My Sweet Lab And Lymphoma Cancer Options

[Ankababy]

I know what I should do but I am still holding onto my 12.5 year old lab. People say "you will know when it's time." I think I do but I don't. I know but I don't want to. Yes, someone should kick me. I'm not ready but I should. I can't keep showing up at work with swollen eyes from crying myself to sleep. So pathetic.

So this creature of mine that I love so very much is Anka. She was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer 4 weeks ago after we noticed heavy panting and lumps around her neck, shoulders and stomach. And then we received the dreaded news. I cried for days and haven't really stopped when I'm at home. I'm pretty sure she feels worst. Unable to breathe properly. We put her on steroid medication and she was back to her old self for 2 weeks. Unfortunately, the medicine is no longer effective. Her breathing is heavily labored, all the time especially when she is sleeping, stopped eating, lost weight, goes for short walks only and lately snorts/whimpers. She doesn't eat her food but eats cheese and treats.

I scheduled at home appointment to put her down this Saturday. It was a hard decision, I went back and forth on it for what seems like a million times. I can't and don't want her to suffer. But each time she seems like her old self, comes in for snuggles and eats her food, I feel hopeful again. Sadly there are more bad than good days. I'll miss you my dearest sweet Anka. Mommy loves you forever.

I need the courage to see this thru. I had no idea this would be so very hard.

[LittleGirl's...]

Dear Anka's Mommy,

My heart goes out to you with so much empathy at this horrible time.

It must be so, so difficult to make this decision. It is very understandable that you want to hold on and have as many more "good" days as you possibly can! The labored breathing sounds like the symptom that will make the decision, and possibly Saturday will be just about the "right" time. It is wonderful that you have someone coming to your home for this.

Do you have good support from people around you? I hope co-workers are at least somewhat understanding as well? I have been in situations where I had to work around people who thought this was no big deal ! It was very, very difficult. Know also that we will be there to support you through all phases of this heart-wrenching journey.

After Anka does pass from her physical form, she will still be with you, and, when it's your time to pass on, you will be fully reunited. So remember that this won't be the end.

I will be looking for any updates from you. I'll be sending prayers and comforting thoughts your way.

Hugs and warmth,

Kathy

I know what I should do but I am still holding onto my 12.5 year old lab. People say "you will know when it's time." I think I do but I don't. I know but I don't want to. Yes, someone should kick me. I'm not ready but I should. I can't keep showing up at work with swollen eyes from crying myself to sleep. So pathetic.

So this creature of mine that I love so very much is Anka. She was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer 4 weeks ago after we noticed heavy panting and lumps around her neck, shoulders and stomach. And then we received the dreaded news. I cried for days and haven't really stopped when I'm at home. I'm pretty sure she feels worst. Unable to breathe properly. We put her on steroid medication and she was back to her old self for 2 weeks. Unfortunately, the medicine is no longer effective. Her breathing is heavily labored, all the time especially when she is sleeping, stopped eating, lost weight, goes for short walks only and lately snorts/whimpers. She doesn't eat her food but eats cheese and treats.

I scheduled at home appointment to put her down this Saturday. It was a hard decision, I went back and forth on it for what seems like a million times. I can't and don't want her to suffer. But each time she seems like her old self, comes in for snuggles and eats her food, I feel hopeful again. Sadly there are more bad than good days. I'll miss you my dearest sweet Anka. Mommy loves you forever.

I need the courage to see this thru. I had no idea this would be so very hard.

[Ankababy]

Thank you so for your kind message. I'm doing it again, back paddling on my decision. I need to remind myself it's the right thing to do.

Dear Anka's Mommy,

My heart goes out to you with so much empathy at this horrible time.

It must be so, so difficult to make this decision. It is very understandable that you want to hold on and have as many more "good" days as you possibly can! The labored breathing sounds like the symptom that will make the decision, and possibly Saturday will be just about the "right" time. It is wonderful that you have someone coming to your home for this.

Do you have good support from people around you? I hope co-workers are at least somewhat understanding as well? I have been in situations where I had to work around people who thought this was no big deal ! It was very, very difficult. Know also that we will be there to support you through all phases of this heart-wrenching journey.

After Anka does pass from her physical form, she will still be with you, and, when it's your time to pass on, you will be fully reunited. So remember that this won't be the end.

I will be looking for any updates from you. I'll be sending prayers and comforting thoughts your way.

Hugs and warmth,

Kathy