Well, it is not good news. We found out on Wednesday that Brennan has cancer. I am working off very limited knowledge, because we haven't actually been to the vet to discuss the prognosis in detail, but this is what I know. He as sarcoma. Although cancer is never good, it apparently could be worse. This type of cancer does spread, but usually only to surrounding tissues. This means, hopefully, that as long as the tumors are removed, he should be fine. It is not like melanoma, which is more aggressive and likely to spread to the organs. The scary part of all of this is that he does have several other tumors that we've found on his neck. In addition, the lab results revealed that there are cancer cells remaining on the spot in his ear where one of the tumors was removed a few weeks ago.
For both of us, this has been a week of "what-ifs." We haven't been to the vet again, and our appointment is not until Monday, so all these unanswered questions have run through our minds. How many more surgeries? Can these tumors be internal? How much time does he have?
There are so many unanswered questions. We can sit around wondering about what the vet is going to say on Monday, what is going to happen a month from now, or what is going to happen a year from now. Or, I can follow the advice I got from a good friend this week and make the decision to live in the moment and ignore the "what-ifs." I know, I know, that is easier said than done, but that's what I have decided to do. I don't know if Brennan has six months, one year, or 10 more years. All David and I can do is enjoy our time with him. Brennan is in great spirits - he's eating, drinking, and playing. Right now, he has a great quality of life, and we are going to enjoy this time with him. It is what we should do all the time, regardless of whether it is a family member, friend, or beloved dog. Live in the moment. I am not good at this, as I am a natural worrier. However, I am going to fight those what-ifs and give Brennan as much love as I possibly can every single day.
Don't get me wrong. I am devastated. David is devastated. I have shed a great many tears over this. However, it is what it is, and I am going to do my best to live in the moment and enjoy the present, not only with Brennan, but with all the people I love.
There are so many unanswered questions. We can sit around wondering about what the vet is going to say on Monday, what is going to happen a month from now, or what is going to happen a year from now. Or, I can follow the advice I got from a good friend this week and make the decision to live in the moment and ignore the "what-ifs." I know, I know, that is easier said than done, but that's what I have decided to do. I don't know if Brennan has six months, one year, or 10 more years. All David and I can do is enjoy our time with him. Brennan is in great spirits - he's eating, drinking, and playing. Right now, he has a great quality of life, and we are going to enjoy this time with him. It is what we should do all the time, regardless of whether it is a family member, friend, or beloved dog. Live in the moment. I am not good at this, as I am a natural worrier. However, I am going to fight those what-ifs and give Brennan as much love as I possibly can every single day.
Don't get me wrong. I am devastated. David is devastated. I have shed a great many tears over this. However, it is what it is, and I am going to do my best to live in the moment and enjoy the present, not only with Brennan, but with all the people I love.
Excellent advice given to you by your friend. We get so caught up in other things and living in the "what ifs" we loose retrospect of the here and now. We're all guilty!!!!! It usually takes illness, tradegy, or something else to give us that wake up call. I pray for you guys in the decisions that will have to be made. Lori Cole
ReplyDeleteI'm so sad, but I agree that trying to avoid the worrying will make things a little easier. It won't be easy, but I'm glad he's feeling good and still being his energetic self. Love you!
ReplyDeleteHang in there, friend, and let us know how the appointment goes today.
ReplyDeleteI can empathize with you and David. Our golden retriever has gone blind in both eyes and has an enlarged spleen. We could spend a lot of money on surgeries for her, but she may not even live through the surgeries. She is not in pain (except when she forgets where she is and runs into things), and seems to be doing okay. That is just a one day at a time deal, but we appreciate her more than ever. Then Molly, our English Pointer had surgery for tumors in the mamory glands. These are almost always malignant. She is doing fine and Mike might get one more hunting season with her. They are both older dogs (11-10), so we are just happy with the time we have left. Keep your chin up and enjoy Brennan for as long as you can.
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