Riley Update

[Jespah]

I hope everyone won't think I'm rude posting how Riley is doing, but I've had so many messages of support and kindness from everyone I'd like to give those folks an opportunity to know how she is.

Riley had a wonderful time at the cottage this weekend - lots of swimming, digging and even a ride on the big boat. I think the boat and the car make her motion sick now as she was ill in the car on the way up and sick after we got off the boat. She still has a very good appetite but can only have small meals of pureed food. She loves the chicken baby food and broth - which is great.

Today was her first chemo treatment and I felt horrible as they had to drag her out the door of the clinic into the back. She was fine as soon as she couldn't see me and I'm told she was a very good patient. I won't know until Saturday if the meds are going to make her sick - and then it's basically the same symptoms she has now. But like the Dr. said, I know her and I'll know if she's doing poorly. The Dr. thinks that she will do well, she's happy, bright and wants to eat, so that's good.

I had a great deal of time to think about all of this on the weekend and I'm not sure if I'm doing the right thing or not. I am today, but it may change and it will all be about making sure she is having a good life. The good news is she can still go swimming in the lake while she is on chemo - her spirit and heart will be very healthy then.

Thank you everyone for all your kind mesages of support - it means so much to me.

Deb

[PocketsMom]

I am sorry about the cancer. i must have missed that. I hope all goes well. You will know if he is ok or not. As long as he is happy I say go for it! Good Luck
Penny

[corgimom]

Deb,

Not rude of you at all, so many of us are concerned about your precious Riley
and we all want to know how it goes for her and for you also. Please keep us
posted on her situation as many of us are pulling for her.

Linda

[Chip's Mom]

I am so glad to hear that you had a good weekend. PLEASE keep us posted as we are concerned and want to know how everything is going. No matter what decision you make, you will always wonder if you did the right thing. I sometimes wish I had tried the chemo with Digger. Have faith and remember Riley is in God's hands.

[Chip's Mom]

Sorry for the second post but I am not sure if I have mentioned this or not. Right after Digger was diagnosed, Him and I went to the photographers and got a portrait taken. It is very precious to me and I will always have good memories of that day as he had a great time and has the biggest smile on his face. Treats steady for almost 1/2 an hour. LOL

[Michael Romanos]

C'mom Riley. Get that treatment to work - and quick.

I will be writing a story soon on Brodie a Border Collie who is now 13 years old. When Brodie was much much younger she had mammary cancer. But that was cleared through treatment. She also had a very bad car accident and was unable to walk for a lengthy period. But today Brodie stands as the most winningest dog in NZ in senior agility competition. She is a grand champion and has won eighty challenge certificates. It requires 20 to become a grand champion. Her mistress, Melissa is only 15 years old - and first handled Brodie in agility competition when she was seven.

[CorgiMum]

Deb, I'm sending lots of healing vibes for your sweet Riley, and a hug for you. {{{{{{{}}}}}}}

[glencorgi]

Oh Deb, you have us worried when we don't hear from you! I believe support and shoulders to lean or cry on is a big part of why this board is here. I am so glad you had a wonderful weekend!.

"I had a great deal of time to think about all of this on the weekend and I'm not sure if I'm doing the right thing or not. I am today, but it may change and it will all be about making sure she is having a good life."

I believe that is a wonderful attitude to have and keep.

Interestingly enough there was just a post on another list from someone who had been through chemo with their dog for cancer sharing her experience with someone facing the decision as to course of treatment. Something she discovered with her corgi was fatty foods gave her corgi a nasty case of diarrhea. Her suggestions: "Try the vanilla Ensure. I mixed it with rice and finely minced cooked chicken breast to make a gruel. She would eat that most of the time. She mostly ate Prescription Diet N/D, which is for dogs with cancer."
Also on the chicken baby food, double check to make sure onion isn't among the ingredients as that might cause a further complication.

Hugs to you and scritches to Riley

Debbie

[KatC]

Thank you so much Deb for sharing, keeping us up to date with everything, and for the three photos of the 'Cottage Corgis' you have posted today in the Gallery. Riley is looking very happy and beautiful, and the pic of Riley, Rupe and their friend Henry in the boat is just marvellous. Love those Corgi Ears.
Kath.

[Jespah]

Thanks everyone - hope is a great thing and I'll keep hanging on to it like a life-preserver. If this chemo treatment does it's job Riley may be able to eat solid food by this Monday - that would be great - she's hungry and doesn't understand why she can only have little amounts at a time. Good thing she loves the baby food - I have to be careful with the carbs as cancer feeds on them so the Ensure many be a problem - I'll check though.
Thanks everyone!!!!!!!!!!

[Jeni D]

So sorry to here about Riley. I really hopes the treatment works and she comes through with flying colors. Keep us posted on how things go and try to enjoy every moment you have with her, which I'm sure you do anyways.

Jeni