Dog Community

Posted : 5/31/2007 10:29:52 PM

[font="arial, helvetica, sans-serif"][size=2]We spoke to doctor about the treatment options. He stated the best option is surgery 6 weeks of radiation and chemo. However he doesn't believe Rich is healthy enough for the surgery. It would involve removing most of the front of his tongue and removing lymph nodes from both sides of his neck. He would have a trach and feeding tube. With all of his other health problems Rich and I discussed it and feel its too much. We decided on comfort mesures and hospice
We didn't board the dogs for the trip. I went to drop them off and the reception room smelled so bad I ran out of there gagging. Then she refused to show me where the dogs would be staying, My best friend came to our rescue and checked on them 3 times during the day and spent the night here with them. She is an angel.[/size][/font]

jessies_mom

Posted : 5/31/2007 10:32:18 PM

I'm so sorry; I'll be praying for you.

ottoluv

Posted : 5/31/2007 10:33:58 PM

I'm so sorry you are going through this, may you both have peace and enjoy your time together. You will be in my prayers. It sounds like you have great friends too.

marty_ga

Posted : 6/1/2007 7:03:06 AM

You both will remain in my prayers...(((hugs))).

cakana

Posted : 6/1/2007 11:50:02 AM

I'm very sorry and I will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers.

bragg1120

Posted : 6/1/2007 1:27:06 PM

I'm so sorry... we'll continue to keep you guys in our prayers. And you're right, what an angel your friend is for taking care of your dogs while you were away... at least that was one thing you didn't have to worry about.

tacran

Posted : 6/1/2007 7:24:56 PM

I'm so very sorry you and Rich are facing this. It sounds like you've made the best decision, and now you can focus on being as present as possible in each other's company, along with the comfort of family and friends. Your sweet dogs will provide gentle and peaceful support, too. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

pofi_pasquale

Posted : 6/2/2007 9:41:44 PM

So very sorry, Julie, the outlook wasn't what we all had hoped for. Wishing for you and Rich peaceful, gentle, light filled days with the comfort of family, friends and your dogs as you travel this path. I will be thinking of you.

spiritdogs

Posted : 6/7/2007 7:05:08 AM

I'm very sorry the news was not what you had hoped. This touches all of us at idog, and we hope you will lean on us if you need to. Feel free to PM any time.

janobonano

Posted : 6/8/2007 4:52:15 PM

I'm so sorry you're going through this. Sending prayers, comforting hugs and nuzzles.

Debbie R

Posted : 6/8/2007 6:26:19 PM

Oh sweetie my heart is breaking for you. Try to enjoy every minute of each other and life, I think that is the decision I would have made. We are here for you. And hospice is a Godsend.
Sending Pap kisses and prayers your way.

amylu

Posted : 6/9/2007 9:38:19 AM

Juliekay,

We're so sorry to hear about Rich's health crisis. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Stay strong.

juliekay

Posted : 6/9/2007 11:46:57 PM

We spoke to the doctor about comfort measures and hospice when necessary. I was really hoping he would say it was too early for hospice. He didn't. Our first visit with hospice will be Tuesday. He prescribed Vicodin 1-2 tabs every for hours for pain. Before he didn't want him taking anymore than 1 every eight hours because of his liver problems. He gave him lidocaine gel to numb his mouth and when Rich spoke about stopping smoking the doctor said "really whats the point" That was hard to take but can see his point why make himself miserable attempting to quit. It just made the end sound much closer than I was ready for. Thanks for the support and letting me vent.

mrv

Posted : 6/10/2007 6:10:07 AM

Hospice will be a blessing I think.... With my sister's leukemia, it was hospice that helped us take joy where we found it and ease pain. Hospics is more about philosophy how to live your life than a time line. I hope that your experience matches ours.

glenmar

Posted : 6/10/2007 6:57:13 AM

Oh hon! I'm just now catching up on this thread. You are in my heart and thots and prayers, and if you need me, you know where I am.

You will deal with this in the way that is best for you and no one else can know what that way is. Do what feels right and when you need to cry, when you need to rant, come here. Or email me. The time that you have left together is a wonderful Gift and I hope that it will be a gentle and loving time for you both.

We are here for you. Please know that.

I'm afraid after today our liefs will never be the same