I think that you have the perfect attitude, actually. And I am sorry for all you have been through. We have lost 9 animals in 5 years, plus a human, most after long illnesses, so truly understand what you are saying. At this point I freak out at the slightest sign of illness, fearing something terminal. But we also have a sheep who had acute kidney failure from copper poisoning and they did not think she would make it, and she not only made it but her kidneys have come closer to normal values than they said was even possible, knock on wood. And my dog Fern was given 2-6 months and lived 18 months with her sarcoma. So you really do never know. I am glad you are not upset with me. I was a bit tormented after I sent the email saying it is not curable, thinking maybe I should not have said that. But everything you said is right. I always think treatment that makes them feel good and extends their life is worth it, and something to be grateful for, and just hope for as much time as possible. Michelle In a message dated 11/26/2006 10:38:26 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
Michelle, I have dealt with enough cancer in humans and dogs to know there are not guarantees....but I always try to stay as positive as I can given any circumstances. I do have my down times and also try to be realistic. My goal for Asia is to give her the best life she can have for the longest she can have it, whatever it may be.....I am just mostly happy at this stage that I thought it through and did some research before euthanizing and that we can do some treatments to assist her have some quality of life. I have done doggie hospice with 3 dogs since 2003, 2 of them last year and one was a cancerous tumor on his spine at C2 and one was Chronic Renal Failure that we treated for 2 yrs. these two were brothers and I had them since birth. I also had there mother and she had liver disease which I also treated for 2 yrs. along with heart disease. My cat that I had for 15 yrs was a diabetic the last 5 yrs. of her life and I gave her shots am and pm daily. Not that I want to do anymore hospice with any living thing but I have had the experience with dogs and also my father. My husband also had cancer and fought it for 2 yrs. My mother is a 4 time cancer survivor who is now 82 and going strong. I appreciate you wanting me to be informed and appreciate your honesty about the disease. I do lots of research on the diseases of my animals and my human family members and try to stay as informed as possible. I am also still grieving last years numerous deaths in my family so it was very difficult to euthanize Asia and it was also very difficult to face the possible caretaking again, but after a couple days of consideration and being sad, my decision was made to go forward with another opinion and treatment. So that is where I am with this, I will treat her as long as it is helping her, if she no longer has a quality of life then I will give her the loving peace of heaven. Thanks, Dianne
