Monday, March 23, 2009

Week 2 and a half

..of CV247. It's been a bad week, Herbie's been reacting badly to something, breathing too rapidly. I stopped all his medications, his breathing went back to normal, and then I tried again. The CV247 is OK, so are the zinc pills, but the mushroom capsules aren't going down well, he went all saggy and limp within 12 hours of re-introducing them.

It's difficult with Herbie, he's sensitive to so many things. I always thought I had a cast-iron dog, he could eat anything without ill-effects (OK, except the entire dish of cauliflower cheese meant to feed four adults - a pint of cheese sauce was probably a bit much), but he was younger then, and now he seems to react to every change.

So, he's no better, but then again his nodes aren't any worse. Given that they'd been growing noticeably, perhaps this is progress. I've bought some wheatgrass and some compost. The first batch is soaking. I don't know if he'll drink wheatgrass juice, but it's something we haven't tried yet. Other people are writing happy optimistic posts about miracle drugs, but we're just standing still here. I suppose there are worse places to be standing. Sigh.

7 comments:

Linda Seid Frembes said...

I admire your strength so much; yours and Herbie's. My Watson was intensely sick for a short amount of time and in that time I felt like I would drown at any second. I admire all that you are able to do for him and still stay so calm and focused. He is lucky to have you, as you feel you are lucky to have him. Best wishes to the both of you. You are in my thoughts.

Ari_1965 said...

Do you have a turkey baster? It's the plastic tube with the bulb thing on the end? That might help get the wheat grass down Herbie's throat.

Anonymous said...

You are so in tune with Herbie, knowing what is good for him and what isn't. It's got to be frustrating to not see him improve more quickly. You are giving him more time with you which is the important thing. What a lucky dog to have such a loving human-mommy!!

Cole, Bridget, Ben and I are all thinking about you, sending you lots of hopes for good days ahead.

Anonymous said...

I think everyone who follows you and Herbie can relate--this part of the journey is deeply difficult but what a gift you are to him and to each other.

Hoping today is a good day--that's all we can ask for.

HandH said...

Thank you so much everyone - I was having a bit of a down day yesterday, as you could probably tell. It's been such a long haul, and your good wishes mean more than I can say.

Fiona said...

Handh, even though I dont post much, my thoughts and prayers are still with you and Herbie...what you are doing for him is wonderful, he could not have wished for a better "mum". Love and hugs to you both

HandH said...

Fiona, I hope all is well with you and yours - I daren't ask any questions in case of bad news, but I've been wondering how things are, and glad to hear you're still around :-)