The results of Buddy's biopsy were returned today. He has gastric carcinoma. The Internist said that this type of cancer is typically very aggressive and metastasizes quickly unless it is caught in the early stages and the mass is completely removed. When asked if there was anything we might be able to do for Buddy at this stage, he said that we certainly could go for a consult with oncology, but he felt that there wouldn’t be much they could do for him at this point. He felt we were at the stage for providing palliative care. Tomorrow I'll talk to my vet and see what she recommends.
A patient in the office where I work was telling me not that long ago about a diagnosis she'd been given nearly two years ago that she was probably not going to live through the year. But her doctor told her to
"take his words and throw them out the window because he wasn’t in charge! Her doctor said to
"live life with joy, laughter and hope instead of under a cloud of fear and doom." He also said to her that
"We all live in the ‘Circle of Life’. Don’t waste the ‘Life’ part!"
I remembered that advice this afternoon when I was out in the yard with Buddy and the other dogs.
Watching Buddy roll in the warm grass and soak up the afternoon sun, it occurred to me that dogs are perfect examples of that advice, aren't they?
Sweet Buddy, he is enjoying every minute of his life. Sending big {{hugs}} to Buddy.
ReplyDeleteBuddy looks so happy out in the sun, prays for him.Hugs Francine.
ReplyDeleteSweet Buddy. Thank you for caring for him.
ReplyDelete*hugs* ♥ :-)
ReplyDeletePrayers ,Cuddles and kisses from us and Miggs .
ReplyDeleteOne day at a time and enjoy every one of them. Sending Buddy lots of hugs and POTP.
ReplyDeleteA neighbor of my mother's use to live in San Francisco. SF Doctors told him there was no hope for him due to a disease. He moved his wife up to the small country town my mother lives in so that his wife could be near family when he was gone. That was 30 years ago and the last time I visited my mother he drove by and waved...still going strong despite the multiple doctors dire prognosis.
ReplyDeleteHere's to living with joy, laughter, and hope. Sorry to hear the dire prognosis but Buddy will let you know when he is no longer living with joy.
ReplyDeletepoor, sweet buddy.
ReplyDeletePoor Buddy. From the photos it seems Buddy refuses the diagnosis and plans on living in the moment.
ReplyDeleteAroo to you,
Sully
Yes! Sending love to Buddy and hoping he enjoys each day. We're sure he will.
ReplyDelete-Ruby and Otto
Every single day counts.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about the diagnosis. But you are right - dogs naturally live life to the fullest! Every day is precious.
ReplyDeleteMake that diagnosis look silly.
ReplyDeleteBuddy certainly doesn't seem too concerned with his diagnosis! I'm so glad to see him enjoying the sunshine and grass, it put a smile on my face. Pets certainly do have a gift of deciding on their own when it is their time to go. A few of my mom's dogs lived for years beyond what they should have.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet boy! I hope he has many joyful moments. One of my granddogs had cancer. She had surgery but they couldn't remove it all --- but she still had another six months of good living. It's the quality of life that counts, not how long one can drag things out.
ReplyDeleteEasier said than done when it's your dog, I know. Bless you both.
We remember a dog diagnosed with cancer who was given days to live and soldiered on for two happy and laughter filled years. You'll know when Buddy's ready.
ReplyDeleteI think that Doctor gave pawfect advice! Luffs and hugs to Buddy
ReplyDeleteLoves and licky kisses
Princess Leah xxx
They are. Great advice from the doctor. Buddy will just get on with his life as long as he's able.
ReplyDeleteMy heart and caring . . .
ReplyDeleteHold on to the joy . . .
Comfort . . .
That is great advice and it seems that Buddy is enjoying the "Life" part. So sorry for the diagnosis. Enjoy every moment together!
ReplyDeleteOz
I'm so sorry to read this. The advice is so true but so hard to remember in the moment! About 9 years ago we had a cat suddenly diagnosed with lung cancer. I remember standing in my dining room when I took the call from the vet. I had NO idea this was going to be the outcome. The vet told me he had a few months left to live. At first I struggled with enjoying any part of the day thinking instead that he would be gone soon. Then I realized for both he and I we needed to enjoy the moments together. He lived for another year and a half and I was so happy to have that time with him. Take care.
ReplyDeleteHello Kim, we haven't 'met', but I saw Tammy's comment to you on her blog and had a feeling you had a dog who was ill. Sorry to see I was right.
ReplyDeleteThere are few things more difficult than watching our beloved fur babies fade away. Even though we know when we get them that day will come, it's so very hard. They're so innocent and don't deserve to suffer, and hopefully Buddy's cancer is not one that will be painful.
You must be a very caring person to do what you do, and any friend of Tammy's is a friend of mine. I will keep you and Buddy in my thoughts and prayers.
xxx
We're sorry about Buddy's diagnosis, but thrilled to see him happily enjoying himself in life.
ReplyDeleteYou are a GOOD mom!
ReplyDeleteWe love that advice, and we think Buddy will understand every part of it. We are so sorry though Kim.
ReplyDeletestella rose
how you can take such tragic news
ReplyDeleteand turn it into not useless hope... but something even higher
something noble and life loving and wise.
i love you for it.
i aspire to it.
a sob in my throat.
it's what my zekey had. my zeke. who like buddy... loved his life until the last breath.
my heart to yours my girl. ♥
The advice sounds wise,,,, take each day as it comes.
ReplyDeleteWere so sorry this is happening Kim.. It breaks your heart... we know it.
love
tweedles
OH, Kim. I am so sorry to hear of this news for Buddy. Usually in life when we repeat a behavior it doesn't seem to have the same effect on us. But, it still stings as much, if not more, when you get this type of news.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about all you and Buddy have gone through with his allergies and now this. But, he has known your love this past year and is enjoying what his creator has provided in nature. your babies always make the best of their situation and you and Carl have allowed them to do that with a lightness in their heart, because they know they are safe and loved. What a mighty gift, often at the expense of your emotions, but I know they fill your heart when you see them living in their days of grace.
Hugs, Gus' Mom
So sorry to read of this diagnosis. :(
ReplyDeleteVery glad to see Buddy happy in the sunshine. May all of his remaining moments be happy moments. :)
I am so sorry to read about Buddy's diagnosis but it is delightful to see him enjoying himself in the beautiful sunshine.
ReplyDeleteHe has had so much love in the past 12 months and I know he will be just as loved until he makes that final trip to the Rainbow Bridge.
oh such sad news but wise words, let Buddy enjoy the remainder of his days as part of your family with love and cuddles. xxx
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry. We've lived the last few months under this sort of cloud and understand the rush of emotions you're feeling. Just cherish each day that you have together.
ReplyDeleteHugs to both of you. Dogs always know how to live life to the fullest, don't they?
ReplyDeleteMonty and Harlow
FYou've given Buddy such love and care over the past twelve months, and we hope that he will be around for a good while yet to enjoy the sunshine, and companionship of the other Goldens.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, dogs really DO know how to live life to the fullest!! Sending POTP and hugs to both of you!!
ReplyDelete<3 Sometimes as a vet you have those moments where you want more than anything is to have your patient prove you as wrong as can be. I'll be thinking and praying for Buddy.
ReplyDelete