Our journey begins

June 6/09

My dear friends,

It's been a while since I posted and even longer since I visited most of your blogs and I hope you understand why I've stayed away so long. As you know, we are having some problems and lots of worries, and it seems there just aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done, and still have time left over for blogging.
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Morrie has been feeling really well. His last surgery found his lymph nodes clean, which was great news, but he will be undergoing Interferon treatment to prevent a recurrance of the melanoma. The treatment begins tomorrow morning, and from what we understand he will not be feeling very well at all for quite some time.
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He will begin daily infusions at the hospital for the next four or five weeks. After that, he will continue with injections of Interferon at home three times a week for the remainder of the year. That is, if he can tolerate the Interferon and continue with the treatment. Apparently, 50% of those who begin this treatment quit because of the devestating side effects.

Morrie already has about a dozen pill bottles lined up for use when the treatment begins - for nausea, pain, anxiety, digestive problems, etc. These could have side effects of their own . It will not be easy,

Interferon has also been known, in some cases, to cause permanent damage, though rarely. Sometimes we think we are spending our last days together with Morrie as we have known him. It is my inclination to worry and project on the worse-case scenario, which I never mention to him, but hopefully I am overdoing it and our situation won't be nearly as bad as I imagine it.

Please continue to pray for my dear man. And while you're at it, please pray for me to have the strength to take care of him well and see to all his needs without becoming discouraged and fatigued. We are setting out on a year-long battle not knowing what to expect from one day to the next and it is daunting.


n n n n



On a happier note, we showed Chef a couple of weeks ago at a three-day event in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, just a few miles from our home. He was kind of sluggish the first two days, with most people saying he has gained too much weight since last season. I guess in our efforts to fatten up that skinny little boy, we didn't realize that he was packing on some extra pounds. Not attractive and definitely not healthy. So he's now on a diet. We've weaned him off his Angus beef patties and now he's basically on kibble only, although we can't help but slip a couple of slivers of chicken or salmon into his bowl from time to time.

Anyway, on the third day of the show, Chef found his attitude and he won Best of Breed. He also made the cut for Group, which is quite an honour. (That's when we figured he's not that much of a fatso and adding the odd piece of chicken or salmon to his meals won't do him much harm.)

In his cooling jacket ... just warming up for the win!


Best of Breed !!





Group




This was most likely our last show until next summer. So I'm glad Chef did well and did Morrie proud. I love it when Chef wins, but Morrie takes it way more seriously so he was bustin' his buttons with pride. Thanks Chef, for making Papa so happy.

Yesterday, Chef was at the vet and she said that Boxers are especially sensitive dogs, and that Chef is going to pick up on the fact that Morrie is sick. So for all our sakes, we have vowed to try and stay upbeat and positive no matter what the year ahead brings. It's funny how the family dog can be a stablizing force during troubled times in so many great ways.

So wish us well in this journey to who-knows-where. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we will need as much support as we can get from people who we care so much about.

I will stay in touch and let you know how things are going and hopefully I'll have the time to go around visiting all your blogs soon.

Bye for now.

Linda
xo



אלוהים בבקשה לתת מוישה בריאות טובה

43 comments:

Jans Funny Farm said...

Great news about Chef winning. He looks quite handsome.

We wish the news was as upbeat for you and Morrie. We hope the next year will be a whole lot better in reality than it is in the worry section of your brain.

Miss Linda, we send you all warm purrs and tail wags from the Funny Farmers and Jan sends a basket of hugs.

Mango the Maltese kiddo said...

Oh Cheffie, good to see you again, I jump up and down with joy!
Best of Breed again, look at blue ribbon, you made everybody proud, Chef.
I'll keep my paws crossed for your Daddy's good health.
I'm willing to eat 1/3 less every meal if I could make your mom less being worries and your daddy more tolerates treatment. You and your family again in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks for keeping us informed.
Cheers!

Peanut said...

Our good thoughts are coming to you not only for Morrie but also for you to deal with this as well as you can.
I am sure that Chef will pick up on things. I know Peanut does just when I am sick. I recently had strep throat worse then ever before and didn't get out of bed for 4 days. He stayed in bed with me, lying almost on top of me, except to eat and use the bathroom the whole 4 days. Making sure he does as many normal things like walkies as possible will be helpful.

Maggie Mae and Max said...

Thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Yay Chef for your win!

Woofs and Licks,
Maggie Mae

Raising Addie said...

Congrats Chef!!!

You look gorgeous to us no matter how much you weigh!

We have been praying for Morrie every day and will pray for you and your family as well. We may have never met you, but we hurt for you as if we know and see you all the time.

Stay brave during this journey and know that we are here for you any time that you need us. Please don't hesitate to ask if there is anything that you need :)

Lots of Luv & Kisses
Addie, Lucie, Hailey and Staci

Asta said...

Dear Linda
(Asta let me write this one)
You and Morrie are in our prayers!!! I know it's very frightening for both of you, but I am praying that his side effects are not as bad as you think. Keep your thoughts on the positive outcome and many many years of happiness together when this nightmare is over.
I know you're scared(I would be too) but I also know you have the love which will give you the strength to be there for him and help him through this. I hope our love and good thoughts will in turn help you.

Asta sends her love and congratulations to wonderful CHEF. What a lovely boy to make you and his Papa so proud.

We hold you in our hearts
hugs and kisses
Ami and George and Smoochie kisses from ASTA

Unknown said...

Wishing you all the best on your difficult journey - we will be thinking of you.

Slobbers,
Honey the Great Dane

Eric said...

I really hope and pray the coming year won't be the uphill battle you think it might be. Our paws and fingers are firmly crossed that Morrie will be one of the lucky one's who doesn't get the side effects and the treatment will be positive and protective. We'll be thinking of you three and sending all the healing zen we can muster, sending it on the wind. Tell Chef to look out for it. He's looking especially handsome to us so no wonder he won Best of Breed. Clever boy! Congartulations Chef!

Take care all. Wiry love Eric xx

Niamh said...

Congratulations on your great showing Chef! We think you look very handsome.

We will be thinking of you and your family through all your papa's treatments. Stay strong!

Your friends,
Niamh & Ambrose

Lacy said...

Linda, i soo wish u and Morrie didnt have to go thru this..Just take one day at a time, with the love u 2 have u will get thru it..It wont b easy, but u have each other and us..Chef will prolly think he's the nurse, (rocky does)...when things get bad, Floyd goes and visits with the nneighbors,,tAkes his mind off of stuff for a little while..esp, when i come home after treatment and look like crap, or when i lose more weight and very pale..tell his doctor every thing...and after he finishes his treatment, we can all celebrate as "cancer survivors"..congrats to chef for making u all proud..

Peace and Love,
claudette

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Congrats to Chef - we know he did it just to make his Dad so proud. We will be thinking good thoughts and Mom will say her prayers for the next difficult times to go as smoothly as possible for all of you.

Hugs and Woos - Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

Lorenza said...

I will have my paws crossed and my mom will be praying for you and Morris.
We hope everything is going to be ok.
Congratulations Chef!
Sure your Dad is very proud of you!
Take care
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

pam said...

Here from DWB. Good luck on the upcoming tx. I went through a 48 wk regimen of interferon and I must tell you the worst of it was depression. I hope your Dr. told you to look out for that. My pups were a lifesaver for me as I'm sure Chef will be for papa.

Bobo, Meja and mommy

Anonymous said...

Hello Chef and Chef's Mommy,

Gosh, I know you're all prolly pretty worried about your Papa. I know I'd be awful scared if it happened to my dad. But I hope you know that there's an awful lot of us out here who are thinking about you all and sending you our best, happiest thoughts and prayers. We just know everything is gonna be okay.

And a million congratulations on winning Best of Show! You are so very much handsome and I don't thinks you look the least little bit fat. Silly peoples. Oh, and guess what? My mom and me did a dee-en-ay test and it turns out one of my grandpawrents was a Boxer! So we might be like 87th cuzins, 26 times removed or something!

Sending you "be strong and brave" wiggles and wags,
Mayzie (and her mom)

Peppy Sheppys said...

Chef, Linda, and Morrie,

We were very sad reading your post. We just lost our gramps to melanoma. His was an unusual type (appears on feet) and very aggressive. We hope that Mr. Morrie's surgery/chemo combo are successful and that you have him around for many years to come to dazzle with your beauty. We will have our paws crossed for all of you because we know that getting well AND caregiving are hard work. You are in our thoughts.

Sheps w/Pep.

the many Bs said...

we are sending lots of poodle power and healing power of the Bs for Morrie and for you to be strong and supportive.

we're very proud of Chef. you are a true champion and made your papa very proud.

be good kiddo, Chef, and we'll be pawing for you and your family.

woofs

Peppy Sheppys said...

Chef, Linda, and Morrie,

We were very sad reading your post. We just lost our gramps to melanoma. His was an unusual type (appears on feet) and very aggressive. We hope that Mr. Morrie's surgery/chemo combo are successful and that you have him around for many years to come to dazzle with your beauty. We will have our paws crossed for all of you because we know that getting well AND caregiving are hard work. You are in our thoughts.

Sheps w/Pep.

Southbaygirl said...

We are so glad Chef won for his papa!!! I bet Chef knew that his papa needed that!!! And he will be a fantastic "distraction" in the house!!

You are always in are thoughts and prayers!!! Stay strong!!! Be brave! We are all here for all of you!!!

Penny, Velcro, Kodak, 3 Perf, Blossom and Skye

Opy - the Original GruffPuppy said...

Sending you all our love and strength for both you and Morrie, Linda.

You will get through this - you will find strength that you never knew you had - and when the going gets tough, you have your whole DWB family to lean on and help you through.

Love to you all - and to sweet Chef too !

Brooke

Molly the Airedale said...

Congratulations on your win, Chef!
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

Princess Patches said...

Chef, congrats on your Best of Breed win! We will keep your papa AND your mama in our thoughts and prayers! You WILL get discouraged and fatigued, but when you do, just remember that there are people (and pups) all over the world praying for your strength! It works!...our mom is living proof!

Aire-hugs,
Penny & Patches

Abby said...

Dear Linda, Morrie, & Chef...

Congrats to Chef...I know your Mom & Dad are sooo proud of you...

Please know our thoughts & prayers are with you at this very difficult time...

It will be a tough journey with many ups & downs, but somehow you find the strength...We know this from experience...

Chef: Take Good Care of your Mom & Dad...It is very true that you can & probably will be a stabilizing factor during this time...

Much Love,
Abby & her Mom xxxxxxoooooo

The Airechicks said...

We'll hold you guys tight in our prayers and thoughts - Don't fret - we'll just fix it....

Find something that you like to eat and don't eat it during treatment - you won't like it anymore if you do....treatment changes alot of things including your taste buds...Take the medicine even if you don't feel like you need it - will be easier on your body if you just do it - learned the hard way and now know better...

Congratulations on Chef's BIG Win - such a handsome Boxer...

Take care and don't FRET - fretting won't fix or make anything better.

XxooXxoooXXxoo

Anonymous said...

Hey Chef,
Big congrats on your win!! We're so proud of you. We'll be praying for the treatments to go well for Morrie. We know with you at his side, he will do much better then other people. Dogs & pets have such wonderful vibes. They know when their owners aren't feeling well and stick by their side. Many hugs to your Mama too. We're sending all of our wirey zen your way.
Wirey Hugs, Purrz & Licks,
Butchy, Katie, Ruby, Sylvester, Scuby & Hootie

Becky said...

There has been so much in the news lately about the new drugs for battling melanoma. Hope is on the way. It's hard to be positive but to me that was the only to get through my chemo. I put on a brave face everyday. Praying for you both to be strong. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

Great job, Chef! You do look very handsome. I can't say that out loud because my gorgeous boxer, Blitz, is laying at my feet while I type. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.

Dexter said...

Chef,

We will all be thinking of your family. Hard times ahead. My master had the interferon treatment and it made him so tired all the time. That was the worst side effect but it made him sad to not be able to do anything. So try to be cheery, OK? Your smiling face will help a lot.

Slobbers,
Mango

i said...

Hi Chef, we know you'll be the source of joy and strength for your mom and dad to go through this. We're all here for you too. Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers.

Congrats Chef for winning Best of Breed! We're so proud of you!

Trailboss said...

So good to hear from you! I have wondered how things were going. Sounds like a rough patch ahead of you all, but with prayers you will get through it. Way to go Chef! You made your daddy proud!! It is so true about the Boxer breed. I have owned many in my lifetime and each and every one has the sensitive character about them. They have to know where everyone is and how everyone is doing all of the time. It is one of the many things I adore about the breed. I am sure that Chef will be there for you when you need him and also there for Morrie when he needs him and also when he KNOWS he needs him.

I truly believe that dogs are God's gift to mankind. They love us no matter what we do or don't do. They never question our love or their love for us. Chef will play a big part in keeping the family in check. After all.....who can resist a kidney bean dance?

Take care....you and your family are in my prayers.

Cheryl, Indiana, Shingo and Molly said...

We are SO glad that Chef did so well at his show! He looks so handsome with his blue ribbon!!

We are furry sorry to hear that you all are going through such a difficult time. Please know that we are all here, if you should need us. We have a paws crossed and are sending good thoughts and prayers for Morrie. Please let us know how he's doing.

O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers:

Mercifully accept our prayers, and grant to your servant Morrie, the help of your power, that his sickness may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Woofs and Kisses!
The Fiesty Three

Mochi and Bali said...

Congratulations to Chef! :)

Crossing my paws for all of you!

Mochi

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

Khyra:
What a pawesome omen fur how well your papa's treatment will go!
Great job Handsome!

Khyra's Mom:
Please know all of you will be in our thoughts - you know you can do it - Virgo's are tough bitches!

There have been quite a few stories on the news these past days of the wonderful results they are having with some melanomas!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra & Khyra's Mom

Lucia said...

Ciao bello Chef!!

I, Lucia, am friends with the boxer boy next door, and although he is quite cute, he doesn't hold a candle to your handsome self!! Congratulazioni on your magnifico honors!

La mia ragazza says to tell your mama this: Linda, we will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers. Just take it a day at a time and come talk with your bloggie pals when you need some support or a sounding board, ok? Many of us have walked a similar path, so be assured you'll find bunches and bunches of empathy and compassion here. You take care --

Lucia and her girl

D.K. Wall said...

All of us at Chez Herd are thinking of Morrie (and all of you). Paws crossed for best of outcomes.

Noah the Airedale said...

Linda & Morrie, you guys are always in our thoughts and hopefully the side affects of the treatment wont be so harsh.

Chef, you clever boy. Big congrats on your win matie.

Noah Willow Tess Lucy

Mack said...

CHEF! You are the CHAMP! That blue ribbon is quite impressive my man!

We want to tell your wonderful family to "hang in there" and just remember there WILL be brighter days ahead! My mom is a skin cancer survivor - so she knows all about that stuff! Good luck champ and keep us posted!

Scruffy, Lacie and Stanley's Place said...

Oh we are so praying for you and Morrie and dear Chef for this journey of the unknown...that's the hardest...the not knowing...

We think stayin' upbeat for Chef will help the whole family, as you said.

We are sending healing and loving thoughts to you, dear friends...

Kisses and hugs,

Scruffy, Lacie, Stanley and Mumsie

Dewey Dewster said...

Dewey's Gram here.....so sorry to hear about Morrie's health problems....my Mom had to try Interferon for awhile and I do believe that she didn't tolerate it at all....hopefully Morrie will tolerate it well and it will get him back on the road to recovery. You two will have a time of it but as long as you have each other you will survive.

Congrats to Chef for winning best in breed....he's one handsome doggie....

Best of luck to you all....you will surely need it.

Dewey's Gram.......

♥Mona + Prissy + Angel Weenie♥ said...

Oh Chef, you are as handsome as ever, how coulod anyone say the best in breed dog is fat. Congratulations on your ribbons.

Mommy will be praying very hard for Morrie. My cancer was nothing compared to Morrie's but we have faith that with our human's prayers and the Power of the Paw he will be able to fight this thing. Tell your Mommy to keep the faith and please let us know if there is anything we can do.

{{{huggies}}}...Mona & Mommy, Sarah, too

Toffee said...

Sending pawsitive vibes your way.

xoxo

C.l.o.v.e.r. said...

Hi friends,
We are so sorry it took us so long to get over here. (And apologies if this is a repeated comment, the computer just had a moment...)
We are praying for all of you and sending the very best wishes and love your way. Please let us know if there is anything we can do, and remember that we are just a short drive away.
xo
P.S. Clover sends special puggy kisses for Morrie.

Thor and Jack said...

Congrats on your win, Chef! We're so proud of you!
We'll keep your papa and mama in our thoughts and prayers.
much love,
Thor

Jake of Florida said...

We're adding our warm wishes and thoughts to the circle of love that is surrounding you and Morrie and Chef.

We hope things will be easier than anticipated and that the end result will be positive.

Love from Joan and the Barkalot Boychiks

Moco said...

All of you will be in our thoughts daily. Positive vibes coming from the Circle of Healing Vibes daily.