These past few weeks – Part 4 (Final)

Parts 1 to 3 of these writings hopefully explain my roller-coaster analogy with my feelings. Part 1 was a high, followed by part 2 (low), followed by part 3 (high) … so what comes next?

Just before I flew out west, Carol discovered a lump on Ray’s stomach area. We took him in to see his vet and some tests were done. While I was in Vancouver, Carol forwarded emails to me so that I knew what was going on, and the conclusion was that he had an estimated 2cm long mast cell tumour.

As soon as I returned home, he was back into the vet’s for more tests, resulting in him being scheduled for surgery tomorrow (Tuesday). The tumour will be removed, together with a quite large surrounding area, hoping that will effectively prevent further issues.

The poor guy has no idea what he is in for, but then … he is going to be medicated for quite a while (both prior to surgery, and afterwards in order to minimize him paying too much attention to his stitches). Hopefully, having us around all the time he is conscious will reduce some of his anxiety/stress.

Stay tuned … and prayers and positive thoughts for Ray please.

Note: Ray was estimated at 2 years old when he was picked up by our Humane Society. That makes him about 8-1/2 years old now.

38 thoughts on “These past few weeks – Part 4 (Final)”

  5. Adding my love, positive thoughts and prayers to all of the ones for Ray from his extended family throughout blogdom. We learn to expect the unexpected amidst the ups and downs that life brings to each of us. Many times the downs are difficult to bear, but bear them we must. It appears that you have researched the options and are doing what you feel needs to be done, that is all that you can do for now. As Frank Lowy said : “Life has its ups and downs, but you can only look forward.” Thank-you for sharing and I will be waiting for an update as your time permits.

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  8. Oh Colin, I am so sorry to read this! I am certain you have the best vet team for Ray and hope everything goes well. Maggie had a full mammary strip on one side in December 2015 after we found two lumps, and the vet a third. She made a full recovery and apart from having no teats on that side, you’d never know. My heart and positivity is working overtime for you all. ❤ ❤ ❤

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  11. I’m sorry for Ray, but I agree with you about giving him the possibility to get some more years and be able to also enjoy his senior age together with you and your family, Colin.
    I will send him healing thoughts and wish all of you the best.

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  12. I hope all goes well with the op and that Ray, and you and Carol, don’t stress about it too much.
    Things happen when you age and lumps on dogs is one of them.
    Little Monkey had several lumps removed from her body and twice lumps from her eye. She recovered well each time.
    I’m sure Ray will recover well too and have a few more years with you. As long as he is not in pain, eats and enjoys life, that’s all that matters.
    Thinking of you.

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  14. I am so sorry! I don’t do well when my cats get routine dental which required sedation. I can’t imagine surgery of this scope with all the possibilities of outcome. Wishing the best for you all and it’s good you caught it early.

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  15. That’s too bad about the tumor, and I’ll bet you’re worried about your poor dog. I’m no vet, but it’s my understanding that dogs can tolerate cancer much better than humans. They just get this lumpy look all over their bodies. Also at 8.5 years, I think Ray may be considered an old dog, as large dogs age faster than small dogs. Again, I’m no vet, but I do wonder if this surgery is necessary.

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    • Hi TG. At 8-1/2 years old, Ray is a “middle age” dog. His size and breed could typically go around 10-12 years. As for whether it is necessary? Short of having a crystal ball, we can only consult and make an educated decision. It is considered malignant, so with no surgery we almost certainly shorten his life. With surgery, he could possible reach his senior years. Obviously there are no guarantees, so we can only make a decision based on the value we put on his life, and we decided that the gamble of the surgery is worth the potential for giving him a few extra years with us.

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  16. I am so sorry about Ray! Definitely has been a roller coaster of emotions for you! Praying that this roller coaster can end on a high with the surgery going very well and them being able to remove the whole tumor and no further issues!
    Poor Ray has been through so much but he is in the best hands with a vet team that you have faith in and with you and Carol who will give him plenty of TLC. Hugs to all of you. Our pets are like family to us and I know how special Ray is to you. ❤

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