September 26, 2015
Anticipating the Journey…
My name is Coco. I am a therapy dog. I was rescued by my parents three years ago. I came from Indiana. I have been dealing with mammary cancer since I can remember. I have had teats removed and lumps removed from my chest.
This is different – Mom and Dad have been talking lately about osteosarcoma. Apparently the lump in my right front leg is more serious than we originally thought. I have cancer. Mom has been saying that cancer is a word, not a sentence but, even though I am losing my hearing, I heard enough at the vet on Wednesday to understand that it is a big deal.
Mom was given two options: Amputate to eliminate the pain of the tumor in my shoulder and do chemo to help slow the spreading of the disease, or try monthly IV treatments that will help the pain initially but will become less effective over time.
Mom and Dad talked a lot about the options – Mom says she wishes I could talk to offer advice. I am nine or ten, no one seems to know…Mom is very worried about making the “right” decision. I wish I could tell her that there is no “right” decision and that I trust what she and Dad decide…
Yesterday, Mom scheduled my appointment for amputation for next Thursday, October 1st.
As I mentioned earlier, I am a therapy dog. Mom and I are a therapy dog team. I go to work with Mom at her school (she is a middle school principal) two or three days each week. Will I still be able to continue my work after my surgery? I LOVE my job at Mom’s school, and the students and staff members there love me. I have been working there for almost two years now, and I hope I can continue.
Mom says we will take one day at a time. I can tell she and Dad are nervous – I wish I could tell them that I am not. That I have no idea what all the fuss is about. That am not afraid. One day at a time…
Filed by michellek at 4:45 am under Uncategorized
5 Comments
September 26th, 2015 at 11:59 pm
A little over three weeks ago we were where you are now. I truly feel your pain. But now our Max is back. He’s running and hopping all over like he’s done it all his life. He’s pain free and loving life. The first few days are hard. Stay connected here and let everyone offer their support. I could not have done this journey without them. Post your questions on the forums and all the people here will help you through this. This is an amazing group of people who are here to help you. Please keep us updated on your beautiful Coco. We’re all sending our healing thoughts your way. Coco you will be an AMAZING therapy tripawd! Read through some of the journey’s on the forums so you will know somewhat of what to expect. It helped me a lot to know about things to expect. Good luck!! Mom is right take one day at a time. Each one will get better!
September 27th, 2015 at 1:37 am
Thank you:) I have been reading a lot here over the past few days – it helps to hear from others who have been/are going through it.
September 27th, 2015 at 9:45 pm
Oh, dear. Do hope the op goes well. Thinking of you and your family. We feel your pain. 😰😰
September 27th, 2015 at 9:55 pm
Coco we’re sorry you’re dealing with cancer again but if you survived it once you’re going to kick it’s butt again, I can feel it!
You have great parents who are going to help you through the recovery and you’ll be back helping others in no time. We have a few Tripawd therapy dogs here in our community and you should see what celebrities they are in their hometowns. You are gonna be an even bigger superstar!
If there’s anything we can do to help just bark at us OK? xoxo
September 28th, 2015 at 12:03 am
It helps to know there is a support group. So glad to have it:) Thanks.