Matilda is a cheerful girl, and since her chemo stopped, in June, has been very lively, and hungry. She has been eating up a storm. She is also fragile. Her legs are weak, and her breathing isn’t great. She might have laryngeal paralysis. (She is thirteen and a half). But she enjoys her walks in the neighborhood and loves to go into a sniffing trance around flowers and grasses. Every person walking the sidewalk must be hers. Even when her long toothpick legs will hardly carry her any further, she must meet yet another person or dog.
I’m happy even when I sleep, and I love Kessie!
At home she enjoys her many dog beds and treats, as well as lots of neck and ear “scritches”. She loves her siblings, Livvie and Kessie, and adores having visitors. Her quality of life is good.
She began limping a few days ago. This always signals anxiety for the guardian of a dog who has had cancer. She was due for her monthly post-chemo-remission check-up, and it was discovered that her right shoulder was sore. Her oncology vet wanted to do X-rays. The wait was excruciating. At the end of the day, literally, her doctor told us that there was no obvious evidence of fracture or bony tumors. What was observed was decreased bone density in her shoulder (in the humerus). The orthopedic evaluation revealed right shoulder laxity. Pain medication was prescribed. The radiologist report was pending. Of note also was that she had lost weight, even though she had been eating very well.
This is Coby, my boyfriend. He came to visit me, but we ignored each other because Kessie was disapproving, and turned into a demon.
When she got home, she was no longer limping.
Today she is no longer limping, but apparently the radiology report has come in, and although I have not spoken with the vet yet, I was able to get the following information : The radiologist is concerned that the decreased bone density in her shoulder might be due to a cancerous process. The humerus, where the area is located, was not painful, but parts of her shoulder were painful upon palpation. Tomorrow we will speak to discuss how to proceed.
I am so sad that this might be a recurrence of her Lymphoma, or some other cancer. Maybe not? As I write this, Matilda is playing with Livvie and Kessie. It seems so odd that the process that could take her down might be traveling through her body at the very moment she plays with her siblings with such joy. I took a phone video of this loping about. I hope that I will be able to put it on this post, but if not, I hope I always have it. I look at this beautiful soul, this furry creature, and wonder how we develop these powerful attachments, these magical connections.
what can be said?
You are so brave. I’ve been there and know how hard it is to keep cheerful when all the time your heart is slowly breaking. Tilly and you are making the best of everything. My thoughts are with you on this journey together.
Thank you so much.
The main thing is that she is happy and not worried. As long as she is not in pain, things are good. We pray that the cancer is not back but if it is, all you can do is enjoy each other as long as you can. Cancer stinks for anyone or creature. We are thinking of you.
Yes, you are right.
I ove Tillie…. she is one of the sweetest souls I know in the world. I hope her mom, (hi terry), will be able to find out a way to help Tillie at this time in her precious life…..
I wrote two pretty identical comments by mistake…. that’s ok, double triple love u tillie
thank you rafaela.
I love Tillie, She is one of the sweetest souls in the world…. I hope her mom (hi terry) will find a way to help her in this part of her precious life….. love from aunt Rafaela
My sweet Mattie, its Coby (my mom is typing for me). I am thinking of you, I will make plans to see you again very soon! Keep your pretty head up, you are a fighter!
So sad
Oh dear, I really hope these shoulder issues aren’t a recurrence of her lymphoma (or any other cancer).
I’m glad that she has stopped limping for the time being and seems to be enjoying herself in general, but that doesn’t stop Mom’s worry.
Many prayers and healing thoughts for you, sweet Matilda. Fingers, toes, and paws crossed for all of you.
Thank you Pam
I’m sorry! Our cancer battle this summer was very short, and it is a scary thing to confront. I know you and Matilda have fought quite a battle together. Please know that we’ll support you know matter what happens and what you decide. I’d hate for you to feel alone in your decision, and it’s such an isolating thing! We are hoping for the news that Matilda is just having some arthritis and that it’s not something serious!
Thank you.
Hope Matilda’s shoulder isn’t as serious as cancer. Glad she’s playing and happy.
Thank you Jan
I’m so so sorry. How scary for you. I hope your follow up visit went well, and that it did NOT turn out to be any type of cancer at all.
Glad she is no longer limping and is enjoying life in general! That’s the most important thing to keep in mind as any dog ages. Quality of life matters so much, and it sounds as if she is having a grand old go of it.
Thank you so much