Sam is sick.
X-rays have shown cancer in his lungs. This is probably a secondary cancer that has metastasized from some other cancer we haven’t discovered. There’s nothing we can do about the cancer we know about, and there’s no point in putting him through extensive exams to find the primary problem.
So far, he seems to feel fine. He coughs a little, then goes on trying to impress Silver with zoomies in the living room. He eats well; and although we’ve had a few nights of restless, interrupted sleep, the new meds (diazepam and gabapentin) seem to be helping him relax better through the night. (And since I no longer need to worry about liver damage, I’ve stepped up the meloxicam for his arthritic back--which is why he jumps and spins like a two-year-old.)
The thought of losing him so soon after losing Jacey makes me want to cry--so I just don’t think of it more than I can help. My job at this point is to keep him comfortable and spoiled. (“Spoiled” does not include kitchen trash can privileges, Sam.) I’ve promised him and myself that I won’t let him suffer if I possibly can help it. There’s some risk that I might come home one day to find that the primary cancer has reared its ugly head, but I just have to hope I’ll be handy when he needs me. At least there’s no indication that he has osteo, which could cause painful broken bones when I’m not home.
Sam is eleven and a half. He’s slept at my side every single night for more than nine years, and I love this boy more than words can say.
Silver and Sam
8 comments:
I'm so sorry! I just lost one of mine after nine years, too. She was sixteen years old. It's the hardest part of sharing life with a dog. May the rest of your days with Sam be special, peaceful and meaningful to you both!
Oh, I'm so sorry to hear about Sam. Wishing you happy days and peace ahead.
Oh no, I'm so sorry about Sam. I hope that he continues to feel well and is without pain. It's so hard when they are sick. I'm glad that you and Sam have Silver now. The picture of them is so sweet. I'll be keeping you all in my thoughts.
Kathy, I'm so sorry. Poor little guy, and poor you. But, what a wonderful life he is living, all thanks to you and your warm heart.
Crap. Well, crap. Crappity-crap-crap-crap. That's what I think.
*hugs*wuvvums*hugs*
I'm sorry to hear this! It's so upsetting when one of your dear ones is sick. Not that you need ME to tell you this, of course, but treasure your time with him. I'm learning to do the same with my Charlotte.
I"m so sorry to hear about Sam. I will keep positive thoughts going your way and his.
Suzanne
Hi, I found you via a comment on NSN Greyhounds blog. So sorry to read about Sam. I hope he continues to be well in himself for a long time yet. It's hard to know what to write that can be of some comfort but having been through some sad times myself recently it helped me to know other blog friends understood and took the time to send good thoughts and commiserations. I'm sending you both.
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