Today Argus had an ultrasound done to see if this, along with the blood work we had done, could pinpoint what was going on with him. We now have a definitive diagnosis and it is not good.
Argus has primary malignant lymphoma with metastasis to liver, spleen and several other organs and tissues. The liver is in bad shape which explains his vomiting and not wanting to eat. The vet gave us a survival prognosis of anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months…and we will be starting him on a steroid called prednisone tomorrow which will mask the symptoms he has been having and make him feel a whole lot better. On this medication, he should be able to enjoy his final days with us.
I told Kip tonight that I keep picturing him and Caribou romping on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge and that helps me to deal with the pain of knowing we will be saying good-bye to him much sooner than we had hoped.
Thank you all for your kind comments on my Sunday Salon post…it means a lot to me to know you are keeping us in our thoughts and prayers.
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Oh, poor Argus. I know you will do all you can to enjoy his last days with you. You’ll be in my thoughts during this difficult time.
I’m so very sorry … this is never an easy thing. It sounds as if you are doing everything possible to make sure Argus’ last days with you are as comfortable as possible. Remember to take care of yourselves, too.
Oh Wendy, I am SO sorry. My parents have lost two Goldens to cancer, and it is never easy. My mother still mourns their deaths years later. There is something about a Golden that steals a part of your heart, but I think that we are better off having loved them and having let them love us as only they can. I will be keeping Argus and you in my prayers that his last days are as peaceful, happy, and comfortable as possible.
Wendy, I am so sorry. My heart goes out to you. Our pets are so precious to us and parts of our family. It’s so difficult to see them hurting. I’ll be thinking about you and praying for you all.
Oh Wendy — I am crying for you — I truly feel your pain. Argus has been so blessed to have such kind, caring owners as you and Kip. He will enjoy these last days — and will gladly pass over to be, once again, to be with Caribou. While I know this does nothing to ease our human pain, I know that truly ALL dogs go to Heaven and I will be praying for the wonderful earthly days remaining. Cyber hugs go out to you, Kip, Argus and sweet Raven.
Poor little Argus! I hope the prednisone eases his journey!
I am so very sorry about Argus. I truly believe he will be romping with his old buddy
sniff sniff sniff
Oh my, I am so sorry to read about this. I know that it must be difficult to be going through this. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts, and when it is Argus’ time to go, I hope you can all find peace in knowing that he will be going to join Caribou.
I’m so sorry to hear this. I hope he gets a good quality of life to spend his last days happy and with you. I’m sure Caribou will be waiting on the other side for him.
I’m so sorry to hear about Argus…such a sad thing, the loss of a pet. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May he live his final days to the fullest.
Oh Wendy, I am so sorry. This is what happened with Bubba last year. Gosh, it was this time last year when I got the cancer news too. My heart goes out to your and your family. Big hugs to all.
Love and hugs to and Kip and a couple of ear scratches for Argus too.
I am so sad to hear that Argus is so sick. I hope the medication works in making him comfortable so that you can enjoy your last days with him. I am crying buckets right now!
I am sure that Caribous will be greeting Argus happily, when the time comes. I hope that Robbie is there with them.
Hugs!
Wendy, I’m so so sorry to hear about Argus. I remember reading your site when Caribou passed away, and I am so sorry to hear you will be going through the same thing again so soon. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I’m so sorry, Wendy. I hope the prednisone keeps Argus comfortable and am sure Caribou will be happy to be reunited with an an old buddy when the time comes. Hugs to you all…
With tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat, I send my love to you and Kip. I hope Argus is comfortable and able to enjoy the joy of being in your company for however long he has.
This is sad news indeed. I am very, very sorry and will keep you guys in my thoughts.
I’m just so sorry. I don’t think there’s anything else I can say.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lezlie
OK, this post made me cry. Poor Argus, but it’s such a happy thought of him and Caribou having fun together..
I am sorry that Argus’s prognosis isn’t good. Like you said though, I am sure he will be happy to be reunited with Caribou.
It’s just sad. On Sunday when I was reading your post, my husband walked by and asked who Argus was. So I had to go into this odd explination – caribousmom, blog, bookiestoo, caribou, the new puppy… It’s so odd and amazing how online contacts can become real people. The humans and cats on this end of the computer are sending you, Kip and all your furries our best thoughts.
Wendy, I am so sorry about Argus. I too have lost a beloved pet to advanced cancer. I still miss her very much. It is terrible how much you love them. I am very sorry to hear this news.
Poor argus! At least you know what’s wrong. I still have no idea what’s going on with my dog. He’s on a new diet, but it doesn’t seem to be helping. The only thing they’ve diagnosed so far is that he has a thyroid issue…but I have no idea what is causing his fur to thin and fall out and all that skin itchiness!
I can’t help it… I teared up immediately while reading this. I am keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers. I don’t have kids yet and our dog is my baby. She is getting up there in years and I don’t want to even imagine her getting older. I hope Argus and do love the thought that him and Caribou will soon be playing again together soon.
We lost our 13 year old chocolate lab to lymphoma 2 1/2 years ago. Her picture is still in my office and she’s always in our hearts. It took two dogs (a golden and a black lab mutt) to replace her.
Please give Argus a belly rub from me.
I had missed your original post about Argus, but I’m so sorry to hear this news. I’m going through something similar with one of my cats right now, so I know how difficult this is. My thoughts are with you.
I’m so sorry! I hope that the pred works and that Argus is comfortable in the remaining time he has. I know that he will be loved well both now and long after he’s romping with Caribou.
My heart is breaking!! I’m so sorry that Argus has to endure this…he and you are in my thoughts!!
Very sad news, Wendy. I’ll have all of you in my thoughts. The most important thing, as you and Kip have seen to, is that Argus is made as comfortable as possible. Yes, keep that image of him and Caribou romping together close to mind. As someone once said, If a heaven for humans is possible, how can a heaven for animals not be possible?
I missed your post on Sunday (we were away this weekend), so this is the first I’ve heard about Argus, and I’m very sorry, Wendy. It seems so soon after Caribou. I’ll be thinking of you all and hoping that things will be OK for the time remaining.
Poor Argus. I just hope he’s comfy. I’m sure he’s had a great long life with you and Caribou.
I will continue to lift you up in prayer as you go through this trying time.
Very sorry to read this news. Take care.
I am sorry to hear about Argus. I know how hard it is to lose a pet.
I hope he can enjoy his last days.
I’m so sorry. ((HUGS))
I’m so sorry to hear this. =/ I hope all of you can enjoy the rest of what I’m sure has been a happy and full life.
Rather than respond to each of you separately – let me say THANK YOU to all of you who left a comment on this post…if you have not read the latest update, Kip and I had to make the difficult decision to let Argus go on to the Rainbow Bridge and join Caribou…the prednisone was not working and he was suffering. I so appreciate all of your kind thoughts and prayers…thank you just doesn’t seem to express how grateful I am for the support.