Sad news

Zena's tumor was a non-spenic hemangiosarcoma. Non-splenic just means that it wasn't in her spleen -- which is unusual. I guess that's why it was able to grow so big. This type of cancer usually grows in the spleen or heart and causes the organ to rupture.

But it's a pretty aggressive and highly malignant form of cancer. :-( Removing the existing tumor relieved her immediate symptoms and pretty much saved her life, but not for long. She likely only has about 3 months after doing the surgery. If we do chemo, that maybe gives her another 3 months. We have opted to do chemo because we just aren't ready to stop looking at that face.

I am being particularly selfish. I just don't want to face the holidays without mom AND without my Zena girl. Everything we've read about chemo for pets says that they tolerate it much better than humans -- mostly because they aren't receiving as strong of a dose. And that is true. Zena is eating and playing and seems to be really fine. It's hard to believe that she has such a short time to live.

It's been a tough year for sure. And I've definitely lost my "I care" mojo and have put back on some of the weight I lost. I need to get back in the groove. I tend to reach for food for comfort and I've needed a lot of comfort this year. :-( I really need to stop the pity party. It's just hard to do knowing what lies ahead with Zena.

Still on the edge

Our dog, Zena, had surgery last Wednesday to remove the tumor in her abdomen. The surgery was a success -- Chesapeake Veterinary Surgical Services (and emergency, etc.) are, without a doubt, the best collection of vets on the planet.

The tumor was the size of a softball. It was encapsulated, which is good, but it did have a blood source. So it's possible for cells to be elsewhere, so we are still waiting for the biopsy.

On the bright side, her appetite is much improved. Granted, I'm making her boiled chicken and rice, but at first she wouldn't even eat that. Bodily functions are returning to normal. She's even starting to hump the cats again. :-) No kidding. It's one her most favorite activities.

Some people would argue why we would do that for a 13 year old dog. She's such an integral part of our family, it's impossible to think of not doing it. And between the loss of my mother and the stupid law suit and a string of other things making this year one of the worst of all times ... I just couldn't face one more loss ... one more bad thing.

So a ray of light is welcome. Watching Zena returning to normal is bringing us a great deal of pleasure in an otherwise dismal period. She's just a joy.