Thursday, May 29, 2014

God and Dog poem

Another beautiful poem from one of my associates.

God and Dog
Wendy Francisco

I look up and I see God
I look down and see my Dog
Simple spelling… G-O-D
Same word backwards, D-O-G
They would stay with me all day.
I’m the one
Who walks away.
But both of them just wait for me…
And dance at my return with glee.
Both love me…no matter what.
DIVINE GOD…
And canine mutt
I take it hard each time I fail.
But God forgives,
Dog wags his tail
God thought up and made the dog
Dog reflects a part of God
I’ve seen Love from both sides now
It’s everywhere
Amen… Bow-wow.
I look up and I see God
I look down and see my Dog
And in my human frailty…

I can’t match their love for me.

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Next round of treatment continues

Sam has completed her scheduled treatments over the past couple weeks.  She had another treatment today.  One more next week and then Dr Landry has mentioned that we can officially say that Sam is in remission.   How cool is that!!!  The treatment pattern, after next week, will then fall into once every other week.

We had our usual ritual of a Chick-fil-a stop today, post Chemo treatment.  She absolutely loves the grilled chicken nuggets.  It is funny, the drive through employee usually asks if I would like a dog treat for my dog, waiting patiently in the back seat.  I tell them, no thank you... that is what I purchased the chicken for.  They usually look at me kind of odd.  I don't take the time to tell the employee that she is working through a cancer treatment.  She gets whatever she wants.
Sam was a bit grouchy from the IV port today.  The facility had to wrap up her leg before we left.  But, as I settled in at the home office to start my evening work, I noticed Sam had pretty much unwrapped the bandage by herself.  Tough to do without thumbs and only teeth.  Grin. Smart Corgi.

Our morning and afternoon walks are beautiful now that the weather is finally into a summer pattern.  In our rural home location we now have to watch for snakes.  Sam especially likes to venture into the ditches. While Taz prefers to stay out of the mud and on the gravel our asphalt.  Sam is more of the "Tom Boy" female Corgi.

I have just ordered another 12 pack of the Kong squeaker tennis balls.  They should be here in a few days.  We can never have enough of those... they tend to end up under couches and beds.  Both the Corgi's absolutely love them.  Sam is especially proud of them when she chases them down.   She loves to prance up the driveway, carrying the tennis ball.   Squeaking them occasionally with her jaw as if to communicate in some sort of code.  Grin   Proving that she is the boss of all things tennis ball related.

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Sam - Enjoying a week off.

We have a week break from the Chemo treatments.  Sam is doing very well.  She is down to only 5mg of Prednisone.  Which has greatly reduced her urge to pee.  We are switching both Corgis over to a more raw food diet.  It seems to me Sam is putting on a couple pounds.  Good for her.  She can eat all she wants within the confines of still being a fit Corgi.  Sam can be pretty lazy.  She will chase the ball a few times, then basically just sit down.  She is too smart.

I have been trying to teach both the Corgis some new tricks to keep especially Sam's mind stimulated.  Leslie and I have read that it is good to keep them interested while they are going through the Cancer treatments.  We also have an interesting toy that treats are placed into.  There is a way to get them out, and Sam makes a valiant attempt.  But in the end, I have to lend my "thumbs" to help her retrieve the treat.  Taz is not that interested with the treat filled toy... She would rather just be given the treats.  so, with her... she gets what she wants.  As always.  Grin.

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Treatment this AM - tough to drop her off.

I dropped off Sam early this AM on my way to work.  She seemed sad this AM, which was troubling.  She was staring at me from the backseat.  I think she is finally understanding where she goes early in the AM... when she does not get to have her breakfast.   I invited her to jump on to my lap in the front seat.  She promptly jumped up to sit on my lap.  I feel this made her feel better and gave her some comfort.  She loves to calmly sit on my lap while I am driving.  Even though a long Corgi body can take some front seat maneuvering.  Nice white shirt and dress pants...a little dog hair... not a problem for me.  All for the love of the dog. Grin.

Once at the animal hospital, she was somewhat reluctant to be led to the back room, where she will receive treatment and rest until I return later this afternoon.  She kept looking back to me...wondering if I was coming with her.  Mad me pretty sad this AM.  I am looking forward to Dr. Landry's call this AM.  He will always call me as soon as her tests and treatment is done.  Which is comforting.

This is final round of the first four Chemo administration.  She will hopefully now be removed from the Prednisone.  She will then have a week off, if all goes according to the protocol.  Then, she will start the cycle again of the four Chemo drugs, but a somewhat lesser dose.

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Need to wait a couple more days

I took Sam in early Friday AM for her next Chemo treatment.   Dr Landry found that her red blood cell count was low.  We will have to wait until next Tuesday for the next treatment.  At this time, we will also hopefully be able to discontinue the Prednisone.  Which has already been reduced to 10mg.  Which is good as Sam does not drink and have to pee as much anymore.
All things considered, Sam is still happy and healthy.  She hug out with me yesterday in the yard, as I tended to my usual summer Saturday property activities.  She has always been a great supervisor.  Always making sure she can always see me... to monitor what I am doing.  Grin.