Rusty's 4th Birthday and Not Good News

[Chuck Holliman]

I have not had time to keep up to date with this site the past few months. My Mom, who is 91, has been in and out of the hospital since May; she lives six hours away. I received a call Tuesday morning that she had fallen again and was transported to the hospital. I rushed over on Wednesday, fortunately she did not suffer any broken bones and I was able to take her home on Thursday and return home on Friday.

We had another Birthday party for Rusty, his 4th, his friends and supporters; in order to include Dr. Macy, we had to schedule it for August 11 rather than his actual Birthday. I will upload some photos from the party; Jan and a neighbor made the cupcakes with the dog decorations. Rusty had a great time seeing all of his human friends and supporters, although he needed a couple of timeouts to recharge during the evening.

Rusty had been doing very well the past few months and then three weeks ago, he went into a tailspin; he began to slow down eating and then stopped altogether; a couple of days later he also stopped drinking water. He started vomiting and developed diarrhea. Dr. Macy was in Alaska fishing, and we took him to our regular vet; they could not find anything in their tests as to what was going on and wanted to wait for Dr. Macy. They gave him several injections to stop the diarrhea, increase his appetite and perk him up; we fed him chicken broth and Pedialyte several times a day using a syringe. Jan and I spent three nights in our recliners with Rusty in his bed between us. Dr. Macy ran a battery of tests on Rusty last week; none of which gave him the answers as to what was happening with his stomach/GI tract. He scheduled Rusty for ultrasound tests.

Rusty underwent abdominal ultrasound scans today; the good news is that there is no sign of cancer! However, Rusty was diagnosed with Microhepatica, which basically means that he is in liver failure. Rusty will be on a special diet and medications for the duration of his life (this has been routine for him over the past 2 ½ years). Dr. Macy would not give us a prognosis until he does a through review of all of the tests, but it does mean a much shorter life. Most likely the liver was damaged by the chemotherapy treatments. We were expecting that the scans would show the return of his cancer, not another problem that he has to battle. Rusty has exhibited all of the symptoms of this disease over the past three weeks, especially not eating. Dr. Macy is going to research what treatment protocol will work best for Rusty and get back to us tomorrow with a plan of action. He has to be on a low-protein diet; Dr. Macy says to give him as much ice cream as he wants.

It seems so unfair as Rusty has battled his cancer to a standstill for 2 1/2 years, only to lose to complications from the chemotherapy that has kept him alive since his amputation.

Chuck & Rusty

[Ronna, Murphy & Wilson]

I am so very sorry to hear this.  Rusty and your family are often in my thoughts and prayers.  Hugs to you all.

[Lauren, Scooby and Bella]

So very sorry to hear about this new setback for Rusty.  He is such a brave boy.  I pray he get thru this with strengh which keeps him healthy for a very long time.  Shower him with ice cream treats... he deserves it  Good luck to all of you during this journey. 

[Michele, Biscuit & Mo]

Chuck, my heart goes out to you, Jan, and Rusty.  Having gone through this with our Penny just a few months ago, I know how difficult a downturn can be.  He is SOOOO lucky to have you guys as doodle parents, and you've given him the world... and I also know he's given you more joy than you can recount.  Treasure every day, and yes, let him eat all the ice cream he wants!  Sending much love and good vibes your way.

[Pam & Trixie]

Im very sorry to hear the latest news on Rusty.  I hope that Dr Macy can find a diet that will help him feel better & give him more time with you.   Thinking of you all

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

This news about Rusty is heartbreaking.  After all you and Rusty have been through, it just doesn't seem right that there should be more.  I know you will enjoy and cherish every day the two of you have.  Hang in there and keep posting updates.  

[Jennifer and Jack]

Saying my prayers for all of you, You sure have been under a lot of stress lately..

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am so very sorry to hear your news about Rusty. Unfortunately sometimes  treatment does cause additional problems. Rusty has been heroic an we are all rooting for you all.

[BG and Gavin]

Rusty you are such a strong dood.  We hope and pray that you can battle through this to enjoy the most days possible.  You are wonderful Chuck and have given Rusty every chance.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Oh no, poor Rusty. I am thinking of you guys...

[Marianne *OZZY & ZOEY]

Aww poor Rusty and of course you too! Our prayers are with you for sure and sending doodle hugs your way.