11/13/2018
Hi folks - we've been out of touch for a bit so decided it was time to update our friends.
Lola developed a growth on the side of muzzle in the whiskers above her lip. We watched it for a bit, but when it started to change and I felt an enlarged lump node in her neck we were back to the vet asap. Needle aspiration of the node and the mass were inconclusive. We started big gun antibiotics to see if it would help and planned for removal. All of Lola's lab work was near perfect for her age and chest x-ray was clear, so it was decided it was safe to proceed with surgery. Any surgery is a risk but for an almost 13 yr old with LP and tie back surgery, it's even more risky. The goal of surgery was to improve the quality of her life now as I know it was hurting her. Last Tuesday AM I dropped her off for surgery. Of course the tears were flowing as I tried to drive off. She went thru surgery like a champ, her vital signs stayed stable and only need a bit of fluids. I was able to pick her up by 3pm. The news from Dr. Renee was not good. Yes it was as we suspected, the nasty C. She was not able to get all the feeder roots without effecting the inside of her mouth and lip more (not letting her mouth close). So now we wait for histology report and spoil her more. Got her to drink a bit and eat enough that night to get her meds. She slept well, me not so much watching her. Monday we got the preliminary report - suspected melanoma or could be mast cell since eosinophils were present. They are doing some additional stains - so wait again for final report. My vet will contact the oncologist at LSU vet school for recommendations. The only good news is the lymph node is smaller and no cancer cells seen there. I have decided not to pursue aggressive treatment - palliative only to keep her as comfortable as possible and we can enjoy the time we have left together. I have always said when Lola stops picking up her Wubba for our short walks, I'll know she's ready. Today is not that day -
She is doing well now, eating well and much more comfortable without that nasty thing on her beautiful face.
It's day by day or week by week and I pray for month by month. She is my Love, has been a special girl since the day I brought her home on 1/13/2006. I will do what's best for her as she has always done for me. Just didn't want to believe the horrible C would be what took her from me. Prayers for Lola much appreciated. I will keep her friends posted. Now that things are somewhat back to normal, I'll be back to sewing and getting the bumper orders out.
Thank you all for supporting her and keeping her spirit on the dock alive! Betsy
