Yesterday I took Maxine and Teddi to the vet. I highly suspected Miss Teddster had another UTI and sure enough she does. We put her on antibiotics, my vet prescribed Cephalexin as you can get it free at Meijers! and we did a blood panel to be sure there is no reason for these to keep recurring.
I took Max in because we found a lump in her mouth on the right side back by her back molar on the inside. Hard to find not sure how we did. Anyway we saw it last week and took her in. My vet took one look and said "that does not look good!" 
He tried to swab it but that didn't do anything. So we did a pre operative blood panel and Maxine is going to have a biopsy done. He strongly feels it is cancer 
No not my Max!!! He thinks, and hopes he is wrong (me too) it is either a melanoma, a squameous cell tumor (did I put that down right?) or a fiberous tumor. When he does the biopsy if they can take it out they will. If not he said there is a good oncologist surgeon not far away he will recommend. He said it may involve more than surgery. We can't do that. We can't afford it first of all, and secondly I don't know I could put any dog through that. They do not understand what is happening. Not even my Maxine who is the air I breathe. I am so scared. I can't imagine my life with out her.
I know I am jumping the gun. We don't know anything yet. She is just so very very special to me, words can not describe how I feel about her. Right now I know she is healthy and fine. She is energetic, sound, wants to run and play so I see all that as good signs. It is in her mouth and she has not shown any discomfort about eating, and knowing her history and not eating I think she would. I am so worried about her. We had a deal, she was to be the oldest golden retriever ever, I believe the record is held by a dog named Max who made it to 18 1/2. Max only has 7 more years to break his record. No pressure. 
Keep my Maxine in your thoughts. I will update when I know more.