm feeling for you and Sam today. :-(
ReplyDelete:o(
ReplyDeleteOh I am sorry to hear this. Really sorry.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about Sammie, we were hoping for just the bad tooth. We know he will be surrounded by love until it's his time for the Bridge. Wish we could say more to make you feel better.
ReplyDeleteHeidi, Tucker and Daisy
So sorry to hear of this . Our prayers are with you and Sammie .
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about Sam, I am stunned to hear that it is cancer, I never would have thought that as he looks so healthy.I know what you mean about feeling defeated in the face of another one of your dogs having the same disease as so many others. All of my mom's German Shephers have so far ended up travelling to Rainbow Bridge following a battle with myelopathy, a disease that causes gradual loss of feeling in the dog's body from the rear paws forward. It is a very difficult disease to watch take hold of the dogs and there is no real treatment for it. We've lost four that way so far and one of the four dogs she has now has also been diagnosed as having meylopathy. It just really makes us wish that we could have one die peacefully in their sleep of old age, but that seems to be so rare for companion animals :o(
ReplyDeletei'm so sorry, kim. you just don't get a break, do you? i'm hoping he can live out his days in relative comfort without a lot of procedures and tests. i know he's just happy to be with you.
ReplyDeleteOh Kim, how heartbreaking to read about Sam's cancer. Paws crossed & extra thoughts & prayers going his and your way.
ReplyDeleteWoofs
Nadine & golden Neeli
Oh Kim, I'm so sorry to hear about Sam, I am thinking of you all and praying for you.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry, Kim. You've been through this so many times, and I know first-hand how hard it is. But, Sam is in good hands with you.
ReplyDeleteHugs, and I'm thinking of you and Sam.
I am so sorry to hear the news about Sam! My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult decision time. I don't blame you for not wanting to put Sam through that extra surgery but that alone must weigh heavy on your heart. Thankfully Sam does has you in his life.
ReplyDeleteOoh, dear Kim, I'm saddened to read this, my thoughts are with you all and my wishes are that sweet Sam will be spared any further painfull surgery.
ReplyDeleteHugs
~Jo
I'm so sorry, Kim! I can't help thinking, though, how lucky Sam is to have you and the rest of the pack to help him through it.
ReplyDelete- Anne
Kim, I am so sorry to hear this. You have had to go through this worry so many times since I have known you and I know your heart must be so big and full of love for you to be able to handle it. I will think of you and pray for Sam. Sending love and hugs, Inger
ReplyDeleteHi! Im so sorry to hear that ...it´s always a hard time. Our old Nova got cancer too...we operated 2 times and it gave her 1 1/2 year, very happy time. I hope you can find a way to keep Lucas he is qute. Would I be near I would take him right away.
ReplyDeleteHi! Im so sorry to hear that ...it´s always a hard time. Our old Nova got cancer too...we operated 2 times and it gave her 1 1/2 year, very happy time. I hope you can find a way to keep Lucas he is qute. Would I be near I would take him right away.
ReplyDelete*hugs* Kim.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear that.
God comfort you. ♥
You have been so good to and for Sam, I am only sorry this is the end result for him. Your heart will ache over this, but you will also know what to do and when to do it for Sam.
ReplyDeleteBlessings all around, prayers are w ith you and Sam.
Jo, Stella and Zkhat
what angus said..
ReplyDeletesurrounded by love.
you are. and sam is.
holding you both in my heart.
tammy j
Oh Kim,
ReplyDeleteI so didn't want to hear this. I don't know how you do it. I still feel like I'm dragging around in a daze since Tsar's death. We're thinking about you and dear Sam,
Sue
It's never easy finding out news like this. Kim, you know Sam will cherish every day he has with you and the others. He couldn't be in better 'hands'!
ReplyDeleteYou know in your heart that we sometimes have no control over things like this. We can just proceed along as best we are able. Take care.
Kim, Kim...Sam has been at your side for a good while and sometimes, it becomes time to share with "others".Try to stay strong and pray that he can leave this world with some dignity..:)JP
ReplyDeleteOh, Kim, I am so sorry for you and the pack (including human) and for dear Sam. I'm glad Sam has you to make the wise decisions he cannot make for himself. We'll be with you through all of this.
ReplyDeleteOh Kim, I am so sad to hear this news. But what lies ahead for Sam will be so much better for him, with you to guide the way. I'm so sorry this is the path the two of you must travel down, but I know in my heart Sam will feel your love every step of the way. Big hugs to you.
ReplyDeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteJust doesn't seem fair, but we guess that is life ....just not fair.
We totally agree with you about the surgery.
We will be praying for Sam and for you, we know your heart will guide you to the right decision.
Sheila & Bob
So sad to hear this dear Kim..thinking of you and sending you big hugs. :0)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely not the news you wanted to hear from the vet.
ReplyDeleteSending big golden hugs to you and the crew.
I am sorry to hear this news Kim and I believe you have made the right decision in not putting Sam through surgery at his age.
ReplyDeleteLife is good but it can be filled with challenges too and some of them are not easy to deal with. Some people can not handle these challenges well and some people are heroes, you are one of the latter!
You have been included in my daily prayers for a long time now and that will continue but I will add an extra mention for you and Sam at this time!
Love to you and the crew Kim!
Tina xo
so glad he has your love
ReplyDeleteOh sweetie, I'm so sorry for this and pray that God will help you in the decision that lay ahead. Booger!!!
ReplyDeleteGod bless ya and have a beautiful weekend sweetie!!! :O)
So sorry for Sam, and you too Kim. That kind of news can certainly put a damper on things. Keep up your spirit and good work and know you have done what you could.
ReplyDeleteWell, damn. We're so very sorry. May Sam enjoy to the fullest every day he has left with you and his pack. And may he surprise us all and have many, many months more to be with you. It could happen.
ReplyDeleteJed & Abby
PeeEss: How is Annie doing? Has Luke given up the chase yet?
ReplyDeleteJed & Abby
as someone else said - there are no words. i'm so sorry for you both and the rest of your pack (2 and 4-legged). my thoughts are with you all.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about Sam. Cancer is such a terrible destroyer. My girlfriend is dealing with the exact same situation as you with her 16 year old kitty. It started with a tooth and the vet found a bunch of tumours. So sad.
ReplyDeleteSending you and Sam many hugs and much love Kim!
xo Catherine
Oh no, not again Kim. I am so sorry! We too have lost dogs to cancer. It is taking a toll on not just us humans but our animals as well. Truely heart breaking.
ReplyDeleteYou so kindly take in older dogs and who knows what their health history maybe.
I use all natural products in my yard and home now and feed Ryker grass fed, hormone/abx. free raw diet in the hopes of protecting him from this scorge of cancer. I can only hope it gives him an edge.
Healing hugs,
Sandy & Ryker