Thursday, November 19, 2015

Thankful Thursday: Bailey's Vet Visit


Bailey went to the Vet on Tuesday to have a check up and see where things are at with his Lymphoma. You see according to his diagnosis he wasn't supposed to be here much past the beginning of Oct. Halloween came and went and he is still chasing Katy around and eating all his meals. He looks like a skeleton, but a pretty healthy one by all accounts. So, we decided it was time to talk to his vet and see what else we could do to make him comfortable.

She quite frankly is shocked. Our Vet is not someone who tends to get excited and exaggerate, but she used the word miracle. She doesn't want to give us false hope, but he is not progressing in the way you'd expect a dog with Lymphoma, not getting chemo, to progress. That doesn't mean the signs won't come, but everything says they should be here now. Seeing him doing this well is a miracle. While he's lost muscle weight, he still is the weight at which he was diagnosed. She was stunned to find him still playing, eating, having regular stool, and frankly living his life to the fullest. She isn't sure what to make of it, but she did suggest we focus on trying to put some weight on without risking him starting to vomit. Vomiting would be a very bad sign. So we increased his beef and rice and he's getting between meals vet recommended kibble, which so far he's been able to keep down and he hasn't turned his nose up after one meal, which was a previous problem.

She debated reducing his steroids, but at this point she didn't want to ruin what is working. He's already on a reduced dosage from his original plan.

Each extra day has been a miracle. Bailey loves Halloween and we thought that would be our Blessing, getting to watch him greet the kids one last time. However, he's continuing to fight. We don't know how long this miracle will last, but there is a good chance with Thanksgiving so close that Bailey will get in his favorite tradition of watching the football games on the couch and getting lots of attention from extended family. Being even more optimistic we booked a visit with Santa for a dog charity fundraiser for December 5th and included Bailey on the list for the photographer. There will be no issue changing to Katy, so it seemed a safe risk.

The Vet gave us credit, but honestly I credit Katy. She has evolved so much since Bailey got sick. She has always been close to him, but now she takes so much more responsibility for their relationship. She will curl up and rest with him when he is really tired. However, she will poke and prod him until he plays with her when she thinks he's just being a cranky old guy. She'll steal his bones or a toy, knowing he can't resist stealing them back and thus keeps him interested in life. She finds things to explore outside and insists he will help. If anyone has provided Bailey with the will to live and to fight Katy has been at the heart of it all. She is not going to let him go without a fight.

We thank all of you for your prayers and good wishes. We certainly have benefited from them. We ask that you continue them as we would love to keep Bailey with us through Christmas and as long after that as God is willing. We are making the most of each day and perhaps that is the blessing in all of this.

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21 comments:

  1. We think it is a miracle and every moment is special

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  2. Miracles do happen and you're witnessing one with Bailey. We'll keep the POTP turned on full blast. Prayers too.

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  3. Oh goodness, what a great story.. It sure sounds like Katy is such a good friend to Bailey and is helping him fight this horrible disease. I do believe in miracles and Bailey is able to be with all of you for longer. We sure send lots of hugs to all of you and a nice gentle hug for Bailey and Katy too.

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  4. That is such awesome news! You have all, even Katy, rallied around Bailey to keep him with you, and it's working. I'd definitely say that's a miracle. If you just keep doing what you're doing we hope he will be with you through Christmas and beyond!
    Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets

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  5. I pray you get many more weeks/months.

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  6. OMD, that is such pawesome news!!!!! We will keep up the POTP and pray that the miracle will continue!!!!

    ~Higgins

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  7. What a great, encouraging post. We hope he will continue to do well for a long time yet. One day at a time!!

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  8. Wow, sending you my continued prayers. What an incredible story of strength!
    ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!

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    1. That is so wonderful to hear! Each day is a treasure.

      Licks and wags,

      Echo Sheltie (and hugs from Barb)

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  9. We pray that the miracle continues and we couldn't be happier!! xoxo
    DakotasDen

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  10. Oh my goodness, that is such wonderful news! Yes indeed, enjoy each day. Way to go Bailey!!!!

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  11. Hope Bailey gets to see Santa and Christmas, enjoy the time you have with him, it's so precious. Blessings to Katy, too.

    From Helen and the Sheltie boys Beckett and Keltic

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  12. A wonderful miracle!
    hugs
    Mr Bailey, Hazel & Mabel

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  13. What wonderful news!! We continue to send POTP Bailey continues to enjoy each day!
    Smileys!
    Dory, Jakey, Arty & Bilbo

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  14. This whole post makes me so happy! Absoutely wonderful!

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  15. Wishing you many more sweet days with your Bailey.

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  16. last year our bailey was our christmas miracle. we pray that your bailey will be your christmas miracle this year.
    wags, bailey unleashed

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  17. What wonderful news! And that is so sweet how Katy has helped him keep living life to the fullest! We'll keep sending good thoughts your way!!!

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  18. This is wonderful news. We know how precious each day is, so we wish Bailey many more good days!

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  19. PepiSmartDog: wow! What a fantastic report from the vet. So happy for you.
    Thanks for joining our Thankful Thursday Blog Hop. We always love reading your posts and hope to see you again this week.
    Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. ((((HUGS))) xoxo :=o)

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