Daisy Is Now At Peace - Friday, May 13, 2011

Daisy Went to The Rainbow Bridge Today

Lumps on Daisy's Neck - neck pulled back so you can see them - left side:

Some Photos of Daisy Taken This Morning:

Daisy's breathing had become more labored.  She could not play ChuckIt more than once or twice.  She had alot of diarrhea and she was refusing food.

My Tribute to Daisy

Daisy Mae AKA Daisy Bean RIP Dec 12, 2003-May 13, 2011 You came into our lives as a gift from Gina who needed a good home for you. You absolutely loved car rides. A ride to the Post Office was your favorite.

Everyone knew you were there because you protected the car from everyone. You were the Sentry of the neighborhood, alarming us of any movement anywhere on the street.

You loved to play creepy-crawl on the floor like a baby crawling across the floor. You loved being "diapered" when I got home from work and you were hogging my side of the bed. Mom had to scoot you over.

You loved a game of ChuckIt. The bouncing balls were your favorite, while you left the launched ones for Rookie.

You snored with the best of them. You never did anything wrong. You left your nose prints on the car and truck windows though. And maybe you left some damage to the interior trim of the truck from jumping when someone came near it. You tore the dashboard apart in the Buick from jumping at passers by.

You thought you owned the kiddie pool, growling at your brother and sister when they came near.

But in late January, I felt that lump in your neck and knew it was bad news. The actual report came in February. We promised your first mommy and you that we would not let you suffer. We switched your food and treats to a grain free kind. We let you live and love life to the fullest. We watched you like a hawk.

We saw that you had diarrhea which upset you, you slowed down eating and we switched to something you might like. We saw you were having trouble reaching the bath tub spigot to get water al fresca, the main way you drank it. Then we noticed your breathing was getting labored.

We grabbed the ChuckIt and ball for one last launch. Then you went for your last ride.So today, we gave you the best gift of all. A painfree express ride to the Rainbow Bridge.

You went in style. Just like we know you would. You gave us loving kisses, while we returned the same. We stroked you while your muscles relaxed and we told you how much we loved you. Then came the final injection. And you were at wordly peace.

Stink Face, you have now passed to the greatest place in the world. Where you can run free, go for rides, play ChuckIt, bark at everyone and everything. You can eat steak every day. And you can meet all the other humans and doggies that have passed ...before us. Including Tony and Donna, Grandma & Grandpa, and Ember and Smokey Dog. Run free Daisy, Run free. We will meet you there one day! Love, Mom & Dad, Rookie, Sheena, Bunker & Patton. RIP Daisy! RIP

Thank you everyone for reading the blog.  I hope it helps someone in the future.

Daisy's Diarrhea - May 11, 2011

Daisy had another diarrhea accident in the house.  She looks very uncomfortable when trying to relieve herself.  The lumps on her neck continue to press against her airway.  From what I have read, Imodium does not help diarrhea due to lymphoma.  We have been trying it anyway.

We have decided to take her to the vet Friday to be sent to the Rainbow Bridge to be with Ember.  Better a day too soon than to have her suffer.

Going Downhill - May 8, 2011

It looks like we are turning towards the worst here.  Several days of Daisy refusing food.  Kevin put some of Patton's kibble in it and also added some water.  She ate a little of it.  Finally ate most of it after a while.

We stopped up at Petsmart and got some Blue canned beef stew to see if she will eat that.  Also got some of that liquid gravy.

We game home and Daisy had 2 diarrhea accidents in the house.

I love her to death but the end is coming soo.  I am having memories of Ember's decline and she is following the same path.

Nothing New - May 6-7, 2011

Nothing really going on.  Might call to see if the vet will give me some Prednisone for her.

She went to the PO and BJ Wholesale with me Friday and I am going to take her to Target in the morning if I have time.

Photos Today - May 5, 2011

Here are 2 photos of Daisy taken today.  You can see the bones in her skull are more prominant.  We have started moistening her food with water believing it might be easier for her to eat.  Her lumps on her neck are getting bigger.  She has been hacking on and off at times.  She is watching Bunker and Patton play.  Her snoring has gotten louder.

She is still doing ok.  She went for 2 rides with me today.

Snoring Like a Bear - May 5, 2011

Daisy is sleeping beside me, snoring very loudly.  The lumps are more pronounced and you can feel the ones on the right side of her neck more.

She is still eating and pooping.  I have a gut feeling her kidneys/living may be slowing down now.  Just a gut feeling.  Watching for signs & symptoms.

Daisy Update - May 3, 2011

I apologize for not posting an update sooner but we suddenly acquired a puppy on Saturday and it threw us for a loop.

Daisy is doing fine.  She played ChuckIt Saturday, yesterday and today.  She is taken aback by the new addition.  I took her to the Post Office today.  I am going to try to give her a little private mommy time on Thursday if the weather permits.

This morning she did not finish all her breakfast.  I am hoping it was just her nerves - jealous of the new addition.

No News - April 29, 2011

Grass is a bit high so we did not play ChuckIt - too hard to find the balls before the grass is mowed in the morning.

Daisy went to the Post Office and the auto store today.  Later she went to the pizza shop to get dinner.

She is doing great!

Daisy Enjoyed the Pool Today - Apr 26, 2011

Bunker, Daisy and Rookie enjoying the pool today.  Sheena is sniffing the poop can in the background.

They played in the pool and played some ChuckIt.  Daisy is doing well today!

Daisy likes to splash in the pool.

Having Difficulty with Bowels - Apr 23, 2011

Daisy seems to be straining the last few days. I worked a double today. Was getting ready for bed and Daisy needed to go out. I let her out for a bit and noticed her hunched over. She seemed anxious. She came in but appeared to still have to have a bm. I took her up the street and back. She stopped about 6 times to poop.

I got her home and she seemed anxious so I let her in the yard. She finally settled down and is sleeping on the bed.

We will keep an eye on her. I sill not let her suffer. Probably the beginning of the diarrhea from kidney and liver failure.

ChuckIt Today - Apr 22, 2011

Played some ChuckIt today.  everything is going well.

Played ChuckIt Today - Apr 21, 2011

Daisy played a few games of ChuckIt today with Kevin and I.  And of course, a trip to the Post Office.  She seems a bit tired but otherwise looks fine.

No News Is Good News - April 19, 2011

Got in some chuckit yesterday.  Today it was raining yet again.  She continues to amaze me.

Bad Weather - Apr 16, 2011

Today I trimmed Daisy's toenails.  It's her least favorite thing of all!  Anyway, the weather is terrible so we couldn't play outside.  We did get to play some rolly in the house (rolling tennis balls up and down the halls).

She is doing great!

Dog Park Time - Apr 15, 2011

Took the gang up to the dog park for a bit today.  I have to watch because they have a 3 dog limit.  Daisy was so happy to go to the post office and the dog park.

I am watching for signs of weight loss, appetite loss, etc.  So far so good!  Her collar is still the same size.

Doing Great - Apr 14, 2011

She continues to do great.  Played a little ChuckIt today - ground was too wet.  Gums, ears, eyes all look ok. 

Lump Update - Apr 13, 2011

Kevin and I feel the lumps on the neck have grown a bit.  Not much.

She is still doinjg great.  Unable to play outside today because of the weather.  She did grab a tennis ball and tease Bunker with it for a while!  She loves aggravating him.

Daisy Doing Great - April 12, 2011

Daisy continues to do well.  Played alot of ChuckIt lately.  It's raining today so that is out of the question.

No Update - April 9, 2011

Daisy is still going strong.  No ChuckIt for 2 days due to weather.  The yard is a swamp.

Still Doing Fantastic - April 7, 2011

Daisy is doing well, eating and everything else.  I love her to death.

I Rested Today - April 5, 2011

It was raining this morning so Daisy, Rookie and I tried to sleep all morning, while Sheena woke me up every hour to go hunt.

Anyway, no news.

Continues on a Straight Path - April 4, 2011

Daisy continues to amaze me.  A game of ChuckIt and a trip to the Post Office.  She makes me proud.

Doing Well - 8 Weeks 1 Day after first Aspiration - April 3, 2011

8 weeks and 1 day since the vet took the aspirates out of the lump in her neck.  Daisy is doing well.  Went for a ride yesterday and played ChuckIt 2 days in a row.

No sign of any bleeding anywhere.

My baby girl is doing great right now!

Tried to get some photos outside but she would not stay still!

2 Rides Today - Apr 1, 2011

Healthwise she is going fine.  Could not paya outside due to bad weather.  She did get 2 rides in the truck today.

Nothing New - Mar 31, 2011

Daisy's lump on her neck seems a bit bigger.  Otherwise she is eating fine.  Could not play outside today due to the weather.

I still worry about how her demise is going to happen.

Dog Park - Mar 29, 2011

I feel guilty for taking just Daisy or Daisy and Rookie to the Post Office.  Today I loaded up all 4 and took them to the Post Office.  Then we went to the Dog Park!

Daisy had a great time.  She did well.  Sometimes she gets a little possessive when people walk by the fence.

They all ran around for a bit.

I took my camera but they were moving around too much.

Waiting for a Ride - Mar 28, 2011

A nice game of ChuckIt today and a trip to the Post Office and the cleaners.  She is doing a lot better playing - has alot of energy.

Rookie & Daisy watching me while I list on ebay:

Daisy Doing Great - Mar 27, 2011

I am overwhelmed with joy at how well she is doing.  We didn't do anything yesterday but she did great at ChuckIt today.  She is having a blast chasing that tennis ball and Bunker is giving her a run for the money.

Daisy Doing Great Mar 23-25, 2011

Daisy is doing great.  She went to the Post Office a few times and a long ride to PetFoodDirect.

I found an article in Just Labs Magazine in which a female Lab lasted 6 months after diagnosis with prednisone and no chemo.

No Change - Mar 21 & 22, 2011

Daisy enjoyed rides to the Post Office today and yesterday.  She continues to do well.

I checked the insides of her ears and her gums for any sign of bruising or jaundice.  So far she is doing great.

Too wet to play ChuckIt.

Daiy Enjoying the Nice Weather - Mar 20, 2011

Daisy continues to to do well.  Kevin had the gang out to play ChuckIt today.  Daisy continues to chase Bunker around the yard and the house.  So far, so good!

Having Fun Mar 18 & 19, 2011

2 days in a row of ChuckIt.  She is doing well and having fun.

She went for a ride to Kohl's with me today.

This afternoon Daisy went for a walk around the small block with me.  She did great!

We are 5 weeks post diagnosis & 6 weeks post vet visit for the lump.

Played chuckIt Today - Mar 17, 2011

She looks great.  You would never know she is sick.

We did not play long because the yard is still very wet, but Daisy, Rookie & Bunker played for a bit.

Holding Her Own - Mar 16, 2011

Daisy is doing great.  She did not go anywhere today and we could not play in the yard due to the wet ground.

She did snitch on Bunker tonight.  She is a great snitch.  She told Kevin that Bunker had been in the downstairs powder room.  He grabbed the toilet brush...

Daisy Having a Great Day - Mar 15, 2011

Wow she just looks great.  We went to the Post Office today.  She came home and was strolling around the yard when she spotted a robin.  She was debating going after it but went back to sniffing whatever she was sniffing.

She played chase with Bunker and butt-tucked around the yard with him.

Hard to believe she has this deadly disease.

No Update - Mar 14, 2011

Got a little busy at work so I couldn't get a post up.

Daisy and Rookie went to the Post Office with me Monday morning.  When we got back home, Daisy was in the front yard with me.  A robin was prancing about the yard and Daisy was surprised.

Daisy Continues to Do Well - Mar 13, 2011

Diasy is doing great.  she went for a ride with Kevin this morning.  She also continues to chase Bunker around the house.

Daisy - Mar 11 & 12, 2011

Sorry I did not post yesterday but my laptop crashed.

Anyway, all is good.  Daisy is still eating fine.  We went to the Post Office today.  No news is great news!

Nothing New - Mar 10, 2011

Daisy is doing well. She still is biting her leg. She went to the Post Office today. We were unable to play outside due to the weather.

No News - Mar 9, 2011

It was too wet to play outside today abd it is supposed to really rain hard tomorrow.

No change in Daisy's condition. 

No News - Mar 8, 2011

Nothing new today.  A trip to the Posr Office.  Too wet to play ChuckIt.  No vomiting today.

Daisy - Mar 7, 2011

Overnight the ground got saturated so no outdoor play today.  Daisy did go to the Post Office.

Kevin came home from work and found vomit on the carpet but we don't know which of the 3 loose Labs did it.  Kevin thinks it was Daisy because she ran away to the door when he walked in the house.

But Daisy normally runs the other way.

Wrote Daisy's Breeder Today - Mar 6, 2011

I took Daisy for a ride to Office Depot and BJ Wholesale today.  It was raining out so we did not play outside.

I wrote a letter to the Amish farmer who owned the dame that had Daisy.  Just a note to let him know that a Lab from the litter has lymphoma.  Not like I expect a response. 

Daisy Doing Well - Mar 5, 2011

Daisy and Rookie went on errands with me today - about 1.5 hours.  Daisy was very happy - putting her head part way out the window and seeing the sites.  She is doing very well.

We played ChuckIt again today.  She still loves to play it.

No diarrhea, no vomiting and she is still eating normally.

I picked up some EVO lower carb dog treats.  I looked at the pet dried chicken and beef jerky but at $20 a pack, it would last about 4 days.

The Gang - Mar 4, 2011

Daisy, Rookie & Bunker played ChuckIt today.  Daisy seemed to have more energy.  No signs of any problems.  Gums still remain pale.  Red around the teeth.

Got some nice photos.  I still need a nice head shot of Daisy but all she would give me were profile shots!

Daisy Seemed More Interested in ChuckIt Today - Mar 3, 2011

Daisy and Rookie went to the Post Office today.  We cleaned up the yard and played some ChuckIt.  She seemed more interested in it today.  I did not want to wear her out so the gang played ChuckIt for about 15 minutes, maybe less.

She is still eating fine.  She did not want to grab her special biscuit when she missed catching it but I think it was because she wanted to go for a ride in the car.  She did eat the next one I tossed her.

ChuckIt Today and Yesterday - Mar. 2, 2011

Yesterday and today, I was able to get the crew out to play some ChuckIt in the yard.  ChuckIt is a tennis ball launcher on a stick.

Very sad today as Daisy, although she looks and acts fine, is not interested in running long distances after the ball.  Maybe about 15 feet is about all she wants to do.

Keeping a close eye on her.  The lump on her neck appears to be the same size.  She is not bloated or having any bowel or urine problems from what I can see.

Just sad to see my baby not chasing that ball across the yard.  She always wanted to beat Rookie to it.

The Ride in the Car to the Post Office- Feb 28, 2011

No real update today.  Daisy and Rookie went for a ride to the Post Office today. 

Lumps still feel the same.  No vomiting or diarrhea or visual problems.

Each day is a gift.

Daisy - Feb 27,2011

No changes today.  She still seems to be doing fine.  She spent some time chasing my other 3 Labs around the yard while I did yard cleanup today.

Daisy's Original Mom Stopped By

Today Daisy's original owner came by to see her.  Daisy enjoyed a rawhide chew while Gina got to see her.  It was a sad morning.  So far Daisy seems good but her gums did bleed more than usual when she was chewing on the rawhide.

Photo of Daisy and her first mom.

Today - Feb 25, 2011

Daisy was dying to go for a ride to the Post Office today but it was pouring down rain and Rookie was trying to get out the door with her.

Still eating well.

Her original owner is stopping by tomorrow morning to see her.

Daisy Went on the Tour in the Car Today - Feb 24, 2011

Daisy seems to be doing well.  I took her to the post office, the park, (she waited while I was in the doctor's, and she went to my mechanic's garage today.  She is eating well and there is no sign of diarrhea or vomiting.  She has not slowed down yet.

Another hard day for me.  Hard to believe she is going to die at a young age.

How Daisy Came To Us

In September 2007, my sister in law told me of a relative that was looking to place a yellow Labrador in a new home.  The rest was history.  Daisy was almost 4 at the time.

The owner brought Daisy over to our home to meet the crew and Daisy fit right in.

I am going to look for her paperwork because I want the kennel she came from to know she has lymphoma.  I want to research whether any other Labs from that kennel have cancer (or had cancer).

Daisy - Today - February 22, 2011

So far Daisy seems ok, which is apparently the norm with this disease.  The lump in the neck is about the same size.  The surgeon showed me some other nodes to check - they are about the same size as at the surgeon's office.

Daisy will get lots of love until she passes.  Of course, I will send her to The Bridge when the time comes.

Today, Daisy got a ride in the car - one of her favorite activies.

The only observations thus far - snoring and some scratching.  Apparently lymphoma can cause itchy skin.

This has been a very hard journey for me.  Crying everyday.

Daisy, My Lab Has Been Diagnosed with Lymphoma

Daisy is my 7 year old yellow Labrador Retriever.  Late last month, I noticed a lump on the left side of Daisy's neck.  I would say it was golf ball size, maybe a bit smaller.  I was really concerned.  I made a vet appointment the following Saturday.

In the meantime, I did alot of research and was concerned that it was lymphoma.  There is no cure for lymphoma.  Chemo is the only option and it is only a temporary fix.

On February 5, I took her to my vet.  He aspirated the lump.  I was concerned as I did not see any serum, only blood near the tip of the syringe.

The following Tuesday, the CBC came back normal so I was hoping my fears were wrong.

That Friday, February 11, my worst fears became a reality.  I called the vet and he said she had lymphoma and to make an appointment with a surgeon.  I wasn't sure why I was making the appointment but I went ahead and did it.

I read up on lymphoma and decided against chemo. 

I took Daisy to the surgeon and she did 3 more aspirates.  She had no idea why the vet referred me to her as surgery is not an option with this disease.

We switched Daisy to Taste of the Wild Canine Pacific Stream dog food as they say that type diet is better for their liver and kidneys.

Friday, February 18th, I received the full consultation and lab report from the surgeon (thanks!).

At this point, I am monitoring Daisy's condition and do not plan on starting her on Prednisone unless it is absolutely necessary.