This week our post will be quite different. It is a lot more sad than happy. You won’t find any humour at all. It is still about an adventure – the beginning of a very long and painful one. It’s a part of our story we wish we weren’t telling.
One of the hardest decisions we had to make when planning for this trip was leaving our dog behind. But sacrifices had to be made in order to accomplish this dream. With the sound decision to have my parents watch Kilo in Ontario while we were gone, we were able to continue with our plan. Knowing there would be lots of time once we were back to carry on with our happy family. However, life doesn’t always work out the way you plan.
About 2 weeks ago they found a lump on the side of Kilo’s lower jaw. They took him to the vet the next morning where they also found some swelling inside his mouth. A few days later he was sedated so that they could take a biopsy and x-ray. On Monday (Dec 4) we got the results, our six and a half years young chocolate lab has cancer.
The tumour is located under his tongue and is 2” long and 1 1/2” wide. Right now we are waiting on an appointment with a specialist to find out if surgery is even possible, and if it is, what that would entail. It is our understanding that the surgery that would need to be performed is quite radical, requiring the removal of his lower jaw.
The second option is palliative care. Even though he doesn’t appear sick, they are predicting he has one to a few months.
We are still in shock. I have been on a rollercoaster of being okay and not being okay. There has been no in between. Bren has just been quiet.
Right now we don’t want to make a final decision until we speak to this specialist. So we are doing nothing. Well, actually we have been distracting ourselves with movies and books. It’s really hard to drum up the energy to do anything, especially something fun.
The many delays with our motorcycle have kept us changing plans frequently. The arrival of the bike is now only a few weeks away, and we are now forced with yet another change of plans.
I am so sorry. Spend as many happy times with him as you can, perhaps theres a light at the end of the tunnel that can turn things around. Even if not, you’ve raised him with so much love and care. Be proud and loving. You deserve it.
Thank you, oh so much, for these very kind and positive words.
Sorry to hear your news, it’s not easy being away and receiving bad news. I hope the specialist is able to offer a reasonable solution.
🙁 back at home and spend time with him :(((
We plan to! ☺️