tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40465884449132713422024-03-05T22:43:45.884+00:00Blue Blue the German Shepherdrod1871http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455469367905090201noreply@blogger.comBlogger143125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046588444913271342.post-55082314990742413312016-07-31T16:50:00.002+01:002016-07-31T16:50:39.490+01:00Living without Blue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We will never live without Blue, he touched our hearts mind and soul so deep, not a day passes when he is not in our hearts and thoughts.<br />
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In all sorts of media there are thousands of images of Blue, in the many places he loved to be, so reminders are never far away.<br />
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I was hoping to write about Blue's life, that has not progressed too far, I am still unable to read out loud some of the things I have written, but they will keep, and rather than rushing, it is better to wait until the moment is right.<br />
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To honour Blue, we set up a Just Giving page to raise funds and the profile of Pet Blood Bank UK who provided the blood at the time Blue was having his tumour removed at Fitzpatrick Referrals back last November, at the time of writing this blog donations have exceeded our original target of £600.00 it is currently standing at £677.44 with some remaining pledges to collect we hope to exceed £700.00<br />
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Pet Blood Bank have contacted us, and will be doing a small article on their newsletter about our collection and Blue.</div>
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Sue and I also decided to ascend Snowdon in tribute to Blue, which also swelled the monies donated to his just giving page.<br />
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Last weekend, we travelled to Snowdonia North Wales on the Friday afternoon, stayed overnight in a local hotel, where we were booked in for two nights bed and breakfast.<br />
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Saturday morning we set off for the summit, walking the Llanberis Path, four hours later we set foot on the summit.<br />
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To mark our visit we took a framed picture of Blue, a squeaky ball from his toy basket and his Kong Kozie who has spent many a holiday with Blue.<br />
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Several pictures were taken of our visit but what we enjoyed the most was placing his ball on the summit trig point, sitting down with his toy and picture, saying how much we missed him, finally we lovingly kissed his squeaky ball before gently rolling off the eastern face into the cloud shrouded abyss below.<br />
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While at the top we could only see a few yards due to the low cloud and height of the mountain or a combination of both.<br />
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This did not matter, as in honour of Blue we had ascended the highest mountain we have ever walked previously to pay our tribute.<br />
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After descending to an overnight meal and stay at the hotel we returned back to our home in Berkshire, on Sunday morning with even more memories fresh in our mind of Blue.<br />
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Two months have now passed, the pain and loss are balanced with fond memories and eternally grateful to have shared a life with one so special.<br />
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Blues story has touched many and inspired others, for those that believe, he is still with us in spirit watching over us, certain things have happened which could not just be coincidence, we will keep watching out for his messages and trust we can understand them when they are there.<br />
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As Blue helped fill the void left when we lost "Shep" our Collie/cross, he has also shown us that it is not right to close doors and mourn lost ones.<br />
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Blue showed us what companionship, caring, sharing, dignity and courage is truly about.<br />
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Our home and wherever we go will be full of memories of Blue, just as they were of Shep.<br />
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This blog will remain active for any Blue related updates, such as testimonial and Just Giving Pages etc<br />
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We have decided to bring home a new puppy, currently five weeks old, he is called "Solar" like Blue he is a pedigree German Shepherd, but there will never be another Blue.<br />
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For now below is Youtube of our trip to Snowdon<br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ecqz9oGh6go/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ecqz9oGh6go?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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Blue's Just giving page will remain open at</div>
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<a href="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Bluethegsd" target="_blank">https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Bluethegsd</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNsEjBYhatyKc-fIYPCpHImY4V7Xd2WAlYib_WJfnT5xEQuMFgx9xT6QxXZHYd06CgM-4o-Zp_jkg3XjUMyRImlX3tDpgzC2bZWNBKT9rV6vqJbplShJ7YfSoE5ix8dyriHOmctq9F4A/s1600/Windows+Photo+Gallery+Wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNsEjBYhatyKc-fIYPCpHImY4V7Xd2WAlYib_WJfnT5xEQuMFgx9xT6QxXZHYd06CgM-4o-Zp_jkg3XjUMyRImlX3tDpgzC2bZWNBKT9rV6vqJbplShJ7YfSoE5ix8dyriHOmctq9F4A/s200/Windows+Photo+Gallery+Wallpaper.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture on my bank card</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqEvwthvppITb4Sc8y9IXuFWXeoNuC8uXJXM4LBuF6MlVJsDbTLh9o-txlXDTNpbxY69fHVtL0JE4ei-2gcM0vw9H7gFjkjgXLBC4VrKRu670paCuuKnpwBDYFm9oNXAbSEh5vuWe1GOU/s1600/10080583335_c371112fa8_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqEvwthvppITb4Sc8y9IXuFWXeoNuC8uXJXM4LBuF6MlVJsDbTLh9o-txlXDTNpbxY69fHVtL0JE4ei-2gcM0vw9H7gFjkjgXLBC4VrKRu670paCuuKnpwBDYFm9oNXAbSEh5vuWe1GOU/s640/10080583335_c371112fa8_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inspiration behind the trip to Snowdon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXkBVsko2Lx9704rDObZKYA6RHG56mtGYxHQViRRJL69WFAKZn8hB049S2ndUPIMhnVYnig9Smo918CB8qjSgg6vhyphenhyphenI4y_2RPcSKmz_OEx23QFGP-eOMWHwetBOk5Osal4e00eneQCC0/s1600/DSC_0366_3513+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXkBVsko2Lx9704rDObZKYA6RHG56mtGYxHQViRRJL69WFAKZn8hB049S2ndUPIMhnVYnig9Smo918CB8qjSgg6vhyphenhyphenI4y_2RPcSKmz_OEx23QFGP-eOMWHwetBOk5Osal4e00eneQCC0/s640/DSC_0366_3513+-+Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many beautiful memories we shared together.</td></tr>
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Thank you for all the kind thoughts and support</div>
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Love</div>
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Rod Sue & "Blue"</div>
rod1871http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455469367905090201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046588444913271342.post-61434565707241762092016-05-29T19:54:00.000+01:002016-05-29T19:54:30.306+01:00A story to be told<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaQssuJ8mZCk8Sj02K95EU7U0voOClS2CImmLp726ficKm0Vh6vdp0eMWUYA3WdqQjgO-STB9ooFEKiCcmf0x4vSdplywk28i6fZnBdIESnsqX3L5VR1UzuJiHNgOkmLZbJ4PGwxZsiQ/s1600/IMG_0601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaQssuJ8mZCk8Sj02K95EU7U0voOClS2CImmLp726ficKm0Vh6vdp0eMWUYA3WdqQjgO-STB9ooFEKiCcmf0x4vSdplywk28i6fZnBdIESnsqX3L5VR1UzuJiHNgOkmLZbJ4PGwxZsiQ/s640/IMG_0601.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Blue has touched many hearts and with good reason, he came to show us a better way of looking at life, he took on a big challenge, and he did remarkably well.<br />
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He taught me about being a more caring person, the joy of sharing happiness, not to hold onto sorrow and when the times are really tough, love will help you through the toughest of times.<br />
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Blue will never be forgotten, many have followed and shared his challenge of living with cancer, the sorrow expressed by family, friends, work colleagues, neighbours, Vets, Doctors, Nurses and the many who never met him but followed the character known on twitter as @BluetheGSD<br />
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I have now been inspired to share all of Blue's short life, it will be my first attempt to write his story.<br />
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Today we have set up a "Justgiving page" for the charity that gave Blue the life saving blood during his recent operations, we hope Blue's need for blood donations raises some funding, but just as importantly the increased profile of Pets donating blood, without which, Blue would not have survived his operation in November last year.<br />
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<a href="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Bluethegsd" target="_blank">https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Bluethegsd</a><br />
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There are many people who helped both Blue and us through a difficult time, some we have thanked in person, others through media, and others we are yet to thank.<br />
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Blue's blog will remain open, there is still so much to share.<br />
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Our tears are always close to the surface, and as we stood on the beach at Milford on Sea yesterday, watching the flowers and squeaky ball launched in his honour, drift out to sea my tears flowed and added to the waters at my feet.<br />
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<br />rod1871http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455469367905090201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046588444913271342.post-71450203390867372232016-05-26T20:11:00.000+01:002016-05-26T20:16:39.252+01:00Goodbye dear Blue <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DHgANjglvFAaOrB6QEOGAOHlsLQ7lwKdYYLqMB_bDWLBJu0l4qR4ejHY44Dhyj8RYigaIr67CEDSGqhd8wuEvC3JznaGiOmlzv6e_bR4EkcUoJyeVc_nxu9wxjxFMg_-ttiytafrlVM/s1600/IMG_0111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DHgANjglvFAaOrB6QEOGAOHlsLQ7lwKdYYLqMB_bDWLBJu0l4qR4ejHY44Dhyj8RYigaIr67CEDSGqhd8wuEvC3JznaGiOmlzv6e_bR4EkcUoJyeVc_nxu9wxjxFMg_-ttiytafrlVM/s640/IMG_0111.JPG" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><b>Blue</b></span></i></h2>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><b>Folkvang Good as Gold</b></span></i></h2>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>11th May 2008 - 25th May 2016</i></span></b></h2>
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There is no easy way of saying this, we said goodbye to Blue yesterday, the cancer that he had battled so bravely, it would not respect all his love and efforts to stay with us.</div>
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I have spoken, written and shared this hard and difficult journey with so many, it is only fair that I share what a huge loss Blue's parting has made. </div>
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He has inspired many, brought tears of sadness to faces of people he had never met, but more than that found places in hearts and admiration across continents</div>
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Blue defied so many odds, and we always knew, that Blue knew what was best for Blue, conventional he was not, Blue was a one off who did things his way.</div>
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Both Sue and I are honoured to have shared every step of the way with Blue, who we fell in love with before he was too young to leave his siblings and mother, just a tiny ball of dark fur.</div>
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Blue has met everything thrown at him with dignity and honour, defying odds, and helping us to care for him.</div>
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There are so many people we would love to thank, for the support, care and compassion in following our journey. </div>
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Blue has grown a following on Twitter as @BluetheGSD bringing out others stories of courage and sadness, poems, people using an image of Blue as their profile picture, could there be any greater honour to him.</div>
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Through his life he has had close links with Fitzpatrick Referrals, they gave Blue his chance to let the world know what value there is in life, quality of life was all he ever wanted, as he lived each day for the moment.</div>
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Blue was a German Shepherd, who looked like a shepherd, lived like a shepherd but most importantly loved like a shepherd.</h2>
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<b>Thank you Blue for sharing your days with us, the memories will be forever special and etched deep into our hearts;</b></h2>
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rod1871http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455469367905090201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046588444913271342.post-10851806627639668752016-05-15T11:03:00.000+01:002016-05-16T19:56:20.418+01:00Decision time....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On Tuesday we were given an update on Blue's condition following his spleen removal two weeks previous. We were advised that Blue required further chemo, but only if he was well enough.<br />
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We had to make a decision by Friday, and with all things being equal, the decision was made to move to "Carboplatin" which is new to Blue.<br />
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Our other choice was "Doxorubicin" which Blue had been on previously. There were two down sides to the "Dox" it had probably attacked all the cancer it could, continued use could cause a heart condition which could be fatal, although if administered with an antidote this could help neutralise the effects on the heart.<br />
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Continuing the conversation with Dr Kelvin Kow, we were made aware that our choice should not be influenced by cost, we were told that if we spent a million pounds, the outcome could not be altered, where Blue was going, it would be where 99% of all dogs with this position ultimately go.<br />
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Our decision was made and confirmed on the phone Friday evening, Sue discussed this with Dr Kelvin Kow, when he called.<br />
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Where we go with Blue now is unchartered territory, but once more he has returned from the brink, we won't hold out for him being the 1% he has already surpassed many expectations, it is as always about quality of life.<br />
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Blue does only a fraction of what he was doing this time last year, but he still shows a zest for life, and while that is there, we will be there with him every step of the way, he still has that mischievous side which is why we adore him so much.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of the drain pipe taken off, as always, for attention not destruction.</td></tr>
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Last week Blue had an appointment on his birthday, next Wednesday his appointment for new chemo is on my birthday, so we have changed a few plans but nothing major.<br />
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In Blue's last blog I touched on his birthday, he was 8. Blue has packed a lot into those 8 years, spinal surgery at 7 months, gave him a disadvantaged start to life, a challenging dog in the early years grew into a great companion typical of the breed that is so special, the German Shepherd. For anyone that is fortunate to bring one into their home and lives, be patient with them, understand them and the reward will be beyond what you could ever imagine.
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Back to his birthday, the slideshow below captures his interest in unwrapping goodies, some of which travelled from far afield, as part of his followers on social media, namely twitter and Facebook, where he has a dedicated page of his own.<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Bluethegsd/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/Bluethegsd/</a></div>
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You can keep in touch with Blue on Facebook, by leaving him a message, scan the code below.....<br />
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<small><span style="font-size: small;">We have to keep a watchful eye on Blue, and any changes we make such as introducing supplements or treats, if they affect his well being or digestive system, we rein back to where we were before.</span></small></div>
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<small><span style="font-size: small;">Blue was enjoying the outdoors yesterday, although we were busy doing the garden he was content to rest and watch.</span></small></div>
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<small><span style="font-size: small;">Until next time here is Blue enjoying the garden yesterday</span></small></div>
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So this week has been eventful, but once again a rollercoaster for emotions, but in all of it there are a lot of comforts, Blue has drawn in people that care and flourished with their involvement, those kind words, messages of support have meant a great deal to all three of us, and in its own way has helped others share their own experiences with us.</div>
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rod1871http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455469367905090201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046588444913271342.post-52876064400817847662016-05-11T21:09:00.002+01:002016-05-11T21:09:55.106+01:00Birthday Blues, stitches out, hard news.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Blue is 8 today, a remarkable feat after what he has gone through, not only these last two weeks, but since September last year.<br />
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Blue has attracted a lot of attention on twitter and other forms of social media, he has gained a lot of support and admirers.<br />
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Blue is having a "birthday week" because he is a special dog who through no fault of his own had a double booking today, the other booking was to return to Fitzpatrick Referrals to have his stitches removed after his spleen removal two weeks ago.<br />
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Those two weeks have been a little difficult, as he gives an indication that he wants to play, but tires very quickly, his walks have been no greater than 10 minutes, more often shorter. The removal of his spleen seems to have hit him harder than the original operation to remove the mass, and today we were not feeling too confident of the visit.<br />
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Blue had a bit of interest in opening a couple of gifts, more often more interested in the wrapper than it's contents, he is very interested in the treats, but they can only be given in moderation.<br />
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Blue was given 5 sedatives today, and seemed more restless on the journey to Guildford.<br />
As we arrived the sedatives were really taking hold, barely able to walk, walking headlong into anything in his path, he barely noticed the joyful birthday greeting of the receptionists as we walked through the lobby of the Oncology department.<br />
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We made it into the consultation room, where Blue soon laid down partially on the weighing scales inset in the floor.<br />
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Shortly after our arrival, Dr Kelvin Kow came in, to discuss Blue, we explained how Blue had been since his spleen removal. For the first time there was a change in our discussions, it would be hard to avoid the inevitable discussion.<br />
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The discussion was honest and open from both sides, Blue had done remarkably well, he had reached 6 months and one week since his initial operation, survived 6 sessions of chemotherapy, had a port inserted, had his spleen removed and several blood transfusions.<br />
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The fact is Blue has surpassed what few dogs can, only 50% make it through the early stages of Chemotherapy, to have gone 6 he was now where only 1 in 5 dogs reach.<br />
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If we were to spend a million pounds, nothing would change, the big question was, had Blue hit the wall that could not be beaten, options were now becoming limited and we could soon be at a crossroad, but before we spoke any further it was important to remove Blue's stitches and take blood samples.<br />
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Blue was very weak, and Dr Kelvin seemed concerned at the change, though as he led Blue away, Blue summoned the strength and will to show he was not yet beaten.<br />
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Sue and I had an honest discussion, that for now will remain between us, it was not a cheery discussion, the emotional rollercoaster was in full swing, but in all of this we would put our thoughts to one side and do what was best for Blue.<br />
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Dr Kelvin returned alone, there was a problem, the machine needed to analyse Blue's blood was out of action, they had to rely on a back up one. His mood did seem to give mixed signals, he then explained that Blue's blood count had risen since his spleen removal, which was contrary to what we had described, he explained how positive this was, compared to what he was expecting.<br />
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This does change very little remarkably, it means that Blue must continue to gain strength and weight before he can receive any further treatment, and the treatment is our decision to make by the end of the week.<br />
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<br />
<ul>
<li>Return to the original chemo, but risks of heart problems and less impact</li>
<li>Chemo that requires an antidote to protect the heart</li>
<li>Chemo of a new lesser strength without risks to the heart</li>
</ul>
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None come with any guarantees, namely because who knows where the wall is for Blue.</div>
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Given what we had just sat through, talking it through with Dr Kelvin, Blue had given us the sign that he was not ready to leave us yet.</div>
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Bouyed, we waited for Blue to return in one of the reception pods, he came through, with Dr Kelvin and a nurse with renewed strength. As he laid at our feet the nurse gave him a cuddle, while Dr Kelvin proudly showed a photo on his phone, Blue being cradled and cuddled in the lap of the nurse, so the dog that would not stay the night or let anyone approach, was now giving out cuddles, amazing.</div>
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Blue was put in the back of the car, where he made himself comfy ready for the drive home.</div>
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Traffic was an issue due to an accident on the M3, but we picked a route home, where we arrived an hour later. We opened up the car, and this is what we were greeted with.....</div>
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But Blue soon perked up when his lady-friend came walking by</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue is welcomed home by Daisy<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday kisses</td></tr>
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While I have been writing this, Blue has been sleeping quietly in his crate, he is just stirring, so we will be back soon to tell you all about his birthday week.</div>
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Oh I forgot to mention, on Saturday he helped me in his own way, when I put in a garden pond..<br />
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As seen on Youtube</div>
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rod1871http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455469367905090201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046588444913271342.post-44664249896460171092016-05-01T11:59:00.002+01:002016-05-01T11:59:27.364+01:00Home is where the heart is;<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our emotional rollercoaster has been on overdrive this week, a quick recap, Monday Blue required surgery to find an internal bleed, which resulted in his spleen being removed.<br />
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This is likely part of the battle he is having with the hemangiosarcoma (HSA).<br />
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Blue was admitted around noon, operated on late afternoon, and due to the amount of blood entering his abdomen, required a blood transfusion until 2.00am the following morning, much of which was his own blood, that they harvested.<br />
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Blue was required to stay in Fitzpatrick Referrals Oncology & Soft Tissue centre Guildford (FROST) for a couple of days. However this was to change the next day, Blue had developed an irregular heart beat, meaning difficulty in regulating breathing, common effect of spleen removal and so required to go on a drip to administer a drug to regulate his heart.<br />
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As you would imagine our phone was our constant companion for any developments or updates, it was no surprise that Blue once again declined any offers of food. Sue, who works part-time, left work and travelled to Guildford to encourage Blue to eat, this proved a worthwhile visit, Blue took the chicken, that was offered. But was very groggy, but was able to go outside for a wee.<br />
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We were planning to return in the evening but decided, that due to Blue needing to rest and give the heart drugs chance to work, we decided not to return to Guildford.<br />
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Wednesday came and after a call to check out how Blue was doing, it sounded like he had a bit of a restless night, so Sue planned to return straight after work, this time all attempts for Blue to take food failed, and he was looking more distressed. Once again the plan was for me to go in the evening, as I was missing him just as much as I hoped he was missing me.<br />
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I called Sue for an update, and heard that Blue was not eating, unlike we planned, I sought permission to leave work half hour early and go to see our precious Blue. Less than an hour later I am sat in the consultancy room with Blue and Sue, though in his own way he was pleased to see me, not a single morsel of food passed his lips. They had given him some pain relief and Sue was told he would be more subdued, which he was until it was time for us to go.<br />
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We advised the reception desk, who summoned a Nurse to collect Blue. Then Blue reluctantly got to his feet, and I encouraged him to the door, and with all he could muster, he resisted, managing to jolly him up a little he entered the corridor, until he realised that Sue was not following.<br />
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His front feet spread and sought all the grip that he could muster, but he could not fend off our pulling him along, then all four feet were firmly planted to the floor, and he would not budge until Sue was along side us, at this point he relaxed enough for the nurse to get him through the door to the kennel area. We all found that hard, but we knew what was best for Blue.<br />
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Our journey home was in separate cars, arriving back in Reading around quarter to seven within minutes of each other. Sue prepared dinner.<br />
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Around twenty past seven, Sue received a call, there was a problem with Blue, he was not co-operating with any of the staff, and had had a go at one nurse, it required four members of staff to enable them to sort Blue. The caller Laurent (The Surgeon who had operated on Blue) explained to Sue that Blue was getting himself so worked up, the medicine used to regulate his heart would become ineffective. They felt it in Blue's best interest for him to be discharged.<br />
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Less than an hour of being home, we were back on the road to Guildford, where we arrived at about twenty five past eight.<br />
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The nurse who Blue had a go at, is a lovely lady who is familiar with "Shepherds" talked us through what we needed to know and be on the watch for.<br />
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As we walked out across the car park, Blue had the longest wee I have ever known a dog to have, not biblical but substantial.<br />
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In the past we have lifted Blue into the back of the car, but with what surgery he had just undertaken this would not be wise. So out come the folding ramp, which Blue dislikes, but decided to go with it on this occasion.<br />
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Blue sat very regally in the back of the car, with a contented look, the Nurse and receptionist came over to give us his remaining bits, and I am sure Blue gave them a knowing smile.<br />
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Our journey home was around an hour, but Blue refused to exit the ramp, plan B was required, we lifted Blue out laid on his duvet, once on terrafirma he stood up and walked to the front door.<br />
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Just coming up to ten o'clock in the evening Blue was laid contently in his crate, a long day, all we needed to do now was have our long awaited dinner, as a family of three once more.<br />
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The next day Sue took time off work to keep an eye on Blue, who was now the model patient, resting as he should, drinking and eating as he should, perhaps Blue knows better than all of us what is best for Blue.<br />
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Blue must remain on lead for the next two weeks, unless he is in the same room as us or in his crate, this he has no issues with, his appetite has returned, the sparkle in his eyes glistens ever brightly, we are so blessed.<br />
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Blue has had a fresh area shaved, he has more stitches than any gangster, but he remains adorable.<br />
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Here are just a few images captured during the last week.<br />
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<br />rod1871http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455469367905090201noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046588444913271342.post-12462906718401060152016-04-26T13:55:00.000+01:002016-04-26T13:55:32.951+01:00Our hero suffers a major setback<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last Wednesday Blue enjoyed his usual swim, but as each day followed there was deterioration in his energy levels.<br />
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As first we thought he overdone the swimming but each day he dipped a little more, we consulted the Oncology team, and were advised to withdraw his medication, and monitor him closely.<br />
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Each day he would show signs of renewed enthusiasm, only to slip into lethargy worse than the previous day.<br />
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Monday morning Sue rang Fitzpatricks, as Blue could not even make it across the road for a wee without full support with his sling, he could barely stand, and was now refusing all food.<br />
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We arrived at Fitzpatrick Referrals at 11:30 and by 12:30 we agreed that Blue should undergo an operation to find an abdominal bleed.<br />
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Yesterday afternoon, Blue had his spleen removed, and required a blood transfusion until 2:00am the following morning.<br />
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Blue will be monitored closely over the next few days, dependant on how he responds to surgery, we all know he is not a good in-patient, and will be keen to get back home.<br />
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Blue had been doing so well through the chemo, this has really shocked us, as it will many others.<br />
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We don't know how much this will take out of him or whether his remaining time is measured in hours, days, weeks or months, but we will make sure he gets the best of attention.<br />
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Forgive me for not going into all the details, it has been hard to share, but the support we have received has been brilliant.<br />
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<br />rod1871http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455469367905090201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046588444913271342.post-91677992835066978082016-04-12T20:12:00.003+01:002016-04-12T20:12:50.150+01:00Blood test today<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Blue attended Fitzpatrick Referrals today for his follow up blood test. This is following two weeks of medication in tablet /capsule form.</div>
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We are all becoming anxious with each visit, but in truth Blue continues to pull us all through, continuing to prove what a remarkable character he is.</div>
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Today he had 5 sedatives, to take the edge off ahead of his visit, these make him wobbly, but aware of what is going on.</div>
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Leaving home just after 2.00pm we were being guided through reception into the consultation room, to the welcome greetings from the ladies on reception, who instantly recognise Blue as we enter.</div>
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Weighing in at 50.8kg Blue soon settles and waits, the sedatives doing the job, even when a curious dog stands the other side of the door looking in through the viewing glass, Blue remains calm and comfortable.</div>
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Change occurs when Dr Kelvin Kow enters with a nurse, but soon subsides to a few sighs and puffs of his cheeks, Blue that is.</div>
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We talk through how Blue has been, namely less energetic, more sleepy, but with bouts of energy bursts, appetite is fine and with credit to Sue, not one tablet missed. (Thin chicken slices or ham wrapped around each one soon sees them down the back of Blue's throat).</div>
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Dr Kelvin explains that once the blood tests are done, he will have a better idea of if the dosage requires increasing or decreasing.</div>
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As Dr Kelvin held out his hand to take Blue's lead, Blue objected, but accepted a split second later, they were building their bond of trust with each other, that on it's own should not be underestimated as a significant change.</div>
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No sooner had Sue and I settled in the reception pod, and Blue was back, his paws scurrying across the floor, but not with the Dr, but the nurse, either those sedatives are working abnormally well, or the hard work and patience of the whole "FROST" team was paying dividends. In my opinion it has taken both, but the FROST team have really begun to win Blue's trust, even to the point where the Nurse said that she had stolen a kiss on the top of Blue's head, we all smiled.</div>
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We had to wait longer than we should have for the blood results, and during this time Blue even allowed a dog in the next pod to look at him without reacting to protect us.</div>
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The results as always are delivered in person by Dr Kelvin, this time the white blood cell count was slightly down, no anaemia, but it was still too early to tell if the dosage is causing the periodic lethargy or it is his body getting used to the new medicines. </div>
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Blue will return in two weeks for another blood test, and dependent on the results, if all is well his visits could be extended to a month interval, looking further forward he could have two of those, and in two and half months from now we will have a decision to make. That decision will be whether to have a CT scan to see what is happening inside of Blue, but it is not a decision that we have to make yet.</div>
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We have heard the phrase #frostfamily and we are in no doubt all the staff that work there are like one big extended family, that welcome you all, and share every moment with you. Dr Kelvin is viewed as a friend of Blue, and us too. He explained that the day Blue laid on the operating table, he was consulted on his condition, and is so genuinely pleased to see where Blue is today compared to that dark afternoon in November last year.</div>
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Blue is a reward to all those that have helped along this journey and those that will ensure to see him get the best he can, from life.</div>
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Tomorrow Blue will be swimming at Aquadoggies, last week it invigorated him so much, he did not settle until 3 hours after getting home.</div>
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On a lighter note, Sue and I have been set a challenge, to get a wee sample for his next visit;</div>
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This will take a bit of strategy and a steady gloved hand!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Thank you for following Blue's story</i></span></h3>
<br />rod1871http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455469367905090201noreply@blogger.com0Guildford, Guildford, Surrey, UK51.23622 -0.5704090000000405851.1566945 -0.73177050000004051 51.315745500000006 -0.40904750000004059tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046588444913271342.post-60590791610148958972016-04-03T18:07:00.001+01:002016-04-07T11:06:17.011+01:00Scotland 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Who would of thought it would have been possible, given everything Blue has gone through since the car accident last September, and the discovery of the cancerous mass in his abdomen, but in Scotland we shared what could be Blue's last holiday away, but who knows what is around the corner....<br />
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To put some perspective to it, our journey from Reading to the Highlands of Scotland, some 650 miles or a 12 hour journey is not for the feint hearted.<br />
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Below is a google map of our journey, and a couple of images pinned on the map which are clickable. Feel free to zoom in to see the location of the images, on the top left is menu for specific selection. (<i>If you lose your place, simply refresh the page</i>).<br />
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Our journey was without incident, and as always, Blue travels well, there are times you have to remind yourself he is in the car.<br />
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Whenever we indicate, Blue pops up to have look, are we there?</div>
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The main reason for the holiday at this particular time, Blue's Chemo injections were completed, and three weeks later he was to begin chemo in tablet form. This was a chance for the three of us to recharge our batteries before we commenced with the new chapter.</div>
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Two weeks in Shieldaig, located on the West coast of the Scottish Highlands, affectionately well known and loved by us all.<br />
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Our holiday in pictures;</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our home for the next two weeks, with the red car outside.<br />
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These are but a few, more will follow and some more will be added to the google map.</div>
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Two weeks after setting off we returned home, rested and relaxed, ready for the next chapter.</div>
<br />rod1871http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455469367905090201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046588444913271342.post-60016610123528152422016-03-29T18:54:00.000+01:002016-03-30T10:31:26.773+01:00The new chapter begins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today was the first day in the new chapter of Blue, he had received all of his chemotherapy injections, and returned from a two week stay in the Highlands of Scotland, more on the holiday to follow.<br />
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After his final injection of chemotherapy, with agreement of his clinical team at Fitzpatrick referrals Oncology and Soft Tissue (FROST), this visit was the first in a new chapter.<br />
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Blue was only ever going to be permitted a number of Chemo injections, between 4-8, that number would be influenced by how he responded to the treatment, and how effective it was on the cancer.<br />
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To achieve this visit today is a milestone none of us could foresee back in November, where his life was being counted in terms of coming out of major surgery, to the next hour, the next day, the weekend, the next week, and to this day no further ahead, we choose to treat each and every day now as if it were his last.<br />
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We are now living with Blue, who lives with cancer, we have all learnt a lot about ourselves, but more importantly about Blue.<br />
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Blues new treatment is now to be in tablet form only, there are a variety of cocktails which will help him live with the cancer, how long for is still unknown, we would like that to be forever, but each day is welcomed and blessed on its arrival.<br />
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The medication Blue will be on will consist of 6 tablets a day, this in itself is a game of wits, one that can allow Blue to win the odd battle, but we need to ensure that the days he refuses his medication does not become a habit.<br />
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The tablets Blue has taken in the past, have been given in many forms, mixed in with fluids, solutions, foodstuffs and even via a syringe. While we were on holiday Blue had gone from somehow getting the tablet out of the food to under the plate, and when that didn't work, he began storing them in his jowls, as if he was some sort of hamster. Needless to say, a way of giving the tablets is ongoing work in progress, just like a game of chess.<br />
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Blue will have to be monitored for side effects, and return in two weeks time for a checkup.<br />
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Today was the consultation to discuss the next chapter with Senior Consultant Dr Kelvin Kow, who has been an absolute marvel with Blue, and with us also, we can not sing his praises enough, a credit to his profession.<br />
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Blue enjoys a short break, a quick wander out into the carpark<br />
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A visit to "FROST" is always an event, and today was no different, this is how it went:-<br />
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<li>Blue was lifted into the car at 9:45 feeling slightly lighter, but with no sedatives</li>
<li>A journey of just under an hour see us arrive at "FROST" </li>
<li>Wearing his Halti and a muzzle Blue Sue and me were welcomed at reception</li>
<li>We were directed to the consultation room to await Dr Kelvin Kow</li>
<li>A number of attempts to weigh Blue confirmed he was around 49 - 50 kg</li>
<li>Minimal fuss as we discussed the options available for Blue</li>
<li>Urine sample required for a baseline, this would be fun, out we ventured into the car park.</li>
<li>Armed with a kidney shaped bowl we sought to gain a sample from Blue</li>
<li>On command Blue obliged, and Dr Kelvin expertly collected the valuable sample</li>
<li>We returned into reception, Dr Kelvin carrying said sample, took Blue from us.</li>
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At this point it was a terrific feat achieved by Dr Kelvin, walking along with said sample, and an un-sedated Blue, all was going well until Blue realised we were no longer with him. How the good Dr managed to hold Blue, who was making his best efforts to return to us, and not spill a drop amazed all onlookers, eventually he handed the sample to a nurse, and him and Blue disappeared through the doors to the treatment area. </div>
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Sue and I waited for about 40 minutes, until we recognised those familiar sounds of paws on tiles, pulling a heavy load, sure enough, it was Blue coming back with Dr Kelvin, and his assistant.</div>
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The reports were good, he was no longer anaemic, and all other counts were where they needed to be.</div>
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Blue had become stressed, this was a concern of Dr Kelvin, and said that for Blues next visit, perhaps he should have sedatives, but only 5 not 10 as previous visits. Blue when anxious will not settle and his breathing is very rapid, while we waited for his meds to be prepared, I took Blue on a tour of the reception area, this helped calm him a little but not a lot.</div>
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Blue is a beautiful dog, and often receives admiring looks and comments, today was no different, but there were two special ones today.</div>
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Blue exchanges tweets with @PawsomeErik, who's Mum works as a Nurse at "FROST" she popped out to say hi, passed comment that Blue was doing well, and gave Sue some gravy bones for Blue.</div>
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The other was from Laurent, the surgeon who removed the mass, which filled Blue's abdomen, Laurent commented on how well Blue was looking, we thanked him for the major part he played in helping Blue.</div>
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Dr Kelvin returned with Blue's meds, and was very complimentary, even though it sounds he may have pulled a muscle in his shoulder while holding Blue earlier. We all said that we could do with a rest this afternoon, wished each other well and said good bye until the next time.</div>
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Blue waited patiently at the reception desk while Sue paid for todays visit and set the appointment for a fortnights time.</div>
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Since we have been home Blue has enjoyed a play in the garden, a bit of rest and then a 30 minute walk.</div>
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At the start of this blog I mentioned we had gone to Scotland for a two week break, below are a few pictures of our holiday with Blue, I will follow this up soon with a blog dedicated solely to our holiday.</div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Blue says "Thank you for caring".</i></span></h2>
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rod1871http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455469367905090201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046588444913271342.post-69531263257116695872016-03-08T17:28:00.002+00:002016-03-08T17:28:16.299+00:00Chemo #6 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Blue today attended his sixth session of chemotherapy.<br />
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Those three week intervals come and go, we greet each one with apprehension, fingers crossed, clinging to any positive vibes we can.<br />
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Each visit we are 100% focused on Blue's well being and welfare, if this is his world, we share it together and live it each and every moment.<br />
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Complacency, granted, planning and many similar words have long since been removed from our vocabulary.<br />
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They are now replaced with today, hope, medicine, chemotherapy and admiration.<br />
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Straight to todays appointment, this is Blue's sixth and final Chemo session. We have now got this off to a fine art. The night before Blue gets a good play session in the garden, slightly longer than other nights, he has his anti-sickness tablets, and enjoys a good nights sleep on his own duvet, in the bedroom, where sometimes a contented, gentle snore will be our lullaby to sleep.<br />
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In the morning after an extended walk of about 20 minutes, we returned home for breakfast, mixed in are the daily tablets of gabapentine and yunnan baiyao which Blue shows no interest in until, he is spoon fed.<br />
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Blue was given 10 sedatives around 8:45 in preparation of his 11:00 appointment.<br />
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We set off around 9:50 and were confident as we lifted Blue into the car, that the sedatives were already having an effect and he was not feeling any lighter.<br />
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When we arrived at Fitzpatrick Referrals Oncology and Soft Tissue Centre (Affectionally referred to as "<i><b>FROST</b></i>"), reception was a busier place, but we confidently walked through to our waiting pod, Blue quickly settled.<br />
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As we waited we realised that something was missing, oh dear, Blue was muzzleless, this was soon remedied it was on the back seat of the car, no one noticed our error. Walking Blue into an occupied area without his muzzle to wait for a vet is unheard of.<br />
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Dr Kelvin Kow came out to see Blue and us, and introduced us to a new member of the team, his new right hand man, although she is actually a woman.<br />
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Dr Kelvin now feels confident to take Blue's lead and with his now, three assistants walks away with Blue, who spares a couple of concerned glances our way as he is lead off for his treatment, as they were yards away from the door, Blue goes to ground, but is soon persuaded to stand up and carry on. At least he didn't resort to his crocodile death roll, which he has perfected over the years with us.<br />
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Time for a coffee and people / dog watch as others come and go, some we have seen before most are new, but a much busier place than when we first attended this new unit in November last year.<br />
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The wait was just over an hour, Blue with his entourage returned back to us, although heavily sedated, walking without his support sling.<br />
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They reported that Blue has been unsettled today, slightly agitated, but co-operative, for Blue.<br />
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His chemo was administered without a problem, his blood levels were where they needed to be and he had gained weight, now up to 50.7kg<br />
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Blue has now had his final session of chemo, we have been told that only one in five dogs can handle what Blue has gone through, and we appreciate all that has got him through to this stage, much more than words could share.<br />
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Blue will have a three week rest before he begins a new chapter in his life, this will be though medicine administered by tablets, chemo, but in tablet form.<br />
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Those tablets will be measured through a specific formula to suit his weight and needs, they will be required daily for the rest of his life, how he will respond, we will have to wait and see.<br />
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Blue lives for today, and in the moment, and we look forward to sharing each and everyone of those days with him, ensuring all his needs are catered for, as best we can.<br />
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As I write this blog, Blue lays behind the sofa, contently sleeping off the sedatives, what he is unaware of is that on Sunday we will travel to the Highlands of Scotland, for a two week holiday.<br />
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We had not considered a holiday, since this all began, but it is now the right time, we all need some quality time together.<br />
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If it works, here is a short video of Blue out walking on a frosty Sunday morning.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyNPOwU7SLx-lhRKVWoUEGagNQS_JBnRTcUbfSjVF5iNsqaaTY_scIkP6i2vuXp6EyGDGokbj7pTbLru2znQg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Blue has continued with his swimming and extended walks, playing with footballs in the garden, his jollyball is unrecognisable as a ball these days, not bad considering he has had it for six years.</span></div>
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Blue has started to look for something to carry while out walking, I used to give him a bottle to carry, Sue now gives him something to carry when he wishes, recently it was his own extending lead.<br />
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Time to go and give Sue and our furry friend a huge cuddle, we all need it...............</div>
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You can always keep up to date on twitter look-up @BluetheGSD & @Bluesmummy</div>
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<br />rod1871http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455469367905090201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046588444913271342.post-83560312056730021152016-02-16T20:11:00.000+00:002016-02-16T20:11:30.599+00:00Chemo Session #5 & a CT Scan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today Blue attended his Chemo session number five, how quick the time goes by. It hardly seemed three weeks that he had his last session.<br />
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We have slipped nicely into a routine, learning more each visit and continuing to monitor Blue while ensuring he gets as much opportunity to feel self-satisfied with his life.<br />
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This visit is different, Blue is to have a CT scan to see how the cancer is affecting him internally, and for that reason we are a little more apprehensive, but determined for Blue's sake not to show it.<br />
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To help approach today in a positive frame of mind we have done things a little different, the buster collar and muzzle were placed in the car last night, it did seem that Blue had began the last session a little apprehensive.<br />
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One other thing we did was to take Blue out for a longer drive in the car at the weekend, a visit to Cheddar, where he enjoyed a 50 minute walk around Black Rock Nature reserve. (*<i>more on that later</i>).<br />
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Back to today, the morning commenced without breakfast for Blue, only a solitary sardine to help the sedatives go down, still 10 required, after he had a short walk in the local park, to do his business.<br />
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We set out for Guildford at 8:15 to make our 9:30 appointment. Soon after our journey began the A329(M) was at a standstill, so we cut though Wokingham, to get to Bracknell. The journey then see the sat nav warn of stationary traffic along the A31 into Guildford, reset the sat nav to follow a diversion, but this was not needed in the end, our journey was completed just after 9:20am<br />
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Blue needed scooping out of the back of the car, and attempted to walk through closed glass doors, not waiting for the mechanism that slides them open to operate, safely through those two obstacles we were soon parked in the pod awaiting our call.<br />
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The Oncology and Soft Tissue unit of Fitzpatrick Referrals is now a far busier unit than when we first come here in November last year, Blue quickly settled, and only gave a hint of interest when Dr Kelvin and the Nurse came to collect him.<br />
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This didn't go exactly to plan, as a few steps away from us Blue turned 90 degrees and planted his bum firmly on the floor, looking straight back at Sue and me. It only took me to walk over to where Blue sat and urged him to walk, and he stood up and walked Dr Kelvin through the door to the business part of the unit, not even a backward glance to see if I was still with him.<br />
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Today was a big big day, the CT scan would present a true image of what was going on inside of Blue, we were all going into the unknown. We knew today was going to be a long day but emotionally, how do you prepare yourself?<br />
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We chose to stay and wait, not really in the right frame of mind to go into Guildford and look around or drive home to sit and wait, time to sit and wonder, and finish off my book, Cloud Atlas.<br />
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A couple of hours later, Dr Kelvin Kow came to share the news, the early signs were very encouraging, the mass that had filled Blue's abdomen was not clearly visible, not gone, but only further examination under the trained eye of a radiologist may pinpoint any current tumours.<br />
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This news was far better than anything we could of dreamt or prayed for, Blue was now being prepped for his chemo session #5<br />
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I found this news hard to take, saying very little due to the dry lump in the back of my throat, we all three looked at each other and had a small smile, and thanked heaven for this.<br />
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Our news could not be shared with Blue for a further 3 hours, in which time several nurses came out to say how good Blue was being and thought how great his news was.<br />
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Finally nearly five hours after watching Blue walk out the door, he came back to us pulling Dr Kelvin with him, and Nurse Jen following behind with his med's.<br />
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Our destination was to be a consultation room where we were told a bit more of Blue's condition.<br />
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The CT scan takes upward of 4,500 images which enable detailed examination in black, white and various greys in-between of Blue<br />
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Dr Kelvin was keen to show the images to demonstrate the change that was within Blue. He guided us through how he was now, showing his organs where they were and no signs of cancer affecting the lungs or kidneys etc. We then see the images of Blue pre-op, these were shocking, how large the mass in his abdomen was and how it was pressing on major organs such as displacing one of his kidneys, and placing pressure against the spine.<br />
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We were told that there will likely be cancer still within Blue, but for now the treatment was proving effective in subduing it's growth.<br />
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Blue has now reached a stage very few dogs achieve, it is unusual for them to get to 5 sessions of chemo, and the CT scans have given everyone a very pleasant surprise.<br />
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When we said about it would be nice to give Blue a holiday, but perhaps Scotland would be too far, Dr Kelvin said, why, he will be fine go and enjoy it.<br />
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Blue has really been a model patient, and has found a new bunch of friends, he will continue to live for today and enjoy the moments as they arrive.<br />
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We have often mentioned Dr Kelvin Kow, and he was kind enough to have his photo taken with Blue and us before carrying on with his busy schedule.<br />
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One other thank you is to all the staff both on reception and behind closed doors for the tremendous work they do, looking after the animals and people that come through the doors of Fitzpatrick Referrals.<br />
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* Remember a while ago I said we went to Cheddar at the weekend, it was wet, it was cold, it was muddy it was tiring, but it was well worth the trip.<br />
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While I have been writing this blog, Blue has had a good sleep in front of the fire and the only sign that is evident of his trip today is the shaving of his port above his hind leg....</div>
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Blue has grown a number of followers to his @BluetheGSD Twitter account. He has had toys, gifts, best wishes and prayers sent his way, neighbours ask after him, he is in the thoughts of work colleagues.<br />
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Blue is a special dog, we know because we live with him, and those that meet him he will have an impact on and share those same thoughts.<br />
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<i>Blue takes what life throws at him and deals with it, truly inspirational.</i></h3>
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<br />rod1871http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455469367905090201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046588444913271342.post-20008037066669142912016-02-04T07:03:00.000+00:002016-02-04T07:03:26.246+00:00Support #WorldCancerDay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Blue is today living with cancer, thanks to a lot of research and dedicated people, some brave souls no longer with us today.<br />
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Blue was diagnosed with a tumor that was cancerous last October, he has so far had life threatening major abdominal surgery and four sessions of Chemotherapy.<br />
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Cancer in animals is not as rare as one might think, but as with humans they can contract many different forms, Blue has a cancer that could ultimately cost him his life, we do not know when or how that day will come.<br />
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We were once told in a tweet that "<i><b>Blue does not know what tomorrow is, he only lives for today</b></i>".<br />
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With that thought in our minds we help Blue live for today, and ensure no matter how many more days there are, that each one will be the best it could be.<br />
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Both my wife and I lost our mothers to this dreadful condition, and this has helped us in our understanding caring for Blue.<br />
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Our heart felt thanks extends to all those dedicated Staff that help people and animals afflicted with a condition that knows few boundaries, is relentless and non-discriminate.<br />
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We give special thanks on behalf of Blue to Fitzpatrick Referrals, who have had the dedication and foresight to set up their Oncology and Soft Tissue research unit in Guildford Surrey.<br />
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In our Support for WorldCancerDay we proudly wear Unity bands from Cancer Research UK<br />
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<br />rod1871http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455469367905090201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046588444913271342.post-38212793598724633662016-01-26T16:24:00.001+00:002016-01-27T06:15:27.054+00:00Chemo Session #4 (and a new job)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sedated but always aware.......</td></tr>
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Today was Chemo Session #4 for Blue, which has become a routine that Blue finds quite relaxing, but that is on Blue's scale. Any other dog you may feel Blue is far from relaxed, but trust us when we say "he is relaxed".<br />
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Blue began the day the evening before, let me explain. Ahead of Chemo, Blue is required to take anti-sickness tablets, these were lovingly crushed in a pestle and mortar, sprinkled and mixed in with a tin of sardines. Once sniffed, for any nasties, Blue wolfs it down, and proceeds to clean the bowl of all evidence that it was ever used to dish up food.<br />
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So back to today, we all had a lie in, and Blue went and done his business in the park, before coming home and having a hearty breakfast, unaware of what lay ahead, until 10 minutes before we left, he spotted the muzzle on the stairs. But there was no fuss, that might be in part to the sedatives that he was given at 8:20 am<br />
The previous session the sedatives did not seem to kick in within the prescribed 2 hours, so we gave him them a little earlier so they would be in his system and working before his 10:30 appointment.<br />
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<i>We left home shortly after 9:00am needing to get fuel for the car and a minor diversion to Asda to exchange a DVD, a completely different story.</i><br />
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Reading to Guilford is just over 30+ miles and at this time of the day, very little traffic was encountered meaning we were there at 10:20am
As we opened the car door, Blue was not up and alert ready to go, so a bit of coaxing was required, but once his paws were on the pavement we were heading for the door, well Blue was heading for the door, we did well to keep up. The push button on the sliding doors activated before Blue could ram it with his snout, and the same with the inner door.
We made our way to a waiting pod in reception, where Blue quickly settled, to await our turn.<br />
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Once in the pod with Sue and me, Blue quickly settles, and is very relaxed, although he has been here before many times, he accepts it as a safe place, that is a credit to the Staff, team and designers of this state of the art unit. </div>
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Bliss was disturbed with the arrival of Dr Kelvin Kow, and his assistant Nurse Emma. Moments later Blue settled back down, giving us the chance to recall how Blue has been since his last visit.</div>
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We told how Blue had been improving to the point that he had gone for two swim sessions and an hour plus walk at Queen Elizabeth Country Park in Hampshire. Also he retained a healthy appetite and was on minimum pain relief.</div>
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There was some concerns about Blue that we had agreed to share, it would be in Blue's interest long term. That concern was since Blue had undergone the major surgery to remove the mass from his abdomen, to date we had seen improvement in various different ways. That changed on Sunday, Blue was being playful and boisterous, and rolled over on his back, and gave a yelp. We then noticed he was "hovering" his back leg. From there on in we have tailored back his walks and avoided getting him too excited.</div>
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Dr Kelvin suggested we did not jump to any conclusions, let's see how he is. With a bit less than usual handling Blue went with me and Dr Kelvin to the door through to the business part of the building, where Nurse Emma and Dr Kelvin took Blue for his session and checks.</div>
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Sue and me sat in our Pod, accepting the offer of coffee while we waited, the 30-45minutes.</div>
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Sue recognised Blue was approaching, before he had turned the corner and come into view, Blue was coming straight back to us, with Dr Kelvin on the other end of the lead, doing well to keep up.</div>
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Blue quickly settled down enabling us to be updated; Dr Kelvin Kow was pleased on a number of counts, blood tests were normal for Blue, based on previous tests. Although there would be concern for blood results returned in a healthy dog, these were causing no concern in Blue. His weight has gone up about 300grams. </div>
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There was a twist though, not only was the Dr pleased with what he had seen, but was taken aback at how well Blue was walking, and his strength, we joked and said "Blue knows where Blue wants to go" and he said he started to protect me like I was one of the family, when a Nurse approached them.</div>
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Sue said, welcome to an exclusive club, fancy that Blue protecting the vet, which made us all smile.</div>
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In three weeks time Blue will return to the Oncology and Soft Tissue Centre of Fitzpatrick referrals where he will have a CT scan, this will determine the next stage.</div>
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Blue is not following a well defined path, his treatment is bespoke to him. The permutations are endless, even as we were consulting with the Doctor, you could see he was working out options that would best suit Blue and his condition. </div>
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Blue has gained a new friend in this process, one he is keen to protect, and that is Blue's new job.</div>
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Blue was even presented with his own file box, to keep his paperwork up together..........</div>
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We arrived home safe and sound around about 12:30 and once again found it difficult to scoop Blue out of the car, I said to Sue, we could do with one of them tipper trucks.<br />
Blues medicine for the next three weeks.......<br />
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If you have found this blog interesting, enlightening especially the progress of Blue and his fight against cancer, you can learn more of what this practice does on 4th February 2016<br />
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World Cancer Day is the subject of a forum from 6-7pm</div>
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<a href="https://www.fitzpatrickreferrals.co.uk/services/oncology-and-soft-tissue/" target="_blank">https://www.fitzpatrickreferrals.co.uk/services/oncology-and-soft-tissue/</a><br />
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<b>Blue stayed awake for one more picture before getting his head down,the eyes say it all!!</b></div>
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<br />rod1871http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455469367905090201noreply@blogger.com0Guildford, Guildford, Surrey, UK51.240089084180006 -0.6159850955810952751.235118584180007 -0.62607009558109528 51.245059584180005 -0.60590009558109525tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046588444913271342.post-43554599699442651602016-01-19T19:41:00.000+00:002016-01-26T13:39:07.966+00:00Active BlueNo it's not a new after shave, but a collection / playlist of Blue having fun in many ways.<br />
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Decided to share this playlist after hearing how much a friend of Sue's had commented on watching and enjoying all 17 clips.<br />
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Today it was confirmed when Blue goes to his Chemo #4 session next week, he will not be having a CT scan, it will now likely be booked in for another day, 16th February 2016<br />
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rod1871http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455469367905090201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046588444913271342.post-52116530439694665572016-01-17T20:57:00.002+00:002016-01-17T20:57:16.276+00:00Taking a trip out.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This week we broke our own golden rule, not to plan ahead. Well I say broke it, is not exactly true, let me explain.<br />
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At the beginning of the week I suggested to Sue, we took Blue out on Saturday morning for a walk somewhere a little more exciting for him. The place I had in mind was Queen Elizabeth Country Park set in Hampshire. A place we have visited in the past, and had many an enjoyable walk.<br />
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Before we share our walk, a little more on events this week;<br />
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Blue has now decided that pain relief tablets are no longer digestible, no matter how they are masked wrapped, disguised they are off the menu. Consulting with the Vet it has been agreed, Blue can go without them. We need to make sure he does not suffer pain, but Blue does not hide pain very well. To this end we feel we could tell if he was suffering in a detrimental way. The tablets he was taking remain in the cupboard, and we would find a way if needed to re-introduce them to him.<br />
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Blue remains active and walks have increased in length, but only marginally. He rests well, and is now accustomed to coming into our bedroom and sleeping on his bed, most nights without a murmur, occasionally an excursion in the wee small hours, if you get my drift.<br />
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<b>Wednesday was swim night.</b> Two things were different, first and foremost for this occasion the camera was left at home. We already own a huge amount of pictures of Blue swimming, more would never be enough, but for all the right reasons, tonight was camera free.<br />
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The second and greatest challenge, Blue would go swimming without a buoyancy aid/jacket. We all agreed it was best that Blue wore a walking harness with a tethered line, which would not impede his swim, but would aid a rescue should one be required. I gallantly suggested "<i>if he got in trouble Sue and Carol could rescue him first and I would help if they struggled</i>", women first, as they say in the movies. I think they got the joke.<br />
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Blue did not need rescuing and was in and out of the pool chasing his trusty ball, having a shower and blow dry at the end. Cautiously he only had 12 minutes, but he was content.<br />
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Friday night came and we looked at the weather forecast, cold and dry, ideal walking conditions, tomorrow was on, we were going to go to the Park in Hampshire.<br />
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<b>Queen Elizabeth Country Park</b><br />
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As you may of guessed already, from the picture at the top of this blog, we went to the park.<br />
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Located just over an hour from our home in Berkshire, it would be far enough to travel, but not much more than Blue has travelled recently, certainly less than our recent journey to Milford on Sea.<br />
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We set out at about 10:00am and entered the postcode, obtained from their website, into the satnav.<br />
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11:15 we were parked up in the "Juniper" Car Park all day cost of £3 a bargain, as there is no other cost to go walking to your hearts content.<br />
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As always Blue had been impeccable on the journey, not a murmur just popping up each time the indicator was activated, if the car remains in motion he settles back down, if it stops, he begins to get excited and looking at where we have arrived at.<br />
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We obtained a map from the gift shop, and decided our route. We agreed it would be a gentle walk of about an hour. In fact it lasted one hour and twelve minutes. Sue has always kept a log of the duration of Blue's walks since his spinal surgery when he was a pup.<br />
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As we began our walk we passed some children playing with their parents and were overheard saying "<i>Wow, look a German Shepherd</i>" said with excitement and glee, and followed it up with "<i>He's huge</i>"<br />
This made both me and Sue smile, as we have heard many times throughout Blue's life.<br />
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Blue makes an impact wherever he goes, not always for the right reasons, today was no different. The previous comments were not said direct to us, but as one person said what a beautiful dog, Blue replied with his customary bark, defending us. Strange sometimes what goes through his mind.<br />
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The walk was great, and ended up with a picnic on a bench, alfresco, we had a great time, good fun, good exercise and our own great company.<br />
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Unlike the swimming we decided to capture the day on camera, and loaded up the footage on Youtube last night<br />
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and a few pictures taken of the picnic<br />
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That is all for now, only one thing left to say, when we went to bed last night, Blue slept on our bed.</div>
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<i>We had spent the day together, and then the night together, we all slept content and soundly.</i></div>
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<b>Thank you to all, for the tremendous support for Blue on this amazing journey.</b></div>
<br />rod1871http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455469367905090201noreply@blogger.com0Clanfield, Hampshire, UK50.961886651320619 -0.978469848632812550.921872151320621 -1.0591508486328125 51.001901151320617 -0.8977888486328125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046588444913271342.post-60214849846289243052016-01-05T17:23:00.001+00:002016-01-05T17:24:35.282+00:00Chemo Session #3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Some pictures we take, can mean so much, but for others to see, what you see, it is necessary to share the journey that led to that picture.<br />
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Blue has today been to Fitzpatrick Referrals for his 3rd session of Chemotherapy, although still drowsy from the sedatives, he is now at home with a bag of treats from the kind Nurse, who has a dog called Erik, that Blue shares tweets with, @PawsomeErik on twitter.<br />
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It has been a few weeks since news of Blue has been blogged, there is good reason, Christmas was one and the other, time was better spent enjoying his company.<br />
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Back to today, at 10.00am Blue was given his usual 10 tablets of Acepromazine (10mg) we were all ready to go for 10.30 for the trip to Guildford for a noon appointment.<br />
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As we walked out of the house the tablets were already having an effect, Blue leaning on anything that came close, walls, radiator, legs anything. We got him to the back of the car, and as we jointly lifted him up into the car, I commented that he has had some Christmas excess.<br />
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We arrived in good time, the journey just over an hour, meaning we were a bit early, but decided to take Blue in and await our appointment in one of the receptive pods, ingenious idea. Blue settled quickly, which was good. But as it came to his turn, the sedatives seemed not to be so effective as in the past, keeping the muzzle on was a good idea.<br />
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The next part is some on the hoof choreography, this was because Dr Kelvin Kow and PawsomeErik's mum approached and Blue was vocal and alert, suspicious at what was going on. The idea was that Blue would be taken to the treatment room for his Chemo session.<br />
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So leading off Sue supported Blue's wobbly back end with a sling, as I lead him out of the pod and in the direction of the door.<br />
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It was a cross between a dance and a relay race, seamlessly the Doctor and the Nurse took the reins in mid flow, and guided Blue to the transfer door, and gave little resistance as he walked off with his new dancing/relay race partners.<br />
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We waited back at the pod, for about half hour, until Blue returned, with the Nurse and his bag of treats. The Nurse had said that Blue had done well, and was nice and calm throughout his session, the Doctor was soon with us to explain the results.<br />
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His 3rd Chemo session was administered without any problems, his blood tests had shown a small improvement in the red blood cell count, lower than normal but better. Blue's weight had gone back up to 49kg.<br />
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Dr Kelvin spent a further 10 minutes talking through how Blue was getting on with the chemotherapy, gaining weight, and an appetite to interact and be more mobile were all positives. For Blue there can only be today, but we have to discuss what is on the horizon. Blue is booked in for session #4 in three weeks time.<br />
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Dependant on how Blue is, a week before that session, we have to call and advise the Doctor, he will then make a decision about whether Blue will need a CT scan at his next appointment. The scan will determine if there is a return of any masses or tumours, that will then be a crossroads to decide what the next stage is for Blue.<br />
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The treatment he is receiving is limited, to 4-6 sessions only, and they normally cease to be less effective beyond the 5th or 6th treatment. Continued usage risks damaging the heart irreversibly, but there is an antidote. There could be a change of treatments, to tablet medication, which attacks the cancer cells in a different way. But to make that decision the CT scan is required, we have said that we will follow the advice and be guided by their expertise judgement.<br />
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We shook hands, and it was time to transport the little fella back home. Traffic was light and the return journey was only an hour.<br />
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How do you lift a 49 kilo ball of fur out of a car, we tried several ways, each time his head was lolloping out the back of the car door further and further, we both got the giggles, but finally somehow using the sling and kinetics we got him out, good job we weren't being filmed, that would have been a sight.<br />
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Since our last blog, Blue has got to walk a little further each week, and last weekend he got to walk a whole circuit of the local park, so for a special treat for all of us we went to the seaside.<br />
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Words not needed, you can tell how much Blue enjoyed his trip to Milford on Sea.<br />
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Christmas was fun, especially the quality time we had together.</div>
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But the one thing that has always been special to Blue, was being able to go swimming.</div>
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<i><span style="color: blue;">Thank you for reading.</span></i></h2>
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<br />The time spent with Blue is worth more than money.</h2>
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<br />The lessons learnt with Blue are invaluable.</h2>
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<br /><span style="color: blue;"><b>Special Thanks to all those who have supported the three of us:</b></span></h2>
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<br />rod1871http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455469367905090201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046588444913271342.post-91475097966696436642015-12-13T11:10:00.001+00:002015-12-13T11:10:59.329+00:00Unsupported walks and night time games.<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkMBifYA_d6A3-NtI-PjpqQo0R2sHaHzlDHytBRcuJMKdZmkosiMz5QdfAYajweiHF_q4UU1-gXn_3HrEG-a3CgVsToDBYWhZyCRYEkG30n0COHzME9fBy0SdJx6LGIdIrSy4-RZUtSxY/s1600/SAM_1979.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkMBifYA_d6A3-NtI-PjpqQo0R2sHaHzlDHytBRcuJMKdZmkosiMz5QdfAYajweiHF_q4UU1-gXn_3HrEG-a3CgVsToDBYWhZyCRYEkG30n0COHzME9fBy0SdJx6LGIdIrSy4-RZUtSxY/s400/SAM_1979.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Blue has been doing well since our last blog, progress is small, but progress is progress.</div>
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There have been no ill-effects with the Chemotherapy, and the fur is growing back slowly, the spirit that Blue has shown confirms our decision to go through this route is most welcome from Blue.</div>
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Generally there has been a day on day improvement, so much so, that yesterday, Blue rested a little more than recent days, maybe he had over done it, maybe this would be the pattern of his activity levels, maybe there is something else going on inside of him.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjATRhZZK-23Is6iQrU_mjuPglR6zmfu2iLv2YjrnqZgS1U003etI0lHFnTrBxEmHzr8X7DbrL7-H_COZ1auHtb797di0xn8nZW_7tjdztLspx4qsMwF7Suw0qLm26-3P3RbymQ2DTW6pI/s1600/DSC_2072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjATRhZZK-23Is6iQrU_mjuPglR6zmfu2iLv2YjrnqZgS1U003etI0lHFnTrBxEmHzr8X7DbrL7-H_COZ1auHtb797di0xn8nZW_7tjdztLspx4qsMwF7Suw0qLm26-3P3RbymQ2DTW6pI/s320/DSC_2072.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We will continue to take one day at a time, not look towards the future, living for today.<br />
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Each morning as the curtains are drawn back we get the chance to wonder the dawn of a new day to share with Blue and realise how lucky we are to have each other.</div>
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The improvement has seen Blue not require the use of his support sling, for the last week, walk more comfortably to the park, and even have a short walk in the park, the equivalent of about half a mile in total. All at his pace and in the direction he chooses. We are very guarded about being in the park because of other dogs, most naturally give a wide berth to German Shepherds, but not all. Blue is very switched on in his mind and senses, once he is aware of another dog in the park, he will be fully focused, so we do have to also guard Blue against Blue.</div>
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He has also made the excursion to the local cemetery, a place he has walked daily in the past, but not since his treatment started.</div>
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His medication has now seen an end to the anti-biotic Therios, it has done a good job of helping fight off any infections</div>
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His daily dosage of medication is continuing with Tramadol, Gabapentin and Metacam along with the herbal Chinese product Yunnan Baiyao.</div>
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Blue is due his next Chemotherapy session on Tuesday, which will see him also take Cerenia in tablet form prior to and after the session. </div>
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Blue will require 10 Acepromazine to partly sedate him ahead of his visit.</div>
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The many forms of tablet he is taking, go down with very little fuss, the only issue is if one splits and discharges the contents onto his food, then even the most appealing sausage has to be offered a few times before consumption.</div>
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Tuesday he will have a short stay for his treatment, where they will also undergo the removal of the stitches associated with his port placement. All being well this will enable Blue to return to his weekly Wednesday swim sessions at Aquadoggies, fingers crossed.</div>
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Sue continues to sleep downstairs in the week with Blue, where they both sleep through the night.</div>
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Friday and Saturday are my usual nights for taking a turn on the put me up.</div>
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Friday took us by surprise, I was busy cleaning my teeth, Sue was getting the duvet stuff ready, and who should appear upstairs, Blue, for the first time he had found the will and energy to climb the stairs, not only that, but after wandering around the upstairs rooms checking things out, he went into our bedroom and jumped straight on the bed, circled a few times and landed with a contented grunt. Looks like we are all sharing the same bed for the night.</div>
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15 minutes into the night, Blue made it clear he wanted to go downstairs, so Fridays sleeping arrangements were to return to those that had gone before.</div>
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After we had settled for a short while Blue wanted to go out the back, to do his business, oh no to play football !! </div>
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We played for a little bit, and I thought it would be a nice moment to capture, and went indoors and got the camera.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSuRR3dRiFFTsVKVYzT5Xjfn90OohQOKcUR5b8uYplvF6P11WjgT9viopeeifN-mEP4dQrJvSbb47-Zdt-cqTFBzPTmzOA81F5L50SGgz46er-o7whHxFR57MctvY-yfl5WyukkmWKEMw/s1600/SAM_2001.JPG" imageanchor="1"><br /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;">E</span>ventually he had enough, and with the temptation of a food treat, we were back in doors to do what normal beings do at night, go to sleep.</div>
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Yesterday did see Blue be a bit more reluctant to raise from a slumber, but perhaps the clue was in the story above, lack of sleep in the night.</div>
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Those are the moments that will one day be cherished, it is still very heartwarming the support and understanding we get regarding Blue, neighbours stunned by our news always ask how he is, sometimes a knock on the door, presents us with a chance to update a concerned neighbour who had not seen him for a few days. Work colleagues keen to hear his progress, and how he is.</div>
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We are also pleased to have prompt settlements from the Pet Insurance, this enables us to continue supporting Blue, money is not everything, but it can open doors and provide opportunities. Some of the costs which must be paid for up front can quickly deplete resources. It does show the true value of Pet Insurance, and using a good reputable company, we chose ours wisely, do your homework and make your choice the right one</div>
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We have decided this year will be a Blue Christmas, Blue themed and focused on Blue. </div>
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Yesterday we did the Christmas food shop, the main item was the turkey for Blue, if I am good perhaps Sue and Blue will let me have a slice for my Christmas lunch!!</div>
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rod1871http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455469367905090201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046588444913271342.post-26602427949808373332015-12-01T21:52:00.000+00:002015-12-01T21:52:30.566+00:00Blue has some medical days out.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wow where does the time go? In our case oh so quickly, and as we have become accustomed, a microscopic world with little focus away from Blue.<br />
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Blue underwent his Chemotherapy last week, had a port fitted, without an overnight stay, all of us very happy to not be parted for too long. Today Blue was back for his blood tests, and results were given before we left.<br />
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Blue has normal white blood cell levels, but red blood cells are well down, last week were 39.4% today only 27%<br />
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<b>That was the summary, now for the detail;-</b><br />
Last Tuesday Blue was booked in at Fitzpatrick Referrals to undergo a procedure, which would incorporate the placement of a port into his leg which would have a line directly into a vein. This would be how Chemotherapy would be administered and also to obtain blood samples as and when required.<br />
Once again Blue resisted sedation, but was a bit weaker, and was soon leaving the consultation room with Laurent, Senior Surgeon of Oncology and Soft Tissue, as they walked across reception, Blue must have thought we were following, but we were heading in the opposite direction towards the reception desk to conclude the necessary paperwork.<br />
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As we glanced back, before they walked through the open door, Blue looked back directly at us, an expression that words could not describe, filled us with emotion that could only escape through the corner of the eyes, all the moisture left our throats, this is tough.<br />
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We returned home, and both went to work, tonight was going to feel empty at home.<br />
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Later in the afternoon, news came through, Blue had come through the procedure, and they would keep an eye on him to ensure there were no adverse reactions.<br />
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6:30 in the evening the call came though, Blue was up to being discharged if we would like to collect him, he would be ready for discharge at 8:15, we were there at 8:05<br />
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Blue was brought willingly through those same doors, that he had exited this morning, joyfully and as eager as a puppy as soon as he see us. We went with the Nurse into the consultancy room, where once again the line was removed, but with a bit more co-operation from Blue, and a lot less blood spillage.<br />
The fur that had been growing back, had once again been removed, along with the stitches, and new ones to secure the opening around the port.<br />
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After a drive back home we entered our front door at 10:00pm a long eventful day for Blue was now behind him, once again a model dog and a model patient, back home for plenty of cuddles.<br />
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Blue no longer has bad days, he only has better days and good days.<br />
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The weekend has seen Blue vary with his appetite for exercise, but he has been taken to the park for a short walk. He has even had a couple of trips out to the grounds of the local University. Some parts unaided other times with his sling for support.<br />
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The Chemotherapy comes with some issues, one of which is that any wee or poo in the days soon after therapy should not be licked. So hygiene is important.<br />
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Whilst Blue has been more mobile, he has an issue when weeing, he stands with his right leg further back for balance, with his stitches the direction of his wee goes straight towards his front leg. We came up with a plan, a plastic storage box lid, acting as a splash shield. We must look a peculiar sight, but it does the job, and hurts no one.<br />
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Medication has been a challenge, at one point a tablet was crushed mixed with water and Sue literally wrestled with Blue in a headlock and squirted the contents of the syringe down the back of Blue's throat. This was not agreeable for any of us, the answer laid in a tin of sardines, we had found Blue's passionate food, too tasty to resist and too tasty to be spoilt by tablets, everyones a winner.<br />
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<b>Todays visit;</b><br />
Blue had an afternoon appointment to have a blood test carried out. This time he was given sedatives before hand, Sue had to give him 10 yes TEN tablets 2 hours before his consultation.<br />
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We arrived in good time, were shown directly into the consultation room, the tablets were having the desired effect, as the reception lady held the door open Blue had a cursory sniff, and no more, he was entering the "dozy zone" we were offered and accepted coffee, and took the opportunity to have a weight check, Blue tipped the electronic scales at 48.7 kg<br />
By the time Laurent came in to commence, the old Blue was there but in a much more subdued manner, with a laid back high pitched attempt at a bark.<br />
We held Blues head steady while the blood sample was removed via the port, Blue was co-operating as best he could.<br />
Ten minutes passed and the results were back, a bit of a mixed bag really, some good, some could be better, Sue had a long list of questions, each one answered fully and comprehensively by Laurent.<br />
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Laurent said that someone else wanted to see Blue, Dr Kelvin Kow, Senior Consultant Medical Oncology, whom Sue had spoke on the phone with the other day. Between the both, they gave us everything we needed to understand how Blue is doing, and how things may get. Not all good but again some better.<br />
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The same surgeon that had carried out a life threatening procedure, answered all our queries in a clear and concise manner, shook hands with such warm friendship, took the coffee cup and saucer from my hand, and left the room, how humble a gesture I have not witnessed before.<br />
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Blue could not be in any better hands, talking of Blue, he was now deep in the zone, consultation over we had to get this little fella through the building, across the car park, and he was as drunk as a lord.<br />
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Below are a few pictures that sum up part of Blue's day<br />
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The Staff have been truly great and a credit to their profession, when asked if it can be a heartbreaking place to work, yes it can but, you must look at each one as a gift and enjoy them<br />
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Today as I was driving back, Blue came into the former bracket, but I would use the word "talent"<br />
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Talent is something that is learnt and earned. Blue is a special talent that has faced some tough challenges through a life that other dogs could only dream of, his paws have trod where mountaineers walk, where fishes swim in seas, brooks, burns, lakes and lochs, pools and puddles, where cows graze, where deer and sheep graze, sand and pebbles have been no match for paws or peat bogs not too soft for the spread of his paws, he has the look of a friend and a gaze to melt the hardest of hearts.<br />
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Who knows what this talent will achieve next......................<br />
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<br />rod1871http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455469367905090201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046588444913271342.post-58577685788812031872015-11-22T10:41:00.001+00:002015-11-22T10:41:04.858+00:00Living for today; The only way;<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last Saturday we took Blue out for a trip in the car, to give him a different perspective, and to see the world around him.<br />
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Just after returning the phone rang, that phone call was one we were expecting, but not the news we wanted.<br />
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Blue's results were in regarding the mass removed from his abdomen, it is an aggressive cancer that is incurable, Blue was given 3-9 months to live.<br />
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Our world had just collapsed, Blue had sensed something had disturbed us, came over to where I sat on the floor laid down and rested his head in my lap, allowing us to comfort each other. How do you come to terms with a bombshell like that?<br />
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Blue will continue to receive our love and devotion until the time arrives for our goodbyes to be said, we are all fully committed, to do what is best for Blue.<br />
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Holidays to Scotland in May, have now been abandoned, we will more likely go to the New Forest in Hampshire instead, around about January, this will be as long as Blue is up to it.<br />
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<b>Medical stuff</b><br />
Blue has Hemangiosarcoma, which is a cancer that takes different forms in many breeds of dog, also cats. It is not rare especially in large breeds of deep chested dogs, normally found but not exclusively in dogs between 6 - 12 years old. Breeds affected more commonly are German Shepherds,Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and mainly in male dogs.<br />
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In Blue's case, his has got into the blood, leg muscle and part of his nervous system, removing the mass will play no better or worse effects in terms of longevity of life.<br />
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On Tuesday Blue must return to the Oncology and Soft Tissue hospital in Guildford, where they will be removing his stitches. We have elected for Blue to have Chemotherapy, which will also be administered on Tuesday. To aid further administration of the treatment Blue will have a port fitted just under the skin, which will deliver the medicine directly into a vein. Normally it is fitted up near the neckline, but in Blue's case his will be inserted in his hind leg. No medical reason for doing this, just simply Blue will resist co-operation and handling by strangers, so if you like, put it as far away from his teeth for the safety of others, that's our Blue.<br />
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He will be dropped off on Tuesday morning at 7:30 where he will be booked in for treatment, and overnight observation, we will collect him on Wednesday.<br />
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It has taken a week for this to truly sink in and come to terms with, Blue Sue and me are now mentally strong to take this path side by side until we reach the inevitable end.<br />
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When Blue gives us the signal, we will do the right thing for him, no matter how hard that decision will be, it is about all of us.<br />
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Medication<br />
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<li>Metacam - liquid on food</li>
<li>Gabapentin - capsules</li>
<li>Tramadol - capsules</li>
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<b>Twitter and Google plus</b><br />
We have finally shared this dilemma that faces Blue on Twitter and Goggle+ and the support has been so heart warming, Blue even received a box of gifts, one of which is a monkey that keeps him comforted in his crate "Monkey-Crate-Mate" seen here as a shoulder to lean on<br />
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A comforting comment was sent via a direct message to Sue. </div>
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"Blue only lives for today, he has no plans for tomorrow"</div>
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We have drawn a lot of strength and perspective from that, and will continue to do so. We know there are divided opinions about Chemotherapy, while Blue shows an appetite for life, we will explore all avenues.</div>
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Blue now never sleeps alone downstairs, and it would be too difficult for him to safely negotiate the stairs, weeknights he has Sue for company, weekends it is my turn to sleep on the put-me-up, there is never normally more than four hours sleep, as soon as Blue stirs we have been taken him out to the garden for a wee, and he duly obliges, even though sometimes it is a splash and a dash.</div>
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Each day we have been taking Blue across the road to do his business on some openland, each day he longingly looks up the road towards the park.</div>
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This morning he got his wish, me holding his rope lead, Sue supporting his back legs with a sling, we went to the park, where unaided but still on a lead he got to sniff and stroll around the park for 5 or so minutes, his expression said it all. When he sat down to admire and survey his kingdom, we knew the time was right to to head back; We are now like the proverbial pantomime horse, we all three walk together attached and in unison.</div>
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Breakfast was eaten once again with no fuss, and tablets went down a treat, Blue is now resting in his crate, which he sees as his space, his comfort area.</div>
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We have not put our life on hold, and will not grieve until Blue has passed over the rainbow bridge, that day will be hard enough, but we will draw strength from those days past, and the new memories we continue to make.</div>
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<br />rod1871http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455469367905090201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046588444913271342.post-16979717537990668332015-11-11T21:17:00.000+00:002015-11-11T21:17:07.240+00:00Home sweet home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Only 4 days have passed since we collected Blue, and brought him home. Each day is all about Blue, and will be for some time yet to come.<br />
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Each day he has become more settled, and his recovery has been helped by the way in which he accepts support, and works with us.<br />
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It is amusing the will power he has, as I write this blog he has herded Sue into the room with me and then settled under the dining table.<br />
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Blue is eating and resting, as he should be, exercise is limited to short walks into the garden, supported with a sling, and attached to his rope lead. Once in the morning and once in the evening, we venture across the road to some grassed area, where he likes to do his business, which has been nice and healthy.<br />
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Our strategy with Blue when he was first home was to get him into the garden every two hours through the night, to ensure his bladder did not get overfull, that now has already extended to four hours.<br />
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Blue remains in his crate at night, wearing his "Procone" a softer version of the buster collar, much more user friendly. Sue sleeps down stairs on an emergency guest bed with one eye on Blue through the night.<br />
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Blue only occasionally bears any weight on his rear right leg, though the Specialist did advise, it could be a month or so before he began to use it. At the moment he uses it to balance only, often on tip-toes, and occasionally when doing a bunny hop while walking.<br />
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Medication has been a bit of a challenge, especially the antibiotic one, a large pink tablet, that is supposed to be palatable, but not according to Blue. We have tried numerous ways, but he was not taking it, and it was getting more difficult. A lady at work suggested, crushing the tablet mixing it with water and firing down the back of his throat with a syringe, some how I thought no that is not a good idea. However the crushing of the tablet and putting it in yogurt might be a happy alternative, still Blue was not convinced.<br />
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This morning we tried to grind the tablet with a rolling pin and bowl, with slightly more success.<br />
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Medication twice daily</h2>
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So for £5 we have invested in a pestle & mortar, ground the tablet to a finer powder mixed in with his main meal and hey presto down the hatch it went without too much fuss.<br />
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That is also one of the great things about sharing, and caring, people at work ask how Blue is on a daily basis, and whatever your facing as a challenge, they suggest ways to try and help.<br />
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We have no results yet, and live very much one day at a time, I thought it would be nice to share the little milestones Blue has achieved so far.<br />
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The scar is significant, but looking clean and healthy, and Blue likes to preserve his modesty, so here he is resting, by the dining room table.<br />
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The benefits of crate rest can not be underestimated, the benefit of crate training and the calmness it brings pay huge dividends in circumstances such as Blue is facing.</div>
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This path that we walk with Blue has a long way to go, but each twist and turn along the way, will be met head on together. </div>
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A close friend "Anne" has been very supportive, helping out with Blue, one of a very small privileged few that can get close to Blue, but that might be because she has a female Pug called Daisy, who Blue has a soft spot for. </div>
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Many thanks goes out from Blue, Sue and me for the support, and that is also extended across to America, where "Ash" lives, whom I spoke with on the phone on Sunday. The power of the internet never fails to astound me.</div>
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Blue has a growing "Twitter" and internet family that care very much about him and are very supportive, they know who they are and the three of us are eternally grateful; </div>
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@Rod1871 @Bluesmummy @BluetheGSD </h2>
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Thank you all </h2>
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<br />rod1871http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455469367905090201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046588444913271342.post-53598976095875862372015-11-08T12:15:00.000+00:002015-11-08T12:15:08.333+00:00Surgery, fear, anxiety, support all in a week.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today Blue sits safely at home after a traumatic week, that has been who knows how long in the making.<br />
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First and foremost it has been without doubt a rollercoaster ride of emotions for all of us, just a couple of days ago, Blue was on the operating table, where a potentially life threatening decision was made, and some of Blues greatest battles for life began.<br />
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What every pet owner, has to do is what is right for their pet and them, what every pet owner may not have is the opportunity to take that ultimate decision.<br />
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<b>How the week unfolded:</b><br />
Blue had been on medication, which was increased following a rapid decline in his mobility<br />
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<i><b>Tuesday:</b></i><br />
Blue was taken to Fitzpatrick Referral's in Eashing, Surrey. He was to have a further assessment with Ricardo, after a brief assessment which culminated in Blue being walked down a corridor crying in pain, as he was assessed by the Staff confirmed a rapid deterioration in Blue's health. We sat in the consulting room where we could hear his cries, he was in absolute agony.<br />
Ricardo moved many things, most of which were behind the scenes, but somehow, he had arranged for Blue to be visited by an Oncologist, at the same time as he would undergo further scans. The rapid deterioration could only be the mass in his abdomen. As the practice was so busy, there were no large kennels available. We took Blue out to the car to wait, the wait was not long, Blue would have to be admitted, but co-operation is not there even if the help was in his best interest.<br />
As Blue could no longer support his own hind legs, we used a support sling, buster collar, and sedatives to prepare him for his entry into the kennels. For all of that he stood stock still refusing to move, my wife Sue suggested I walked ahead so Blue would follow, which he duly did.<br />
We left Blue in the hands of the experts, who were going to carry out the scan and take a biopsy of the mass.<br />
Initially the mass was an incidental find, but spinal surgery would not proceed until the dynamics of the mass had been established.<br />
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Blues results were that the mass had grown, and there was a concern a biopsy may cause significant issues. The decision was that the Senior consultants would discuss Blues complex case the next day, as these exploratory tests had gone late into the evening, and all present wanted to review Blues case with others and without fatigue. This was confirmed to us at 10:15 pm 12hrs after he had been taken for his consultation.<br />
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<i><b>Wednesday:</b></i><br />
Sue received a call to say that a decision was made that Blue needed to attend the Oncology and Soft Tissue Centre in Guilford. Because Blue was not co-operating, they asked if we could transfer Blue, for him to be assessed on Thursday morning first thing. We obviously said yes.<br />
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<b><i>Thursday:am</i></b><br />
Blue was brought out of the kennels across the waiting room, bounding eagerly with his front legs while the nurses were trying to support and restrain him, he was pleased to see us.<br />
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We needed to travel along back roads due to major traffic jam heading up the A3 into Guilford, but we arrived at a brand spanking new state of the art building.<br />
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Welcomed, booked in, admiring comments of Blue, a cup of coffee, and we waited to be called.<br />
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One of the team called us into the consultation room; where all aspects relating to Blue were discussed ahead of the consultation with the Surgical Consultant, Laurent Findji examined the notes and Blue. Blue still not co-operating even with sedation, but Laurent found enough for him to make his prognosis, surgery was required, and required today.<br />
Blue was taken to the prep room for surgery, but not without christening the reception area, he started to wee, and not until he reached the other end did he finally stop weeing. Everyone was amazed that amount of fluid could come from one dog. The Staff were brilliant, it was no problem, they just cleared up behind him, no fuss, no bother.<br />
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<b><i>Thursday:pm</i></b><br />
We arrived home and sat and waited for the phone call, because even with all the scans carried out, they were still unaware of what the situation would be once Blue was opened up.<br />
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We got that call, late in the afternoon, the mass was significant and was attached to muscle and pressing on his spine and vital organs. Laurent gave us the options, close Blue back up and try to treat with Chemo and radio therapy, or remove as much as possible.<br />
We advised Laurent our decision was for him to proceed to remove the mass, even though he could lose Blue on the operating table. Without doubt that decision could only come from the heart, but we owed Blue the chance for quality of life, we made our decision and began the long wait.<br />
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Neither of us are truly religious but in our own way we prayed for Blue to come through. All the moisture left our throats and formed tracks of tears down our faces, very few breaths were taken, we were in suspended animation in the darkest of tunnels, pressure pushing in from all around.<br />
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The phone call came; Blue had survived surgery, but had significant blood loss due to the tumour being removed from his abdomen, he was having a blood transfusion, he was not out of the woods yet.<br />
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At ten that evening, we were informed that Blue was stable and comfortable and the next twelve hours were crucial, to ensure that there is no internal bleeding.<br />
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<b><i>Friday:</i></b><br />
Sue called the practice, and was informed Blue was fine, recovering post surgery. Our prayers were answered, Blue had overcome life threatening surgery, a blood transfusion, he now needed to rest, take on fluids and nutrition.<br />
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<b><i>Saturday:</i></b><br />
Blue had gone into lock down, he was being difficult and unco-operative. He would not allow staff to get close, he was weeing on his bed, but worst of all refusing to take food.<br />
We had previously said that if we were needed we were only an hours drive away, and would assist in any way possible. They said perhaps a visit by us would encourage Blue to eat, so we set off for a 12:30 appointment.<br />
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We were ushered into a consultation room where we would wait for them to fetch Blue. They came back empty handed, Blue was refusing to move, could his Mum and Dad go to him?<br />
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As we approached a concern was that he would get over excited and do himself some harm. Blue came out of his area, not excitedly, but some recognition was there.<br />
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Well we sat with Blue, our Blue, who had overcome some huge hurdles, what could we do. The best thing we could do was comfort him, through this comfort and acceptance, he eat his first morsel of food since 8:00pm on Wednesday; cooked turkey pieces were offered and accepted, sausage pieces were offered and declined, we stuck with the turkey.<br />
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Blues best interests were paramount and the decision was agreed, Blue would come home with us where we could give him the care and comfort to help him, the Nurse talked us all through the medication Blue required, restrictions and expectations.<br />
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The next challenge was to remove the lines and canulars attached to his front paws.<br />
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These were not removed without a struggle, Blue fought us all the way on removing these, the room looked like a murder scene before we were done.</div>
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Blue was taken to the car, and enjoyed an incident free journey <i>home</i>.</div>
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Last night was great to have Blue back home, and our joy was shared on Twitter;</div>
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This is a new chapter in Blues life, which we will continue to share his progress, he has a long road to recovery, as there are still lots of unknowns;</div>
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<li>Is the tumour Benign or malignant</li>
<li>Is Chemo required</li>
<li>Are wounds going to heal without infection</li>
<li>Is spinal surgery still required</li>
<li>Will he use his back leg unaided</li>
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None of the above can be answered now, some may take weeks or months to be answered, we only know that those who prayed for Blue, helped him through these first vital steps.</div>
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Our special dog, has become a bit more special.</div>
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I can not end this blog without a big thank you to all those that have cared for or cared about Blue</div>
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but today I want to give some special thanks to all the staff at</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>and </b><b>for the vital blood; </b></span></h3>
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<a href="http://www.petbloodbankuk.org/" target="_blank">http://www.petbloodbankuk.org/</a></div>
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Blue awaits his "Blue badge" to share that he is a recipient of blood from the PetBloodBank and would like to make others aware of this vital service.<br />
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<br />rod1871http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455469367905090201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046588444913271342.post-30989188884685061782015-10-31T09:57:00.001+00:002015-10-31T09:57:25.784+00:00Extra pain relief kicks in<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Tramadol; added to the Gabapentin & Metacam gave Blue some much needed pain relief last night, though it took most of the evening to kick in.</div>
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Blue has created a wide audience who have been interested in his progress, so for that reason, rather than keeping people posted on his twitter account (<a href="https://twitter.com/BluetheGSD" target="_blank">Bluethegsd</a>) through this blog we can chart his progress for others to follow, and read older posts.</div>
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Yesterday evening he was in a lot of discomfort, a few times he looked as if he was going to be physically sick, but once out in the garden, he was content to lay there, so for a while, he laid on the lawn in comfort, so there he stayed until he was ready to move.</div>
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Although people have a look of concern when you say about Blue being in a crate, it really is so beneficial for him, it is the best advice we have ever had, crate training as a pup has now been very useful to help him gain some comfort and switch off.</div>
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The crate to Blue is like an old pair of slippers, (except he does not chew it), anyone who is considering a dog, could do a lot worse than crate train their dog. We have loaned Blue's crate out to a fellow German Shepherd called Max and a Pug called Daisy, both owners were amazed at the benefits.</div>
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<i>Back to Blue.</i></h3>
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Yesterday saw Blue at times lifting his hind right leg to take the weight off, and at times he would be dragging it behind him, when sitting some times he leaves it outstretched to the side at an odd awkward looking angle.</div>
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Sue is constantly in dialogue with the Veterinary Consultant Ricardo, at Fitzpatrick Referrals through phone calls and emails. </div>
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The complexity of Blue's case has delayed any decision on what to do next, would the mass be the primary concern or the spine, what would be the implications of dealing with one and not the other, could both be dealt with in unison, at the moment there has been the MRI and two CT scans to gather information. The overriding concern is that they are keen not to go in blind, it is highly likely that our little soldier is going to need some form of surgery before he is pain free.</div>
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Ricardo has said that keeping Blue at home on pain relief will be a lot less stressful than him staying at the Vets, which we are in agreement with.</div>
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Blue has been moulting a lot, this could be his summer coat is being shed, to be replaced with his winter coat, or it could be related to the stress and discomfort he is feeling.</div>
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As I write this, Blue has taken up a cosy spot, a bit of crate-free relaxation.</div>
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<br />rod1871http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455469367905090201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046588444913271342.post-57180844630612819962015-10-30T13:08:00.000+00:002015-10-30T13:08:00.860+00:00More pain relief needed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Blue had a very very restless day and night yesterday. Unable to settle throughout the evening he was constantly up and looking for somewhere to settle.<br />
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He was out in the night, looking like he wanted to be sick, but ended up just laying on the lawn in the pouring rain. Attempting to lead him back indoors he refused to get up, the only way to move him was to abandon him in the garden and encourage him with a treat from the kitchen.<br />
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Sue slept downstairs with him, but by all accounts he continued to remain unsettled, eventually exhaustion got the better of him. At 5.30 am Sue took him out to do his business, and returned without any incident,this being no more than 15 minutes out of the door and back.<br />
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Sue had managed to arrange a shorter working day, so that she could contact Fitzpatrick Referrals to get some advice. They have arranged for the local vet to supply stronger pain relief medication, which Sue can obtain from our local vets.<br />
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The prognosis is proving very difficult due to the complexity of the images created by the scans, but we have been assured that he is not being forgotten, they need to make the right decisions before committing to any operations, it is the difficulty of the symptoms could be caused by the mass within him or the condition of his spine impacting on his spinal cord or a combination of both.<br />
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It is very hard watching Blue in such discomfort, we hope that they can make a decision without too much more delay.<br />
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Blue is now less mobile and in more discomfort than he was four weeks ago.<br />
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<br />rod1871http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455469367905090201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046588444913271342.post-12053523663729856002015-10-28T20:17:00.000+00:002015-10-29T10:12:44.695+00:00Ignore if you are a responsible dog owner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today following the vets advice, we increased Blues walk, as he has been responding well to his rest.</div>
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We took him for a walk in the local park, where he often frequents, and probably has enjoyed a little less than he would have liked.</div>
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Walking through the park past the busy five a-side enclosed area two young lads exclaimed their admiration for German Shepherds, and asked if they could stroke him. I explained that Blue had not been very well, and would not welcome them getting too close, they politely accepted, and went back to playing football, saying perhaps we can when he is feeling better.</div>
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We carried on with our walk admiring how polite they were, and Blue also gave a bark of approval, at least that is how he seemed.</div>
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As we walked around the park, giving other dog walkers a wide berth, all was going well, until a small fluffy white dog began to approach. It stopped a fair distance away, but we made sure Blue kept himself to himself , but this little ball of fluff had other ideas. Blue was like a magnet, the star attraction that needed a closer look.</div>
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So there we are stood stock still, and making it clear, we were not there to play, but the other dog could not resist, now Blue had some ground to defend, first the barking, then the spinning and trying to get off lead, and what was the other owners response, softly calling "Bella" to come repeatedly for a good couple of minutes, finally Bella realised Blue was not up for playing returned to her owner, now some considerable distance away.</div>
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Blue settled and ended up with a shorter walk, and sure enough, half hour later, when he was called for his dinner, he slowly got up with a distinct discomfort in his hind leg, so the four weeks he had been resting, had just been undone, because of an owner that failed to recognise their little yappy dog was bothering a dog who was not well, and it's owners were desperately trying to keep him calm.</div>
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Blue may look a big strong brute on the outside, but he is a soft sensitive soul who is in a lot of discomfort, all he wanted was some quiet me time out with us.</div>
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The saddest part, he has now had to return to his crate for some enforced rest. </div>
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We really do need the vets to get in touch soon, this waiting is very tough on Blue.</div>
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<br />rod1871http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455469367905090201noreply@blogger.com1