Tuesday, February 12, 2008

It Must Be Spring...

... the crocuses have been out for weeks, the daffodils are in bud, and both dogs are shedding more hair than seems caninely possible. One of my fellow dog-walkers tells me it's a sign of a long hot summer to come. His Jack Russell-God knows cross, Becks, is also shedding a month or so early, and he only ever does that when it's going to be a hot year.

This would be the penultimate week of Herbie's initial chemo protocol, back when he was diagnosed at the beginning of September. Then, 25 weeks seemed a very long time, and I wasn't at all sure he'd see the end of it. Now, his shaved patches are almost grown back, and with him going into moult (I know he's not a bird, but same thing) you can hardly see the wide patches on both flanks where the initial ultrasound was done.

I've found out he has T-cell lymphoma, which has a worse prognosis than B-cell. I'm glad, in many ways, I didn't know that last September. He might be Mr. Lumpy-Neck, but he's still with me.

4 comments:

Ari_1965 said...

Crocuses sound nice. It's 4F today and not a speck of green or flower to be seen yet. There's this conservatory that's part of Como Park and Como Lake here in St. Paul, MN USA. It's round and domed. Inside are all these "rooms" of flowers, trees, green plants of all types, including tropical. There's a sunken flower room stuffed with all sorts of flowers and it has a little pond with giant goldfish (Koi?). It is just fantastic to visit there during a long Minnesota winter. It's invigorating. I think it's time I visited the conservatory. Amazingly, it's free and has been my whole life. I always donate something, of course.
Okay, I'll shut up now. I'm glad Herbie is still with you, too.

Lesley Rigby said...

How lucky you are to still have Herbie to love. I'm sure even dogs must get a "lift" with the good weather that we have been having and so that must help him. Enjoy every day as it comes and try not to think too far ahead.

Emily and the Labradors said...

Flowers... wouldn't mind seeing a few over here too! I'm glad Herbie is hanging in there with you. Maggie most likely has T-cell lymphoma too... wish I hadn't gone internet searching for more specific stats for T vs B cell, but oh well, what can you do? Hug Herbie for us!

Linda Seid Frembes said...

Ah, yes... flowers! It is snowing here and was bitterly cold these past few days. I am looking forward to the crocuses and the shedding when both will come in about a month (or two??)

Sorry to hear of Herbie's T-cell; at least the beast has a name now. As you said, he's still there with you. Hugs to Herbie.