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!

[charlotte bednarsh]

am so sorry it has been so difficult.

[BG and Gavin]

Happy Birthday Penny!  You truly are the wonderdog we all knew you were.  Looks like Biscuit is keeping her young.  I am sorry you have has such a rotten year.  I wish all things good in 2012.

[Leslie and Halas]

I'm sorry your family had such a rough year, but I hope everyone is improving.  Penny looks great, and from the video, it looks like she's enjoying life.  It's great to see her playing with Biscuit.  Happy Birthday, Penny!

[Rose]

I'm so sorry to hear about all the things you and your family have been through.  Hugs to all of you and Happy Birthday to Penny!

[Donna K & Quincy]

Happy Birthday Penny, it is so wonderful to see you so happy and active. Michele, what a terrible year you have had ,my sincerest wishes that 2012 holds only good things for you and your family. Penny crosses my mind often and I wonder how she is doing, she really is a wonder dog. This video really made my day. 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks so much for sharing this video....they look like they are having some great Doodle fun!  I'm really sorry to hear about everything you've been through this year.  I can't imagine how difficult it must be to have to handle all of this at once.  I hope and pray that things will turn around and happier times await you.

Happy Birthday sweet Penny!

[Clifford, Cloud, Jake..and Kim]

Happy Birthday Penny!  You still look like a young pup and that doodle spirit continues to shine through.  I hope your new treatment takes care of the new problem without making you feel sick.  You're a special girl with a very special family - here's to a happy, healthy 2012 to everyone.

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

Sorry to hear that 2011 was such a tough year.  My 2010 was kind of like that!  It's good to know, though, that Penny's treatment has been working well, and we'll hope that the dosage adjustment does the trick on the new growth.  My daughter's "mutt", Dixie, lived a good 2 years following her lymphoma diagnosis.  Like you say, every day was a joy and my daughter saw the "extra" days as a wonderful gift.

[Jennifer and Jack]

I too think of Penny often, I was just thinking of her yesterday as a matter of fact because here in Columbia where I live they just opened a huge cancer care center for animals. It is astounding what they can do now, At this center where I live, they actually are doing laser beam radiation.

I am sorry about the other lump they found on your sweet precious girl. Could you tell me how it is they first discovered cancer on her? I am also looking to further my knowledge base and to be proactive in Jack's care.

Thank you for sharing with us your experiences. What a rough year you had, I am hoping your husband is starting to feel better and that his cancer is well on its way to gone.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I think of Penny often and always wonder how she is doing. Happy Birthday to Penny! I am sorry you have had such a tough year and hope things are better in 2012. I will keep all of you in my prayers. Loved the video.