I took that photo a few minutes ago on this Monday morning. Darla’s been trying to go upstairs and get on her bed ever since coming back from cancer surgery, and because of the post-op?activity restrictions, we wouldn’t let her. But today I finally let her up the stairs and took her step-stool along so she could use that to gently climb up to the bed. She is now contentedly snoozing away as I write.
All last week we had been anxiously awaiting the biopsy results — right through Friday the lab’s online system kept saying they were “pending.” Finally, on Saturday morning our veterinary surgeon at Peak, Dr. Kurt Schulz, called with the just released report. It was good news. There was no sign of cancer in her spleen, and the margins around the mast cell tumors he removed were wide and clean as well. Two other suspect areas he had removed were benign. As Kurt was telling me this, I could just feel the tension release. Alayne and I had been nervous wrecks all week, waiting to find out. I asked Kurt, “So she’s good for another 10,000 miles?” He answered, “I’d say probably 20,000.”
Yet we know we are not out of the woods by any stretch. This was Darla’s fourth surgery to remove mast cell tumors (in my previous post I overlooked another one she had last February). It’s clear her body is a mast cell factory and that we will have to remain vigilant. But for now, we are thrilled with the news. If her spleen had cancer, we would only have had a few months left with her.
Thanks to all of you who posted such wonderful, supportive comments on the previous post. Alayne and I really appreciate it.
Now, if you don’t mind, Darla would like to get back to her nap!
Aww how sweet. It’s clear that recovery is on the way now that she has been able to get back to her favorite spot.
So glad for you all that it was good news. Darla will be back to good as new soon.
That’s such wonderful news! I think all of us who share in the doggies lives with you via the blog are relieved, too. She does indeed look very happy to be back in HER bed. (not spoiled at all, is she.) And I can’t believe she even has her own toy bear in bed with her. You rest up Darla. On another note blog readers, the Shelter Challenge has started up again today if you didn’t notice, so please vote! And I’ve been meaning to ask about Travis because we haven’t heard any updates lately. Is he and his mouth still OK, Steve?
Celebrating the great news!!! She will rest so well in her favorite spot to snooze.. And, you all will rest too knowing she is going to be with you much longer. Bless you both for what you do!!!
Wonderful news! I’ve been praying for Darla and hoping for the best. To me, this photo says, “Just put up the Do Not Disturb sign as you leave, please. I need my beauty sleep.” Here’s to 20,000 more miles for this doll.
SO HAPPY FOR YOU ALL. DARLA LOOKS SO AT PEACE TO FINALLY BE BACK IN HER BED.
Yiiipppppeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!
The “Big Howliday Shelter Challenge” starts today; link below.
http://www.shelterchallenge.com/
Yay for Darla!!!! Great news!
Clean spleen, what a beautiful rhyme! And now that Darla is back on her bed, all is right with the world. I’m so glad all the test results were good.
All 3 of you deserve to celebrate with a beer!! (Darla, I’m doing all I can to get you that drink…) So thrilled to hear this report. Going to have a good cry of relief! I like her teddy bear.
Much Love from Kathleen and Roo
So, so happy to hear this news!
Excellent news to end the day!
WHEW!!! I thought I heard a large sigh of relief off to the northeast. Thank you for all you and Alayne do for these wonderful beings. I will get my checkbook and write you a check so you can help some other sweet waif.
Phyllis Snow
Wow!!! That is THE most WONDERFUL news. You’ve all been through so much. I remember getting some similar news once for our sweet girl, and even though you know you’re worried, you just don’t truly realize what a load you’ve been carrying till it’s lifted, and you can levitate :). Maybe you can all have a beer now 🙂
There is no stronger love than the love of a Darla?..I am soooo happy to hear this wonderful news. XO to you all.
Steve, it is quite clear to all of us readers that while you do your best NOT to play favorites……this girl is indeed VERY special to you. How old is Miss Darla?
Marla, we don’t know how old she is for sure … but I’d guess maybe 8 or so. But I can’t pretend she’s not my favorite girl ever — she is! 🙂 I am totally smitten, she knows it, and she takes complete advantage of it.
Such great news! Thank you for being so vigilant, as you two always are. Good to see your girl resting again.
The anxiety shall too pass and it did….we’re so glad to hear
of Darla’s clean spleen news! We can celebrate after her nap. 🙂
The new shelter challenge has just started. Go to shelterchallenge.com. These days one has to set up an account to vote, but it is simple and quick.