We are home from a long day at the faraway vet hospital. Our very worst fears were not realized. The lump on K's leg is not a tumor. Rather, it's a reaction to the radiation treatment that she had in January. I cannot tell you how much a new bone tumor would have complicated the situation. I'm grateful that we dodged that crisis.
But, other news wasn't good. The existing lung tumors grew larger and more lung tumors appeared, despite the "low dose chemotherapy" that K is receiving daily. We're continuing that protocol, just in case it is slowing the advance of K's very aggressive cancer. We're adding one more drug to the cocktail. The new drug is the last option. It helps extend the lives of some dogs in K's situation.
No doubt, our time together is getting short. At least K is not suffering. Instead, she's still reveling in every day that she's given. She's running, and loving, and jumping, and playing. I cannot express how grateful I am for her happiness. Looking at the photo below that I took yesterday, I think that you can understand why we are opting to try to extend this phase of her life.
This is the May photo in the "K Calendar" that I made for 2012. To me, she's the most beautiful dog on Earth. I am so grateful that she came into my life.
I've been checking often, fearing what I might read. I'm pleased to hear that the leg lump does not reflect a new tumor and of course disappointed that things are progressing as feared. I have grown close to this dog through your blog even before S went to the bridge and each bit of bad news takes a little piece of my heart. Aren't we all so grateful that K hasn't a clue why you have to shed a tear every so often? And really grateful that she still feels well.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful May photograph.
I'm so sorry about more and bigger lung tumor. But I'm happy that the bump on her leg isn't a new tumor, and that she (clearly) isn't suffering
ReplyDeleteDachshund Nola
You've been on my mind all day. Glad the lump was not a tumor. Praying you continue to live in the moment. Stunning calendar shot of K....hope you get some rest.
ReplyDeleteHi Y'all,
ReplyDeleteStoppin' to say "hello" and see how y'all are doing.
I am so happy your news was no leg tumor. I am sad the rest of the news was not as good. Paws crossed here that the new med helps.
Hope you have a fantastic week!
Y'all come by now,
Hawk aka BrownDog
It's hard to feel low when you're the most beautiful dog in the world!!
ReplyDelete((((hugs))))
Wow, were so happy to hear the great news from you, K is a good friend and great companions, I know that you've shared a lot of memories on your daily adventure. I know that K is very grateful to have you in her life. keep on fighting were still here to support and pray for k.
ReplyDeleteDog Shock Collar | Puppy & Human Bond
We are sorry to read the news about the lung tumors, but are so thankful on the other hand to hear that the bump on the leg is not a tumor. Your news tug's at our hearts and we share your pain.
ReplyDeleteI'm at a loss for words....
Keep the faith and the strenth!
Hugs,
Lily Belle
What conflicting emotions on your news today. Ups and downs and sideways things go.
ReplyDeleteShe is a beautiful, stunning dog in your calendar shot.
I love the bear videos and R 'testing the wind before take off'.
Your gift of taking everyday to the fullest is a good reminder to use as we trudge along doing our normal routines. thanks for the reminder!
Side note - did you get any good shots of the supermoon?
Peace and good thoughts to all of you
Julie and Violet Mae
K is lovely. Hugs and smiles to you both.
ReplyDeleteI have said before and will write it again
ReplyDeleteK is teaching all of us so much!
Live in The Now!
Thanks for sharing your emotional day
Hugz From PA!
NCmountainwoman said it all so very well. A bit of good news and a touch of not so good news, but in the end it is what you get from K today and tomorrow and each day she is with you that really matters. We hope you have many more happy days together.
ReplyDeleteRelieved for you.
ReplyDeleteBut as ever, angry that something like this can happen and take away the people and pets we love.
Whew! The news about the lump has got to be a load off your mind. K is happy, the world revolves around her and that's all that matters at this moment! :-)
ReplyDeleteBased on those photos, and the way you write about her, yes, I understand.
ReplyDeleteShe is stunning and full of life :)
ReplyDeleteYou are blessed to have each other. Please give her a BIG hug from us.
Lots of Luv & Kisses
Addie, Lucie and Hailey
One of those good news (no leg tumor)/bad news (lung tumors) days.
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking about y'all all day, hoping for the best.
((hugs)) all round. If I had the resources, I'd do the same thing you're doing.
I'm glad to hear that it wasn't a new tumor on K's leg. I'd hate to think that you'd have to curtail her running or hiking because of worries about breaking her leg. For as long as she has left, I think K will enjoy every moment! I'm very sorry to hear about the lung tumors, though. It's the news nobody wants to hear! We're thinking of you!
ReplyDeleteShe does look very happy and that is what is important. K life has been amazing with you! What an adventure you have all enjoyed. Hope it last as long as it can for you.
ReplyDeleteOK, so there IS a calander. WE want one....I mean seriously....She is so beautiful and I know you might think that she is just beauitful to you but She is one incredibly beautiful girl and is so the perfect model for a clander, a coffee table book, a book on Labs, just plain anything.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you two have more time.
Bert and My Vickie (and a special hug from Jamie)
Wonderful news. And yes the days you have with K are that much extra special
ReplyDeleteBenny & Lily
Oh, my! K looks like she has such a grin on her face!
ReplyDeleteYes, I can certainly see why you are taking the measures you are taking. What a treasure K has been in your life and you have also been the same to her.
K is very beautiful, and I think you are both so very fortunate to have found each other. And we are glad to have found your blog as we take great inspiration from K, and from you, and how you are both bravely and strongly handling K's illness. She looks so wonderful and healthy, and she has such a big smile on her face in the second photo. You would never know she was ill.
ReplyDeleteSo very grateful that her leg lump was nothing, but extremely sad to read about the growth of the tumors. Our prayers continue to be with you and paws crossed the new med will help.
Suka and K
My heart walks with you at every turn. Every day, every day...a new chance to love. Thinking of you tonight, jeanne
ReplyDeleteAnn ..from THE OUTER BANKS OF NC said ..As I read this tears came to my eyes..then again I thought ..Today I see proof of God's care for K...and for such beautiful harmony that is expressed..it is such an inspiration.. I'm still praying and I'm not giving up on Hope.All things work together for good...Get some rest my dear..You and K have had a long day.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear the bad news, but I don't think K heard a thing about it. :) That girl is so full of life. I know how difficult it is when you get the results, but her exuberance seems so overwhelming. Enjoy every minute it doesn't show. She is so beautiful
ReplyDeleteI'm following K's journey and thinking of you often. I've never seen photos capture the soul of an animal the way yours do.
ReplyDeleteShe is such a beautiful happy girl and you are giving her the best life. I'm sorry to hear the lung tumors grew and spread. She doesn't seem to know that though.
ReplyDeleteWe are grateful that you have each other. No matter how short the time, you always will have that bond, the spiritual connection, that ability to draw life from each other. Fill each moment with each other.
ReplyDeletePrayers are sent for all of you.
ReplyDeleteAnne and Sasha
Our thoughts and prayers are with you every day, but especially today waiting on the news. Glad to hear that the leg lump wasn't cancer. We are so sorry to hear that the others have grown. We are on this journey and you are right...K is just a beautiful animal. Seize each and every moment you can together!!
ReplyDeletexo
Jeanne
We are thinking of you and K, and glad that the lump is not what you feared. The evil disease is progressing in its evil way and all you can do is focus on what is good and the fact that K is there with you, right now, to be loved and enjoyed for every previous second.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad the news was not as bad as you had feared. That the leg lump is not cancer and K is happy and not suffering is good news for right now.
ReplyDeleteContinued thoughts and prayers for you.
Love from Eileen and Annie xx
Blessings on our girl who came through another vet visit today. My hope is that the new med won't make her sick so she can continue on her happy daily routines with you, KB, for just as long as she can.
ReplyDeleteCheers and hugs all around,
Jo, Stella and Zkhat
She's living well, that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy every moment with K. We all know "that day" will come but for now just enjoy everyday.
ReplyDeleteI "wish" that I have a chance to go through chemo with Samantha. But it just came so fast and we didn't even know it until the tumor ruptured inside her. Just like that she was gone. I miss her so much and I would do anything to have her back...
YD
We're glad the lump was not a new tumor and sorry that the lung tumors are larger. We're purring and praying that the new drug helps. K is so amazing and truly seems to love life!!
ReplyDeleteThe Florida Furkids and Lexi
You and K are making a lifetime worth of memories! I know that you'll cherish them always and forever ~ just as you will your beautiful K.
ReplyDeletePrayers for continued absence of pain...
XOXO
Nancy & HERO
Rejoice in the good news and try not to think of the not-so-good-news. What you see every day in K is what really counts now. Enjoy each day and live it to the fullest.
ReplyDeleteYou are the most beautiful girl, K!
ReplyDeleteLove ya lots,
Mitch and Molly
I'm thankful that you share K with us. We all hold our breath, KB. Oh how we want everything to be different for K!
ReplyDeleteHooray the leg lump wasn't a tumor, but sorry about the lungs. Keep fighting though, it is worth it.
ReplyDeleteSending tons of purrs and prayers your way.
ReplyDeleteThat last photo is very wonderful!
I was filled with adrenaline, waiting to read this post. I'm glad to hear K doesn't have another bone tumor. She's still romping with such grace. Look at that second picture of her. She's truly alive!
ReplyDeleteGood that the lump is no tumor. Enjoy every day together as long as she is so strong. She is happy end enjoying your hikes. Give her a big hug from us.
ReplyDeleteKB, we are happy about the leg lump too. This way, K can still go out with you and enjoy your rides together. Beautiful photos. No worries, and love, Carol
ReplyDeleteSending lots of hugs and love...
ReplyDeleteSam
Once again you've brought tears to my eyes. Such a sweet dog, and so much life and happiness. No doubt she is getting the most out of every single day!
ReplyDeleteK, I see your happy face.
ReplyDeleteYour ears fly like wings on an eagle!
Your eyes sparkle like diamonds! Look at you go living each moment to the fullest,,,,
today- this moment- this is what we all have,,, and your showing us how to enjoy it.
Thank You K!
love
tweedles
K is so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear that the lungs tumors continue to appear, I hope that the new medication will give K many more days of happiness:)
Love you all - and oh my that last pic of K is amazing. Took my breath away.
ReplyDeleteGod hold both of you close to provide comfort AND joy. You are not alone now and will not be alone in all the days to come.
ReplyDeleteContinued prayers for you and your sweetheart.
I think the happy face K has on says it all. Let her live out her days in her way is best. It's pics like these that will give you peace when she's gone.
ReplyDeleteHappy trails - (even when they're rough ones),
Chester's Mom ♥
K came to you for reason..to spread LOVE to all of us...for everyone needs to feel and hear LOVE!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry I haven't been by to visit much lately. We lost our Roxie about a month ago, and it's so hard to get back into blogging. I know how difficult it is to cope with a sick beloved pet, so please know I think of you and your pack often, and wish as many happy days together as possible. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteWe are sorry to read the news about the lung tumors, but are so thankful on the other hand to hear that the bump on the leg is not a tumor. Our thoughts are with you daily.K is a beautiful girl!
ReplyDeleteLotsa Licks
Casper Bear
KB - live and love every moment.
ReplyDeleteThe last shot of K speaks volumes.
Big Nose Pokes
The Thugletsx