Sunday, July 15, 2012

When It Rains, It Pours



I have the best followers.  You’ve all been so kind and supportive following the death of my beloved dog, Maleah.  Her death followed three weeks of declining health where I was constantly on alert, worrying, and tending to her physical needs.  When she passed, I took a deep breath and relaxed—finally.  I didn’t have to worry any more.  It was over.

Only it wasn’t.  Not by a long shot.  One week after she died, her mate, my big male Malamute, Jack, developed a serious condition, which has since become life-threatening.  A tumor appeared, literally overnight, at the top of his left front leg.  It’s like his body is sprouting another leg or something.  It took a whole day to get in to see his vet.  I agreed when they suggested it be surgically removed, but they couldn’t schedule him in until six days later. 


The next day, I called them back and asked them to bump up his surgery because the tumor was growing, exponentially.  So they moved it up to Tuesday, then Monday.  I’ve been a basket case of nerves since last week.  His tumor is now a bursting bloody mess.  I have to wipe it down, disinfect, and spray Bactine on it every 30 minutes or so.  Bandaging it rips the skin from the surface, so right now, it’s an exposed blob.  He’s wearing a cone so he can’t lick it, but he’s in pain, and I just can’t take it anymore, all the crying, the worrying, wondering if he’s gonna make it. 

I simply don’t have it in me to write much more than this pathetic post.  I’m at my wits end.  I hope to get back to writing and commenting soon, but that’s not gonna happen this week.  His recovery will require my attention.  But at least, I hope he’ll be on the road to recovery.  I’ll try to update this post with a progress report or two following his operation.

For now though, I just want to say how much I appreciated your kind words, virtual hugs, and prayers last week.  I hate to say I need them one more time, but I do.  I really, really do.  I just can't live without this big, silly creature, and I can't stand for him to live one more day in pain.  Thank you.


CONDITION UPDATE:

After a tortuous wait with lots of whining (Jack, not me,) Jack finally had his surgery.  The surgical assistant came and took him away, and all the while, Jack screamed like he was being drawn and quartered.  I think this is a result of a bad experience he had after breaking his other leg (which later abscessed) a year or so before we adopted him.  He has a significant fear of hospitals.  But he sailed through his procedure with no adverse affects from the anesthesia.  


He had a sizable chunk of the tissue on his upper front left leg taken off, just in case the tumor was cancerous, which in all likelihood it was.  Now it's a wait-and-see scenario.  He's still whining non-stop as I try to manage his pain, but he's a helluva lot better than he was a few days ago.  Thank you all for your additional prayers and kind thoughts.  It's helped make this horrible experience that much more bearable.  God bless!   
           

26 comments:

JeffO said...

I'm really sorry to hear that, Nancy. I'll send more good thoughts your way and hope tomorrow's surgery goes well.

raydenzel1 said...

you have my doggie thoughts.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

You have my prayers, Nancy. Imagine a big virtual hug around you too.

Natalie Aguirre said...

So very sorry for all you're going through Nancy. Just take care of yourself and don't worry about blogging until things settle down and you're up to it. I hope everything works out for your dog and you.

raymond alexander kukkee said...

Awe, Nancy, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved pup and the NEW trouble. I care deeply for animals and hate to see them suffering. Please know that you are not alone, most pet owners can identify with the worry, the pain, and empathy you feel with your beautiful dog. Hugs to you, seriously--I do hope he gets better soon, what a beautiful pup! I call most dogs pups...and love'em all. Take care, and know you are cared about! ~R

S.P. Bowers said...

I hope all goes well with the surgery. I'm hoping for the best for you and your family. Good luck.

mshatch said...

I, too, hope the surgery goes well and Jack is back to usual happy self asap.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

In my prayers as well. One more day. You both can make it.

Colleen said...

My hopes and good wishes for you and your beautiful dog.

D.G. Hudson said...

Hang in there, you're doing this for your fur-child. That's what a writer friend calls her three dogs. Hope Jack is better soon.

Melodie Wright said...

Argh. How awful for you both. May the surgery be fast and solve the problem!

Lisa Regan said...

As you know, I'm sending you, Jack and your family lots and lots of prayers for a smooth surgery and recovery!

Luanne G. Smith said...

Oh, wow, I really hope your poor guy will be okay. Such a heartbreaker. It's just the saddest thing when our pets get sick. We love them as a member of the family. ((hugs)).

Carrie Butler said...

Praying for you and Jack. <3

Pearson Report said...

I'm holding you and Jack close in my talks with the Universe; sending you both positive thoughts.

Hugs, Jenny

Fairview said...

So sorry to hear. Also sending positive thoughts to Jack and to you.

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear that, Nancy. I'll be praying for a speedy recovery and for you to remain strong.

Donna K. Weaver said...

Oh, Nancy, I'm so sorry! I'm sending all kinds of positive vibes heavenward. *hugs*

Emily R. King said...

You poor thing! That's a lot all at once. I hope the operation goes smoothly and he makes a full recovery!

~Sia McKye~ said...

OMG, how awful for you! I have Great Danes and I went through a period of intense nursing and loss. It's so hard, Nancy. It exhausting and heart breaking. I hate to see them in pain and they look to you to make it better and you feel like suck failure.

I hope the vet can also tell you WHY and WHAT is causing this.

Hugs, darlin', lots of hugs.

Sia McKye OVER COFFEE

Nicole Pyles said...

I'm so sorry Nancy. Pets are family and its devastating to see a family member in such pain. You will definitely be in my thoughts and prayers.

Nicky Wells said...

Oh sweetie, I am so sorry to hear that. I don't know what else to say, really, other than I'm sending you hugs, and you're in my prayers. x

Chuck said...

Nancy you are a very strong pet momma. I am glad the surgery went well and hope Jack make a full recovery. Going through this trauma twice is too much. I guess that's why my wife and I keep our dogs several years apart in age.

Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy said...

Oh, I am so sorry that you have been going through all of this, and about the death of your sweetie. We lost our 8 year old lab of a lung tumor in December. It happened so fast, he didn't feel well for about a week and when took him in it turned out to be his last day.

I am so glad that your boy is healing up. Sending prayers for you all.

Kathy M.

Heather M. Gardner said...

So glad this is turning out well for you and your beautiful puppy.
Heather

StratPlayerCJF said...

Oh wow. I've been away for most of July and I just saw your previous post and commented on it, and now reading this one. Jeez! I'm very glad that he came through it, and I really hope that both he and you are doing much, much better!

He (and you) have my thoughts and prayers for healing!