Amazing News

Yesterday morning I had an appointment with Oncology at the University of Illinois Veterinary Medicine Hospital.  It was a consultation with a specialist because of the pretty bad news we got last week from my regular vet about the tumor they removed from my hiney.

But guess what???  We got AMAZING news from the specialist!

Turns out that there was  little miscommunication about my tumor and diagnosis.  Last week they said that this type of tumor will metastasize within a year in 50 to 90% of cases.  Yesterday we found out that this type of tumor only spreads 4% of the time.  And, considering how long the lump was on my hiney, the vet said that if it was going to spread, it probably would have already.

And you know all of those tests we did this spring on my liver?  If the cancer had spread, those tests would have picked it up!  All of those tests came back fine, though.

The pathology lab said that they found mast cells in the margins after they re-evaluated the tumor.  BUT the vet yesterday said that those types of cells are produced by my body normally because of my skin allergies.  I've probably got 'em all over.  So the cells the lab found are probably nothing at all to worry about. The tumor was probably encapsulated after all.

You know how the vet yesterday said to treat my cancer?  He said to make sure I get a good all-over check-up every six months.  And he told Mom that's normal for any dog my age.

So that's it!  No more vet visits in our near future.  YEAH!

My Aunt Katie visited us yesterday and went to the vet with Mom and me.  She brought her fancy camera with her and wanted to take some pictures of us, too. All of the pics in this blog post are from Aunt Katie.

Mom made me wear my bow for one picture.

And we took pictures in the park by our house, too.

Mom thinks the fire hydrant poop bag holder she's got dangling from her hand here is a nice touch:

Aunt Katie rocks.  And getting GOOD news from a vet for once rocks.  Mom & I are definitely doing our happy dance today!  And thanks to all of you for your prayers and good thoughts through all of this. You rock, too!
   

Good Old Days

Mom's hometown had their Good Old Days festival this weekend, so there was lots of stuff going on. Mom and I packed up our car and headed out early in the morning. We left so early that the sun was barely awake!

The reason we left so early was 'cause there was a 5K Run/Walk in memory of my Grandpa who just passed away in April. It started at 7:30 a.m. All of the proceeds went to the American Parkinson's Disease Association. Cool, huh? Anyway, Mom was going to walk in the 5K, so we had to be there early. She walked with my Aunt Katie.


I don't usually put pics of Mom on my blog, but I included that one just 'cause she made me. She wanted to show off what number she was in the 5K. She was number 1. And she was proud to be number 1. Even if she finished near the very end. (What a dork...)

Anyway, onto the more excited parts of the Good Old Days festivities! I got to watch my very first parade. Here's a picture of me waiting for it to start.

The sirens from the fire trucks and rescue squad were really super loud.

I got to listen to a marching band from the high school.

And the French fry guy was even in the parade!

Lots of people in the parade were throwing out candy for all of the kids. And then one guy in the parade came up to me and gave me a cookie! Can you believe that?! Here's a picture of me with my doggie bone.

I was a really super good doggie during the parade, if I do say so myself. You know what else I did that made Mom really proud of me? I met all of Aunt Katie's kids and I didn't bark at all. Not a peep! I didn't even act scared like I do sometimes. Instead, I let everyone pet me.

I even let all of the little peoples walk me. Look at how good I was!

Mom was pretty proud of me for being such a good girl!

I got tired after a while, though, since I usually nap during the day. And things got a little loud at Grandma's house because of all of the people there. I decided to hide under the computer table and beside the TV.

Here I am peaking out from my hiding spot.

Still too much activity...so I stayed put.

Mom said I continued to master the art of looking pathetic.

Mom and I had fun during the Good Old Days, even if I did have to hide for a while. We got home super late and had to nap the next day to recover!

Oh, and I can't forget to tell you that Grandma gave me a new toy, too. It's a Pluto squeaky toy with a ball attached to it!

My Grandma is so cool!