UPDATE--It's a fatty tumor (not cancer), but because it's on her throat, she will probably have to go to a specialist for the surgery. The surgery will probably be her Hanukkah present this year. --------------------------------------
Robin realized this morning that Cleo (my 6 year old black lab) was coughing. Fearing that something was caught in her throat, I took her to the vet. The vet looked down her throat and it was clear. While feeling Cleo's throat, she felt a mass somewhere by her thyroid. That was enough to prompt some x-rays. The x-rays revealed a mass that is beginning to choke off her trachea and is therefore causing the coughing. They did a biopsy and the results should arrive in a few days.
The vet said that it could be one of 2 things--a fatty mass (a growth of sorts) or doggie cancer. Fortunately, the x-rays didn't show that it has spread anywhere. We won't know anything until the tests come back.
I have to say that it was particularly tough for me to hear. It's bad enough that I have cancer--but to hear that my dog may have it too was really hard to hear. I was an emotional mess after the vet visit. This dog has been my buddy and companion. She was an absolute terror when she was young and my father in law warned me that a lab doesn't get "good" until they're 2 or 3 years old. He was so right. Fortunately she and I both survived her early doggie childhood. Now she's older and mellowed out a lot. She's a great dog and has really developed a great personality with age.
I'll post to the blog after I hear from her vet. Also, I'm doing great and have a CT scan schedule for Monday. It's a routine cancer-patient thing. We'll be looking for no new cancer. It's a no-news-is-good-news kind of thing.
15 comments:
I know that this was a very tough day for you as well as all of us that love you so much. I have become very fond of Cleo in the past few years. Cleo has turned out to be a very good dog and family member.
I think that we need to try to keep positive thoughts and not give up on her because we will not know anything until the lab results are back.
Our family has been attacked by that evil cancer a lot but we will not let it beat us. Just like my shirt says we are Stronger Then Cancer.
Love From, Dad
Tim, so sorry to hear about Cleo, sometimes our dogs are what carry us through rough times they are such faithful friends. Jim and I keep you in our prayers always and know you will overcome.
Jori
I wonder if they sell doggie shirts that say that.
Tim Robin, Erica, Bowie and Cleo, Uncle Frank, myself and the rest of our family are praying for all of you. I know how upsetting it is to learn that Cleo "may" have cancer. Keep in mind hat you told me last night "MAY" When you were younger our dog Nellie got breast cancer and beat it twice. She did have to have two mastectomy surgeries, and this bought her years. She did not have dogie chemo although if we had to find away depending on what the side effects would have been I know we would have done that for her. That is us. We each handle this type of family crisis in our own way. We do what we have to do for the loves of our lives. You all are ALWAYS in our hearts, thoughts and prays. Never give up and never give up prayers or God. May God be with you all and all that love and care about you in this yet more unbelievably difficult time. We are here always for wharever you may need as a sounding board, to drop off Erica,what ever your family needs. Forever in our prayers. LOve Aunt Sue, Uncle Frank and the rest of the gang
If Cleo will wear a shirt, I can embroider it for Cleo and your other dog.....
Let me know.
Jori
I've never put a shirt on here. I don't think that it would bother her--she's pretty happy-go-lucky. Typical Labrador retriever.
Cleo is one beautiful dog. We'll pray for her; God answers prayers for animals, doesn't He?
I imagine so. Perhaps some barking during prayers. I'll ask Cleo how she prays. Also, I'm not 100% sure of her religion, but I suspect that she's also Jewish.
Tim, I am sure that she is Jewish because she was welcomed and loved by her Jewish family, and I have never seen her eat bacon.
Love, Dad
OK Tim We love your Dad's last comment. And we must second that, we too have never seen Cleo eat bacon. Even if she would want to sneak some bacon we know she would never do that now....during the High Holidays. May God Bless your Robin, Erica, Miss Cleo and little Mr Bowie today and always. LOve Aunt Sue and Uncle Frank
Well, you all should know if she's Jewish. Did you throw her a Bark Mitzvah?
Yes, I know that she eats Kosher and I think that she barks in Hebrew. I don't think that she has cloven hooves. But I don't think that she goes to temple.
Glad the news is good, even if it means surgery. Seems Labs are prone to those fatty tumors.
Hi Tim -
YAY on a fatty tumor! Isn't it interesting how our perspective changes given different circumstances.
Also, great haircut. Some days I wish it were more fashionable for women to have short haircuts. You look great and it's wonderful that you continue to do so well.
Sorry to not have written more lately. This little keypad has actually cut me back on time spent at a computer, which I guess is good? I read a lot, just don't reply so well.
Marlene
PS I'll take any leftover bacon.
Tim isn't it interesting how popular Cleo's blog article is, lots of clever comments. Keeping good thoughts for you, Cleo, your girls and Bowie too. LOve Aunt Sue and Uncle Frank
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