A Kick in the Teeth...and a Side of Gratitude

On Wednesday, Abby went to the vet because she was still not eating, vomiting what she did eat and not seeming better on the antibiotics.

The good news is that we now know why Abby hasn't been eating. The bad news is that it's because she has a second, different type of lymphoma. The good news is that this is the "garden variety" lymphoma that has very high remission rates. The bad news is that the chemotherapy protocol is 25 weeks of chemotherapy. The good news is that Abby had her first dose of the new chemotherapy on Wednesday and was starting to feel better by that evening. More good news is that she is acting pretty much like her old self since yesterday. She wants to eat, wants to be more active, is stealing cat food again, just generally living more Abby-like.

So, that's where we are. It does not seem that the Aloha Medicinals supplements have been helping - since she developed this lymphoma while on them, so it is likely that we will discontinue them. A nationally known holistic vet whose office I spoke with today recommends using immune boosting supplements following chemotherapy since a strong immune system during chemotherapy can reduce its effectiveness (i.e., the body protects all the cells from the chemotherapy - even the "bad" cells). Sounds reasonable, but so do lots of things... Anyway, his office says that he recommends chemotherapy for canine lymphoma and there might be other things to try after the chemo or if we decide to discontinue the chemo, but at this point, he would have us take the path that we are on. That was good to hear.

I'm grateful to know why Abby wasn't eating since it was ripping us up. I'm grateful that we have a path that we can follow for some distance at least. I'm grateful that Abby is already feeling MUCH better. And I'm grateful that I know Abby will tell us what to do next. I'm really grateful to know Abby.

Gratitude

I am grateful for Abby's cancer. I am grateful for my old house. I am grateful for the leak in my skylight that drips on the edge of my bed. I am grateful for my utility bills. I am grateful for my friends and family. I am grateful for my agility students. I am grateful for my incredible crew of in-home pet therapists. I am grateful for the comforter on my bed keeping me warm. I am grateful for the breeze blowing outside. I am grateful for Sampson's illness last February. I am grateful for my employment. I am grateful for the new people that have recently entered my life. I am grateful for wine. I am grateful for all the cats that have found me when they needed help. I am grateful for parties. I am grateful for Emmy's episode of founder in January. I am grateful for the tomatoes still ripening in my garden. I am grateful for everything and everyone in my life. During a visit to the ATMA Center Swami Shankardev once said, "Just remember, it's all good. Even the bad."

I wouldn't be who I am without the support and challenges that have come my way. I am grateful...