(mis)Adventures with Marlie the Greyhound

This has been a tough week.  Last Tuesday we met with our oncologist to discuss our next steps– hubby and I decided to forego trying other methods of chemo or cancer meds and instead focus on keeping our baby happy during her last weeks.  Of course, armed with a list of questions and info I have from reading the Tripawds site, I asked about a cough suppressant and a pain killer.  She was put on hydrocodone syrup and a steroid based painkiller that comes in a liquid form.  Marlie is eating even less than before and it seems the only way I can get her to take her meds is via yogurt.  I can tell she isn’t feeling any pain on the meds, but I also know they upset her tummy and make her not want to eat.  She is losing weight at an alarming rate.

I’d like to say we have a good prognosis– but we don’t. I asked our vet where the mets were located ( after reading that where they are in the lungs can determine life expectancy) and was hit with the news that she has over 60 to 100 mets spread throughout her lungs.  Even worse, we have noticed a lump on her front shoulder and another one on her jaw in the last few days.  Its moving fast and angry.

Luckily work hasn’t been too busy this last week so I have been able to spend some extra time with my little princess. She still loves a good ear rub and her ears prick up when you talk to her.  Getting up has been tough for her, but she still sits up when I get h0me or when she hears the doorbell.  This morning I was able to get her outside for when the neighbourhood daycare class came by– she loooves saying hi to them all and she was wagging her tail ( maybe the first time in days) as they all petted her and said hello.  I wish I could have grabbed my camera, but i was worried that she might fall over and wanted to support her.  (Luckily the weather has been nice so I don’t look too crazy going outside in my housecoat and slippers!)

I know her days are getting numbered and me and hubby are keeping track of her ‘good days’ and ‘bad days’.  I don’t think she’s going to be with us in the physical form for much longer..but we are taking it day by day.

In case the next time I post on here I forget, thank you to all the posters, commenters, and fellow tripawd owners we have connected with through this page.  It has been good for me and Marlie to have stories to read when we are going through some of the many ups and downs we have encountered.  Tripawds is a great community and I have learned more from you all then what it is like to have a three legged dog.  I think once a day I say to myself “Be More Dog” and smile– truly words to live by.