Monday, July 30, 2007

GREAT News today!



Our prayers were answered today. Our Doctor called and the results of Luke's extensive testing show no sign of cancer in his lungs or lymph nodes. According to our Ocologist, the cancer has not spread from the tumor in his mouth. They still believe that the tumor can be removed completely with surgery.

I hate the thought of him having a portion of his tongue removed, but if it extends his life and keeps the cancer from spreading, it's the best option.

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Luke is tired.


Luke had another long day. He spent over 7 hours with his oncologist and her staff at the Veterinary hospital today. He had a comprehensive, day-long physical so that we could make an informed decision about his tumor.
Luke has been poked and prodded, been weighed, been x-ray'd, had hands in his mouth, fingers on his tongue, lights in his eyes, lymph nodes and oil glands squeezed, blood samples, urine samples, cell samples, had instruments stuck in his ears, and thermometers stuck in a place where thermometers get stuck.
He allowed all this to be done to him without snapping at anyone. After 7 hours, I'm not sure I could have been as gentlemanly.
We're thankful for today's news that the chest x-rays revealed that the cancer had not spread to the lungs. We should get the results from the other
tests on Monday, and hopefully the cancer is localized to his mouth. From what we've learned today, we're about to conclude that the best of our "not so great" options is surgery to remove the tumor.
As we were about to leave today to drive back home to the mountains, our intern told us that everyone on the hospital staff adored Luke.
I know how they feel.

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Caution: Men Working


Luke and I plan to work in the garage today. I've got some painting to do, a light fixture to change, and some carpentry. I like having him with me. Work always goes faster when you have someone helping you.

We'll break for lunch and go pick up his favorite meal. (Double Whopper, hold everything, except the cheese.) On the way, I'll let him hold his head out the car window. He likes riding in the car, with his ears are flapping in the wind.

Besides, the girls in the drive-thru always make a fuss over him.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Update on Luke's condition.

Update on Luke's condition: We learned the results of Luke's second biopsy this week. According to his Doctor, the tumor in his mouth does not seem to have spread, but she is still recommending that it be sugically removed.

I'm taking him back to G-boro to a specialist within the practice in two weeks to see if radiation is a possibility. If it isn't, then the only option will be to remove the tumor which will mean he will lose a portion of his tongue.

Before I put him through the ordeal of surgery, I have to learn everything I can about his problem and be convinced this is the best and only option. I can't stand the thought of hurting him, unless I'm certain it necessary for his long term best interest.

I love this dog.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

I'm not the lead dog.




Well, I'm going to have to face up to the fact that I'm not Luke's favorite. Yep, there's no denying it, - he likes my wife better than me.

Maybe it's because she is constantly slipping him doggy treats. Maybe he's just a ladies man. Doesn't matter. He'd rather snuggle with her than me (can't blame him really).
If she goes to another room, he gets up and goes too. If she pets the cat, he tries to wedge in between them.
I guess that makes him the jealous type too.








Sunday, July 8, 2007

Easy (like Sunday morning)



Luke and I are sitting here on Sunday morning. He's had his breakfast, and I'm having coffee. Two cool dudes, just chillin' out and making plans for the day.


We haven't decided what we're going to do today. One thing is for sure, whatever I do, Luke is going to be right there doing it with me.


He's already given me a suggestion for one thing on today's agenda. Last night, he walked into the family room with a tennis ball in his mouth, and came over to me and dropped it at my feet.


I know what that means. It means: "You've been spending to much time at the office lately and we need to play more." He's right, - we all need to play a little more and work a little less.


You gotta like a dog that has his priorities in order.

Saturday, July 7, 2007

My Watch Dog




I've got a watch dog. He lays beside my bed, just inside my bedroom, looking out the door way and down the hall. From this perspective, he can see the entrance to each of my daughter's bedrooms, and the staircase leading to our rooms.

He comes to bed when the last family member does, and stays on guard until everyone stops stirring. He is always the last to go to sleep. If someone gets up during the night, so does he.

He makes sure our family stays safe at night. As he sees it, this is his job.

I love this dog.

Thursday, July 5, 2007

Major Wrestling Match


I just finished a major wrestling match with Luke. Down and Dirty, both of us on the floor, winner take all!


We've been wrestling over his chew toys, and he sure can be one possessive Golden Retriever when it comes to his toys!!


I'd have to admit that he probably won. (Atleast I ran out of energy before he did!)

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Luke and the 4th of July


One of the nice things about our home is that it has an awesome view. On the 4th of July, we just sit on the deck and watch the various fireworks displays in the valley.

The sound of the explosives and the resonation off the surrounding mountains really bothers my friend Luke. He gets nervous and shaky and needs to be cuddled and reassured that everything is alright. He can be such a big baby, (which is a wonderful, loving quality).

The fireworks have been over an hour, and he's right here at my feet. I like having him beside me, and he feels better being here. I'm glad he's home and that I can help him get back to a normal routine. He's had a long week so far.

I love this dog. (Probably too much, but I do.)

Monday, July 2, 2007

Luke goes to G-boro.

We took Luke to Greensboro today. He sees Dr. Lew tomorrow, and we should know whether or not he will need further surgery to remove the tumor under his tongue.

I'm hoping she'll advise us to put if off a while. I just don't want that dog going through any unnecessary pain, or having his any disfigurement from the surgery.