Sadly, I jinxed Miss ABBA with the snow angel videos Saturday.
Sunday afternoon, ABBA came inside from lounging outdoors and her back right leg was swollen two to three times its normal size. At first, I thought that she may have plopped down onto the ice too hard and had soft tissue damage. A couple of days on Rimadyl didn’t make the swelling go down and I made her an appointment with her doctor for today.
She’s still walking around like nothing is wrong. This made me confront my worse fear that maybe it wasn’t an injury, but the progression of the cancer.
Sadly, today Dr. Macon confirmed my fear. He said that the lymph nodes being attacked by the cancer caused her leg to swell.
He prescribed furosemide, a ‘water pill’, to reduce the swelling and fluid retention. While this may work for that reason, it doesn’t change the fact that he finds this very discouraging after her courageous ten-month fight where you’d really not know she was sick from just looking at her.
It’s not the end, but from a realistic standpoint, I’m having to relive that period from late March last year to early summer when she was given two to three months to live.
He said today to keep her happy, but be on the watch for any more major changes and that Miss ABBA has only a couple of months tops based on the latest development.
On the way home from the vet, she celebrated her birthday early with a Burger King Stacker. She can celebrate every day if she wants. 🙂
Here’s a video from Saturday, the snow angel making day, as she “prances” home on the walk. Gretel loves it when Miss ABBA “prances”.
Anthony
What's Peeps Thinking About Now? It's Probably Random! 
Posted by Renne on January 31, 2012 at 12:18 pm
Oh, Anthony! I am so VERY sorry to hear this! Give Miss Abba a great big hug and kiss from me and Dantae, God rest his little souls! I will still pray for another Miracle! It WILL happen, if we believe. I know how you feel, as I had a feeling Dantae wouldn’t last much longer. Broke my heart, and still is . You have given Abba the BEST life she could have had. Hugs and kisses to you and your family, and if there is anything I can do, please let me know. At least she won’t be alone up in heaven. Dantae will be waiting for her, and they will romp and play like they used to while they wait for us.
Renne
Posted by anthonypeoples on January 31, 2012 at 2:12 pm
Renne,
I know you know first hand what we’re going through and I’m glad you had all that time with Dantae. We’ve been blessed for the additional time with Miss ABBA after her diagnosis ten months ago. You know we’ll spoil her. They will have a blast in heaven when the time comes. Take care, my friend. Peeps
Posted by Thom White on January 31, 2012 at 12:20 pm
I’m tearing up, thinking of you and ABBA as you both go through this.
Posted by anthonypeoples on January 31, 2012 at 2:10 pm
Thom,
You know we’ll spoil her rotten for the remaining time. 🙂 Peeps
Posted by Kathy Markham McCoy on January 31, 2012 at 12:24 pm
Miss ABBA & her family have many, many people praying & cheering that precious little soul on. Know that your facebook & blog reading friends are here for you.
Posted by anthonypeoples on January 31, 2012 at 2:10 pm
Kathy,
She definitely has many extended friends and I love it. ABBA has never met anyone she didn’t love on. 🙂 Peeps
Posted by katie hughes harden on January 31, 2012 at 12:32 pm
I am so sorry Anthony. But take comfort in the fact that she knows she is loved and you have given her the best life a dog-child could hope for. ❤ hugs ❤
Posted by anthonypeoples on January 31, 2012 at 2:09 pm
Katie,
We’ll make whatever time is left fun and enjoyable. Thank you! Peeps
Posted by Kelly on January 31, 2012 at 12:48 pm
I’m so sorry. ABBA is a one-of-kind dog and I know that no matter how much time she has left, you’ll make her comfortable and happy.
Posted by anthonypeoples on January 31, 2012 at 2:07 pm
Kelly,
You know we’ll spoil her rotten. She’s a fighter and she probably doesn’t even know anything is wrong. 🙂 Peeps
Posted by Collette Lilly on January 31, 2012 at 12:51 pm
(Hugs) to you and Miss Abba. I feel so bad for you and will keep praying for her. Our Bailey was diagnoised with Kidney Disease just after you found out about Abba last year and I know how hard it is to try and not watch for changes and how it hurts to live in the fear of finding them. You have given her a great life and although it’s not much comfort to you now, she couldn’t have had a finer companion to love and care for her.
Posted by anthonypeoples on January 31, 2012 at 2:06 pm
Collette,
Thank you for your compassion and concern. You know we’ll continue to make life wonderful for Miss ABBA. I’m sorry to hear about Bailey. Peeps
Posted by karen mckee johnston on January 31, 2012 at 1:07 pm
Anthony i am so sorry to hear this am sitting here with tears in my eyes you take care of yourself & miss Abba my prayers to you
Posted by anthonypeoples on January 31, 2012 at 2:05 pm
Karen,
Thank you for your thoughts and tears. You know we’ll continue spoiling Miss ABBA until that day comes. Take care. Peeps
Posted by Nesa, Rob and family on January 31, 2012 at 1:33 pm
I am so sorry to hear this about Miss ABBA. I can relate because our 13 yr old just developed 3 large tumors and we knew exactly what it was. He has had several small tumors for the past 3 years or so and we too have chose not to do anything except let him live his life to the fullest while being spoiled even more than normal. Thanks for keeping us updated and our prayers are with Miss ABBA, you, Ray and Gretal!
Posted by anthonypeoples on January 31, 2012 at 2:04 pm
Nesa, Rob, & Family,
Spoil your baby, too! They surprise us with their will to fight. Miss ABBA will continued to be loved, spoiled, and blessed. Thank you! Peeps
Posted by Nesa, Rob and family on January 31, 2012 at 2:14 pm
Thanks Anthony, our Riley will continue to be spoiled and loved but I still won’t let his big butt get on my cream colored couch no matter how many times he gives me “that” look. I did however, buy him a very nice xlarge soft bed that is moved from next to our bed at night to in front of the fireplace in the morning. :o)
Posted by Christine on January 31, 2012 at 1:59 pm
I love the BK stacker commnet; yes give her anything she wants! She sounds like she’s given you and your family a ton of love!
Posted by anthonypeoples on January 31, 2012 at 2:03 pm
Christine,
She’s definitely a spoiled girl and we’ll continue spoiling her. 🙂 Thank you! Peeps!
Posted by LaDonna on January 31, 2012 at 2:00 pm
Anthony, hugs to you and Miss ABBA. I have loved getting to know her through the photos and stories you have posted. It seems as if you have a fantastic family member in her. May all of you live each day to the fullest making wonderful memories.
Posted by anthonypeoples on January 31, 2012 at 2:02 pm
LaDonna,
She’s definitely a sweetheart and we’ll enjoy every day to the fullest. Thank you. Peeps.
Posted by Wanda Otts Mccraw on January 31, 2012 at 2:11 pm
Awww Anthony I am so Sorry to hear, U have given all of us such Wonderful memories and Photo’s of Ms. Abba and the family. Just keep her Happy and content like U always do… She knows who has taken such great care of her. If I was there I’d give her a big hug… She’s such a Beautiful girl<3
Posted by anthonypeoples on February 1, 2012 at 10:08 pm
Wanda,
Thank you for your thoughts. We’re not done with the photos yet. 🙂
Peeps
Posted by Margie Goodman on January 31, 2012 at 4:21 pm
I am so sorry to hear about Dear Sweet Miss Abba. I was hoping it wasn’t anything to do with this. I will to continue to keep your family and Miss Abba in my prayers. You are both so lucky to have each other. Thank You again for sharing her with all of us. My heart is heavy as I am writing this to you, I truly feel like she is part of my family also!! Take care of her, and please take care of yourself.
Posted by anthonypeoples on February 1, 2012 at 10:09 pm
Margie,
You know we’ll have fun for the remaining time and spoil that crazy girl rotten. Thank you for the kind thoughts.
Peeps
Posted by Larry on January 31, 2012 at 5:01 pm
Dude, I am so sorry!!! I am feeling so bummed out for you right now
Posted by anthonypeoples on February 1, 2012 at 10:09 pm
Larry,
Thank you. She’s still feels great and we’ll continue to live it up until the end.
Take care,
Peeps
Posted by Jan Dick on January 31, 2012 at 6:47 pm
I too am writing this with a heavy heart and very much appreciate that you have shared her with all of us. We too had a golden named Nugget and he lived to the ripe age of 13. She is the spitting image of him and we have so enjoyed watching her antics and enjoying all of her pics. Hugs to both of you and again thanks for sharing her with all of us.
Posted by anthonypeoples on February 1, 2012 at 10:11 pm
Jan,
If ABBA is a spitting image of Nugget, he must have been a cutie and a sweetheart. We still have some living left to do. 🙂 Thank you for the thoughts and prayers.
Peeps
Posted by Janet on January 31, 2012 at 7:33 pm
Hi Anthony! I’m so sorry to hear about Miss ABBA I feel like I know her. She is the sweetest dog and her face just says it all. Pray for a miracle and hopefully it will come true. We will pray for Miss ABBA every day. Take care and she is a very lucky dog- person to have parents like your family.
Posted by anthonypeoples on February 1, 2012 at 10:11 pm
Janet,
Thank you. Every extra day we have with her feeling good and playful will be a blessing. Take care.
Peeps
Posted by claudia brewer (@colliemomma2) on January 31, 2012 at 7:55 pm
I’m so sorry Anthony! Spoil her like nothing else! Spend every moment possible loving her! I lost my (Collie)Luke in July and he was only 8.. I still have not recovered. He was my everything…followed me everywhere. His lung cancer happened literally over night…Friday we did our normal walk he was fine, he ate and off to bed.. i knew when i woke up early and he wasn’t in bed with me something was wrong… i ran downstairs and dog daddy (rich) said something is very wrong…Luke had been up and down all night and breathing very oddly.. and he wouldn’t leave him alone…we immediately called the vet at 8am and was on our way…since it was a Saturday they said we should go to the Emergency hospital, where he could get the best care 24-7. We went and they confirmed our worst nightmare..lung cancer. He was on life support all night and we discussed chemo and our options…after i read about the quality of life during and after chemo and then got a second opinion from the other wonderful vet that came in during the night shift (she said his was too far advanced and would not recommend chemo and we would have to make that difficult decision) It was the worst pain i think I’ve ever felt in my life..
Luke also made snow angels just like Miss ABBA!! it reminded me of him when you posted her and it made me smile. Leia is Luke’s sister (same litter) and misses him so much…they used to play in the snow and have so much fun, she has had 3 ACL surgeries and is a bit slow these days but still loves to walk and bark at squirrels and chase the kitty brothers that she has become a little more fond of since Luke’s passing…. Luke was a kitty’s best friend…My gentle giant. I am constantly checking your posts to stay updated as i know how much you love her and know what your going through! big hugs to you! I wish you the best….
Posted by Kathy Markham McCoy on January 31, 2012 at 9:16 pm
Claudia, I don’t know you but your letter sure touched me. I had a shar pei who was my world, I couldn’t have children so he & my two kitties were my kids. My baby boy had a very fast moving cancer that affected his lungs, etc., & we went through the painful decisions surrounding his care. My husband at the time & I realized that the last act of love we could give our sweet baby was to let him go, to release him from his pain. The day I took him in & held him while they gave him the injection was the day it felt as if my heart were ripped out.
For the longest time I felt my baby’s presence, I swear I heard him or saw him out of the corner of my eye. I couldn’t go out in my back yard for months, b/c it reminded me too much of David. I had a blanket he slept on & it took me forever to finally wash it, b/c it still had his scent on it.
It WILL get better in time. I know it doesn’t seem like it now, it took me a long time, but the pain will numb & the good memories will make you smile more days than the pain makes you cry. A website that helped me was called “Rainbow’s Bridge”, there are a lot of people there who understand that they are not “just pets” to us. You’ll never forget your beloved Luke, & as long as he lives in your heart & memories he is still with you. Forgive me if I sound corny with all this, I just felt led to reply to you.
Posted by Carrie S. on January 31, 2012 at 8:37 pm
Anthony, Ray, Gretel and Miss ABBA:
I have followed your updates from the very first one with the news of her diagnosis. I personally am not a dog or cat lover; however, I have owned both in my years growing up. I am saddened to read the latest news, and when I read it out loud to my family. It was extremely emotional as I was choking back the tears. I am enjoyed the videos of her making snow angels. I am sure that she will be sadly missed, and that you will make her happy as well as comfortable in the remaining time you have left. Just know that your entire family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Carrie S.
Posted by Michelle M. Tacker on February 1, 2012 at 8:53 pm
Anthony – I am so sorry. I lost my beloved cat Norman over five years ago and I miss and think of him everyday. I enjoy all your photos of Miss Abba and can appreciate your deep love for her. I will pray that God will continue to watch over Miss Abba and touch her with his healing hands. My God Bless your family during this very emotional and tough time. Miss Abba is a wonderful dog and you are a wonderful pet owner – you can tell a lot about someone by the way they treat their pets. Love. Michelle T.
Posted by anthonypeoples on February 1, 2012 at 10:16 pm
Claudia,
I’m sorry to hear about Luke and how fast the cancer took him.
We’ve been very blessed with ABBA because she was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer at the end of March 2011 and was given 2-3 months to live. Numerous operations, chemo, and radiation were options, but the quality of life would not have been great, so we didn’t do it.
She has been doing great for the past 10 months until Sunday when her right back legged swelled. At first, I thought she hurt it on the ice and snow, but cancer spreading was in the back of my mind. And, since she is walking normally on it, I knew it wasn’t an injury.
While he says it will be less than two months now, we’ll continue to live it up until she’s no longer happy and silly like she’s always been.
Take care of yourself and think of that precious Luke every day! 🙂
Peeps
Posted by anthonypeoples on February 1, 2012 at 10:17 pm
Kathy,
Someone else recommened “Rainbow’s Bridge” to me last night. I’ll have to check out the site. Do you have pictures on your FB page of the pei pei? Did he look like Panda or larger? Panda is very small.
Peeps
Posted by anthonypeoples on February 1, 2012 at 10:20 pm
Carrie,
Thank you very much for your thoughts. We’ll make Miss ABBA happy until she’s ready to go to puppy heaven.
Take care.
Peeps
Posted by anthonypeoples on February 1, 2012 at 10:21 pm
Michelle,
I’m glad you think of Norman daily. I know I’ll do the same when the time comes with Miss ABBA. Tears with those thoughts at first and then smiles at her silliness. Thank you very much for thinking of us.
Peeps
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