Friday 21 December 2018

Shattering News


#1 here. Last night, there was something  about Tommy that had me deeply worried. Not one single obvious thing but a collection of small things that made by blood run cold in my veins. This morning, we set out at 7:30 in the dark, rain and wind to get to the vet's  for opening time. I did not want to wait and call, and perhaps be told there were no slots until later.

The vet saw him, palpated him all over, and did a blood test. When the blood test results came in, all normal except for a slightly reduced red blood cell count, indicating anemia, she decided to do an utlra-sound. She already had her suspicons and they were confirmed. Tommy has a fast-growing angio-sarcoma, also known as hemangiosarcoma, in his spleen. The prognosis is appalling. Although surgery is an option, the survival rate beyond a few weeks is virtually non-existent and the surgery itself imposes a heavy burden on already weakened dogs.

According to Dr. C, whom I trust absolutely, Tommy probably only has a few days left. He got a hefty shot of cortisone, and I have more pills to give him from tomorrow. The idea is to make him as comfortable as possible for this short period. Even though it is Christmas, Dr. C has told me to call her tomorrow morning for a progress report, to see if the cortisone is helping, and she has given me her private cellphone number, if and when, things get to the point of no return.

Here is a shot of him this morning as we waited for the blood test results.


Our blogging will be intermittent and, for now, will only be about Tommy.

51 comments:

  1. oh noooo.... that is like an icy cold shower to get such bad news... we hope for the best, maybe for a christmas miracle or any miracle... that is so sad that you got this bad news... hugs to you and lots of potp ....

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  2. Je ne sais même pas quoi dire/écrire.
    Tommy, j'ai toujours eu l'impression qui est indestructible.
    Je suis vraiment, sincèrement de tout coeur avec toi.
    Profites de ces moments hors du temps avec lui.
    Je t'embrasse.
    Natacha.

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  3. I am so very sorry to hear of Tommy's condition. I and my 4-legged family here are holding you both close. LSBnWNC

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  4. Oh dear, that's beyond shattering and so unfair. We really hate that news about dear Tommy and send all our love to you both. We're sure thinking of you during this most difficult time. We love you Tommy.

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  5. We are holding you and your hoomans tightly in our hearts, Tommy♥

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  6. Je ne peux pas y croire.. Tommy, c'est Tommy, il est là et c'est tout. Que te dire que tu ne saches, que ne fasses.

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  7. I am sorry to hear about Tommy. We are all thinking of you and tommy and the chans.

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  8. Hugs to you and your boy.

    Julie and poppy Q

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  9. Oh No, we are so so sorry. We sure send lots of hugs and some good thoughts for you. It is just so hard to lose our fur friends. We are keeping you and Tommy in our thoughts.

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  10. Oh no, no, no, no. I am sending you and Tommy lots and lots of love and hugs.

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  11. I am so very sorry to read this. This is indeed devastating news and we have everything crossed and are purring for you and Tommy. We hope that a miracle will happen.

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  12. Oh no! My human and I are heartbroken at this devastating news. My purrs go out to you and the Chans, and I’m also purring for Tommy’s time here to be as comfortable as possible. Much love to you all.

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  13. I have not met you or Tommy, but saw this on POTP and my heart is aching for all of you and Tommy and my eyes are full of tears. God bless all of you and prayers going up for peace and comfort for all of you

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  14. Oh noes! Sending love and purrs to you and Tommy.

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  15. NO, NO, NO - this cannot be happening. We love Tommy so much, he is the heart and soul of The Pouponette. We are going to pray for a Christmas miracle. We cannot send enough hugs to #1 for we know you must be beyond devastated. So much sadness in our hearts, so few words to express it. Many hugs from all of us.

    Kathie and the OP Pack

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  16. We're so sorry to see this news about Tommy. Our pawrents experienced this very same thing with one of our Angel Sisters so they know what you are going through. We have our paws crossed that Tommy is comfortable and for all the Chans and #1 as they go through this difficult time. You have a real gem of a vet to help you out in this way too.

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  17. Je lis votre blog depuis des années.
    Vous et Tommy êtes dans mes pensées.
    Je vous envoies du courage de Montréal.

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  18. Oh no, this is awful news! We are so very sorry and are praying hard for Tommy! And for #1! hugs to all

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  19. Oh, we are sorry to hear this sad news. We send warm encouraging wooos to our buddy, prayers for peace and wisdom and courage in this hardest of times.

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  20. Sending purrs and hugs. This is too sad.

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  21. oh god Virginia....I am so very sorry and heartbroken for you

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  22. When I read this, it seemed surreal as Tommy had always seemed infallible to me. I am heartbroken for you Virginia. Please know you and Tommy are both in our hearts and thoughts. We are sending you love.

    Sophie and the critters in the cottage xo

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  23. We are heartbroken with you Virginia. Tommy and his flying ears are such a joyful image. Love him like crazy he will know. I lost all 3 of my Sibes to this same type of ugly sarcoma attached to their spleens. The last to pass was able to hang on and be with me due to blood transfusion. I had him for two weeks to pour all my love on him. The two girls before him just dropped and were gone. I'm so very sorry.

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  24. I am so deeply sorry to read about this heartbreaking news about Tommy. My heart goes out to all of you. Sending tons of prayers your way. Please give him kisses from us. DakotasDen

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  25. We are visiting from eastide cats. So sad to hear about your beloved Tommy. Losing a pet is so hard because they take a piece of your heart with them :(

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  26. Sending love and prayers - my heart breaks for you and the Poupounette family.

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  27. We are so sorry to read this about Tommy - after reading his thankfuls for yesterday ! We are sending purrayers and POTP for Tommy and #1 and the vet and all Tommy's housemates.

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  28. So heart breaking, may the time you still have together be filled with love.

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  29. Oh Virginia, I am truly saddened by this devastating news. I know Tommy means the world to you. I am in tears for both of you and pray for him.

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  30. Oh no, we're heartbroken. It's so sad, and so unfair for Tommy and you all. We're thinking of you.Hugs and purrs

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  31. So sad to read this news. Sending soft purrs and comforting hugs. Be Safe, Tommy.

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  32. Sending love and care to you and Tommy. I will continue to.

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  33. Terrible news! Very sad to read about Tommy. Sending hugs.

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  34. I'm just gutted Virginia....mo words,,,,I am just so sorry....Please *kiss* Tommy from me OK???
    Sending you (((Hugs))) & Love, Sherri-Ellen x0x0

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  35. There are no words...

    Just tears&virtualhugz

    H&K,
    All of us at NAK's Khottage

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  36. Oh, that's such sad news. Soft Pawkisses and purrayers for Tommy and you💗💗💗

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  37. Dear Virginia, We are so sad to hear this news. It is 10 years since we spent time with the gang. Simon still speaks with such affection of his runs with Tommy. He is one of the sweetest, dearest dogs we have ever met. May you be comforted in knowing how much love your boy has stirred in the hearts of so many! Affectionately,
    Lorine and Simon xxoo

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  38. Oh no....I’m in total shock... Tommy is such a gentle and happy dog. My heart is breaking to read such a sad news. My thoughts are with you.

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  39. NO! Just before Christmas!!

    Something similar to our Frimousse. Well, an operation is worth it if it cures. But if it doesn't why have poor Tommy suffering it?
    We hope he doesn't suffer.


    Our very best thoughts.

    Frimousse's Masters.

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  40. There are no words that can offer comfort at this devastating news.
    WE send love and hugs to you ,the Chans and Tommy.
    Purrs Georgia,Julie and JJ

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  41. #1 we are so sorry to hear this sad news. We are sending Tommy gentle head bonks, purrs, and prayers. We also hope for that one Christmas miracle. Again prayers for you and Tommy.

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  42. It's Island Chan's parents again...
    Could #1 please tell Tommy that we have had him on our mind all day, and that we are so pleased to have spent time together and pray for him and his #1
    We feel that any pain and tears we experience at such times are overshadowed by the love and joy you give us and the happy memories we always carry with us.
    Thank you Tommy! Lorine and Simon xxx

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  43. We are sending you all our strongest prayers and strength.

    Hugs,
    Kim & Rolf

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  44. We are so sorry to read this sad, sad news. Sending love and light and purrs to you in this time of sorrow.

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  45. Nous venons de chez les Swiss Cats.
    Pensées de force et de soutien pour vous et que Tommy profite de votre présence, de votre amour, sans souffrir, le longtemps possible ...

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  46. it's shocking to know this sad news. I couldn't believe. Tommy looks so happy. I'm so sorry. My heart is breaking. Hug to you, Virginia. I'm sending lots of love to you and Tommy
    Purrs

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  47. Terrible nouvelle qui brise le coeur. Beaucoup de courage à vous et plein de caresses à Tommy . Que ces derniers instants ensemble soient pleins de douceur partagée .

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  48. Bonjour.
    Nous venons de chez Pixie, Zorro, et Claire.
    Nous sommes désolés d'apprendre une si triste nouvelle pour Tommy :'(
    Une de nos minettes a un lymphome, mais chez elle, ce n'est pas fulgurant.
    Nous la soignons avec de la cortisone aussi.
    Nous souhaitons beaucoup de courage aux maîtres de Tommy, et à Tommy également.
    Qu'il est beau !!!
    Faites lui plein de caresses de notre part,
    et mes 7 chats lui envoient plein de ronrons.

    Câlins à Tommy ♥ ♥ ♥
    et aux autres du clan Poupounette,
    et bisous pour vous.

    Bon courage.

    Dani ( Lyon - France )

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  49. Our hearts are broken for you. We are so, so sorry to hear this tragic news. We hope this time with Tommy is as happy as possible. We're sending healing purrs and hugs.

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  50. We just heard the news and send our purrs and prayers of love and support
    Timmy, Dad and Family

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