WonderDog's 7th Birthday and Cancer Prognosis

[Michele, Biscuit & Mo]

Ah, me!  It's been so long since I posted here on DoodleKisses!  This last year seems to have gotten away from us, but please don't think we've deserted you.  While I haven't been that active here lately, the pups and I have lurked on a regular basis and stayed in touch with those of you who have been so nice to email and comment on our page.

To give you an update, here's what went on in our lives in 2011:

- My husband was diagnosed with a recurrence of prostate cancer

- My mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer

- Penny was diagnosed with mast cell cancer

- My mother (in Michigan) suffered a stroke in July and spent two months in rehab

- I dealt with a few health issues of my own

- My mother suffered a second, massive stroke in October

Between doctors' offices, hospitals, nursing homes, and business travel, you can imagine that I haven't had a lot of extra time around here.  :-)  Things are under control here now, but we take one day at a time.

Penny celebrated her 7th birthday yesterday!  She was diagnosed with mast cell cancer almost one year ago and continues to hang in there.  We thought we'd only have her around for 3 more months, but we're coming up on a year.  Her Palladia medication has worked wonders to this point.  I'm sad to say that at last week's check-up, they found new growth on her lymph nodes, which doesn't bode well.  But we're working on increasing her medication and hopefully it won't take too much of a toll on her.  No matter what, we are focused on giving her the best quality of life she has left.  Each day with her is an absolute joy, and she loves her little sister Biscuit.

I took some video last night of their usual romp.  As you can see, Penny is doing great.  I can't imagine life without her (can't remember what life was like BEFORE her!), but work hard to balance reality with the precious moments of the day.

We love you ALL for your concern and continued support - there's no place like DoodleKisses!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Happy birthday Penny girl! 

And what a year you have had.  I got teary eyed thinking of you and your family.  Here's to a much much much better 2012 for you, your mother, your husband and Penny.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Happy Birthday, Penny! You hang in there, you are a blessing to all of us.

[Colleen, Jake & Baxter]

Happy Birthday Blessings to you Penny and hugs to your little sister Biscuit! Your mommy sounds like she has had quite a year so my mommy wants to give her best wishes and peace that this will be a better year for her and her family.  I know that you and your little sister give her lots of love and laughter - we enjoyed watching the two of you play!

[Linda and Murphy]

Happy Birthday Penny!  You are a wonderdog, indeed.  Doodle hugs to all.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Happy Birthday PENNY!!!! So glad to hear from you and see your fun video! You made it through all that and Penny too! You are all wonderdogs!!!!  Here's to another day of doodle love for your family! Take care!

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

It is so great to hear from you.  I am so sorry that everything seems to be hitting you all at once.  I was there with my husband's prostate cancer 5 years ago and so far no recurrence (fingers crossed) and then 5 years of my mother with strokes, dementia, caregivers, my daughter's two miscarriages but now a healthy pregnancy and due April 1.  My mother passed away last May and I have had to take care of the trust and keep my flake of a brother out of financial trouble but as of this week, the trust is put to bed and I am free, free, free.  So, I just wanted you to know how much I understand what you have gone through.  The only part I can't relate to is Penny.  We did have a Lab Rodney who we lost to Lymphoma 9 years ago but he was never even close to what Gracie Doodle means to me and how much she is in my heart.  You have been through a lot and need Hugs!!!  Hugs to both you and Penny.  So glad to hear she is doing fine but sorry about the recent vet visit.  I can't even go there in my mind.  Remember we are all here for you if you need a place to go for understanding and support! 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thank you so much for the update on Penny.  I am so glad she is hanging in there. Give her a kiss and hug from Ned and Clancy.  Give little sister, Biscuit, a special doodle snuggle from Ned.

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

So glad to hear penny is doing so well...my exdhtobe was diagnosed with cancer about the sometime last year so her story really stuck with me and I think of you all often!

[Julie, Izzie & Max]

Happy Birthday Penny! She looks like she is happy and feeling great.  I'm so sorry about all the difficulties you went through in 2011.  I wish you all the best in this year. 

[Bonnie and Kona]

It sounds like this has been an incredibly difficult year for you. I am thrilled to see Penny and Biscuit having so much fun together. You remain in my thoughts and prayers. I hope this coming year is filled with peace and health in your home and family. Happy Birthday, Sweet Penny!