Hi friends, today I’m going to explain my medical situation to you all. My family and I are very sad that it is not the outcome we were hoping and praying for, but I am small and mighty and I will not roll over and give up. I am going to fight as long as I can. In the time I have left I hope to be able to have some more good days to go do things with my mom, and hang out with my siblings. Because not everyone follows us on social media, I am going to review briefly the events of the past ten days. The photo above is from Saturday when Mom and I visited Gramma and took a short walk together.
On Thursday, September 26th, everything in life was fine. On Friday morning, I refused to eat and refused dinner as well. Mom found it odd but didn’t really worry about it. Saturday I went to the Scent Work Trial and earned my title, saw a lot of my human friends, ate lots of treats and had a Grand old time. No one noticed anything off about me at all. I was still not eating, so Monday, Mom made an appointment for me to see the vet.
She had an x-ray taken, and blood work done. This is where the trouble begins. My ALP and ALT were so high one sample had to be diluted for the machine to read it. My x-ray showed an enlarged liver and it was hard to tell anything else. Our vet said I needed an ultrasound asap to see what was going on. Mom asked about our scheduled trip to Pennsylvania and she said she would not travel with me and if I did travel I better have a plan as I could get really ill, really fast. Our trip was cancelled. Health is more important than anything.
Now the hard part begins because only a few places do ultrasounds and there is a wait to get an appointment. We were lucky to get one Wednesday morning at the AERC clinic. See the board standing there as we came in? It even has my name on it. The staff was very friendly and kind to me and Mom.
I needed to see an internist and she is wonderful. Both Mom and I like her a lot. She explains things to Mom, and we can tell she is good, smart, and really cares about her patients. My doctor explained what they saw during the procedure and what some possible outcomes might be. After my ultrasound, we would need to wait up to a week for the results, but our doctor said she would call Mom when she received the findings.
Thursday around lunchtime, she called. Unfortunately, my medical situation is not turning out as we hoped. I have liver carcinoma. Normally, this is a good cancer to have as they take out the tumor, liver regenerates, and life is good. Not in my case. This seems to be an aggressive cancer as it is all over in the liver, and most likely has spread as my lymph nodes are swollen too.
Please don’t be upset with us for not spreading the news right away. Mom and I have needed lots of time to process and cry over this whole, horrible, out of the blue situation. I’m only eight. Everything was checked for my emergency surgery nine months ago and was fine. My July physical showed that I was in tip top shape. We never, ever saw this coming.
What the prognosis is, we don’t know yet. Mom needs to talk to the internist again today. We need to decide if an oncologist is the way to go or not. The biggest problem I have is I am not eating. My whole life I have been super thin, so not eating for ten days is not good. Appetite stimulants and nausea meds have not helped. Believe me, Mom has been cooking and buying everything she can think of but most of it I pick at at best and then leave it.
The blog will be continuing on and as always, as Emma wanted, we will mostly post happy, fun things to make people and pups smile. When we know more about how we are going to deal with this horrible disease, we will let you know either on the blog, and/or on our Facebook page. Mom is having a terrible time with this and can’t imagine a life without me in it, so I hope to hang around as long as I can without feeling miserable.
I love all of you, some of whom I’ve known since the day I arrived here, which happens to be eight years ago this coming Saturday, the thirteenth. My life has been awesome with all the opportunities I’ve been given, it’s just a shame I won’t be able to accomplish more. Nelson I worry about, as he is my biggest fan, but my other sisters will have to take more responsibility with him as I need to care for myself now. Most of all, I worry about my mom, but we hope to spend a lot of the time I have left together. I’m still smiling and wagging my tail, so don’t be too sad just yet.
My GBGV Life is joining Comedy Plus for the Awww Mondays Blog Hop.
We were not expecting this new either. We send you and your mom huge hugs, Madison, and to Bailie, Olivia and Nelson as well. We love you all♥
Mom is still totally in shock as it came out of nowhere and blindsided us all. We are all very sad but trying our best to support Madison.
dear madison we hope you can win lots of good times…. we help you to fight for every good day… hugs and powerful kisses…
Thank you. I’m not doing very well.
We are all here to support you in this journey. Sending hugs.
Thank you.
Madison, I will be praying you will eat and have more time. XO
Eating has always been a thing with me and now I really have no interest.
We are not giving in yet. You are a fighter but I cry every time I think of you Mom and the rest of the pack. Try eating some ice cream or cookie dough. Clover and I feel you are part of us and we will be there with you every step of the way.
Thank you. Mom even baked liver for me, but I am not interested. Nelson is going to get fat eating all the things I won’t eat.
We are sending all of our good thoughts, energy and love. We hate cancer. Mom even said a bad word when she read your post this morning.
But we know you are mighty and very very special and your mom is amazing. Thinking of you— your friend Chester and mom
I am small and mighty but even all the strength can’t kick the “C” to the curb. Life is not always fair I guess.
Sending you lots of good vibes! So sorry to hear this.
Thank you.
Dearest Madison, I am so heartbroken to hear that news. I do know you are special and a fighter, so fight, fight, fight. You have the best Mom and the best sisters and brother. They will all be there for you every single day. Hugs and love from all of us.
They are with me so I am not alone, but this disease hit me like a truck and I can’t get out from under it. Try as I might, it is too much for me.
I have leaky eyes, Madison. Big healing hugs to you and tons of hugs to your mom. I know how hard this is.
Thank you for joining the Awww Mondays Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous Awww Monday and week. Scritches all around, more healing hugs to Madison and more hugs to mom. ♥
It is very sad as I have so many things I wanted to do with Mom in the coming years that I won’t be able to do, but I did accomplish a lot in my short life. Mostly I worry about my mom. She isn’t handling this very well.
Madison and Joy I am so sorry to read this medical news. Goodness me I send you both my sincere prayers. Not at all what I expected either. I sure do hope Mom finds something yummy for you to eat. Per chance baby food might appeal to you….easy to digest and not much effort to eat.
Hugs Cecilia
She has made made me all my favorite things but I no longer want them even near me. My tummy doesn’t feel well. It’s very sad around here and that is not fun. We like to be happy and have fun.
sending an abundance of prayers and healing light
Thank you.
Oh Madison, I am so very sorry about this diagnosis and sorry that I can’t ‘like’ this post either but know we’ll be keeping you, your mom and siblings in our thoughts and prayers. Keep smiling, sweet girl and know we’re sending lots of love and positive energy your way. 🙏🏼
Thank you. It is just a terrible thing that is moving so fast we can barely keep up. I’m not feeling well and there isn’t much else that can be done for me.
We are so sorry to hear this news, Madison and Mom. Cancer is an evil disease and it can creep in unseen and unexpectedly. We have had our share of losses due to the evil “C” so we understand all that you and your family are dealing with. We send our strongest Sibe vibes for you to be able to be happy for a good while to come. Please try to eat. We know your Mom is doing all that she possibly can to help you. <<<>>>
Woos – Misty and Timber
Thank you. Mom hasn’t had to deal with it much, only with her first dog and that was a different time and situation. We never imagined anything like this would happen to me, or any of us. It is really hard.
We’re so sorry, sweet Madison and mom. My sibling Pinot had cancer and mom totally understand what you’re going through. But please know that your mom really care about you and her love and support will help. We’re sending you big hugs to you… Juno and mom
Mom and I are pretty tight, and I am very sorry to see her so sad and not able to do anything to make things better. Cancer is something we have not had to deal with and it is ugly.
I am sending prayers up for you and your mom and for all your family. Hugs and love and POTP coming your way today
Thank you.
Oh Madison ~ sending you lots of distant reiki healing energy hugs and love and to your Mom and family ~ I so sad and hoping for some good healthy times for you sweet one ~ hugs and love,
Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
clm ~ A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
We are all very sad that time is about up with this nasty disease. It did too much damage before showing itself to my mom. Repair is not in the cards. Thank you for being a friend.
You don’t know us but we read about you on the CB and wanted to come over and lend support. We have been there in the “not good news” category and so feel great empathy for you. There is nothing worse in the whole world. Seize every day and enjoy every smile and cuddle.
Woofs, Purrs and Neighs,
All of us at The Poupounette
Thank you so much for your kind words. It is a horrible situation to be in, but we are in it and doing our best to use the time we still have.
I’m so very sorry. I’ve been in your shoes, with my first collie, Lad. Different type of cancer, but very aggressive. It’s been 13 years since we lost him at 7 years old. I hope you have more time with your girl, and I hope she gets her appetite back.
The outlook is very bleak at this point. It hit me out of the blue and is very fast moving. We are enjoying the time we still have together.
We are so gladMama has “known” you since your Mom brought you home, Madison. You have always been such a good example for your younger siblings and a good little sister to Bailie. We are sending lots of POTP in hopes you get your appetite back, we know your Mom would love as many Madison cuddles as she can get.
Sending our love to you and your Mom(and your siblings),
Rosy, Sunny & Beth
Thank you all. I remember meeting at BlogPaws when I was a youngster. I’m still not old and that is the worst part of this thing. There is so much left to do, and no time to do it. Hope my mom can survive, she is quite upset.
Oh! the blood is running cold in my veins as I read this! Madison, I am so sorry! Joy, I am devastated for YOU!!! Prayers, hugs, warm fuzzies. I’m very glad you liked the vet. Maybe se Can pull a rabbit out of the hat for you – ALL!
We wish there would be a mistake or a miracle, but it is pretty much a fact that can’t be changed. The next days we will spend together enjoying what we can hanging out together.
Dear Joy (and all) … we are having major internet (in and out) issues, so this must be brief. Just know we love Madison, love all of you and are heartbroken to read this, but will hold you close in prayer that perhaps some good news will come your way. Will watch closely as best we can, hoping for the best for your beautiful girl. Ann and June
Thank you. Time will be short but we are using every minute we have to be together. I will miss all my friends in person and online and mostly my mom. She will need the help more than I do I think.
Joy, our English Setter Jack is recovering from cancer and he absolutely loves his new cancer diet, it’s Chi Dog Food…here is their website…. https://chidog.com It’s created by a husband/wife vet team here in California…special diets for special health issues as well as keeping healthy dogs healthy…it’s lightly cooked, then frozen and shipped….they have been really helpful in helping me find the right diet for Jack
I’ve been eating raw and loving it for several years now. At this point, the cancer has done so much to my insides, I am nauseous and medicines don’t help me much. Chemo won’t help me much either. It is a terrible place to be in.
purrzzzz….madison
Sending purrayers and Power of the Paw as well as some Moose Magic – which doesn’t only work for Elkhounds.
We are searching for a miracle, but doubt it will come. Until I can no more, I will cherish time with my family.
Sending hugs and prayers for everyone 🙏🏻❤️
Thank you.
I’m so sorry! Sending lots of love to you and your family, and hoping that you have many good days ahead!
Thank you.
My heart aches for you and your mom sweet Madison. Joy – I know will cherish your time with your little girl.
You are in my prayers. Sending all of you hugs.
We wish we had more time. This is all so very sudden and fast moving. I’m going to miss my mom a lot.
Oh Madison and Joy…. I don’t know what to say other than I get it, and my heart is breaking for you. Sending you lots of love and hugs from Tennessee. We love you so very much.
Thank you.
Madison, I am so sorry to hear your news. You and your mom will be in my prayers. I have lost precious pets and close friends to cancer, and I have personally fought the battle and won, but cancer can be a most deceptive adversary. Madison, I know your mom has given you the best life you could possibly live and you have enriched her life beyond her dreams. Fight the good fight and finish the race strong, as only you can do. Lucy sends you her very best hugs.
Thank you so much. I don’t want things to end so soon, but maybe there is a bigger plan for me to work on. Mom is going to be sad for a long time but I will stay in her heart.
I’m so, so sorry to hear this news. Sending bucket loads of purrs and prayers that you have many, many, many more days filled with the love of your family.
Thank you.
Your mother never, ever under any circumstance needs to feel badly about not sharing news sooner or any such thing. Share what you want when you can, it’s that simple, and know you are all loved and in my prayers.
Mom loves me so much and I love her. I’ve been very lucky to have a home that has given me so much love and opportunity, but it appears someone has other plans for me.
Oh no…Madison, this is the last thing I expected to read about tonight. I know you’re a strong girl and you’re a fighter. Sending lots of love and POTP to you and hopefully the good dogters will be able to find a good treatment plan for you. Sending lots of hugs to your Mom too. I know what she’s going through right now.
Thank you. I am not doing well, and it is very sad around our house right now.
Sadly, there is no treatment for this very fast moving, aggressive carcinoma. I am cherishing the time I have.
Our hearts are breaking for y’all. Cancer is a nasty disease. You hang in there sweetheart. We love you!
It is a real nasty thing that really hit me like a fast moving truck and there is nothing we can do. We are taking it one day at a time.
;truly heabrtreaking praying for a mirac;le
Sadly, there won’t be a miracle. Mom has tried everything she could think of to find someone who could help us but it is not going to happen.
We are so, so sorry to hear about Madison. Please do not be sorry for waiting to share the news. You need time to process all of this. We are all here to support you and shower you with love. We pray that something can be done to make Madison as happy and comfortable as possible. Sending hugs and love and purrs.
Thank you.