| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| wooliespinner |
Posted - May 13 2013 : 06:13:01 AM
Today Toby crossed over with the help of our local vet. The past couple of days the tumors had taken their toll and his quality of life went down hill Monay night.Tuesday night he was starting to have more pain so I gave him a pain shot and he was able to sleep most of the night. So I put a call into the vet and he was able to come to the house early this morning and put Toby to sleep in the security of his home and in my husband and my arms.
Toby was only a little over 8 years old. I can't believe its over and he is no longer going to take walks with Darla and I and be a part of our life. I am so heartbroken I don't know how I can get past losing another pet. I know I will but right now it seems impossible. I was so blessed to have such a wonderful buddy and friend like him. Rest in peace my sweetie you will be so missed.
Thanks everyone who has emailed me asking how Toby has been doing and to all you ladies for your wonderful replies. You are all blessing and treasures.
Linda
8-29-30 update on Toby.
Toby had his 2nd surgery 5 weeks ago today. 14 days later he already had 2 turmors back. This time they came back faster then the first surgery and are already as big as a chicken egg. We took him Tuesday of this week to a different specialist to see what our options were for Toby, this vet came highly recommended.We had hope for maybe being able to get rid of this cancer. Now we are being told this is not a slow cancer....I think we figured that out on our own.
He was a super nice vet and was very straight with us and explained everything in detail to us.
The vet said he could do a 3rd surgery that was super radical. Remove his front leg, shoulder and the side of his neck and down his side...at this point I was already crying and falling apart. Then they would remove the skin and muscle too. They would take skin from the other side and try to cover the areas removed. Then do 1 month of radiation which he would have to stay 5 days each week. The vet said if they do all this it might buy him 6 months. Since his other leg is already compromised from injuries he had when we rescued him it would not support his weight....Toby is a rather large dog. He also may never heal or recover right from this surgery.The vet said he was willing to do this if we wanted him too.
Well after hearing all that we decided Toby was done with anymore surgeries, chemo and the fear of going to another vet. Tuesday was a very brutal and emotional day for us all.We want Toby to enjoy and have some quality time with the time he has left....not spending the time he has left in pain and suffering.This decision has been one of the toughest to make. I hope we made the right one for Toby.
My husband and I have decided to continue to love Toby each and everyday that we have left with him. We will make sure he gets his daily runs and walks through the woods on our farm with his buddy Darla, eats his daily goodies and love and treasure each day that we have left with him. They are giving us maybe 2 months for him but we will see. One day at a time thats all we can do.
Its very hard to even write about this but wanted to let everyone know what was going on. Toby has been a true friend and treasure in our life.When you look in his eyes there is a wonderful soul that I have had the pleasure to know.We have been blessed by being able to have him as our pet.
Wanted to thank everyone for their prayers, support past and future. Each one is greatly appreciated and wanted you all to know that.
Linda
My dog Toby is having a very large tumor removed this morning it has grown to almost dinner size plate in 3 weeks.I have never seen something grow so fast. They had done biopsy and saw mast cells and fat so not sure what they will find when they get in there.
He is a dog we rescued almost 8 years ago. We found him under a bridge busted up and he required 4 surgeries so he could walk again and they were able to save his front leg. He limps slightly but has been doing good since that time. He only weighed about 15 pounds and was around 5 months old when we found him. He was a very skinny dog and almost didn't make it.He now weighs 115 lbs so he has grown since then.
I can't tell you how much I love this dog with every part of my soul. He is part of my family and I am hoping with this surgery he can be with for a few more years.He's truly a wonderful dog  I can't say enough about him. He is what the vets think is a coon hound shepard cross.
Please say a prayer for him today that there is no cancer and that he makes it through the surgery today.This tumor is on top of his shoulder and wraps around the side of his neck. It will be a touchy surgery. I pray that God guides the surgons hands carefully.
Thanks so much.
Linda
Update 5-17-13
One of the vets called today from All Creatures animal hospital with the biopsy results. The vet who did the surgery for Toby is out of town so it was another vet. Unfortunately Toby has cancer... its called a Spindle Cell Sarcoma. The vet that I talked to has no experience with cancer she was just reading me the results. I have to wait for Dr. Meiken to call Monday and tell me how aggressive this cancer is and what our next step for Toby is. So thats all I know at this point so all I can do is wait, love Toby and Pray lots of praying.
I am so upset I can't hardly breath.I have been crying and can't hardly contain myself. I feel so bad for him.I wish I knew more about this cancer. I feel like I am hanging on a thread. I have been waiting all week for the results and then don't even get a complete report. Thanks so much for listening and letting me vent. You ladies are wonderful and I appreciate all the support and prayers.Once again thanks so much.
Tomorrow we go in to have his drains removed. Hopefully that will give him a little more relief to have those taken out.
Well Toby's staples are out as of today and he is so glad.Toby and Darla had another fine run through the woods today.
I talked to the vets office who knows how to treat cancer. We will be taking Toby for his first visit next friday. We are going to get a scan and see if its anywhere else. If its not then we will proceed with treatments. If its spread to the rest of his body then we will just enjoy him and love him for the time he has left. We are hoping its not and they can extend Toby's time here hopefully many years. Just have to wait and see. I will not put him through something horrific if its not in his best interest.The vet tech I talked to today says they do chemo in pill form and it does make the dog sick like people who get chemo. I guess I will know more when I get to talk to her personally. Its gonna be another long week of waiting. But I feel we are moving forward in a positive way.Anyway will update again after next friday. I just keep praying and hoping.
6-1-13-We took Toby to the vet this past Friday. She did a scan and did not see anything anywhere else at the moment.Total sigh of relief for the moment. We started him on a drug called called Proxicam.Its suppose to keep imflamation down and really stimulate the immune system. If he tollerates that okay we will be starting a second drug called Leukeran. Its very expensive in the U.S. to buy since only one drug company makes it. She had me set up a account with a drug company called Big Mountain Drug in Canada. They are alot cheaper but still not cheap enough but way better. We will start him on this about 7 to 10 days after the other. Again if he tolerates it. This drug is suppose to stop the division of cancer cells.Of course will be watching the site where the cancer was and pray it doesn't grow back and if it does hopefully it will be super slow. So here's to hoping and seeing what happens.
Toby right now feels pretty good and acts pretty good. He just hates going to the vet especially 1 1/2 hours away. Once again we bought him a plain hamburger after his vet visit. I think this time he was expecting it. He's such a good boy.Anyway if all goes well we will go back in 3 months for a checkup and bloodwork to see how his body is handling everything. Guess thats it for now. Thanks eveyone for your support and prayers. I really appreciate each and every one.
Linda
6-20-13 Toby has now been taking both of the chemo meds for several weeks. One was started and then a 10 days later we added the second. So far so good as far as we can tell.He goes back in Aug. for bloodwork and checkup.
He is back to eating more normal and the swelling and redness is all gone where he had surgery. Its nice and smooth and looks really good.He actually has been acting more frisky the past 2 weeks. But the vet said the one pill he was on was suppose to help with pain,appetite and his immune system. I am glad he is doing so well for now. One day at a time...thats all we have. Anyway just wanted to let everyone know how he was doing and thanks for all the prayers and support for Toby.
We are off for our daily romp in the woods. Darla and Toby are hounding me as I type. Those 2 dogs make me smile everyday.
update: 7-19-13
Toby had surgery on May 13th and 2 week ago we noticed a few pea sized nodules. Hubby thought it was scar tissue. I had a sinking feeling it was not.
After only a few days I could see it grow. We had our local vet out for a farm call and he said I think his cancer is back. So I called the specialist who we were refered to for the aftercare and we opted to try one more surgery.She thought we should have it done right away.We were not ready to throw in the towel yet.So we scheduled a second surgery with the other vet who does the surgery. The Oncolgist is only a consultant she does not do the surgeries.
I feel so guilty putting his through the surgery again. He was acting okay but you could see the tumor growing like a weed. I ask the oncologiest "I thought this was suppose to be a slow growing tumor" and never got a straight answer or explaination. I would hate to see what a fast one would do.So I don't know what to think at this time with the info we were given.I am kinda lost at what else to do besides the surgery and good food and care.
The vet that did the surgery said he worked as hard as he could and did the best he could to get clean margins this time. It had already fingered into the layers of his shoulder and chest muscles. I told him thats all you can do is your best and thats good enough for us.
His incision is 15 inches long this time. I felt sick when I saw that long zipper running from the top of his shoulder down the side.
Got him on pain meds right away and have been doing some light massage therapy on him. He is doing pretty good considering. I love this dog of mines spirit. I have cried many tears for him and know I will cry more for him in the future.
I wonder if there is any kind of holistic approach I can do for him to help him fight cancer?I am not very informed in this area and have spent many hours today trying to figure something out.
If anyone has any suggestions at all or any info. I am all ears and would love to hear your thoughts or things to try.
So we are praying maybe we will not see it come back so fast this time.I am at a lost at what else to do. If it does come back we will have to accept this. Its all in Gods hands now. Thanks for listening.
Linda
Raspberry Run Farm
Nubian Dairy Goats |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| wooliespinner |
Posted - Oct 22 2013 : 8:39:12 PM
I have read that in the past and I have always hoped it would be that way. I sure do miss my Toby.
It will be a week tomorrow since he left us and I have to say its been really hard.Darla is having such a hard time without Toby. I worry about her she keeps looking for him.I hope she will adjust.She is an inside dog so at least she has us to hang out with.
We have lost so many rescues over the years and it never gets any easier. It seems harder with each one. But we have been blessed to have so many wonderful pets who have left their mark on our hearts forever. Lots of good memories for sure and glad we have them. We still have 3 dogs and 7 cats.I am so glad.
Thanks ladies for your wonderful kind words.Hugs to you each and everyone of you your all such sweet peas.
Linda
Raspberry Run Farm
Nubian Dairy Goats |
| forgetmenot |
Posted - Oct 22 2013 : 8:09:32 PM
Linda, so sorry to hear of your dear Toby's passing. Hugs. The Rainbow Bridge piece is lovely..I'll bet that is just the way it happens.
Farmgirl sister #3926
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but the belief that something is more important than fear." Ambrose Red Moon |
| auntsmelly |
Posted - Oct 19 2013 : 7:19:54 PM
I am so sorry for your loss. This poem always reminds me that my pets are waiting for me on the Rainbow Bridge.
I'm counting my blessings today instead of my calories.
Piglet noticed that even though he had a very small heart, it could hold a very large amount of gratitude. A.A.Milne
Jenny, Blessed Sister #4359
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| magnoliakathy |
Posted - Oct 19 2013 : 4:59:24 PM
You have my heartfelt tears and sympathies, and I thank you for all you did for your wonderful friend, Toby.
When you free your mind your heart can fly. Farmgirl # 714, |
| prariehawk |
Posted - Oct 18 2013 : 8:50:03 PM
Dog is God spelled backwards. Their love is true. I know it was hard to let Toby go, I still miss my Boxer. You never forget them.
Cindy
"Vast floods can't quench love, no matter what love did/ Rivers can't drown love, no matter where love's hid"--Sinead O'Connor
"In many ways, you don't just live in the country, it lives inside you"--Ellen Eilers
Visit my blog at http://www.farmerinthebelle.blogspot.com/ |
| wooliespinner |
Posted - Oct 18 2013 : 3:14:43 PM
This is not the best picture of Toby and Darla but this was how they were. Together all the time. Darla really misses her buddy. She just loved him so much.
Linda
Raspberry Run Farm
Nubian Dairy Goats |
| TeresaJ25 |
Posted - Oct 18 2013 : 09:44:37 AM
Linda I am so sorry for your loss. I hope during this time you can be comforted with all the wonderful memories you have of Toby.
Animals come into our lives and quickly become a part of our lives, and a part of our family.
I am praying that you find peace during this difficult time, and know that we are all here for you.
((hugs))
~Teresa
Farmgirl Sister #1348
Little Henhouse on the Island
Keep reading. Keep learning. Keep loving. Keep giving. Keep smiling. Keep listening. Keep forgiving. Keep praying |
| marlee |
Posted - Oct 17 2013 : 7:38:40 PM
OH I am so sorry for your loss of Toby. He knew he was loved, and that is the greatest gift there is. Sending you Hugs and prayers
Marlee
God is the painter, he paints the picture. And his son builds it, for he is the Master Carpenter!
Silly Boys Trucks Are For Girls |
| hoosiercountry |
Posted - Oct 17 2013 : 5:08:23 PM
Dear Linda, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss of Toby. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Hugs Karla |
| laurentany |
Posted - Oct 17 2013 : 4:11:54 PM
Linda, I just saw your post about Toby. I am so sorry for your loss. Please find comfort in knowing that you gave Toby a wonderful home for the past 8 year, and that not only did he touch your life in so many ways,but you touched his as well.
Hugs to you during this difficult time.
~Laurie
"Little Hen House on the Island"
Farmgirl Sister#1403
View my New Blog:
http://simplesuburbanpleasures.blogspot.com
Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you plant.
~Robert Louis Stevenson |
| Calicogirl |
Posted - Oct 17 2013 : 08:08:24 AM
Oh Linda,
I am so so sorry for the loss of Toby. I know that this has been so difficult for you and your family. I know what it is like and I have been and am continuing prayers for all of you for the Lord to heal your hearts, to bring you comfort and peace and to give you strength. I am sorry.
Farmgirl Sister #5392
By His Grace, For His Glory
~Sharon
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| Killarney |
Posted - Oct 16 2013 : 7:43:30 PM
Linda, I would like to share something our vet told me and my hubby some years ago, when we had to put out cat Toonces to sleep, he was 20 years old and so very sick. Over the course of 40 years,we have had to say good bye too many times to our Precious Fur babies. Our vet said, "Pets have no thought of tomorrow, They play and eat and love for today," "But we know there is hope of Tomorrow and that we will be so sad without them. So that If they are suffering and we can stop the pain, then we must. It is our gift to give to our beloved pet. It never gets any easier, no matter how old they are, and how many you have lost. The pain will be replaced someday with sweet memories of your Toby. Your in my heart and my prayers. Hugs. Connie |
| wooliespinner |
Posted - Oct 16 2013 : 7:31:04 PM
Thanks everyone for your super kind words. I cry just reading everyone's post. I know it just takes time to grieve and just have to take it one day at a time. He has left a huge hole in my heart and life. I am thankful I have Darla here in the house to love and comfort me and I her. You all are blessing.
Linda
Raspberry Run Farm
Nubian Dairy Goats |
| HealingTouch |
Posted - Oct 16 2013 : 7:07:51 PM
Linda,
My heart is breaking for you. What an act of love to know that when the time came you could do what no one wants to do. Love and memories will get you through this. He was beautiful and you were lucky to have him as he was to have you. Prayers and love for your comfort and peace.
Be Blessed and Be a Blessing,
Darlene
Sister 1922
God first, everything else after!
When Satan's knocking at your door, just say "Jesus will you get that for me?"
When it gets to hard to stand, Kneel!
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| nubidane |
Posted - Oct 16 2013 : 6:36:17 PM
I talked to Linda tonight and she described Toby perfectly. He was a gentleman. I met him several times, and after a few warning barks to let his mom know I was there, he would greet me, wag his tail and nuzzle me for some attention. He was a special boy, and will be sorely missed, but Linda, I can somehow feel him with us.
Blessings sister!
"We must reject the idea that every time a law’s broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the American precept that each individual is accountable for his actions.” – R.R. |
| texdane |
Posted - Oct 16 2013 : 6:16:47 PM
Dearest Linda,
I am so sorry to hear that sweet Toby passed today. I'm glad he got to cross over in the comfort of his own home. I know your heart is broken and I wish there was something more I could say. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Big giant hugs to you,
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Farmgirl of the Month, January 2013
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/ |
| emtfarmer |
Posted - Oct 16 2013 : 4:29:05 PM
Linda, my heart is aching for you. No one can say anything to lessen the pain you're feeling but please know you're in my prayers. I do hope you can find some comfort in knowing that Toby experienced lots and lots of love and sweet times with you and yours.
Many hugs to you,
Darlene
"Support your local fire departments and rescue squads...volunteers making a difference"
www.etsy.com/shop/FeedSackFarm
www.etsy.com/shop/Chronographica |
| Penny Wise |
Posted - Oct 16 2013 : 2:03:28 PM
I am saddened by Toby's passing...Linda...you gave him so much of life and he loved you so! your family will ache but he will run free and wait for you! my heart aches along with you.....prayers and hugs!
Farmgirl # 2139
proud member of the Farmgirls of the Southwest Henhouse
~*~ counting my pennies; my dreams are adding up!~*~ |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Oct 16 2013 : 08:25:40 AM
Oh, Linda.. I'm so sorry... Toby was a such beautiful dog and looked so happy. When our son saw his picture, he got very choked up - Toby looked so much like our Pawlee. Soon she'll join him and they'll be running in the fields chasing butterflies together. You are all in our prayers. Sending big hugs to you, sister - Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| hoosiercountry |
Posted - Sep 05 2013 : 10:21:55 AM
Dear Linda, keeping you, your family and Toby in my prayers. Your decision took courage, it comes down to quality of life not quantity. Hugs to you. Karla |
| texdane |
Posted - Aug 31 2013 : 10:19:11 AM
Dear Sweet Linda,
My prayers have been and continue to be with you and Toby and your family. I know how hard this is, I've been through it, too. You are doing the best thing you can. Give him all the love you can and cherish each moment. Toby looks so much like my Bonnie. I know he is a sweet dog, you can tell by his sweet face. You have given him a good life, rescuing him and loving him that much. No doggie could ask for more.
Spend the time you have with your baby. Hugs and prayers to you all.
Much love,
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Farmgirl of the Month, January 2013
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/ |
| auntsmelly |
Posted - Aug 30 2013 : 4:47:55 PM
Just wanted to send you a hug and let you know I will be praying for you, your family and Toby.
I am a pet lover and have gone through this. We love our pets with all of our souls. They truly
are the one thing on this planet that are close to perfection. God Bless you.
Jenny
Sister #4359
Be someone's blessing. |
| HealingTouch |
Posted - Aug 30 2013 : 10:06:40 AM
Linda,
I'm crying as I write this and can hardly see what I;m writing. First let me say that Toby and your family are in my prayers for Peace and Comfort through this difficult time. You made the correct decision. Love is what it's all about and you love him enough to let him go intact and with dignity and living his life happy to the end. Our furry friends are such a Blessing to us so I hope through all your sadness you can cherish all the days you have left and take lots of pictures! God Bless and Farm Sister love.
Be Blessed and Be a Blessing,
Darlene
Sister 1922
God first, everything else after!
When Satan's knocking at your door, just say "Jesus will you get that for me?"
When it gets to hard to stand, Kneel!
|
| Miss Bee Haven |
Posted - Aug 30 2013 : 09:47:54 AM
You made the right and best deicision for him, Linda. I lost my dog to cancer after letting his leg be amputated and the cancer came back in 6 months worse than before. I'd never do that again. He was such a brave guy through it all. I wish I could mail you my shoulder to cry on. I'm crying for you right now. Never doubt you've been a wonderful mom to Toby.
Farmgirl Sister #50
"If you think you've got it nailed down, then what's all that around it?"
'Br.Dave Gardner' |
| StrawHouseRanch |
Posted - Aug 30 2013 : 07:33:13 AM
Linda, Be strong for your Toby and shower him with love. You have made all of the right decisions. My Sophie's collar still hangs on its own peg in our hallway amongst the other pegs crammed with leashes and halters we use for the rest of the pack and I refuse to take it down or put it away.
Hugs to you and scritches to Toby.
Paula
Farmgirl Sister #3090
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery, and Today is a Gift.
"Look deep into Nature, and then you will understand everything better."--Albert Einstein
"A meal of bread, cheese and beer constitutes the perfect food." --Queen Elizabeth I
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