Onward

I haven’t blogged for a while, I know. My husband and I were away from the 19th to the 26th and Catie and Riley were in the very capable hands and hearts of my niece, who happens to be in pre-vet training, and her boyfriend.

I’m happy to be home.

Riley and Catie are having their post-supper nap: Catie at the foot of the stairs (it’s her new favourite spot), Riley on his pillow with his ball at his nose. I’m thinking I may join them soon.

Catie’s resilience has been unfaltering, from her first post-surgery day to now. She may have lost a limb but not her appetite or spirit nor her love of rolling in the snow in the backyard or greeting visitors at the door. Navigation on three legs daily gets easier for her. She instinctively positions herself in spaces where she can easily turn.

She gets her stitches out on Saturday and we’re hoping we can take her and Riley to the park afterwards to celebrate.

She’s tired of being left behind.

The results of the pathology report were positive for osteosarcoma, we were told today, but there was no indication it had spread to her lymph nodes. Chemotherapy is recommended and an appointment with the oncologist is scheduled for next Thursday.

I try hard not to think about the future: median survival rates, metastasis, more veterinary bills, but my mind, because I’m human, does detour down that lane in my more vulnerable moments.

The easiest way to re-focus is to touch her forehead with mine.

Author: CatiesMom

Mom of SEVEN-year old Catie and five-year old Riley, Golden Retrievers.

9 thoughts on “Onward”

  1. You must be so happy to be back home… and Catie and Riley are probably thrilled too! Glad to hear that Catie is doing well…

    Looking forward to seeing some pictures of Catie celebrating her stitches removal at the park with Riley!!! 🙂

    Angel Jake’s Mom

  2. Hey it’s good to have you back, we missed you!

    How wonderful that Catie is doing so well. There is so much to be thankful, for even with an osteosarcoma diagnosis (which we are so sorry to hear). It is definitely a human thing to worry about what the future might bring in a situation like this, but try to remember, we can’t change what has happened nor can we predict the future. It’s all about living in the moment, right now, with Catie touching your forehead. That’s all that matters.

    Can’t wait to see some pics of your little celebration. Congrats on reaching this point!

  3. Sounds like Catie is making a great recovery. Going through something as traumatic as this forces you to appreciate all that you have with your beautiful tripawd. That’s great that it hasn’t spread to the lymph nodes. Good luck with your oncology appt next week.

  4. Glad to hear Catie continues to do so well. And it’s understandable to worry about what the future will bring – I’m right there with you. Try to take the advice of so many on this site to live one day at a time. I also have my moments of sadness on this road we’re traveling. That’s when I try to remind myself that Holly doesn’t know she’s sick, and just wants to have fun like we’ve always had. And a few kisses from her never hurt, either! 🙂
    Have fun at the park tomorrow after her stitches come out! And please take some pictures to share!
    Holly and Holly’s mom

  5. We are glad to hear you are doing well Catie! We hope you get to go to the park with Riley! Make sure you tell your Mom to take a camera, we love to see pictures! She can capture many happy times at the park for you and Riley!!

    Enjoy Catie and Riley! Spoil them rotten and try not to count the days or think of the cost! Catie is priceless! Give Catie and Riley lots of hugs and kisses from Dillon!!!

  6. Thank you! Sometimes life steers us down very bumpy, weary roads for sure.

    Catie loves kisses!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *