Cancer in Corgis

[Jeni D]

I'm terribly sorry to hear about Rile. I can't imagine what you are going through now. Lots of best wishes being sent your way.

Jeni

[darci]

I wish I could convey to you how much my heart goes out to you and Riley, but typing on a message board doesnt give it the justice it deserves.

I can tell you as I read your post I felt myself begin to get choked up, my eyes filled with tears, I am praying for you guys. I know how special Riley is to you and may you be granted quality time with your friend.

Good luck and please keep us posted.
Give Riley smooches from me.

[Jane Austen]

Jespah

but typing on a message board doesnt give it the justice it deserves.

I didn't want to just do another "me too" so I didn't reply until I read Darci's post. Her sentiments are exactly what I would want to say to you.
Whether someone responds or not you will know that we are all sending you our hope for the best possible outcome.

[Jespah]

Believe me that the messages in these posts have meant a great deal to me. You all know what it's like to love your dogs, to know them and to want to give them the best lives. Your "typing on a message board" has really helped me feel like I'm not alone in my caring for my pets.
This is truly the best use of these forums - thanks Michael for the opportunity to be a part of a community that cares.

[KatC]

And thank you Jespah for adding the new photos of Riley and Rupe to the Gallery today. It brings Riley closer to all of us at this time.

[Corgis'R4me]

*~* I admire your strength & determination through this journey with Riley. I can see that you are relishing in the time that you are able to spend with her.

You are keeping a very positive attitude through this...it will help give you strength & allow you to just enjoy time spent together.

Prayers due miracles...I am praying for Riley and also for you !

*~* Nikki

[Jespah]

Thank you everyone for all the kindness and support. I booked Riley's first chemo for next Thursday - it's scary, but we're going to give it a shot.
We are going to a friend's cottage this weekend (it's a holiday weekend in Canada - Canada Day) and there's nothing Riley loves more than swimming - so I'm hoping that 4 days of joy will help her be stronger for next week. I feel that I not only need to feed her body well, but also her soul and heart need some TLC so she's strong and secure for what's ahead.

[Michael Romanos]

Swimming is excellent for strengthening both physically and mentally. And that's what Riley needs. Like people, dogs can get a strong will to live and with cancer that is an important component in deferring it if not beating it.

[Jespah]

I believe you are right Michael, feeding her heart and soul is important to her well being. Also, you had mentioned in an earlier post if Rupe was related he should be checked - although I call them brother and sister they are only related by breed. Riley is Canadian and Rupe is a Yankie. Perhaps their ancesters romped the Celtic forests together though.

[glencorgi]

Jespah,

I am so sorry to hear about Riley. I've been on the road this week and haven't had much time to reply to some of the posts as I would have liked. As Cindy said, words here though don't always convey the thoughts and feelings being sent your way.

Someone on another list just lost her heart and soul corgi just over a week ago to cancer. Her journey began almost a year ago when a mass was found on his spleen. She did opt for doing chemo treatments with him and she cherished everyday with him. One thing that came home to me as she shared his illness with the list, just as she had shared his life and accomplishments (he was one of the first Free-style (dancing) corgis around) was to relish each moment with one's dogs and not take a second for granted. Take time to hug them and listen to their heartbeat - if nothing more than just a second. Taking Riley to do her favorite things, like swimming this holiday, is just the prescription for you both. In his case the chemo treatment, while it was up and down somedays with the post treatment days, did give her more precious days with her boy.

There are several Yahoo Groups devoted to canine cancer <http://groups.yahoo.com/search?query=CanineCancer&submit=Search>. You may find one or more them helpful for support, answers to questions and advice on helping Riley.

Thoughts are with you.

Debbie

[Jespah]

Thanks for your kind words Debbie - I certainly will take care to cherish each moment with Riley. I have been taking the time to "listen" to her. I am letting her tell me if she's tired or doesn't want to do things. I think that's the most important thing. She's been a little weak the last couple of days, but I think it's more because she hasn't kept a lot of food down. I gave her chicken baby food and broth and she's been keeping it down so far. She can't eat a lot at once and she wants to so it's hard. I'll see how she's feeling tonight, if she seems up, we'll go to the cottage. I've told all my friends that everything is revolving around Riley right now and they've all been very kind and supportive. I've cancelled all our summer plans and we are just playing things by ear. It's a little tough having two of them as poor Rupe's in need of more excercise and Riley needs less. So I do two different shifts. I had Rupe out running around the park with me this morning then we went back and got Riley and doddled up the street so she could do her business.
Thanks for the info on the site - I've been checking out a lot of them and most of the dogs with lymphoma present with it in the form of the tumour under the arm or in the neck. I haven't seen anything about dogs with it in the bowel or intestines. Apparently only 5-8% of lymphoma presents the way it has with Riley.
Thank again,

Deb

[ChloeLouise]

I only just discovered this thread...I would have expressed my concern earlier...I will be sending loving thoughts to you and Riley as you begin the treatments...and probably be giving my Chloe some extra hugs and snuggles, too...I know it is scary but how fortunate that your vet has the ability to treat her! Hope all goes well...keep us posted!
My love and prayers to you both!
Margo

[Jespah]

Thank you Margo - I appreciate it so much.

Deb