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From Vacation to a sad reality....

Monday, November 12, 2007
I've been avoiding this post like the plague. But, I also wanted to share it with all of my friends. When I returned home from my "lovely" colonoscopy X's 2, I noticed that Charlie's left hind leg was really, really swollen. He was also limping more than normal. (He has bad hips, so he always has a bit of a limp.) I called the vet and got him in right away. Charlie has a lot of fatty lumps all over his body so Rod and I both assumed that he just had another fat lump growing in that muscle. The vet wasn't so sure and ended up doing an x-ray and took some fluid from the area to try to figure out what was going on. She didn't get any definitive answers so we had to keep "The Big Guy" overnight so they could do a biopsy in the morning. The vet was not happy with what she saw. But, we had to wait for the results from the biopsy that had to be sent to the specialist in Colorado. Anyway, the results are back and Charlie has an aggressive form of cancer in his left hind leg. This type of cancer usually goes to the lungs. They tell us he probably has 6-9 months. The only thing we can do is keep him comfortable with pain meds. When it goes to his lungs and he starts coughing and/or he is unable to walk we'll have to tell him goodbye. Right now he's comfortable. He's eating well and is generally his happy, normal self. He spends 90% of his time on the couch (much like his mother!) and is still able to get out and about to "do his thing." So, anyway, such is life.
Thanks for reading.

Annette (and Charlie)

8 comments to From Vacation to a sad reality....:

Jacqniel said...

I am so sorry, Annette. It is hard to think about losing a part of your family. Give Charlie a hug for me.

Di said...

I feel so bad. That is not good news at all. Hopefully Charlie will defy the odds. Tough to get news like that about a pet that is so loved. hugs, di

Jen said...

So sorry to hear about Charlie!!!
Keep him comfortable and hang in there Lady!!!
HUGS,
Jen

paula54 said...

Our Bo had those lumps too. He finally died from bladder cancer. I still miss him and it's almost 2 years. they are just like a family member. Hoping Charlie stays comfortable by his mom for a long time yet!. See you Saturday.

Sue "T" said...

Annette,
I haven't checked the blogs and I am so sorry to say when I did today, I was so terribly sad. I know exactly what you are going through now, knowing your beloved pet is ill.
I hope that he will fool them all and live for a long time yet.
I do not want to put a damper on this honey, but when it is time, you and Rod will know like Bob and I did.
Enjoy him and love him and cuddle him. He is part of you.
I love you sweetie!!!
You need these hugs right now
{{{{{{{{{{hugshugshugs}}}}}}}}}}
Sue

Rosie said...

Hi Annette, so sorry to learn the news on your beloved dog Charlie. We lost our black lab Belle in May of this year...she was a part of our family for over 12 years. I know he'll receive lots of love hanging out on the couch with you! I so enjoyed reading your day by day cruise comments. It was like being on vacation again. The details were awesome. Hugs & love,
Rosie
P.S. Renee had her baby November 7 and she is beautiful!

Colleen said...

Oh Annette, I am so sorry to hear this news about Charlie. This must be so hard. I'll keep you and Rod in my prayers, and Charlie, too.
*HUGS*
Colleen

Mary Lue said...

I've never left comments on blogspots before, so I've had to be guided through the process. I already wrote one comment, and thought it had been sent, so if it was, and I'm repeating myself, please blame it on aging gray matter. Anyhow, I just wanted to say how sorry I was to hear about Charlie, and that I would have said something to you on Monday, had I tuned in earlier. I wish him and his loving family comfort through the (hopefully many)long months ahead. In sympathy, Mary Lue.