It's interesting how easily you can fall back into a routine; how easily you can take for granted the obvious blessing you've been given. When Lulu was diagnosed with osteosarcoma back in August of '06 we were told that with the amputation and the chemo she'd have about a year to live –- osteosarcoma eventually jumps to another area of the body, usually the lungs, no matter when you catch it. They say, once you've found it, the cancer has most probably already metastasized, which is really just a big word for ticking time bomb.
Well, a year passed (we celebrated), than another year passed (we quietly celebrated, not wanting to jinx anything). Over the past 2+ years Lulu's situation went from being my number one priority and concern to being a thing of the past. While always in the back of my head, I slowly was able to refocus my energy back to work and helping others (including the feral feline population in New York). Being able to put worries to the side is a great survival mechanism.
I have a friend that says, "As soon as you stop worrying, the shit hits the fan," and in a way I suppose that's what has happened...
On Saturday February 21st, while on a walk, Lulu started to walk very, very slowly. The BF and I investigated and found nothing to be in her paws, but she whined anytime we touched her sides, and then began to shake. Over the next few days I watched her continue to shake on and off, grow less and less interested in food, and become incredibly lethargic. On Friday I finally made the call to the vet. It took me that long to come to grips with the fact that we had to go. You have to understand that going to the vet these days is like playing Russian roulette. You just don't know what you're going to be told. What decisions you're going to have to make. It's one of the most dreadful calls you can make. It didn't help that neither of my fave doctors was in. In these circumstances, it's imperative to have someone who knows the situation there, but you take what you can get in these times of crisis.
At the vets Lulu got a full exam, x-rays and bloodwork. Nothing was seen by the doctors via the x-ray, but during the exam they found that any pressure on Lulu's abdomen caused a ton of pain. Bloodwork showed some irregularities, but nothing they could pinpoint. $400 later, it was a mystery. We were sent to VERG, a nearby ER and vet specialist to get an ultrasound of her belly. Do you feel nauseous yet from the anticipation? I really thought I was going to faint that day.
At VERG an ultrasound didn't show anything, but the doc did see something on the x-ray the other doctor missed. Another round of x-rays to make sure it wasn't a fluke confirmed that one of Lulu's vertebrae's seemd to be slightly eaten away. The osteosarcoma it seems has jumped not to her lungs, but her spine. The affected vertebra was inflammed, causing pain that Lulu was mostly feeling on her sides. Luckily there's a solution here, albeit who knows its longevity. Because the site is inoperable (plus at her age -- almost 15! –– there is no way I'll be putting her through anything more) the best path is pain management. Lulu is now on a daily dose of 'roids and pain relief via Tramadol. The 'roids and the pain meds have done wonders. She's eating greedily once again, getting up and running over when I come home, and asking to be taken on longer walks than usual -- drugs are good!
The vet informed us that there is no way of predicting how long the medications will keep her comfortable. She could live the rest of her life expectancy comfortably on the medication or things may decline rapidly. There's no way of knowing. What keeps me sane is remembering that Lulu was given a year to live and we're inching closer to the three year mark every day. You can never rest on predictions or assumptions. You just gotta keep hoppin'!
Well, now comes the sales pitch. The I Heart Tripods Shirts have helped me so much, along with so many other people I was able to send cash to, but as these things go, one day you've got a pocket full of money and then -- poof! -- your stuck with a $1k+ bill from a single day of appointments.
If you're looking to replace your well worn shirt, or if you're eyeing the new lavender line, now's the time to order!
Oh Lulu, we know what an incredible, strong girl you are. You still have lots of lessons to teach your Mom, so keep on keepin' on girlfriend. We are cheering you on all the way.
Many hugs,
Rene, Jim & Spirit Jerry
Tripawds.com
Posted by: Jerry G. Dawg | March 03, 2009 at 09:26 PM
Whoa - 15?! Fantastic. You are very lucky to have had her so long. So sorry to hear about this latest round, but it sounds like you're doing the best possible things. Our thoughts are with you and Lulu.
Posted by: Chris B. | March 04, 2009 at 11:41 AM
I am so sorry to hear about lulu-its sounds like your tripod & mine are going through the same thing-carver has spinal stenosis & the dog form of alzheimers. after 13 months of excellent tripod living, I am heartbroken to see him decline. just wanted you to know lulu is in our thoughts & prayers-hope she continues to do well on the meds!
best,
louise & carver
carverthethreeleggeddog.blogspot.com
Posted by: louise miller | March 08, 2009 at 08:33 PM