Update on Sam

[kshort49]

Hi everyone-it's been a while since I posted, but I'm checking in every day. Well, Sam is still with me-I wasn't sure he would reach his 10th birthday, but he did on March 1. His lung cancer seems to be slowly attacking him-he does a lot of coughing when he is up running around. If there were some way he could get all the phlegm out of his throat, it seems like he would be so much better. We haven't been to the vet for about 3 weeks-really nothing they can do. He eats pretty well-kinda getting spoiled-we break up his dog bones into his regular food and he likes it that way. Still drinking water fine also. He likes to go out and chase the neighborhood cat when it gets in the yard-I figure barking and running around chasing the cats cant hurt him if he feels like doing it. I'm taking him to the vet on Saturday to get him weighed and have some blood work just to make sure he's not losing too much weight, and that his organs are still working correctly. When I'm laying on the floor with him, it's so hard to accept the fact that he is dying right in front of me, but I keep hoping that he will keep feeling ok for some more time-I know that's up to the good Lord. I'll let you know what the vet says. Thanks again for all your support-I sure can use it! God bless all of you and your pups! Kathy

[alexis rose]

I missed your post before, but am really greatful I read this one. I am so glad Sam is at home with you and pretty much acting like nothing is happening. Let him do what he wants in the end and be as happy as he can be. You will have no regrets later. I have a senior dog and every year we wonder if he is going to make it to the next. It is hard, but we do everything we can to make sure he is happy.

[frankie]

Hi
I know exactly how you feel.
My GSD Fireking was diagnosed only last week with chronic kidney disease and i have been told they cannot be certain how long he will live. could be 6- 12 months or could be less. they just dont know varies in different dogs.
There is no cure.
He is on a special canine renal failure diet and is not permitted any treats at all which is quite a shock to him as he has always had them.
To know that their time is short and not knowing when is awful to bear but I am just keeping my hopes up that he is a long laster and taking day by day.
Keep your chin up.
Good Luck
Frankie

[kshort49]

Thanks for the kind words. It's so hard watching your best friend heading a way you don't want them to go. But like you said, every day with them is a blessing, and we can just make it the best we can for them. Big Hugs to all of you. Kathy

[mara]

Thanks for the update, Kathy. Sounds like considering all that is going on he's really doing quite well. Eating, drinking, playing----sounds good!!! Your love will definately help him along.

[ktpaco]

Hi Kathy & Sam,
Glad to hear the update, been wondering what's going on, but didn't want to impose. We continue to pray for all of you. KTPaco

[kshort49]

Thanks for everyone's concern. It's so good to know that there are people who know how I am feeling. Tomorrow I take Sam to the vet to get an idea of how he is doing-I hope he is holding his own-they'll do blood work to see if his organs are being affected yet by the cancer-I sure hope not. I'll let you know how we make out. God bless all of you! Kathy

[Deb's Tiny Dogs]

My dog has cancer, too, so I know how hard it is to go through this. They removed three lumps; one was cancerous. They think they got it all, but in 80% of the cases like this there are already stray cancer cells in the body somewhere. So, he's on chemo.

It sure makes you appreciate them all the more doesn't it?

Hugs to you and Sam.