Radiation Day #1 - 7th December 2009

Another early start, and no breakfast. We have an early morning appointment, and will progress to radiotherapy from there.

At this stage, Mum and Dad are saying yes, providing I won't go blind, or lose my ability to do all the things a dog loves, like eating, walking, tail wagging, playing. They know I might have some temporary symptoms, but will recover.

We sit down with Dr Rod and Dr Val, our radiation specialist. They listen to our concerns and talk through them. They show us photos of their star patient Laban (forgive my spelling if its wrong) - a black lab who had radiation on his nose. Not quite the same place as me, but close. They show us a series of photos. At the start it isn't too bad. By the end, Mum is crying and Dad looks shell shocked. Maybe my nose will look like that. Maybe it won't. 7 months post radiation, Laban is healed, happy and being a dog. He played all during treatment.

Mum and Dad have another talk and decide to go ahead. I leave with Dr Val and my teddy bear to have my planning session and then to start radiation.

Diagnosis Day - 10th November 2009

Tuesday started off the same as every other work day. Mum does the early morning walk and breakfasts, then gets in the shower to head off to work. I wasn't all that hungry (sometimes I can be fussy with my food) and mum hid my bowl from Misty, and headed off to get ready for work. It was while Mum was in the shower that Dad checked my mouth.

And found something growing. Dad said it was an ulcer, but Mum said it looked like a cancer. They took some photos and Mum said she would ring the vet as soon as they opened.

Email is great. They emailed the photos to the vet and when Mum rang, we had an appointment for after work. 

Now, I have a great relationship with the vet, so I love going up there. My favourite vet and vet nurses were on, so I stopped for pats before the consult. The vet took one look and said "This is bad." Plans were made to cut it out, and when we went back to reception we were already pencilled in for surgery on Wednesday (the next day). That's when it sunk in for Mum. 

This is bad.