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.
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.
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.
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.
Our decision was made and confirmed on the phone Friday evening, Sue discussed this with Dr Kelvin Kow, when he called.
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.
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.
Part of the drain pipe taken off, as always, for attention not destruction.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Blue was enjoying the outdoors yesterday, although we were busy doing the garden he was content to rest and watch.
Until next time here is Blue enjoying the garden yesterday
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. (*more on that later).
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
This news was far better than anything we could of dreamt or prayed for, Blue was now being prepped for his chemo session #5
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.
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.
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.
Our destination was to be a consultation room where we were told a bit more of Blue's condition.
The CT scan takes upward of 4,500 images which enable detailed examination in black, white and various greys in-between of Blue
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
* 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.
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....
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.
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.
Blue takes what life throws at him and deals with it, truly inspirational.
Blue is today living with cancer, thanks to a lot of research and dedicated people, some brave souls no longer with us today.
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.
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.
We were once told in a tweet that "Blue does not know what tomorrow is, he only lives for today".
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.
Both my wife and I lost our mothers to this dreadful condition, and this has helped us in our understanding caring for Blue.
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.
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.
In our Support for WorldCancerDay we proudly wear Unity bands from Cancer Research UK
Well, another strange title, but it is all about events of last Thursday, where a trip to the Vets was required for Blue to receive his annual booster and flea,tick and worming chewable tablets.
For those that have followed Blue over the years, none of the following will come as a big surprise, for those that read about Blue for the first time, I am sure it will be descriptive enough for you to feel you were there in the waiting room with him.
It was 5:40pm on Thursday afternoon, and Blue was lifted into the back of the car, not that he can't jump, just not as much these days,beginning to show the mobility of a seven year old large German Shepherd, but in fairness he did leap into the back of the car unaided after swimming last night, sometimes I think he just pulls the wool over our eyes, the sheep in wolf's clothing so to speak.
So we set off to the Vets which is only a couple of miles away, sure in the knowledge that because of Blue's file note "a difficult customer" we have been given a time where there will be no others attending immediately before or after Blues 6:00pm appointment. We arrived 10 minutes ahead of schedule, the journey into Reading met very little traffic. Out of the car, and muzzle put on we made our way into the reception, booked in and there was already someone sat waiting. We were informed there was a discharge, a dog being booked out, taking place, so we found a seat and sat down. But before sitting, as we always do, we weighed Blue on the electronic scales - 50.1kg oh dear that has gone up a little since his last visit. More about his weight later.
The surroundings are not unfamiliar to Blue, as he has visited this surgery many times previous, and the anxiety was already showing, his breathing had sped up and his senses were heightened to the max.
With his muzzle on, and the alertness, you can see how his whole demeanour changes, he is not happy and will focus on anything that moves, as time passed by it was evident that the "space" they promised Blue was not going to happen, and time had moved on, but Blue had begun to settle a little despite more people arriving, with a C-A-T in the basket, good job Blue can't spell.
Blue enhances his reputation, and this is not just an image, it is very real, he can not be approached when he is in this zone, he has enough about him to inflict harm, but only because of his anxiety, he is scared, and we do our best to reassure and protect him. The muzzle protects him as much as others.
Eyes firmly focused on the door, he knew where the biggest threat would appear from.
Finally it was our turn to enter "Consultation Room 2" where we were welcomed by a new Vet, who we had not met before. A young Spanish Vet called "Laura Blanco" who was not phased by the snarling and barking of Blue as we entered the room. Upon closing the door conversation was difficult over the constant barking. To her credit she was not concerned or threatened by Blue's antics, making a number of attempts to approach him, but no, Blue wasn't going to engage with anyone in this mood, the halti collar and muzzle were resisting all attempts of Blue to get out, just.
We were there for Blue to receive his booster, which required an injection in between his shoulder blades, (a feat the previous vet could not manage, and my wife Sue (@Bluesmummy) had to administer under supervision from the vet), the idea would be to manoeuvre Blue against the wall while we kept him still for the Vet to insert the drug. Despite all our efforts, Blue is one powerful and determined dog, using all his strength cunning and tactics, only 3/4 of the fluid had been injected.
We tried once more to put the last bit in, but then Blue used his final and most effective tactic, lunging, followed swiftly with a death-roll (just as prey animals, like sharks or crocodiles perform)
no injection was administered then, we had suffered a broken nail for Sue and I had a bruised knuckle.
The Vet said we had two options, either trained nurses would come in to restrain Blue, or as we finally agreed Sue would put in the remaining injection.
Success Sue put in the final part of the vaccination, and calm descended, we all breathed a huge sigh of relief. There is probably an element of us being there is not helping Blue, but because of his history we know that it runs far deeper, next time we will consider using a sedative to remove the tension, or hand him in, for them them to treat him in our absence. Either way, Blue is not helping himself, as he is missing out on a thorough examination, god forbid they ever have to take his temperature.
As we stood discussing the options Laura had gotten close enough to Blue for him to sniff her hand, relaxed, she was excellent, never batted an eyelid, showed no fear of Blue, and was equally concerned for the injuries suffered by me and Sue.
Anyone reading this who has had similar experience and found a way through it, it would be nice to hear.
On the wall was a list of dog statements, I said he is none of them, especially "Happy"
As is customary we left the Vets with a toy for Blue, who was now back to his old self, sat in the car being chauffeured home.
I mentioned earlier about his weight, Blue has always been a large dog, normally fluctuating around 46 - 48 kg but as he is getting older he is becoming less active, a few walks last weekend he kept wanting to lay down, to the point a few walks were cut short. Because he had spinal surgery on his back at 7 months, we monitor his walks and activity.
Blue, only eats dog food, apart from the licking of a lolly stick, once we finished a magnum, oh and when he does the pre-wash on the dishwasher.
Treats are not major, but yes he does have them, he is very driven by treats, but a treat for Blue is also drinking from the outside tap. Sometimes he has to search out the treat.
Anyhow back to his weight. He has perked up since his visit to the vets, so we are going to increase his minutes of exercise, but over more walks, so slightly longer but more frequent, and the last few days he has responded well.
This morning we had a good walk for an hour through the park and surround roads........
Anyone who reads this Blog can be sure in their mind is not moaning, nor scare mongering and certainly not bragging, some of what you will read may surprise, even astound you but all I can say is that not one penny spent hasn't been repaid.
From the beginning, as Blue is a Pedigree he came at a cost of £650.00 what we now know it is was more like a down payment, but through the years has turned out to be a sound investment.
We won't go into every detail, but there have been what others would term as consumables, bedding, toys, leads and collars.
Training was a must, if you have never had a German Shepherd before, don't believe for a moment that training is not essential. It is great for learning bonding and socialising. First there was "puppy" class's then there was obedience training, and later on there was a failed Schutzhund training, we all failed that, there is an entirely different story to be told about regarding that day.
Veterinary
Vet bills don't come cheap, needing regular boosters, worming, flea treatment, removal of his hidden testicles that never saw the light of day, allergy treatment, spinal surgery really hit home hard. The spinal surgery alone was £4,500.00 of which we paid 10% and the rest was claimed back on insurance.
The spinal surgery meant that although we already had a crate for Blue, it was too small while he was still growing through his recuperation, so a second was needed, which meant he could have the small one for sleeping in at night, and live in the larger one through the day.
Once recovered Blue went through a course of hydrotherapy, which was covered through insurance, but he was still limited to mobility with other dogs etc, so the socialising training needed to be done again.
Swimming
The benefits of hydrotherapy were to help us through a very trouble time with Blue, essentially he was becoming a bully, he needed to have his energies channelled elsewhere. We were fortunate to come across "Aquadoggies a few miles down the road. To this day Blue rarely misses his Wednesday swim, the cost is £200.00 for 10 weeks swimming. There he gets a 15-20 minute swim, shower and blow dry.
Dietary
German Shepherds are notorious for delicate/dodgy tummy's. Blue is no exception, for a long time now he has been on a mix of dried food and tinned Royal Canin, the dry food is specificallly for German Shepherds and the tin food is for sensitivity control,but he still picks up things while out and about, the food he is on now costs about, and of course like every dog treats and rewards fill the gaps in between
Holidays
We spend around 4 weeks of the year away on holiday, where many places charge for dogs, normally around £20 per week
How much have we spent over 7 years?
Breeders fee
£650.00
Food
£3,612.00
Treats
£2,016.00
Hydrotherapy / swimming
£4,000.00
Holidays
£480.00
Vets
£1,260.00
Insurance
£5,460.00
Collars,leads & squeaky toys
£250.00
Training
£350.00
Grand Total
£18,078.00
So about the cost of an average new family car. I always used the expression it was like running a luxury car, which in some ways about £2,500.00 a year would not be far off.
What has our money got us, for just £6.84 a day or 28p an hour? over 2628 days
Over time I have read and heard about the unique attributes of a German Shepherd. My own account is that they truly are more than a pet.
We do not own Blue, we live with Blue. Blue very much fills our life and our home, Is every day a bed of roses? No; But would we be without him? No
The most endearing qualities about Blue are hard to put into words, but he is better than a best friend, he is more loyal than any football fan could be about their club, and he has a mischievous side.
Given what he has in his armoury, he could do a lot of damage, but has a very sensitive soul.
We have grown together, learning from each other, Climbed mountains, trekked across fells, ran and played all sorts of games, gone into the sea, and crossed burns and streams, dug holes.
We have had our spats, both of us have trouble counting from 1 to 10 during "wind ups", each of us know which button to press to get a reaction, more often annoying my wife Sue.
I am currently reading a book called the last wolf, I can see where some of the traits have been passed down through the generations, not the myths, but the social side.
So for a cost of just under £7.00 a day for the last 7+ years our world (Sue and me), and Blue's has been shared, with only a couple of days apart, (while he was recovering from his spinal operation at Fitzpatrick Referrals)
It would still be a bargain at twice the price.
Oh and just to add, we he is a live in intruder alarm, which operates 24hrs,
we have a few times been asked, would he bite?,
we say yes, that way no one will be disappointed or surprised
Just for fun the image below picks up on words used when writing about Blue
Blue is a very fortunate dog, who is rewarded in so many ways for his loyalty,companionship and love, which in fairness could never be rewarded enough.
We have been enjoying walks at weekends in the beautiful grounds of University of Reading, Whiteknights campus where Blue loves to walk through the wild meadow, we tend to keep away from the lake, as Blue and nesting birds don't see eye to eye.
Last weekend we set off for our annual excursion to get some flowers and shrubs for the garden, out came the trailer, in the trailer went Blue.
All though we had other idea's Blue seemed to settle in quite quickly.
But with a bit of a fuss he agreed to shake paws with Sue and agree to vacate.
It would have turned a few heads if we would have driven down the road with Blue sat in the trailer, though it is likely he would have soon bailed out at the first sign of a C-A-T or anyone that would dare speak to him. He soon settled in the back of the car, and enjoyed the trip out in luxury.
Gardening and Blue do not always mix well, last year, half of the plants had been "Blue'd" before they had been planted, so this year he was kept separate from the plants and the planting.
Given the glimmer of an opportunity, Blue decided that if the plants were out of bounds, the containers needed his attention, and in a blink of an eye, their fate was sealed.
So the damage was much more limited this year, but Blue does enjoy helping, so even if the planting out passed him by, the watering needed his close supervision.
and whenever we are in the garden, all activity has to end with a game of ball, though his "Jollyball" no longer resembles a ball.
and the flowers in the garden are beginning to flourish, with Blue's assistance
Morning walks are more like morning drags, Blue will happily walk to the local park, but once we begin road walking, the paws dig in, and the pass goes in reverse, after a while he does move forward but all be it behind you. Until he knows that he is homeward bound or returning to the park, where the pace increases significantly.
Daily exercise is important, it ensures he gets good movement on his joints, and in fairness looking at the pictures below you can see where he is happiest.
Yesterday I went to Asda, while there I picked up the No1 CD by Florence + The Machine
