CockersOnline Forum
Cocker Specific Discussion => Health => Topic started by: DeniseS on July 04, 2015, 09:05:52 AM
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If you remember, Jack was diagnosed with anal gland cancer over seven months ago, when palliative care was suggested, because it had spread to his lymph nodes. I thought I'd update you on his progress.
Despite everything, he is doing well and enjoying his life. I know it's not always easy to tell with dogs, but he seems to be pain free and I'm sure I'd pick-up on small tell-tale signs if it were otherwise. He's still on
Loxicom. He's eating well still and last week at the monthly Vet check he'd gained a few ounces - it's me who has lost a stone and a half! :005: He certainly keeps me busy! I have however, thrown the rule book out on his recommended diet. His stools became very hard and for a couple of months I've put him on ordinary dog food, which has worked so well. He now has no trouble going regularly and normally. Phew! It's strange, because I can't remember a time when he was so free of chronic infections to his ears. Apart from a preventative ear wash twice a week and a light dusting of Thornits, nothing more needs to be done.
He still has plenty of energy and thoroughly enjoys the spoiling we all give him. I know the clock's still ticking, but he's enjoying life and nobody would ever guess he's so gravely ill. I'm sure this will sustain me later down the line. Until then, life's good for my boy and I enjoy him more now than I ever have, which I didn't think possible.
So, if ever you find yourself in a similar situation take heart and embrace each new day as it dawns. It took me a while to absorb the prognosis, but I treasure Jack and my journey and may it last as long as possible. I feel blessed at the privilege of having him in my life. :bigarmhug:
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"So, if ever you find yourself in a similar situation take heart and embrace each new day as it dawns. It took me a while to absorb the prognosis, but I treasure Jack and my journey and may it last as long as possible. I feel blessed at the privilege of having him in my life"
That is such a touching message - I hope you do have a lovely long journey together.
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Lovely update, hope you have plenty more time together :luv:
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That's such a lovely update. :luv: I only had 6 weeks with my boy Dickin after his diagnosis and you are right, every day with him was a blessing.
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Fabulous update. Keep going Jack. I got six extra years with my beloved Jasper.
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So lovely to hear that you are both having fun, and you are right, take each day as a gift. :bigarmhug:
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Great to hear he is doing well, I had an extra two and a half years with my boy Jarvis. Enjoy every day with him :D :bigarmhug:
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It is so good to read this, I have a little tear in my eye at how well Jack's doing :luv:. I hope he continues to do so for a long time yet.
Thank you for this message, it is incredibly reassurring to read that a dog can enjoy life despite this horrible disease. May he continue to be pain free and happy :luv:. Hugs to you and Jack :bigarmhug:
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Bless you both. xxx
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It is lovely to read that despite what he has been through Jack is still enjoying life and you are able to have more time with him. I hope he continues to do well and you have many more happy days together.xx
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Many, many thanks to you all for your kind thoughts and best wishes for Jack. I very much appreciate them. x
Jenny - I'm delighted to read that Brodie has completed her treatment and is doing so well. You have both been so brave and may the reward be many more happy years spent together. :bigarmhug:
MM, you've been supportive since Jack and my journey began and it means so much to me, as does the kindness of everyone who has written of their interest. Thank you all once again. xxx
I'll keep you posted of Jack's progress.
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Great news at least for now
With Ruby and her tumour I knew I didn't have long (no treatment was offered really as it was so invasive it would involve removing half her face which we wouldn't entertain) so made the most of what time we had right to the end.
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Thank you Penny. It's a blessing to be given these valuable months to share more time with my boy. It seems that you were not quite so fortunate, but no doubt, in the time you were given you have stored many, many happy memories. I'm sure that sustains you, as I'm sure it will me.
Jack's eighth birthday is on 5th September, so that's our next target. I'll make the Forum my first visit of the day to celebrate with you all! See you then. :-* :-*
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Well, it's Jack's 8th birthday today and he continues to enjoy his life, with very few problems. :luv:
We have a great day planned for him, with many, naughty treats that he so enjoys. His main present is to be groomed next week. He loves this outing and is such a good, co-operative boy. The groomers all love him.
Apart from being a little slower and eating a little less, he's holding his own. He still paddles in the sea every day and all the infected sites are under control. The vet's delighted with him. My dog walking group sent him a birthday card, which he sniffed, decided it was nothing edible and lost interest. :D
It's more than we dared hope for, last December, but Christmas will be his next milestone. God willing he'll make it. My brave, lovely boy deserves to.
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Happy Birthday you sweet brave boy. :luv: hope you get lot of special treats. Keep well. Xx
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Happy birthday Jack :birthday: :bestwishes: :birthday: hope you have a lovely day, and get throughly spoilt.
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Happy Birthday Jack :luv: Hope you've had lots of presents and treats xx
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Happy birthday lovely Jack :luv:
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Happy Birthday Jack, keep wagging that tail :luv:
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Happy birthday Jack :bigarmhug:
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Happy birthday :birthday:
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:birthday: :birthday: Happy Birthday, Jack. I bet you're having a great day being spoilt rotten. :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: Diana xx
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Jack, you are a little fighter :luv: :luv: :luv:
Hope you are having a great day and being spoilt rotten :bigarmhug:
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Many thanks to you all from me and Jack, for the lovely birthday greetings. :bigarmhug:
He's had a wonderful day and yes, plenty of spoiling. He's had three walks, a paddle and his favourite naughty dinner - a chicken roast with all the trimmings. :021: I know it's breaking every rule in the book, but I now tend to give him food that I know he'll eat and enjoy and the result has been very strange. His ear infections, which he's suffered from for most of his life, have not needed treatment; he's not so itchy and his paws do not become infected anymore. I don't know if this is connected to the cancer, but whatever I'm doing is working! I continue to stick slavishly to the rules with my other golden cocker.
We remain positive and it's a joy to see Mr Waggy Tail really enjoying a good quality of life. Thank you all again, for your kind thoughts and words. Jack and I really appreciate them. xxx
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Go Jack! Happy birthday little man.
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A belated Happy Birthday to the gorgeous Jack :birthday: it sounds like he had a lovely time and is doing really well :luv: :luv:
Stephanie, George and Hamish xxx
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Belated Happy Birthday to Jack. So glad to hear he is enjoying each day.
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So sorry I missed Jack's eighth birthday, how great it is to read of him doing so well :luv:. And totally deserving of all the spoiling he gets :luv:. It is lovely to read this, and I hope you get to spoil him for many months to come.
Big hugs to you both :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
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Thank you so much, Jenny. I haven't visited the site for a while, because I've been busy taking care of Jack, but I've often thought about you and Brodie and hope all is continuing to go well for you both.
Well, against all the odds and to our Vets amazement Jack is still with us and been given another two months, or so. His tail still hasn't stopped wagging; is eating well and doesn't seem in pain. He's not quite as strong as he used to be, but enjoys his walks, paddles and spoiling! He'll make short work of demolishing his goodies in his Christmas stocking. :wasntme: I'm still breaking every rule in the book and it's working.
So, Jack and I would like to wish you all a lovely Christmas and the Happiest of New Years. Many, many thanks for your great advice and support. xx :clapping:
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Happy Christmas to you and Jack too :luv:
xxx
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What a lovely update and glad to hear Jack is still living life to the full, what a brave boy :luv: :luv:
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We're newish so this is our first post to you and Jack. We (OH and I) wish you the very best Christmas and all good things for the coming year.
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Lovely to read your update and so pleased things are going ok for your little man.
Merry Christmas and hope the New Year holds good things for you.
Irene
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I'm also fairly new, so have only just picked up this post. Its good to hear things are still going well, what a brave little chap Jack must be! Happy Christmas and I hope you and Jack still have plenty of good times together.
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Thank you for the lovely update :D. Really pleased to hear that Jack is still enjoying being a much loved and spoiled boy.
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Lovely to get an update on darling Jack :luv: glad he is still doing okay. Wishing you both a wonderful Christmas. x
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Such a lovely update. Wishing you and Jack a very Merry Christmas and many more happy times together :luv: :luv:
Stephanie, George and Hamish xxx
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Such a lovely update to read. Wishing you both a very happy Christmas and hope with all my heart that the New Year brings you a long long time together.
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Sadly, I have to tell you, that my lovely Jack lost his battle against his illness on Thursday. As was expected, his health deteriorated quickly and the end was swift. I could perhaps, have delayed the decision for another week or so, but I would have done it for me and not him.
I've always owned a dog, but none can match the sheer courage and love for life that Jack possessed. He was truly an exceptional boy. You can imagine, that after dedicating so much of my time to cater for his needs, over many years, I'm feeling very sad and empty. But that's not what it's all been about. I would do exactly the same again and there will always be a special place in my heart for my Mr Waggy Tail. I had a marvellous final year with him and he enjoyed his life to the max. My many happy memories of good times shared will sustain me when the shock and grief slowly subside.
So, many, many thanks to all of you from a grateful Jack and I for your caring support. It helped so much. His life had value and he counted. xxx :bigarmhug:
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So very sad, you fought so hard for him, you could not have done more. My heart goes out to you. Run free Jack.
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So sorry to read this, Jack sounds such a couragous little chap and its so sad that he's lost his battle. Its the worst thing in the world having to make that final decision, but you've done the right thing by him, instead of by you and that is what really loving your dog is all about. Hold on to the happy memories.
Run free at the bridge little Jack!
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So sorry :'(
Run free Jack :luv:
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So sorry to read about Jack, he was truly a special, brave little fellow :luv:
Sleep tight little man
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I am really sorry to hear this, you and Jack walked the road together with courage and love. :luv:
Run free Jack, join the others at the Bridge and have fun. :luv:
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That's so sad. You must feel absolutely empty and lost. You did so much for him and you're right that you have to let go for his sake. Take care of yourself.
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So very sorry :'(
I am so glad you updated us in December that Jack was doing well, it was lovely to think he had gained that unexpected extra time with you :luv: although heartbreaking for you that the end came so rapidly, it sounds like Jack had a good quality of life up to the very end
Thinking of you :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
Sleep tight Jack :luv:
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This is turning into a horrid year for losing precious pups and people. :'(
Good night Jack Run free :luv:
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So sorry you have lost your special boy :bigarmhug:
Lesley and Dylan
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I am so very very sorry.
Jack was a very brave boy who had a very brave mum and I know how much you are hurting and how much you will be missing him.
Run free Jack, all well again now.
Thinking of you and my heart goes out to you.
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I'm so sorry that you've lost your lovely boy :bigarmhug:
Run free Jack :luv:
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I'm so sorry, he did so brilliantly well. Run free brave Jack. xx
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Run free at the bridge Jack, pain free & forever young
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Oh Run Free Darling Jack :luv:
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So sorry to read about Jack :'( he was such a brave boy, thinking of you at this very sad time :bigarmhug:
Run free at the Bridge Jack :luv: :luv: :angel:
Stephanie, George and Hamish xxx
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So sorry to read this :'(
Run free Jack :luv:
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So very very sorry to read this. Jack was clearly a special boy with a very special mum. Be kind to yourself and plenty of hugs are being sent your way.
Sweet Dreams Jack :luv:
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So very sorry for your loss, run free Jack :luv:
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I am so sorry for your loss, there is one more bright star in the sky tonight,
run free brave wee man. xxxx :luv: