I was fortunate enough to complete the 2023 Chase Away K9 Cancer 5K with our current cancer warrior, Limoncello, and our cancer survivor, Lager. Both dogs’ cancers fall under the head/neck cancer category.
Limoncello’s journey is going documented HERE. She has a tumor that encompasses her right nasal passage, right eye socket, and has reached her brain. Due to the location of the tumor, it’s size, Cello’s age and her heart condition, only holistic methods are an option. She was originally given a few weeks to a few months to live. As of today, she has vibrantly celebrated 4 weeks and 2 days since her diagnosis.
You can read about Lager’s journey through oral cancer by clicking HERE. Lager was first thought to have Oral Papillary Squamous Cell Carcinoma, but with further pathology testing, it was discovered that he had Canine acanthomatous ameloblastoma (CAA). He had a rostral mandibulectomy in October 2022, leaving him with only 1/4 of his lower jaw. Over a year later, he is living his best life and has not let his cancer journey or his surgery slow him down ONE bit! The photos below show Lager’s jaw before (in a much younger picture of Lager) and after (a current photo of Lager).
Margarita was a Lymphoma survivor. Despite taking a bite out cancer by beating Lymphoma, she was taken from us suddenly a couple of years later in June 2021 by Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC).
We walked this 5K in small increments and in honor off ALL canine cancer warriors – both past and present. You’ll see Lager’s and Margarita’s name on our shirt because at the time I ordered our race swag, we were unaware of Limoncello’s diagnosis.
A dock diving friend participated in this 5K as well and we very much appreciate her walking for Cello and Lager!
Chase awash K9 Cancer is near and dear to my heart and is a division of the National Canine Cancer Foundation. For additional information about the National Canine Cancer Foundation, please visit www.wearethecure.org
This is one of my favorite photos: Brian and I along with fellow competitors doing a limoncello shot after a dock diving event. Photo Credit: KJ Photography
Whoah! Hold up, Cancer…Limoncello is calling the shots here!
October 6, 2023: Check-Up with Primary Veterinarian
Cello at her check up on 10/6/23
During Cello’s exam, I received both good and bad news.
The bad news:
There is a slight change in her skull on the right side. This is caused from the tumor spreading more in the direction of her brain and deteriorating the bone.
We will have to continue to watch for seizure activity.
Her right nostril that was previously partially blocked now appears to be completely blocked.
We will have to continue to watch for nosebleeds
The good news:
The left nostril is still clear and Cello continues to be able to breathe comfortably with her mouth closed.
Her right eye continues to appear to not be protruding as it once was, and is no longer weaping
No pain or discomfort was observed
Overall Dr. Campbell said that Cello looks good, all things considered
At this point, I was prepared to hear that it would be best for us to stay home. After Dr. Campbell was done with Cello’s physical, she asked me when we were leaving for our trip to the World Championship. I told her that we were only going if we got the thumbs-up from her after today’s exam, and that if we DID get the thumbs-up, we would plan to leave tomorrow. Dr. Campbell’s response: “So what time are you leaving?” … My eyes welled up, and the biggest, happiest tears poured down my face!
DockDogs World Championship,
Here come The Liver Killers!
Yes, some decline was observed, but not enough to hold back Limoncello from going on her trip. Overall she is doing exceptionally well. In fact, if you didn’t know her you would think she was just your typical senior dog. Of course we know that in the blink of an eye, something devastating could occur, and that we have to prepare ourselves for that.
Limoncello was originally given just a few weeks to a few months to live. We are grateful that as of today, Limoncello has given the paw to cancer for a blessed 5 weeks since her diagnosis. Beware, cancer….Limoncello is taking charge and calling the shots.
🍋𝙎𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙚𝙯𝙚 the Day
Dogs are pretty amazing aren’t they? Regardless of what’s (sometimes literally) thrown at them, they live in the present and savor every moment. Despite being abused, neglected, and let down by humans, regardless of diseases that try to destroy their short lives… dogs not only carry on, they accelerate forward with gratitude, grace and enthusiasm ….without regret…without grudges…and without fear. For dogs, each day…heck – each moment – is an opportunity to seizesqueeze the day. So Brian and I are going to try our best to take a page from Cello’s book and do just that…
Brian and I are going to SQUEEZE every bit of this opportunity by doing our best to put aside our fears of the “what-ifs” of this trip and focus on the present – focus on our gratitude for the value of every second we are blessed with on this trip. Not only will we look forward to seeing Limoncello finish up her dock diving season on her own terms and in her own way, but we will also be extremely grateful to be with the community that Limoncello created for us. We will see friends who we often get to spend time with, we will be reunited with friends we have not seen since pre-covid, and we are hopeful to meet new friends as well! Best of all, we will have Limoncello competing as a cancer warrior and Lager as a cancer survivor.
Moments Become Memories…Memories Become Treasures
Some every day moments that made me smile, and some memories that I will forever treasure…
Still the Reigning Neighborhood Fun Police
Don’t think for a second that because Cello is a Cancer Warrior she has neglected her Yard Guard duties…and if you’ve dared to walk, run, or ride a bike by our house, you already know this first hand!
Daily Walks
Whiskey and Limoncello
Showing Cancer Who the REAL Beast is!
I was doing some indoor conditioning with Hooch and I heard Limoncello whining. Thinking she had to go outside to potty, I opened the door to the room I was in … and in runs Limoncello…enthusiastically barking at me and looking at the conditioning equipment! She wanted IN on the workout fun! She was so excited to participate…Beast mode!
Never Give Up Reminder
A key chain that was gifted to me on one of Porter’s Therapy Dog visits…so appropriate!
Lounging on the Couch
Limoncello’s favorite sleeping position:
Watching Phillies Games
One of our most favorite pastimes…made that much more special:
Personalized Painted Box
A very special person sent me this beautifully painted box. The likeness to Limoncello is spot-on! This artist is truly outstanding…the pictures I took of this box don’t even do it justice! I will forever cherish this personalized gift box!
Chase Away K9 Cancer’s Chase Away 5K
Both Lager and Limoncello completed this 5K in several outings with me. My shirt only has Margarita and Lager’s name on it because at the time I ordered my race swag, we were unaware of Limoncello’s diagnosis. Limoncello is sporting Margarita’s Chase Away K9 Cancer bandana.
First Day of Fall
Oh my gourd…it’s Fall y’all!
GSP Rescue Support
Li’l Biscuit Bar
I saw a post on Facebook that mentioned a dog bakery called the Li’l Biscuit Bar. Immediately I thought bringing Cello to the bakery for her to pick out some treats would make a nice memory. When I searched for the business’s page, I noticed that the town that was listed was only about 20 minutes from us. However, I couldn’t find an exact address. I sent a message to the Li’l Biscuit Bar. The owner, Dawn, replied that she is a mobile treat trailer and asked me how I heard about her and if I had an event that I would like to have her attend. I explained I was looking to take Cello to a bakery in an attempt to continue creating memories due to her terminal cancer diagnosis. Dawn said, “I’ll do you one better, and bring the bakery TO Cello!” But that wasn’t all Dawn did for our family…she bought a special “Cello” shaped treat and offered to donate 100% of the proceeds of that treat to a charity of my choice (of course I chose Chase Away K9 Cancer)! In just two hours, thanks to Dawn, The Medford Lakes Lions Club, EMM Loans, and amazing friends and family…we raised $500 for Chase Away K9 Cancer! Thank you do everyone who helped make this happen and to those of you who came out to the event!
Homemade Treats and Chase Away K9 Cancer Donation
A neighbor who heard about the Li’l Biscuit Bar event but couldn’t make the PAWty…so she gifted Cello some homemade biscuits of her own and a donation to the Chase Away K9 Cancer foundation!
Lemon Blanket and Drink Coaster
Love these two gifts from a family member!
Support from Chase Away K9 Cancer
Chase Away K9 Cancer shared our post…I had no idea that Chase had the same cancer as Cello.
Handmade Wooden Sign
A coworker of Brian’s had this sign specially made:
Yellow for Cello
The pack’s Aunt Jackie wore yellow two days this week for Cello and even had lemons in the backdrop in hopes for a good report during Cello’s check-up!
Duck-Duck-Jeep!
I had been feverishly packing in hopes that Dr. Campbell would give Cello the thumbs-up for the trip all while knowing it is a possibility we would not be able to go. And let me tell you – it has been quite a week…
Y’all, it is NOT easy to move 8 dogs and 2 humans half way across the country in a camper…but I have a routine at this point and usually I have all my ducks in a row. Not so much this time!
I was getting nervous – – not about the possibility of having to cancel our trip – – but knowing a thumbs-down to the trip by Dr. Campbell would mean Cello has declined significantly.
My head was in a million places as I sped down the aisles at ShopRite. As I exited after checking out, I saw a pretty green Jeep parked next to me. Immediately I was excited because I had just filled my Halloween Duck-It-Bucket with some cool Halloween themed ducks and I couldn’t wait to duck a Jeep with one. As I came around to my driver’s side door – – there was a glittery yellow (ok gold – – but I’m still considering it yellow!) duck sitting on Betty White! I’m sure any customers in the parking lot thought I was nuts when they heard me squeal with excitement as I took my new glittery friend and placed her in her new home on my dashboard! I was hoping this was a sign that we would get good news at Cello’s appointment. Of course I ducked the pretty green Jeep in return with one of my skeleton ducks!
Note on From Dr. Campbell on Invoice
Gift Box
The pack’s Aunt Jackie always seems to send a goodie box just at the right time! This amazing box of goodies arrived right after I got home from Cello’s appointment!
Please excuse any typos and choppy sentences…I put this together quickly because, well…. I’ve got some packing to do! Stay tuned on our Facebook page for daily updates as our pack makes their way out to Iowa for the DockDogs World Championships!
A part of never giving up means making the most of every single moment – – and in typical Limoncello fashion, she is schooling us on how to do exactly that….
Weekly PUPdate
We as humans have so much to learn from dogs…Dogs live each and every day with a sense of excitement…with a 🍋 zest for life. They are resilient and move forward despite the challenges they face. Today marks three weeks-post diagnosis (8/30/23), and yet Limoncello continues to show pretty much zero symptoms outside of her right eye looking slightly larger than the left. Although that makes me happy, if I’m going to be honest… I need to share that the past three weeks have been stressful to say the least. Upon diagnosis, Limoncello was given only a-few-weeks to a-few-months to live. I feel like this cancer has left us feeling much like we did when Porter and Jägermeister’s seizures were not under control – it’s like living with a ticking time bomb … never knowing when it’s going to “explode” … never knowing when that seizure or nosebleed is going to dreadfully emerge…Waking up each morning wondering if that day will be her last. Despite efforts to remain positive and have faith, the worries still find a way to slither their way into my mind, especially leading up to her 3-week check-up. However, I am (cautiously) relieved to share this week’s report!
September 19, 2023: Three Week Check Up With Primary Veterinarian
Limoncello saw our primary veterinarian, Dr. Campbell, on September 19th.
Observations I Shared:
Cello’s activity level, eating/drinking habits and behavior have not changed at all
Dr. Campbell was happy to hear this.
Cello has begun to sneeze periodically, which is new for her – but we were told to expect this, and luckily there has been no bleeding that has accompanied the sneezing
I thought I was crazy to think her right eye looked better than it did three weeks ago…
Dr. Campbell agreed that she thought Cello’s eye looked better as well!
Evaluations DuringExam:
The following have had no decline/changes:
signs of discomfort
left nostril airflow (right nostril is blocked by tumor)
heart murmur
facial bones and skull
mouth, throat, and swallowing
right eye
My Questions:
When should see Cello be seen next?
suggested time frame was 2-3 weeks
Can we review what we are we watching out for?
seizures
discharge from nostrils
nosebleeds
swallowing with effort
snuffling
squinting
teeth chattering
Can we get a letter to submit to DockDogs so that we could request a reimbursement for Cello’s World Championship entry fees due to her medical condition?
When I heard the words come out of Dr. Campbell’s mouth, it took my breath away and immediately the tears began to flow: “I think you should go. She deserves one last jump.” (Insert ugly crying here)! Dr. Cambell said that because Cello surprisingly did not show the decline that was expected in the last 3 weeks, it is highly likely there will not be a drastic decline in the upcoming next few weeks – although we have to understand that anything is possible of course. BUT, if she’s doing well and feeling good, why not let her do what she loves … revel in what she created for our family… and jump at the World Championship one more time?! Since Cello has had no decline and her exam went well, her previous restriction of not jumping off the dock has been lifted at the moment and for as long as it is deemed safe for her to do so.
If we go to the World Championships in Iowa, we take the chance of an emergency happening on the road, and although because of past experience, it has become one of our biggest fears, that emergency could (or could NOT!) happen anytime, anywhere. The last thing we want to do is just “sit around and wait” when we could be making the most of Limoncello’s enjoyable moments.
I will have to plan and pack as if we are going to the World Championship with the mindset of knowing we could have to cancel at any given moment – including less than 24 hours before we’d have to leave. Limoncello will have to remain asymptomatic and she will also have an exam again with Dr. Campbell on October 6th. If all goes well again at that exam, we will leave early on the morning of October 7th to what very well may be the most memorable and meaningful trip our team as a whole has taken.
I have done zero planning for the World Championships, considering we had already resigned to the fact that we couldn’t go…So we won’t have new fancy team shirts, or cool trading cards for our pack, but what we will have is 2 of the greatest gifts of all: Limoncello making most likely her last jump while battling cancer, and Lager competing as a survivor. We have had some pretty amazing moments, awards, and accomplishments at the World Championships over the years, but THIS, my friends, will truly rival them all. No award…no nomination…no victory can or will ever fill our hearts with a greater sense of pride and gratitude than seeing Cello flipping cancer the paw and doing what she loves most…rockin’ the dock one last time! Fingers and paws crossed that we are able to make the trip.
The Best Thing About Memories is Making Them
A devastating diagnosis is a jolting wake-up call that reminds us that time is precious and not meant to be wasted. Live every day making every moment count. Even though cancer can eventually take loved ones away from us, the one thing it can never steal from us is our memories…so make LOTS of them. Here are some I made with Limoncello this week:
Bike Ride Around Town
Betty White’s First Off Road Adventure
Chillin’ on the Couch with Brother Hooch
National Cheeseburger Day
Visiting with Friends and Family
PUPpuccino
National String Cheese Day
With Gratitude
I am a true believer in the power of positivity – and it is extremely apparent that Limoncello is feeling the prayers and good vibes you all have been sending. Brian and I appreciate each and every one of you.
Here are a few gifts from this week:
Box of Sunshine
Care Box for the Whole Pack
Cello-Yellow Flowers and Cookies
No News is Good News
If Limoncello continues to do well, my plan is to post an update after her October 6th exam instead of a weekly update next week. Until then, please continue to send those positive thoughts Cello’s way, and don’t forget to keep making those memories with your loved ones!
Another week to be thankful for – – Limoncello continues to reveal no symptoms other than her right eye looking slightly irregular. Her eye does not look any worse, her activity level is normal, and she is eating and drinking as usual. Tuesday she will have a check-up with her primary veterinarian.
“We Don’t Remember Days, We Remember Moments“
~Cesare Pavese
I never really thought about it…but you never know when you are making memories, do you? Limoncello’s diagnosis made me realize that without even being aware of it – everything we do in our daily schedule is a live recording of memories-in-the-making. It’s easy to get wrapped up into social media and focusing on “post-worthy” events/photos/videos that often overpower other important moments in life. Sometimes life is just to busy to realize that everyday activities that appear to mean nothing at the time, actually turn out to mean EVERYTHING when a devastating diagnosis is delivered. If there is even a positive that can come out of a situation like this, it’s that it sure does make you slow down and focus on being grateful for the routine things that tend to go unnoticed because they become ordinary, unremarkable activities…it makes you appreciate each and every moment in your day – because all those little things…all those non-post-worthy moments…are about to become the most important and significant memories you’ll have with those you love…
Memorable Moments Made This Week
Lake Time
We were given the “go-ahead” to let Limoncello swim in the lake if she enters at her own will. Although we will miss tossing a toy for her, we are grateful that she can still enjoy one of her most-loved activities.
Family Visits
Limoncello is enjoying being the center of attention when visitors come to see her.
Breakfast at Evergreen Dairy Bar
Any M. Night Shyamalan fans out there? One of his latest movies, “Knock at the Cabin” was filmed extremely close to us here in the Pine Barrens. One of the scenes towards the end of the movie was shot at one of our favorite breakfast and ice cream spots: Evergreen Dairy Bar. For the movie, Evergreen’s name was changed to “Angie’s Roadside Diner.”
Limoncello enjoyed a scrambled egg with bacon.
Pointer Piles on the Couch
Shopping at Tractor Supply
Walks Around the Neighborhood
Dollar Tree Find
I stopped into a dollar store for something totally unrelated, and my eye caught something yellow! Brian and I always enjoy a glass of wine at the end of each night. These lemon themed wine glasses will help us remember to toast to Cello each night
Cheering on the Philadelphia Phillies
Porch Sittin’
Car Ride Around Town
Thank You For Accompanying Cello On Her Journey
Good company on a difficult journey … it lessens our fear and fills our minds and hearts with the hope, faith, and courage needed to uphold the strength needed to support Limoncello with a positive tone and light spirit . We deeply appreciate the kindness, support, and love that our friends, family, and community continues to offer during this difficult and uncertain time. Your post comments, private messages, and phone calls help to ease our stress and brighten’s Limoncello’s days. Your support is a majority of the fuel that keeps us going strong on this difficult path. Thank you all…for everything.
Limoncello Profile Pictures
Friends changed their Facebook profile pictures in support of Cello.
Surprise Chewy Box!
Another Surprise Chewy Box!
Dock Diving Friends Jumping for Cello at Their Dock Diving Competitions
Collection for Chase Away Canine Cancer
Chase Away Canine Cancer is an organization that is near and dear to our hearts. This organization was created in memory of a canine dock diving competitor named Chase. Chase Away Canine Cancer’s passion and commitment is to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of this terrible disease.
It’s The Memories We Make with Others That Are Forever Written In Our Hearts
When I began this blog about 10 years ago, it was meant solely to be a collection of all memories that were created with Limoncello. What it has become is far more than I ever imagined. It’s by no means a “famous” website – what I mean is that this blog has not only held each and every memory that Cello created in our lives, it has also become a means to help others by sharing information and experiences. It has been a gateway into a whole new family of amazing people and pups that I am now connected with – all because of Limoncello. My mission is to continue to help as many people and pups as I can as I promote my compassion for animals, share activities that strengthen the bond between humans and their fur-kids, and document experiences with our pack.
I am disappointed in myself for falling behind on this blog, (about 2-plus years behind to be exact!) …but writing about Limoncello’s recent diagnosis as prompted me to remember the whole reason I began this journal of posts in the first place: to share all the memories that have been gifted to me by Limoncello – and now ALL of my fur-kids. It’s important to me to be able to look back on just how blessed I am to be spending a part of my life with each and every special 4-legged angel included in this blog, and it has become even more important to me to have a diary of adventures and experiences that can easily be accessed to help others when needed….whether it be as simple as sharing a dog friendly establishment, or offering support with documented information on diseases and injuries that PAWrents find difficult to navigate through.
So I apologize in advance for any of you who subscribe directly to the blog for the abundance of email alerts that (hopefully!) are to come as I try and buckle-down, back-date posts, and publish “missed memories” in an attempt to catch the blog up to date.
Bucket List A Medley of Memories in the Making
There’s nothing wrong with making “Bucket List”… In fact, I think it’s actually a great idea…but when I decided to create a list for Margarita, I chose to call it an Adventure List because “Bucket List” had me more focused on the fact she was dying, instead of concentrating on celebrating her LIVING days . Although I was blessed to have completed 8 out of the 10 adventures before she had passed, it wound up adding to my heartbreak that the list remained with “adventures that would never be”…
…So when Brian and I spoke about doing some extra special things for Limoncello, we decided that a spontaneous Memories in the Making would be a nice choice. Instead of making a list and stressing out about trying to complete everything on it, each day (or each week), we will choose to do something special with Limoncello. That “something” could be as simple as individual time of sitting with her on the couch or the porch, or as elaborate as a planned overnight trip. Whatever hits us as a good idea in-the-moment will be the memory that makes the list. The list will be ongoing…in the making…until Limoncello decides it is her time to cross the rainbow bridge.
1 Week Post-Diagnosis (August 30, 2023)
It took us a quite a few days to get our heads on (somewhat) straight….but even still, we managed to squeeze quite a bit into the last week! Due to schedules and life getting in the way at times, we know we won’t always be able to create such an abundance of memories each week, but we are grateful for the memory-packed week that we had with our special girl!
August 31, 2023
Sun bathing and neighborhood walk
September 1, 2023
Watching the Phillies game with brother Hooch
September 2, 2023
1/2 mile hike at a local park
Picnic in a local park
September 3, 2023
Making a memory box.
I save special items throughout each dog’s life. I have the items in basic cardboard boxes until I make a “fancy” box for each dog. Although this was not the situation that I wanted to prompt me to do Limoncello’s memory chest, I am glad it is finished and that all her special things are inside for us to cherish always. I bought the box at Joanne Fabric store, did a pencil transfer of Limoncello’s name, used a wood burner to burn her name into the wood, then stained it with “Lemon” (yes, that was the actual name of the color!) tinted stain by Minwax (so excited that I found stain that can be colored!!)… and lastly, I put a couple coats of clear polyurethane over the stain to protect it.
September 4, 2023
Pool PAWty
From the time Cello was a puppy, she loved to just lay and chill in a baby pool and would often try to lay in any puddles she could find along our walks!
When life gives you lemons…make limoncello (literally).
It has been quite a while since a batch of Tommy D’s Limoncello has been made. A batch has now been started and we plan to try and always have some on-hand from this day forward.
September 5, 2023
Duck, Duck, Jeep with cousin James
Cello got ducked with her very own stuffie-duck, and off we went to duck some Jeeps!
September 6, 2023
Ice Cream
“I’ll stop the world and melt with you.” This week’s heat wave was a great opportunity to have a cold treat. Our local ice cream shop, Sand Stand, offers dog-friendly pup cups! It was dark by the time we got there today, so the pictures aren’t the best but it sure was fun to watch her enjoy her ice cream!
We May Not Have A Lot of Ammunition, But We Surely Are Not Going Down Without at Least Trying to Defend Cello
I’m going to be honest…I had a lot of anger with this diagnosis…A LOT. I couldn’t fathom how this cancer took over so much of Limoncello and went undetected in bloodwork and in our daily observations….how she is otherwise healthy aside from this vast tumor taking over half her head. I don’t ever like to accept the notion that there is nothing we can do….but I had to also come to grips with the devastating diagnosis at hand. Through tears of sadness and anger I realized it is my reality that I cannot save the sweet soul who single-handedly rescued us…that’s a hard pill to swallow.
We may not have a lot of ammunition, but we surely are not going down without some kind of a fight…even if that “fight” is geared more towards defending Cello with the only options we have. We will battle daily for Limoncello to be sure she is happy, content, and comfortable for all of her remaining days. We will fight to prolong her quality of life.
Our goal at this point is to support Limoncello’s immune system with anti-tumor, anti-cancer, and antioxidant benefits. In conjunction with the traditional medications Cello is on (Gabapentin and Carprofen), the finalized list of holistic options we chose to incorporate for Limoncello (with he help of her medical team of course) are as follows:
Organic turkey tail mushrooms
Antioxidant properties, boosts gut health, and known to have cancer-fighting properties
Yunnan Baiyao
helps to control bleeding
Pet Wellbeing’s Life Gold
Immune system support and antioxidant protection for dogs with cancer
helps to boost the immune system and aids in reducing inflammation. The lauric acid in coconut oil is also known to have anti-cancer properties.
Support from Others is Not Just an Important Thing, It’s EVERYthing
The outpour of support has been absolutely amazing. Brian and I appreciate every post comment, phone call, gift, text, and private message. This just makes us that much more grateful for Limoncello, who is responsible for the fact that we have this huge community of support and love.
Our Primary Veterinarian
I’m sure everyone thinks their vet is the best… but honestly…OUR VET IS THE BEST! Dr. Campbell is the most brilliant, caring, compassionate (and most patient!) person I know. With each issue that arises, we learn so much from Dr. Campbell. We always have (a ton of!) questions and we are so grateful for the time, efforts, and love this saint-of-a-woman provides to our family!
Care package
Great friends of ours, who we met at Limoncello’s first-ever dock diving competition, recently lost their amazing dog to cancer. Limoncello received a box filed with some items that helped our friends’ pup when he was on his cancer journey.
Visitors and Cello-Yellow Flowers
Family members stopped by to spend some time with Cello and each brought a bunch of Cello-yellow flowers.
Connected to Author Penny Miller for Holistic Approach Advice
A great friend, who I met through Instagram in sharing Cello’s DCM diagnosis, connected me with this author, who contacted me directly to share her advice on hospice care and holistic options.
Card Expressing Support
Close friends – you guessed it – we met because of Limoncello – – sent a card of support even though they check in with us regularly. We are truly blessed!
Shots of Limoncello at the Competition We Had to Skip
We received a video from great friends at the competition in Ohio doing a shot of limoncello for Limoncello. As we watched the video, we smiled….and we cried… what an amazing group of people! We were so upset not to be there. Friends sent us pictures and videos all weekend long to make us feel like we were right there with them as we cheered them on from New Jersey. This group of people right here is the true meaning of community. Limoncello prompted us to get involved in dock diving…and having our DockDogs family in our lives has been life-changing for us. We are forever grateful!
Session with an animal communicator
What an amazing gift! We have never done something like this before. An absolutely awesome couple we were fortunate enough to meet through Limoncello thoughtfully and generously gifted us a session with an animal communicator whose expertise is having insight into the physical body (medical intuition). Our session was extremely cathartic during this very difficult time.
A Lemon Themed Mani-Pedi for Cello
An amazing friend had her manicure and pedicure done …Limoncello style in an effort to spark up both conversation and more prayers for our girl!
With sincere gratitude: Thank you ALL for the love and support you continue to extend to Limoncello, and to our family
There is no easy way to put this, and no back-story to tell…as this all happened so suddenly. This week it has been discovered that Limoncello has an inoperable mass that encompasses the entire right side of her head…including her eye socket & nasal cavity. It has deteriorated bone, including breaking through the cribriform plate and extending to her brain. Due to the vast size, locations of the mass, Cello’s age, and her Dilated Cardiomyopathy, surgery and treatments such as chemo, radiation, or CyberKnife are not options.
There were zero… ZERO signs. Limoncello had been playing in the yard, swimming, going on walks, eating normally, acting normally and had no abnormalities in her physical features … She had her annual cardiology exam just a couple of weeks ago and not only did her cardiologist give her a gleaming report, a comprehensive bloodwork panel returned with near perfect results. …ZERO signs… until…about a couple of weeks ago when I noticed that Cello’s right eyelid looked a bit “droopy.” In the following days I noticed that the third eyelid was elevated. She was seen by our primary veterinarian, Dr. Campbell, just days after the observation with our thought being that she somehow irritated her eye, or had an infection. At this point, we noticed that her eyeball now seemed to be protruding. Dr. Campbell examined her and placed her on antibiotics in the event she may have an infection/abscess behind the eye. We did discuss the possibility of a retrobulbar mass. Dr. Campbell suggested that we secure an appointment with an eye specialist as soon as possible.
August 29, 2023: Ophthalmologist Appointment
Luckily we were able to schedule an appointment on 8/29/23 with Dr. Shelby Reinstein, board-certified ophthalmologist at Vet Vision Center, located about an hour from our home. Upon exam, Dr. Reinstein ruled out two of the three common eye socket abnormalities: (1) an abscesses (infection), and (2) cellulitis (inflammation)….with all her observations leading toward a retrobulbar tumor (mass in the eye socket). Dr. Reinstein also noted that now Cello’s right nostril had decreased airflow. It was recommended that we get a CT scan to see exactly what we are dealing with.
Note: the growth on her left bottom eyelid has been deemed in the past to be benign and not bothersome
August 30, 2023: Appointment with Internal Medicine Doctor and CT Scan
Cello arriving to Blue Pearl for her CT scan
We were fortunate to get an appointment the very next day with the internal medicine doctor who has cared for both Margarita and Porter in the past. On 8/30/23 Limoncello was examined by Dr. Peter Chapman at Blue Pearl Pet Hospital in Levittown, PA, who also agreed that all signs pointed to a mass that was most likely malignant. A CT scan was performed that afternoon that revealed the suspected mass behind Cello’s eye was only the tip of the iceberg. Bones are deteriorated, her right nostril is mostly blocked, and not only does the mass encompass the entire right side of her head, it has broken through the cribriform plate and has reached her brain. Due to the initial findings during the CT scan, we opted not to obtain a biopsy. Using a scope to secure a biopsy would have been too invasive and we did not want to put Cello’s body through any more stress. In addition, it was taken into consideration by both us and Cello’s medical team that no treatment options meant that unfortunately a biopsy would not provide us with any additional beneficial information.
We are still waiting on the finalized results from the CT scan. We have been told that it could take a couple of days to a couple of weeks for us to receive it. We are reluctantly anxious to read the report… Although we want to learn every detail that we can, we also know that it may not provide any positive news.
(Left): One of the images from the CT scan. View is from the back of Cello’s head. (Right): Shows the approximate extent of the mass that is visible
We are grateful that doctors determined Cello is not yet in any pain or discomfort. With all traditional treatments off the table, Cello will be closely monitored until she lets us know she is ready to make her journey over the rainbow bridge. Doctors have given us signs to look for which include but are not limited to: recurring nose bleeds, seizures, difficulty eating, and labored breathing. Cello will also have regular check-ups with our primary veterinarian, Dr. Campbell. The time she has left with us is unknown but it is only estimated to be anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months.
No Options for Traditional Treatment Plans…So What Do We Do NOW?
To say we are completely shocked and devastated is an understatement. Again – there have been ZERO signs. Cello is otherwise healthy – she displayed no symptoms – and we now have no way to try and stop this. We feel powerless with no options to help her. Aside now from the look of her right eye, you would never know she had a mass that took over the entire right side of her head. She is eating and drinking normally, her breathing sounds typical, she is still bossing the pack around and is physically active.
I have never been one to ever accept hearing “there is nothing we can do.” When protecting our fur-kids, we NEVER go down without a fight – but how do you battle something that has already won? We are by no means surrendering, but it seems this silent killer has left us with no choice but to focus our efforts on helping Cello live her remaining days to the fullest.
Cello will begin some medications and supplements to help support her through her remaining time. Supportive measures will be introduced slowly and in stages. The start of her schedule will look something like this:
Immediately:
Gabapentin
anticonvulsant drug used to treat chronic pain caused by certain cancers. It is also used to prevent seizures
Carprofen
a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)that has been known to relieve the pain associated with certain cancers and reduces swelling and inflammation.
In 7 days:
Yunnan Baiyao
helps to stop bleeding, provides pain relief, and helps to reduce inflammation
In 14 days:
CAS Options or I’m-Yunity
supports immune health
In addition to the above, Cello will have coconut oil added to her diet. Coconut oil helps to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. It contains lauric acid, which has also been known to have anti-cancer properties.
We are doing our best to push the anger and sadness away and to shift our focus to ensuring that our actions and demeanor are positive and hopeful, as we know that Cello will feed off of our energy. We know that we are blessed to have had Limoncello in our lives for 12 years when so many other dogs and PAWrents have been less fortunate. Although it is difficult to see it that way in the moment, above all for Cello’s sake, we will find the strength to remain positive and celebrate any and all additional time with her that we will be blessed with. She has led us on so many amazing journeys that we would never have embarked on had it not been for her – now it is our turn to walk beside her on this new and difficult path. We intend to make every second count and ensure that every day is viewed as a chance to make a new memory that will be cherished always.
The Well-Being of Our Pack
There is no doubt Limoncello is our pack’s leader. There are two pack members in particular who are extremely bonded to her. They look to follow her every move, and when they aren’t in motion, they are laying intertwined with her. We have already begun putting methods and schedules into place in hopes to make their transition a bit less difficult when the dreaded shift in their pack and home occurs.
We originally had a dock diving trip planned for this weekend that we canceled. We wish all of our friends a successful weekend as they strive to obtain invitations to the DockDogs World Championships. We will be cheering you all on from NJ. As you know from the past – we have an “All for one, one for all” mantra for our pack. As of now, all future long-distance dock diving trips/competitions for our team are on hold so that we may focus on celebrating time with Limoncello, remain in close proximity to her medical team, and center our attention on the well-being of our pack during this difficult time.
August 31, 2023
Limoncello enjoyed sunbathing in the yard and a walk in our neighborhood.
Our Sincere Gratitude
Comfort fooddropped off to our house by great friends
Friends and family have already offered support on so many levels…post comments, private messages, phone calls, texts, dropping off comfort food, offers to cancel plans and spend the weekend with us…all reminders of just how truly blessed we are to have you all in our lives – and for the majority of you – it’s Limoncello we have to thank for leading us to cross paths with you in the countless adventures she has taken us on. We are so appreciative for all of you, and would ask that you please continue to offer up those prayers and send along those good vibes for Limoncello.
