This is the post I didn’t want to write.
The news is not good.
The vet called yesterday (Tuesday, of course, was there ever any doubt? I hate Tuesdays.) I was standing in a Walmart parking lot loading groceries into my car. Good thing I bought Reese’s cups.
High grade, large cell lymphoma.
It is a rapidly growing, progressive cancer of a type of white blood cell called  lymphocites. We’re meeting the vet this afternoon to discuss options.
My emergency stash (minus one bag of Reese’s)
Thanks to everyone who passed along thoughts, hugs and prayers. I really wish I had better news for you.
If you have any extra chocolate or cookie dough, have some for me.
P.S. ~ Spot said to have some bacon for her too.
UPDATED: After meeting with the vet today, we are going to fight it with chemo and kick some cancer ass. As long as Spot is willing, able and comfortable, we’ll do battle on cancer starting next Wednesday. It won’t cure her cancer, but it should, I hope, buy us some time. Thank you to everyone for the comments and well wishes! I’m extremely grateful.
Nothing else i can do but send love and warm thoughts.
And let you know I am here and listening.
xo
Thank you Mish, thanks for being there. xo
Sorry, Christy. That makes me want to cry for you and Spot.
Ooh don’t cry! Go love on Ginger and give her a cookie for us instead. Make sure also you give her good rub downs too–I’m learning more than I ever wanted to about canine lymphosarcoma, and Goldens are highly susceptible. If you ever feel any nubs or little “marble” swells on her (jaw/neck, elbows, upper rear legs are common lymph node areas), get her checked pronto.
Congrats again on the new book!! And thank you for your thoughts.
Thanks for the info. I will have to do a rub down. I kind of avoid those because she’s so hairy and I get hair all over me when I pet her.
I’m really sorry to hear this. My thoughts are with you.
Thank you Sandee, I really appreciate the thoughts.
Oh Christy, I’m so very sorry about this. I wish I could give both you and Spot a hug. Please let us know what the vet says. Show no mercy on those candies.
{{{hugs}}}
Thank you–I gave Spot a hug from you!
Not sure if you saw the quick update, but we’re going to fight it aggressively with chemo. She’ll start treatments next Wed. Fingers crossed! xoxo
I am so, so sad to hear this news. xo
Thank you so much for your thoughts. xo
If nothing else, she’ll know she is loved for as long as she gets to stay.
If there’s anything I can do for you, let me know.
We’re going to have to change her name from Spot to Diva. She is getting majorly spoiled. Or maybe we’ll call her “Champ” for Ali–we’re going the chemo route starting on Wed. For as long as she wants to fight…
Thanks for the thoughts, Guap.
I would give anything for this not to be true. I’m so sorry, Christy. Sending huge hugs to you and Spot.
Thank you, Mme, for the thoughts and hugs. You’re a sweetheart!
I couldn’t click the ‘like’ button because I don’t like that this is happening to you and your dog. So sorry to hear the news.
I don’t really like it either, Carrie, but we’re going to fight and hope for the best. Doc said she’s a good candidate for chemo. Hope you have a nice weekend! Thanks for your thoughts.
Oh, this crushes my heart. I am so sad to read this. Big hugs to you and your family during this difficult time. xo
Thank you Melissa, I sure wish I had better news for everyone. Thank you so much for your thoughts and comment, Christy
I am so very sorry! Treasure the moments that you have together. You will be in my thoughts.
Thank you Clanmother. Lots of spoiling, snuggling and tummy rubs for sure! I appreciate your thoughts. -Christy
I’m so sorry, Christy. That’s so hard. I wish you had better news. How is Spot doing? Is he feeling any pain? Big hug.
That’s the good news, Amy, so far she hasn’t been in any noticeable pain, nor has she had any of the physical symptoms aside from the swollen lymph nodes. She had some discomfort from her biopsy, but we had medicine to help her comfort. The last thing I want is for her to have any pain from this.
So we’ll spoil her as much as possible, keep her comfortable and soon see what treatment plans are available to her.
I appreciate your thoughts!
Sorry to hear this.
Thanks Ross, me too. Those furry little critters get into our hearts, that’s for sure. I appreciate your thoughts.
Sorry to hear this bad news. Chocolate is my comfort food of choice also – I like Lindt dark with almond….take care
Thanks Ellen… Dark chocolate and almonds. Yum. That sounds like it would be healthy-ish too.
Hope you’re doing ok.
You have provided so much inspiration to me during my darkest hours that I wish there was something I could say or do to relieve you of your pain. But there’s nothing I can do except let you know that my prayers and sympathies are with you and Spot (sorry I called her Cipro in an earlier comment!).
She has always been a comfort to you. Now it’s your turn to return the favor. Be brave for her.
Thank you for such a sweet comment Dan, that really means a lot. You’ve been on my mind a lot too–I hope all is ok on your side.
No worries about the name. My writing was not very clear, I can see why you thought that.
Thank you again.
Oh my love I am so sorry to hear your news. You will get through this tough time, despite the tears and pain and sorrow, you will get through. Sending much love from afar xxxx
Thank you Mrs. D. I appreciate your thoughts! xx
Hi Porkchop, thank you for the thoughts and hugs. It’s nice to see you–thanks for thinking of me.
I am so so sorry! While I haven’t posted I have been keeping up with you. We just had to put down our dog Cassie a few weeks ago and it was terrible. Hang in there and enjoy every last minute. <3
Oh no! I’m so sorry about Cassie. God that sucks. I hope your memories will bring you comfort.
I’ve been missing you–so glad you’re reading though, that makes me smile.
Big hugs! <3
Thank you!
Oh no.. I was not expecting this.. yes, just love and care for her as long as you are able and she will feel that love for sure..
Hugs to you and a bag of chocolate too !!
I’m not sure I was ready either Lynne, it hit me like a bag of rocks after the shock delay. A part of me “knew” as soon as I felt those first lumps, but I was still holding on to hope.
We’re going to fight it with chemo though. Spot’s a determined and tenacious little thing.
Thanks for thinking of me. xx
Ah Christy, I’m so sorry to hear this. Is there palliative treatment that can keep her comfortable? Holding you and your doggie in my thoughts. Much love and hugs to you both.–Susan
Thanks Susan. We’re actually going to go with aggressive chemo as long as she can tolerate it. Most dogs do great on it–it’s the humans that go through the ringer. I’m still hopeful for more quality time together. I so don’t want her to suffer. I wonder if they make doggie marijuana biscuits?
I am so sorry to hear this, Christy. Sending love and hugs from North Carolina. xoxo
Thank you Emily. Hugs back! xo
Sooo sorry, so sad. Hugs to both of you.
Thanks Shelly, for the thoughts and hugs. Big hugs back to you too!
So sorry to hear. Just play it by ear and see how she goes – she’s very lucky to have you.
One day at a time is like my life motto!
We’ll enjoy as much time together as we can get, lots of spoiling and tummy rubs!
Thanks for thinking of us. xx
((Hugs))
Thank you Carolyn. <3
You are so loved! Hugs and prayers and licks from us over here at Sober Identity: Lisa, Ava (woof) and Boog (woof)
ps. let us know if you need more emergency treats.
Boog is such a great doggie name, I love it!
Chocolate has been holding up so far, thankfully. It’s more of a security blanket I think–very comforting to have. I haven’t baked anything yet though, I don’t think any cookie would be safe around me in a 3 mile radius.
Thank you so much for your love and thoughts, Lisa. xx
I’m so sorry. xoxo
Thanks bbb, me too. xo
There is HOPE! Although it’s not great news.. It’s not all bad news..
Thanks Sarah, and thank goodness for hope.
I wish you and Spot light and comfort. And as much bacon and chocolate as it takes to get through this.
You’re very sweet N, thank you! I think it’s a good time to buy stock in the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup company.
Hopefully there will be plenty of fun chocolate filled days still to come.
Sending my best wishes and loads of hugs. Good luck in your battle, and be strong!
Thanks so much Al!
Here are huge good-healing vibes for Spot for combating cancer!
Please keep us posted, RoS.
xx
Celeste
You’re wonderful, Celeste, thank you. Spot is such a strong and tenacious little girl–she always looks so determined. May that strength help her in the days ahead.
All my love, Christy
I read this the other night, and my heart just sunk. I’m so sorry to hear this news. Thinking of you at this time. Again, let me know if there is anything I can do in terms of bouncing off treatment thoughts, etc.
I sure will URG, thank you. I actually started a note, and thought I’d bounce chemo options with you, but given the progressive diagnosis, we decided then and there to get the chemo ball rolling. I’ll send you a quick note with the meds and details. Thank you again!
I totally relate to your decision. I hope it gives you a little time with your four legged bestie. Hugs again.
Thank you Renee. Such a tough decision to have to make because I’ve seen what chemo can do to people. But they say it’s a lot more gentle on pets, and that 90% don’t even have side effects. We’ll fight as long as we can! Thank you for your thoughts! Hugs back!
Sent from my iPhone