Guest EmilyAnne Posted May 30, 2009 Share Posted May 30, 2009 I took Riley into the vet today, because I was concerned about his panting episodes. (for those unaware, he has cancer) I was concerned that he was having heart/lung disease, and I did not want his last day to be a horribly traumatic one. I'm keeping the mindset of better a day too soon than too late. I explained all this to the vet. I told her about how he has these really harsh panting/breathing episodes where he seems exhausted and his whole body heaves with the breathing. But as soon as I am ready to scoop him up and haul him to the vet, he gets better. She listened to Riley's heart and lungs, and said that all actually sounds good. She explained that likely what was happening was Riley was bumping his carpal tumor. (he has other tumors, but this is the one most likely to get bumped) When he bumps his tumor, it causes a rush of histamines to go through his whole body, causing stress on his heart and lungs. This is why the episodes are only temporary, and a fairly short time later, he is fine again. I was so nervous on the way to the vet that I would get worse news. The stress felt like it was eating me up, yet I kept a brave face for Riley and got through it one minute at a time. Now that we are home, and I have my precious Riley with me for another day, I just feel such a rush of emotions coming out, and I have been trying so hard to hold them back and be strong for Riley. I had a good hard long cry and just let it all out. I'm strong, but I'm still human. I love Riley dearly, I am determined to do right by him. The vet feels he is fine for now. I'm so glad I have a vet who will share her opinion on wether or not it is time, it really helps. And she is fully aware of my goal of one day too early being better than one day too late. She is very compassionate. I'm glad to have her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Beth Posted May 30, 2009 Share Posted May 30, 2009 Words are inadequate for what you're going through. You're very courageous to share it; it will undoubtedly help someone else when they go through it. I'll keep you and Riley in my prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted May 30, 2009 Share Posted May 30, 2009 You are right about the "a day too soon rather than a day too late" mindset. I've done both, and believe me, it is true. That said, isn't it a wonderful relief to know that today isn't "the day"! hoping you have many more good days with Riley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kydie Posted May 30, 2009 Share Posted May 30, 2009 YOU are doing great, your care for him, unbeleivable, he is lucky to have you to watch over him and love him that much Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest zoolaine Posted May 30, 2009 Share Posted May 30, 2009 Hugs to sweet Riley, I hope you have many happy days with him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest TheUnrulyHound Posted May 31, 2009 Share Posted May 31, 2009 Glad it wasn't worse news Give Riley another kiss from me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magdalyn58 Posted May 31, 2009 Share Posted May 31, 2009 I am so happy to hear that you had some good news and that Riley is feeling a little better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rycezmom Posted May 31, 2009 Share Posted May 31, 2009 You will know when it is time. Thank you for putting him first. I know how hard it is to watch them like this. Hugs to you both. Quote The more I see of man, the more I like dogs. ~Mme. de Staël Missing my Bridge Angels Ryce, Bo, Jim, Miss Millie, Miss Rose, Gustopher P Jones (Pimpmaster G), Miss Isabella and Miss Star Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ss556 Posted May 31, 2009 Share Posted May 31, 2009 My best to you at this difficult time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest FullMetalFrank Posted May 31, 2009 Share Posted May 31, 2009 Sending my prayers to you and sweet Riley! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazygang Posted May 31, 2009 Share Posted May 31, 2009 You are right about the "a day too soon rather than a day too late" mindset. I've done both, and believe me, it is true. That said, isn't it a wonderful relief to know that today isn't "the day"! hoping you have many more good days with Riley You will know when it is time. Thank you for putting him first. I know how hard it is to watch them like this. Hugs to you both. My sentiments exactly.......glad you have more time with him to make special memories. Quote Run free our beloved Sir Snowy, Pip, Queenie, Sadie, Tess & Rosie until we meet again......I would rather feel the thorn than to never see the rose Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest vahoundlover Posted May 31, 2009 Share Posted May 31, 2009 Glad it wasn't worse news. Keeping Riley in my prayers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neighsayer Posted May 31, 2009 Share Posted May 31, 2009 Hang in there. Enjoy every day you have with him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SAVED2 Posted May 31, 2009 Share Posted May 31, 2009 My Andy gets those hard breathing episodes for years now and there is nothing wrong with him , we found if we turn a fan on him he stops it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest EmilyAnne Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 A little update, since we increased the Benadryl form two pills twice daily to three pills twice daily, he is definately doing better. His panting episodes are much more reasonable and not as alarming. Before it looked like he was going to have a heart attack or something. It was like Henry's panting when Henry comes out of a really severe Grand-Mal. The tumor on the wrist actually looks really good, and in fact, he is now back to being able to be walked. Not nearly as far as before, but he can go all the way around the block now, which is absolutely fantastic and makes him very happy! KNOCK ON WOOD!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carronstar Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiona3 Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 I've been checking in daily to see how Riley is doing. How nice that you have seen such an improvement in him. He seems more comfortable and being able to walk that block now must be such a relief for Riley and you. Lots of good thoughts & wishes will keep coming your way for Riley. Quote Hobbes - April 2, 1994 to April 9, 2008-----Tasha - May 23, 2000 to March 31, 2013 Fiona - Aug 29, 2001 to May 5, 2014-----Bailey - March 22, 2001 to Jan 20, 2015 Zeke - June 1, 2004 - Jan 26, 2016----Callie - July 14, 2006 to July 27, 2019 Forever in my heart: Chooch, Molly, Dylan & Lucy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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