Rollercoaster of Emotions

In late May, Keith and I noticed that Lila's back foot was pink. I washed her foot hoping that maybe it would help. Unfortunately, it just worsened as the days went by. So we took her into the vet expecting the worst. I was certain he was going to say that the cancer has traveled to her other foot. To my surprise, it was just a yeast infection in her foot most likely due to allergies. The vet wrote her a prescription for steroids and we thought everything was going to be fine and dandy. About four days later, we woke up to her peeing on the bedroom floor. Lila hasn't done that since she was puppy so I we knew something was wrong. Then she probably went to the bathroom about 30 other times that day. She was also peeing out blood. Poor Lila! So we made an appointment with the vet that day and we were told that most likely it was a bladder infection, but a urinalysis was taken just in case. So she very soon after her first dose of medication she wasn't having any potty problems, so again I thought we were golden. Then the I get a call today that she needs blood work done ASAP because she could possibly have cancer or auto immune disease. I had to bring her in as soon as I got home today. After that phone call I just stood in my kitchen and began to cry. I prayed to god that Lila's blood work would be positive. Thank you god for my gift. Tests turned out to be okay. What a rollercoaster! I try not to get so emotional, but she just means so much to me. She brightens my days and is so deserving of a good life. I feel so fortunate that she has been with us for over 7 months after her diagnosis. I honestly never thought she would make it this far. She is full of life and I just hope she continues to be her crazy, lovable self.

Heart filled with Happiness!!!

The weekend of our wedding we had to put both Burnie and Lila in the kennel, since no one would be able to watch them.While at the vet, Lila was getting a chest x-ray. About an hour before I was about to walk down the aisle the vet called and I told the vet, "Please don't tell me anything yet, I am about to get married." I was a little nervous about hearing the results when we picked them up. So we were on a high from our wedding and I was convinced the news was going to be bad. I was told that especially since she was young that the cancer would spread even faster. The average dog with this kind of cancer that has received the treatments that Lila has received lives an average of 9 months. However, I just had this feeling that I was about to receive some crappy news.

To my surprise when I asked the vet he said there was no sign of cancer in her chest! I couldn't believe it! I asked, "So... nothing.. absolutely nothing?" He said, "No". With all the emotion I was feeling I couldn't help but cry. So then all the office staff began to cry. It was a pretty emotional moment. I am so thankful! I really hope she beats the odds.. she is pretty incredible!

She is still very full with spirit and energy! Each day I am so thankful she gets to happily bounce around. Even though this has been hard to handle, it is just a great reminder of what is really important in life.

Last Chemo!!!

We made it! Yesterday was Lila's last session of chemotherapy! It has almost been 3 months since her diagnosis and things are looking all clear. :-) Doctor at AVS says she looks amazing and her lungs sound great. I hope with all my heart that she can beat this! I know she is bound to have some arthritis down the road, but as of right now she isn't on any pain killers and is a crazy, bouncing maniac. The only time she is a little not herself is about 24 hours after chemo... like right this moment she is in our bed lounging. By tomorrow she will be back to her maniac ways! :-)

So where do we go from here? Sometime soon she will need a chest x-ray to make sure it hasn't spread to her lungs. We will watch for any lameness in any of her other limbs. Then we pray she stays her happy self for as long as she can. I will keep posting with any new updates the best I can.. but as most of you know.. I'm getting married in less than 2 months.. so things are getting a little crazy. Look for more videos and pictures soon to come!

Christmas Pictures

Merry Christmas!

It has been almost 2 months since Lila's diagnosis. My best Christmas present this year is having Lila with us this year. For a while there, we didn't know if we would be able to afford everything, but I guess we did it anyway. There are just some things that are more important than debt. I know somehow someway we will make it. Even if it means getting summer jobs.

I hope we can spend many more happy, healthy Christmases together! :-) She seems to be back to herself again. There are of course are certain things that are a little more challenging for her. There are times I just smile and watch her because I am so proud of her. I know it can't be easy, but she doesn't let her handicap get in her way. Just yesterday, Burnie, our greyhound began to charge off with a toy. Lila saw this and charged right after him and stole the toy right from his mouth. He was so stunned that he just stood in confusion. I'm so blessed to have my sweet girl her with me for another amazing Christmas! Christmas pictures are soon to come!

Merry Christmas!

Playful

December 19th, 2010