brinkleys leg

So upset over the loss of our Scottie, Teddy, I failed to give a Brinkley update.  Got this news just one day before Teddy died….such a range of emotions.  Brinkley had an enlarged lymph node and his first post chemo vet visit was very scary.  They did a focal ultrasound and chest x-ray and shockingly, his lymph node was back to normal and his lungs showed nothing…still no indication of where his original cancer came from.  I thank God for this news and although we then lost Teddy, I am so grateful that our sweet Brinkley had good results.  He doesn’t have to go back until late in June unless we notice something.  He is six months past his amputation and as active and sweet as ever.  He misses Teddy and we are deciding what to do as we have had a Scottie in our lives as long as we are married….too soon I guess.  Don’t want to traumatize Brinkley.  “Thanks for listening”!

Teddy, our 8 year old Scottie was just fine until last week Tuesday when he wouldn’t eat…we took him to the vet the next day and they thought he had an abdominal infection and sent us home with meds and an appointment for a week.  The next morning I found him dead and needless to say was extremely upset.  An autopsy has revealed that he had a rapidly progressive liver cancer and could not be saved…..we have spent so much time working with Brinkley’s cancer that I am in shock.  Teddy was a sweet little dog and my grief for him cannot be explained.  If we lose Brinkley too, I don’t know what I will do….I  really never saw anything wrong with Teddy, but my guilt for putting all my efforts I to Brinkley’s cancer is causing me  incredible stress….just saying, put us in your prayers.  God bless you Teddy….I love you !

Brinkley had his first post chemo recheck yesterday.  One lymph node under his spine on his amputation side was enlarged from his last ultrasound by half a centimeter.  After much discussion with his oncologist we are waiting until April 8 to do another ultrasound…he will have to fast so if it is bigger they will sedate him and do a needle biopsy.  The range like everything else is an infection to cancer and he may need chemo again though she thought not five sessions like he just had.  Still no indication of a primary cancer site.  I’m disappointed, but not discouraged.  Brinkley shows no symptoms of anything and is not aware he only has three legs.  He continues to teach me what life is all about and makes me smile each and everyday.  Keep us in your thoughts and prayers!  Jackie

Husband found a lump under Brinkley’s skin on his back.  Took him to our vet this morning….very concerned since his primary cancer site was never found.  She thought immediately that it was a fatty tumor.  Took two needle samples and after looking at them (however they do that) came back and said,  Yes, it is a fatty tumor.  They can be removed, but felt Brinkley’s was fine as is unless there is a change to it…..texture, size, etc.  I’m so happy that it wasn’t something from his cancer and that we can continue to follow whatever the oncologist wants us to do.  I’m still smiling over the thought of Brinkley up on the examination table eating treats from the vet….if he isn’t used to vets by now, he will never be as he has gone to one almost weekly for months now.

We are three months post amputation and I’m still amazed how waiting in the vet’s waiting room people are so shocked at how well Brinkley has adapted to having only three legs.  Really feel like everytime is a learning lesson for people who may have to go through this and can see how totally unaffected this dog is by his loss of a limb.  Always a lesson to learn from our sweet guy!

 

Brinkley had his fifth and final chemo last Wednesday. His abdominal ultrasound and chest x-rays where okay. Only issue was they found a lymph gland that was a bit larger than the other side. Oncologist said may be nothing, but he gets a recheck in one month and they will do a focal ultrasound to look at that gland. They have never found the site of Brinkley’s cancer as all biopsies indicated his leg tumor was a met from another site. Brinkley has never gotten sick or even slowed down with only three legs. Have learned so much and our vet used him as her talk at a luncheon with local vets…if they have learned anything from him and she says they have, I’m happy his life (no matter what happens) has made a difference. What a great thing. I have no regrets and every day with my sweet dog is special. Wish I were as brave and could life I the moment as Brinkley does….what a lesson to be learned. Will try to figure out how to post his picture so you can see what a sweet faced little guy he is. Thanks for “listening”. Jackie

Not sure how this works yet and it’s only 4:40 a.m.  Brinkley, our 4 year old labradoodle has to have his right hind leg amputated today along with his anal glands.  I know this is the right thing to do and that he will be okay even after chemo and all else.  My husband is not handling this well and is balking at the whole thing.  Not a good time for him to be throwing this at me.  He is having a really hard time accepting a three legged dog.  I am shocked at his reaction and finally simply said it being done as I am the pets caregiver….he travels alot.  Guess I wish I could prove to him this is okay but don’t know how anymore.  I know what a shock it is going to be seeing Brinkley tomorrow without his leg, but he has been using three legs for almost three weeks now and the oncologist has repeatedly told us his hair will grow back and he will be okay.  Have the feeling my husband isn’t convinced Brinkley’s cancer won’t come back….who can answer that anyway.  Writing this out has helped me a bit as I’m a nervous wreck……!  Thanks.

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