I’m going to venture a guess and say that anyone whose dog been diagnosed with cancer is always on alert. Things that were looked at as minor issues or annoyances in the past now take on a new meaning. Like vomiting.
Before Lydia was diagnosed with cancer, whenever I heard that unmistakable retching sound in the middle of the night, I’d grumble a little bit, let the dog out, and hope it passed soon so I could let them back in and go back to bed. I didn’t think much of it other than thinking they had a bit of a belly ache. Dogs get belly aches. It’s part of being a dog!
Things change after going through cancer though. Vomiting is one of those things that can be scary because it might be a sign. It can mean that the terrible, nasty, ugly cancer has made a comeback.
Lydia’s been in remission for quite some time and has been a happy, healthy dog. Tonight (or is it morning already?) has been a rough night though. She’s been in and out to vomit at least a half dozen times, plus another half dozen or so times that she didn’t make it outside in time. It wasn’t until the third or fourth retching episode that I finally said, “Screw it. I’ll stay up.”
So here I sit, waiting for the next retch, waiting for the medicine I gave her to kick in, and waiting for the vet’s office to open. Oh yea, and worrying.
This could just be a stupid, annoying doggie stomach ache. That’s what I’m hoping for – and that’s probably what it is. But the fact that she’s in the canine cancer club means there’s a “what if” going on in my head too. What if this is her cancer’s grand re-entry? I hate that my mind goes there so quickly, but it’s just a fact of life now. As I said, I’m on alert more now and things that I didn’t worry so much about in the past have taken on a whole new meaning with her cancer diagnosis.
Lydia seems to have calmed down a bit – hopefully the medicine helped – so I’m going to crawl back into bed for a couple hours before I call her vet. She’s due for a follow-up ultrasound in about a week, but I’m going to see if they can do it sooner.
Wish us luck . . . and sleep!
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Dear Lydia……..Please tell me that you picked up something grody off the ground & ate it & it upset your tummy. I don’t want you to be sick again. I have my paws crossed that you’ll be ok.
Tell your humommie to pls let us know as soon as she knows anything. Kay?
I love you……..xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Therese,
Please know that you and Lydia are in our thoughts and prayers. Keep the faith and fight the fear. Expect the best!!!!!
Josie and Sam
Prayers for peace, health, wholeness abound! (along with ones for sleep- ugh, that’s never easy!) Our love, lisa, Clementine & SARK
Being in the canine cancer club too, I sure understand how your mind goes there. Scooty and I will keep our fingers and paws crossed for Lydia.
Sending Lydia and You my prayers for just an upset tummy…and nothing more…I hope you can get that ultrasound moved up…Hugs and Headpats…
x0x0x0
Prayers and positive thoughts that Lydia ate something gross and thats all it is. Hang in there Therese !
Thank you to all of you. The prayers and positive thoughts are really appreciated! We’re off to bed shortly and I have a feeling we’re both going to sleep well tonight.