I didn’t sleep last night because today was ultrasound and chemo day for Lydia, and it’s always troublesome to think of what might show up. Tonight though, I’ll sleep like a baby. The news we got from her vet was great! Her cancer is still in remission. Dr. H. and I talked about the options (yet again) and I’ve decided to just stay the course with the chemo, at least for a while. So far Lydia’s blood work looks good and she tolerates the chemo quite well. She has a little nausea for a couple days afterwards, but with some anti-nausea meds and plenty of attention she’s a pretty happy dog.

While I was at the vet’s office I met a couple who’s 13 year old dog was in to see Dr. H. Their dog Kona, who is a very sweet black mixed breed, just recently had a few tumors pop up…and pretty much overnight. He was fine one day, then the next day his people noticed a big baseball sized growth on his neck and another smaller one on his ear. It turns out Kona has some type of rare cancer that attacks the lymph nodes, but to look at him you certainly wouldn’t know it.

Right now Kona’s people are trying to decide if chemo is the right thing for him or not. Because he is an older dog they’re trying to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of anything they decide to do. Do they keep him happy and comfortable for as long as they can (which may only be a few months) or do they go the chemo route and hope for another year? That’s a tough decision…very tough.

With Lydia it was pretty much a no-brainer that we would fight the cancer since she’s young and strong. Would I have chosen differently if she were 13 when she was diagnosed? I’m honestly not sure. I’ve had older dogs and treated them for various illnesses and know how hard it can be on them. On the other hand, I want my best friends with me for as long as possible. But on the other hand (do I have 3 hands?) I’d have to think of the whole quality vs. quantity issue. My head spins just thinking about it. I know Kona’s people are undoubtedly dealing with some head spinning as they try to decide what’s best for their boy. As they said, Kona is family. With that in mind, whatever they decide it won’t be done lightly and I know it’ll be the right decision based on love, compassion, and thoughtful consideration. I hope they know that too.

I wish you all the best, Kona. I know you’re in good hands.

Finally, a big thank you to everyone who continues to watch Lydia’s progress, pray for her, send good thoughts her way, and ask about her from time to time. It means more to me than I could ever say. Thank you!

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