Update on Lily's Condition

Hangin' out with Daddy!

Now for an update on Lily's condition. It has been a week since Lily's diagnosis and all the craziness of that weekend. We have settled down quite a bit. Lily started the chemo treatments last Tuesday morning, and had one Tuesday morning, Tuesday night, Wednesday morning and Wednesday night. Today she had some blood tests to analyze the effects of the chemo, but it looks like it is working just like it is supposed to and not hurting her or affecting her negatively at all! She seemed to be a little more lethargic after the chemo, but otherwise, she had NO complications this time. Just in case, we have had our WONDERFUL vet dog-sit her each day except for the weekend. I have been taking her each day (getting up an hour earlier to be able to get there and to work on time) and picking her up after work each day. She has enjoyed spending time with the doctor and vet techs there, and I have had a sense of relief that someone was watching her for complications due to the chemo. But let me tell you, they have SPOILED her ROTTEN! She is like their "mascot" now! They all want to keep her, and how could you not after you get to know her and spend time with her. She is a great dog.

As of today, Lily has stayed on her two medications at home (plus an antibiotic to help with a little congestion in her lungs), and has had no problems other than eating like a PIG. I would not be surprised if she has gained a half pound in a week *which is a LOT for a dog her size*! She has been eating very healthily and all her other "functions" are normal. She is like a Timex watch - takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'! The doctors and vet techs have been so good to her - calling to check on her and making sure she is healthy, happy and comfortable at all times. She even had her own "bed" at the vet, with a heating pad and all in their office - what a trip!

So at the moment, she is sleeping on Kevin's lap. Tomorrow is her first day at home alone since her incident on Valentine's Day - Dr. B feels like she should be fine to stay at home, we are just going to restrict her to the linoleum so if she does need to relieve herself (since she is eating and drinking more) that she will be able to go and not hold it all day. I think she should be fine.

Coming up next - In three weeks, Lily is due for her next chemo treatment. She will stay at the vet the two days that she gets the injections, because it is just easier than me going down there twice with her. She will also stay the day after the two injections to be observed so we can make sure no side effects are seen. We also got word today that the specialist in Charlotte is going to wean her off of the prednizone over the next three four-week periods, so hoepfully her appetite will lessen and she will feel more like herself.

YAY for Lily! I am so glad she has dealt with this so well, and I give all the thanks and praise to God for laying his hand on her and helping her to feel so well and for her little body to take so well to all that has happened to it! We will continue to pray, and if you are reading this, please say a little prayer for her continued progress! Thanks to all of you who have supported me and Kevin (and Lily) through this. We love you all!

Boy is she tired! Hehehe - all that eating wore her out!