For a little 13-pound dog, Toby took up an elephant-sized space in our lives. This week has not been easy. We all, especially me and Maddux, miss him more than words can explain. Reading everyone’s comments, emails and texts, about how Toby touched their lives from people, who in many cases had never even… Continue reading A Little Dog’s Big Influence
This is a post never wanted to write, but knew that some day I would have to. Toby passed away naturally in his bed at home with me by his side, Sept. 11, 2017, after a 17-month battle with stage 3 lymphoma. Thanks to the wonderful staff at Woodbridge Veterinary Hospital in Woodbridge, N.J.,… Continue reading Goodbye Sweet Toby
This is a box I never want to have to open. When it first arrived, a sense of relief came over me. It was finally here and it was one less thing I had to worry about. But then, my feelings about the box turned a bit to hatred. It sat on the dining room… Continue reading The Box I Never Want to Open
Maybe I should rename this blog, “Toby’s Chemo Diaries”? Seriously though, yesterday today had his latest chemo visit and I’m happy to report his oncologist said his lymphnodes were there same size if not smaller, again. This is very good news, because as long as they stay the same size, it means the chemo is… Continue reading The 10 Day Chemo Visit
We didn’t get the best of news this week during Toby’s oncologist visit on Wednesday. In a nutshell, he is not sure the lymphoma is responding to the chemo anymore, as Toby’s right lymphnode under his jaw was 20 percent larger than last time and now lymphnodes in his knees and shoulders are also enlarged. … Continue reading Not the Best of News
Toby always likes to keep things interesting. He is not only going to depleate my bank account, but also give me a heart attack. This was the scene at about 3 a.m. this morning. Toby in his bed, acting very much unlike himself and me sleeping on the floor next to him using their large… Continue reading A Little Lymphoma Scare
“Best I’ve seen him.” Those were the words of Toby’s oncologist today during our third chemo visit since his lymphoma returned. I was beyond happy to hear those four words! His doctor also said none of his lymphnodes were swollen, all his blood tests were perfect and that he was going great. Toby was so… Continue reading The Day of Chemo Treatment
The night before Toby’s chemo, I’m always a bit sick to my stomach. “Will tomorrow be the day they tell me the treatment is no longer working? Are they going to say his lymphnodes are swollen again? Will the blood test show his liver enzymes are elevated because of the treatment? Are we going to… Continue reading The Night Before Chemo
I couldn’t have gotten through Toby’s cancer diagnosis without Maddux. I should probably change that tense, because we are still going through it. Maddux has been both a comfort and a much need distraction, especially when Toby was first diagnosed. I love to take my dogs with me places. Toby wasn’t allowed to do much,… Continue reading I Couldn’t Have Gotten Through Toby’s Cancer Diagnosis Without Maddux
I don’t know if dogs can get survivor’s guilt, but I’m pretty sure their owners can. Next month, on April 22, it will be exactly one year since Toby was diagnosed with canine lymphoma. Sometimes, I can’t remember what I had for dinner the night before, but I remember that day like it was yesterday.… Continue reading Survivor’s Guilt
