Don't know where I left off last with Murphy's condition but Christmas week we reached critical mass. He was struggling and I wasn't sure if he'd make it. But the radiation did work and it didn't take the two weeks that was speculated. By Christmas day Murphy was playing with Hudson for the first time in weeks and it was a very special day. That's a photo of Murphy taking off with his X-Mas booty that I entitled, "Kthnxbye".
We were blessed with a mostly uneventful week following Christmas during which I turned 40 and then the Earth added another year to the 4.54 billion and change it has under its belt.
I say mostly because Murphy has had nosebleeds and down days but he's still markedly better than two weeks ago. However, that radiation was so effective so quickly suggests serious side effects are in store. Already Murphy's losing fur on his head and around his eyes that never fully re-grew from the first round but we knew that hitting the tumor hard would be risky.
We are due to return to CSU this morning for a clinical evaluation to assess whether he's a candidate for adjunct chemotherapy though my mind's pretty much already made up since the 'wait and see' approach after radiation last August was a complete failure. Had I run parallel courses then we may have been in a different place now.
Which is perhaps the lesson for the week. When it involves cancer always assume the worst and choose the most aggressive form of therapy. I'm listening to The Emperor of All Maladies on CD now (which I highly recommend) and while it's chocked full of interesting metaphors I'm a movie kinda guy.
While writing this blog The Terminator came to mind when Reese is trying to convey the seriousness of the situation to Sarah Connor. "It can't be bargained with. It can't be reasoned with. It doesn't feel pity or remorse. And it absolutely will not stop. Ever. Until you are dead."
2 comments:
Praise Be that Murphy is breathing better and had some friskiness in him. A Christmas gift for sure. I hear you second guessing yourself in Murphy's earlier treatment, but you did what you felt was best at the time under expert advice. Please don't do the would of, could of, should of thing. Many prayers are being said for Murphy and for you, especially on this most important day. Healing energy is traveling your way. Move forward, Luke, follow your gut and do what you need to do for the Murph. So many love the three of you so much and what you have done for cancer awareness is incredible.Thousands of "angels" are supporting you. When I prayed this morning for you and Murphy, I placed you at the feet of Jesus and asked that He lift you up and hold you in the palm of His hand. I know we don't always get the answer in the time we want to and sometimes it is not even the answer we expect, but I believe in keeping the faith.
"11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
Jeremiah 29:11-13.
Murphy, his vets, and you are in my prayers. ellen, petluvbracelets
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