AllDogBlog

Doggie Heaven

2006-05-20T13:05:00.000-07:00

It is a sad doggie day in our home -- Speedo is now in doggie heaven.

More later.

~ Jake

Speedo and Chemo...Again

2006-05-15T13:37:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been so long since I've reported, but I've been up to a lot, including moving -- and getting to learn all about how to enter our pool! It's really a nice addition to our lives.

Speedo started having problems again recently, so he saw Dr Selting a couple of weeks ago (the day before we moved) and he started a new chemo regime. It has really slowed him down. His white count was OK, but his red count low one week after. Today, he had another CBC and a check xRay. His blood count was fine, but Dr Mauro suggested we consider Rimaldyn (for pain). Dad was away last week and noticed when he returned that Speedo aged a lot in the 5 days. He is not going for walks much anymore, and really doesn't like to eat his food, but he still likes biscuits!!

He does swim -- first thing he does in the morning, actually. Then, he swims 1 or 2 more times per day, depending upon who is around. Dr M suggested we keep him dry, to limit possible skin irritations. We both got a little clipping yesterday -- our belly and rump feathers are down to ~1 inch now. Too bad we can't stay here all summer, because it is great!

I hope my brother rallies. Mom bought him some special "beef" science diet for tonight and chicken for the morning. We'll see what he thinks about the new flavor food.

OK, time to catch an afternoon nap. I've got to keep in character!

~Jake

Speedo's 12th Birthday +

2006-04-16T21:49:00.000-07:00

I have not been so good about keeping in touch, sorry about that. A lot of things have been taking my attention recently. First, Speedo's 12th birthday on 4/8/06. He was treated specially, but I got extra attention, too. That was great.

Next, Speedo had a bloody nose -- usually at night. So, we went to see Dr M. at the "Cookie Palace". In general, I love that place. So does my brother -- he just runs to see Dr M. (well, she usually gives us some lean treats, and they are sooo good). Anyway, we couldn't do a lot for my brother, as he is too old to sedate. Dr M. said it could be a tumor, or simply something stuck up his nose. She gave some antibiotics, which in 2 days, helped. Now, he just has a snotty nose sometimes. Of course, I sneeze a lot and stuff, too. I think I have allergies as I need to rub my eyes a lot, too.

Today we got a special Easter treat. Dad took us over to what is going to become our new digs, and he showed us where the steps were to get in/out of the pool. Then, we got to swim a bit. That was really fun. I even got to play stick fetch! Speedo learned the steps a bit faster than I did, but I think I have it down now, too. That doggone pool vacuum hose gets in my way sometimes, though. We'll have to work out those details.

Hope you had a nice Easter. We sure did.

More later.
~Jake

Speedo's Recent Eval

2006-04-03T22:21:00.000-07:00

Speedo went to the "Cookie Palace" (AKA, his Henderson Vet Clinic) today to have his bloody nose symptom checked out ... phase II. Phase I consisted of testing his blood platelets. He passed that test. Today, he was a good dog and allowed R, L and dorsal X-rays to be taken of his lungs. We were able to view the films shortly after Doc Mauro reviewed them. Fortunately, nothing showed there (relative to any developing lung cancer signs). That did not help us particularly in identifying the source of his nasal bleeding. There could be a nose tumor or something stuck in his nose. Tough to tell without putting him under (a HUGE risk for a dog of his age and health status). For now, we are trying a (spendy) antibiotic to see if that alleviates the problem. If it does not, then that might suggest there is a bigger problem that we have to deal with.

Incidently, I went with Speedo to the "Cookie Palace", and I was treated just as well as my brother. Doc Mauro has these great 'lean' treats that she shares with us. I love them, but I also like the low-level biscuits. I'm not pickie. I will accept any type of food offered. Since I got rid of my huge growth, I now weigh ~94 lbs. Dad thinks I'm too skinny, but Mom likes me lean. She thinks my lesser body weight is good for me relative to my bad hips. Dad does not disagree, but he still thinks I am too skinny. I opt for Dad's view since I love to chow down, but Mom typically feeds me, so I guess I'll stay sleek.

~ Jake

Speedo's Changes

2006-03-30T20:29:00.000-08:00

Hi to all of my friends!

First, I want to let you know that I "finally" figured out how to let you give any feedback to me and my messages without having to give up your firstborn golden retriever pup! So now, you can read and respond at will to my messages. That's the good news.

The bad news is that my brother has some not-so-good symptoms. He will go for a CBC tomorrow to check his blood platelet levels and we will work from there. Basically, he has a bloody nose discharge we've seen at night, which could be anything from something stuck in his nose to a tumor there. I was happy to hear Dr M suggest that it was not lung-related, since he is not coughing or having respiratory problems.

So, it sounds like now that I am healing and becoming more healthy, that I need to take care of my brother as he might be coming into some more challenging days. In case you didn't know, Speedo will be 12 next Saturday (4/8). That is the same day that "My Grandpa, Mom's Dad" will be 81. It is easy for her to remember birthdays when they are on the same day, she tells me.

Thanks for checking in with us. I'll be sure to let you know how Speedo proceeds. Mom & Dad have a special surprise in store for him on Easter weekend...a pool to swim in, if he is up for it. That is assuming their plans work out, which so far, everything is in order. So, I'll be in touch.

~ Jake
ps: I now have base fur to cover where I was shaved from my surgery, so I'm not as embarrassed to go out in public...

Feeling Even Better

2006-03-14T16:36:00.000-08:00

We just returned from a visit to see Dr M. She removed my stitches, drained my abdominal wound, and said my belly wound is healing wonderfully. I weighed in at 94 lbs, so am one sleek, cool looking stud (sans fur on my side). Speedo went with me for his rectal exam. Slightly enlarged prostate and a bit more nodular. We talked about the ultrasound and chest Xrays as diagnostics to track potential spread of his cancer, but decided not to go that route. Also, due to our begging savvy (and brown sad doggie eyes) we got 3 biscuits each from our friend the vetCookie Monster!

I think my side got a little sunburned yesterday. I hope at least my underfur grows a bit more to provide a cover. I have started to lie on either side now, so that tells you I'm feeling better. Mom and Dad thought I would be a terrible post-surgical patient, licking and scratching my wounds. Fooled them! I was sooo good about leaving things alone.

Don't think we are going to get out of town during Spring Break. Actually, Dad was talking about maybe a Day Trip to Valley of Fire (vs taking the trailer). Probably tough to get a campsite there during Spring Break, as they do not take reservations. Oh well, I don't mind hanging out in Henderson.

That's the update for now.
Check back again.

~Jake

I'm Baaaaack!!!!!

2006-03-08T12:57:00.000-08:00

Yessirree....Jake here. Feeling good and looking sleek, especially with little fur on my left side (coupled with the fact that I lost 5 lbs recently).

First, thanks to Drs Barstadt and Mauro for completing my surgery. Dr M is following up with me to make sure all is OK. Next, thanks to my brother Speedo for covering for me. I think he did a great job when I wasn't quite up to things. Finally, thanks to all of you for your thoughts and kind words. Sure helps to have friends!

As for me, my large bandage is off, and I am basically naked, except when Mom tries to get me to wear that silly t-shirt. I've managed to destroy the first one, so this morning Mom broke out another one for me. This one is gray and rather drab for my personality. Maybe I should not have wrecked the other one. Hmmm....too late now. Actually, I do not purposely tear the shirt, it just happens when I'm outside rolling on my back and stuff. Dad saved three of his worn shirts for me to use, which was nice of him. But, they are a bit worn.

I am scheduled to have my stitches out next Tuesday afternoon. Mom and Dad are trying to organize a camping trip for us Wednesday-Saturday, if I can swing it. Maybe Valley of Fire? It's close to home and supposed to be very nice. There are two State Campgrounds there, but neither takes reservations. If we go, I'll have to be careful not to get too excited about new sites and stress my healing wounds.

Thanks again for thinking of me!
~ Jake

Two Days Post-Surgery

2006-03-05T19:17:00.000-08:00

This is friendly big brother Speedo, again reporting for (and about) Jake. I must say, the kid is amazing me. He slept for 6 hrs last night without waking us (which Mom was entirely grateful for). After that, between he and I, we kept the action going until we finally rousted our breakfast-provider! Ah...mission accomplished!

As for Jake, he still is wearing his big abdominal wrap. Dr M phoned yesterday to check on him, and among other things said if the wrap is a problem, to remove it. Mom said she wanted to keep it on since we will be in the yard all day tomorrow (since Dad is out of town, and Mom will be on campus). Also, no pain meds for the boy today -- so, he only used 1/2 pill (so far). He is eating his anti-biotics only because he was told by Dr Barstadt, the specialist, to do so. They have not made him sick, so I guess it's OK.

Today, Jake proclaimed no sissy-walks. He wanted to do his regular routine. So we both did, and it was fun. We both got to go back to our regular stompin' grounds and re-mark all of our favorite spots. It's amazing how many neophites were by in our absence and thought they were going to claim our space! I was glad Jake was up to helping me mark appropriate bushes and trees, because, I would have run out of markers, if I had to do it all alone. My brother is a trooper.

Tomorrow, Mom has to come home early to get Jake and take him to see Dr M. I think his wrap will come off and his shaved side will become exposed. It is supposed to be only upper 40s here by Friday -- I think naked Jake might need a sweater.

So far, so good.
Also, I am doing just fine. I am supposed to have a great big battery of tests this month for my 3-month chemo follow-up, but we are all going to discuss the utility of such a routine. I am going to be 12 next month, and am looking fwd to that milestone, with little distraction.

If you think of it, send me a dog biscuit. I never seem to get enough to eat around here. (thanks)

~Speedo

Jake's First Post-Surgical Night

2006-03-04T09:22:00.000-08:00

Hello, Speedo here again, reporting on my brother Jake's progress.

We all made it through the night, some better than others. Poor 'Jakey' had a hard time lying down. 'Mom' told me this morning he spent 30 mins around 2am just sitting at her side of the bed (before she got up to help him to lie down). I was just sleeping through all of this, of course.

When Jake was rambunctious/uncomfortable again (around 4:30) I got into the act. Got my favorite soft toy and made sure everybody was awake -- I was ready to start the day! Well, 'Dad' convinced me otherwise. So, I was OK with that and went back to sawing logs.

This morning, Jake did eat, but he only got a small breakfast. I heard that he is going to get little bits of food throughout the day, and I'm excited about that. I know I can always beg a biscuit out of such an arrangement! Included in Jake's breakfast was an oral pain med, so maybe that's while he has settled down a bit. He did not go on our morning walk, but I think will go on our midday walk -- at least for a small part of it. We won't go to the regular walking path by the wash, however, because we might see some canine friends, and Jake might be self-conscious with his large, purple abdominal bandage.

All-in-all, Jake seems to be doing OK. I am sure it hurts to have that huge incision along with the restrictive belly-wrap. I'm proud of his tenacity.

~Speedo

Speedo, Substituting for Jake Bates

2006-03-03T21:08:00.000-08:00

Speedo here, reporting on my kid brother Jake's surgery...

He came out of things basically OK. Most of the inter-abdominal growth was excised via suction. Only a small (1") incision was necesary to extract that which lingered.

However, my brother is still a basket case. He has a large (yet to be seen) incision on his abdomen. Doc Mauro said it is probably 5-7" in length. Coupling that incision with the abdominal bandage Jake is wearing -- along with his always sore hips -- he is in an uncomfortable state. He wants to lie down, but it is hard for him to do so. Mom & Dad try to help 'collapse' him so he can relax and sleep.

We need to make sure he does not drink too much and bloat his stomach. He did not eat today, but after the anesthetic, is very thirsty. He only is allowed short bouts of water spaced across time. All he cared to eat tonight were my special biscuits. He turned his nose at the special, bland canned food brought home for him as well as his regular dry food. I think he is just trying to cut into my treats stash.

Right now, he is quietly resting in his soft bed. We will all keep a watchful eye on him tonight, and only half-sleep. However in general, we think things went well. He will go back to see Doc Mauro some time on Monday when Mom can get to the clinic before 5pm (Dad will be out of town).

Reporting for my brother...
~Speedo

The KNIFE!

2006-03-02T22:02:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow morning is my 'day', as I will report to the doggie doc at 6:30 am. Dr Barstadt, the specialist, will do the surgery, but my friend Dr. Mauro will assist. It is her day off tomorrow, and she was excited about that because then she wouldn't be called away to do other things during surgery. What a pal!

Sure hope I feel that way about things tomorrow eve. The word is out (I overheard telephone conversations) that I might have to go to 24-hour care tomorrow night, especially if I have a drip-tube in place. I am sure Mom can manage me, but she might be sleeping when I need attention. Dad is on his way out of town for a week.

I will do my best to be strong, but this is a new thing for me -- I am more accustomed to my brother Speedo having all of the expensive procedures. I will turn over the blog-reins to Speedo for a couple of days. I'm sure he will keep you adequately informed.

~Jake

(ps: I'm down to 97 lbs now. Since my hips were shown to be shot, 'somebody' thought I should cut some weight. Golly, I'm hungry all of the time these days, but I look svelte...)

Prepping for Surgery

2006-02-27T22:52:00.000-08:00

Doc Mauro (aka the 'cookie monster') has my operative plan in order, to be confirmed tomorrow. I have to go for pre-op bloodwork tomorrow. That's not bad. Next, I have to go to the clinic (sans b'fast, I'm sure) to meet Dr Mauro at 6:30 am on Friday for pre-surgical stuff. At 8am, the internal specialist, Dr Barstadt, will cut out my abdominal growth. We are all hoping it has not invaded my abdomen, but the ultrasound is not clear. Won't know until the cut. If invasive, I get a drip tube. If not, just external staples/stitches. I am sure I will want to lick those to my heart's content. I might have to spend a night at 24 hr care, if the surgery is major. The kicker is that 'Dad' leaves town the next day, so 'Mom' will need to manage me, Speedo, and her day-job. I am sure I will test her patience during that time (not on purpose, but just because I am a dog).

So, that's the update on my health for now. Speedo is still doing OK. He is due for his 3-month follow-up and we will learn more about his status after that. Until then, stay tuned....

Upcoming Surgery for me (Jake)

2006-02-23T21:33:00.000-08:00

I know, it's been a while since I've checked in. Guess that's because Speedo & I have been enjoying the status quo for now. My brother (Speedo) is doing OK generally. Keeping in mind he is approaching 12 yrs, he is slowing down and losing some muscle mass in his hind quarters.

As for me (Jake), I lost my nametag recently. During the period between ordering and receiving my new tag, Mom & Dad placed an old "Speedo" name on my collar. At least it had contact info if I ventured to the neverland. After they did that, interestingly enough, the next day, I felt compelled to go outstide and pick up the morning newspaper (which Speedo does religiously and I never do). Good thing there were two papers out that day, so we were each able to bring one in. [The next day, I grew out of that novelty].

Soon, I will go for surgery. I was told I am one week away. I am trying to be strong. I have a lot of role models. First, my brother who did all of the chemo stuff. Next, my 'Dad' who has done one hip, and is getting ready to do another. Plus, there is a person 'Mom' knows who is doing chemo alot likes Speedo's, and she is being a great trooper. I could go on, but there is no need.

Next week, I might have to hand the reigns to Speedo (if he can type), but we will be sure to keep you informed.

~Jake

Jake: My Diagnostics

2006-01-24T20:08:00.000-08:00

Jake here once again...still with a barren (shaved) belly, but still no staples/stitches. Ends up my surgery is on hold until late February, when the specialist returns to town. The good news is that I think I can go to my regular clinic (as opposed to the Specialty Place on the west side of town) for the work and...that my pal Dr M will be at my side to make sure I am treated right!

As for my brother Speedo, he is one tough Golden Retriever! He is pretty much OK on a daily basis, but is getting very weak in his rump. Sometimes, I just see him shake/convulse. He usually snaps out of that after a 5-10 s bout. It is heart-wrenching, nevertheless. However, he has become the bratty brother (the honor I used to hold) as he steals MY toys, pulls MY leg, and is generally nasty at times. Other times, he lets me lick his ears and see what he has for dinner. I still love my brother Speedo.

Hope you are doing well ... and that you continue to check up on both of us.

~ Jake

Jake: Ready for the Knife

2006-01-12T21:08:00.000-08:00

Hi Friends,

Jake here... reporting that I'm glad I got my breakfast today! The last two days I had to go to the doggie doc for pre-surgical diagnostics. Well, I learned I won't run or jump much anymore...my hips are shot. The good news was that I got to stay in the large run, with double blankets -- had to make it very soft for my tender hips.

Anyway, yesterday's ultrasound confirmed my fatty growth might be invading my abdomen. So...my general NV doc does not want to do the surgery, so she is trying to set up the specialist. This will likely happen within the next week or two, so I will be handing over the reigns for a short time to my brother, Speedo. He will keep you posted. Don't worry, I'll be fine.

I must say, this was a goofy time of year to get one's belly shaved! It's cold without that good golden retriever fur under there!!

~ Jake

Canine Cancer: Speedo's New Year

2006-01-01T13:26:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year from Speedo & I! My new middle name is "firecracker" because I do not like those loud noises and bangs. Here in Las Vegas, fireworks on the Strip is a big thing, so I didn't sleep much last night. Speedo, on the other hand, was one cool dude. He told me now that he made it to the new year, his next objective is to make it to his 12th birthday. He will be 12 on April 8th, 2006. Check back to see how he is doing.

Happy 2006!

~ Jake

Canine Cancer: Last Chemo Treatment II

2005-12-20T16:14:00.000-08:00

It's been a while, alldogblog fans. Sorry about that. I've been busy logging a few miles and of course making sure I catch enough Zzzzzs.

Speedo had his fourth (and last...at least for now) chemo infusion in early December. We stayed around the week after so he could complete his post-treatment CBC (complete blood count). After his blood test, we hit the road for warmer climes, south to Arizona for a couple of days of lying in the sun and recovering. Me too, I mean, it's tough being the younger brother of a guy who has cancer. Takes a lot of energy.

Dr Mauro gave us a call the next day with Speedo's blood test results. He was a little low (white count), but OK. Did not have to do the heavy meds as a follow-up. That was great news. So for now, he goes for monthly check-ups and we just take things a day at a time. He is still on his Piroxicam, which is supposed to be a rather potent non-steriodal drug, but for now he is tolerating it well.

Golly, it's almost time for chow, so I had better go assume the position! Call me anything, but please do not call me LateForDinner!

~Jake

Canine Cancer: Last Chemo Treatment

2005-12-05T21:28:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, 'Mom' & Speedo spent the whole afternoon at the oncologist's office. The upshot of the day was that Speedo rec'd his last of four chemo infusions, and ... that his oncologist, Dr Selting, reported that his prostate looked great! She was pleased in that it appears the chemo has, at least for now, slowed the growth of his tumor and even arrested some of the initial problems.

Of course I am excited to have my bro around to wrestle and snuggle with, but my people keep saying things can change quickly for canines, so we have to be ready for that. Even Dr Mauro, our regular NV doc, was preparing us for anticpated rapid changes in prognosis. I must say that Speedo has a trip planned beyond our southern AZ trip next week. He keeps saying he wants to go back to the ocean (which means the trip back to Oregon in early June). We will wait and see if he joins us. Sure hope so!

~Jake

Canine Cancer: Big Day for Speedo

2005-12-03T15:56:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is Speedo's big day -- his last scheduled chemo infusion. Dr Selting (from Missouri) will consult with him and complete the procedure. Will need to hear what the next steps might be.

He is back on his piroxicam and tolerating it well. At the right was Speedo last month in Zion Nat'l Park. (I am on the left, cut out of this picture). Now, Speedo said he wants to go to Lake Havasu City before Christmas. Golly, he is accumulating a lot of Canine frequent traveler miles, but so am I.

~ Jake

Canine Cancer: A bit about me!

2005-11-27T09:57:00.000-08:00

I finally got my person to fix up my profile, so now my "September 2005" photo is in place. Check it out if you haven't already. My neck is better now, and I am back to wrestling with my brother. Speedo is back on Piroxicam and seems to be doing OK. He gets his fourth chemo infusion in a week.

Just realized most of the pix on this site are of me...so, I will dig some out of my brother Speedo and post them soon.

~ Jake

Canine Cancer: Piroxicam

2005-11-23T21:19:00.000-08:00

My brother Speedo has been on Piroxicam, a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory med since mid-September. Last week, he started getting sick (vomiting). In consult with our local Vet, we pulled him off of the med, and he no longer has those bad characteristics. Thinking we might need to do something in replacement, we have had numerous consults with our local vet as well as Speedo's Oncologist in Missouri. The upshot is to try his med again tomorrow, and see how/if he tolerates it. Will certainly report out on how he does with this as soon as we have info to report.

Mom & Dad were afraid my hips were such that I could not run anymore. Last night, when I greeted them, I ran and romped. This was a good thing. More later.

Canine Cancer: About the Author (Jake)

2005-11-15T20:51:00.000-08:00

I recently realized that you know nothing about me (Jake), the author of these posts about my brother's struggle with doggie prostate cancer. I am two years Speedo's junior, and we have the same biological parents, which makes us "brothers". (it is my pic here).

I have typically been the more active/inquisitive of the two of us, up until today. Now, I have a problem with my neck, which is really bothering me. I kept my people up much of the night last night because I did not understand the pain. Now, I think I know how to relax and override it, but we still need to get to the source.

Both Speedo & I have a great Vet in Henderson. Her name is Dr Mauro. She suggested a lot of diagonostics for 'Mom' and 'Dad' to do for me. We also have a wonderful Vet in Eugene, Dr Voss, who has provided consults for my brother Speedo by phone. She has been a great source of information also. Speedo's oncologist is Dr Selting, who comes to LV on selected weekends from the Med School in Missouri. Last week, Speedo visited with Dr Yach, in place of Dr Selting, and he was very caring and thorough. So, we have quite a medical team supporting our good health, which we are thankful for and appreciative of.

If you are new to the area and are seeking veterinary assistance, we've been around the block. Perhaps we can help you.

~~ Jake

Canine Cancer: Speedo's Third Treatment

2005-11-12T18:55:00.000-08:00

Today, my brother is a bit under the weather. Actually, I think he feels fine (wrestling is OK and quite in vogue), but walking is not such a good idea. My bro has lost 10 lbs in less than two months, and a fair amount of muscle mass from his hind quarters. That makes walking a bit of a chore.

In a couple of days (Tuesday) he will give blood for a CBC to make sure his white count is not out of bounds again. He is scheduled for his fourth (and final) chemo in early December. What a wonderful Christmas it will be for him to find a state of remission after his treatments!

~Jake

Canine Cancer: Speedo's Trip to Utah

2005-11-07T21:29:00.000-08:00

You might be able to see that Speedo is in the Red Rock country of Zion Nat'l Park -- he is at the northern entrance at Kolob Canyon. Of course, canines are not allowed on the park trails, so we (Speedo & I) had to settle for the view from the car. Not too bad, we decided, since we could sleep while our people hiked.

I would say my brother Speedo does not look too shabby for a guy with cancer, eh? He still bounds and wants to wrestle sometimes. Other times, however, he just wants to sleep.

Tomorrow, Speedo goes for his third chemotherapy infusion. I hope he does OK. He has been very tolerant of his treatment injections. ~ Jake ~

Canine Cancer: Getting Ready for Third Treatment

2005-11-01T21:03:00.000-08:00

Speedo, my brother, is a remarkable piece of work. He is down to 92 lbs now (from his normal fight-weight of ~101). However, he is still a trooper, hanging in there despite what his body is being subjected to. He is going to get his third chemo injection next Tuesday.

Before chemo, we get a fun trip. We are going to Utah, and will camp near Zion Nat'l Park. We cannot go into the Park, but 'Mom' and 'Dad' can. We can stay in our "Desert Fox" trailer when they are gone, which will give us quality time to catch some Zzzz. (Speedo and I both need more sleep these days).

Just wanted to report that we are status quo for now. Of course, we will watch Speed's reaction to his next chemotherapy treatment.

~Jake (Speedo's younger brother)

Canine Cancer: Speedo is midway in treatment

2005-10-23T21:43:00.000-07:00

My brother Speedo, golden retriever extraordinaire, is 11.5 yrs old. He can be a stubborn boy, but mostly is loving and gentle. I think his stubborn trait is rearing its head vs his prostate cancer fight. He seems to be fighting this thing tooth and nail. He has received two chemo treatments (mitoxatrone) and tolerated the second a bit better than the first. His white blood cell count dropped, but not as drastically as previously, and his team of docs did not call for the heavy anti-biotics. His cardiac scare seems to have subsided.

I am a little concerned that his daily treatment (piroxicam) is starting to eat on his gut. He had some messy messes, and we always have to check that there is no sign of blood. One or two showed signs, but they were gone this morn. Maybe he just ate some garbage when he was out and about. I hope so. (where was I when there were snacks to be had??!?).

Not to be outdone totally, I now have a patch on my head where my human parents cut my fur off of. I was rolling around and I guess rolled into a rock or something, and made this big sore on the point of my skull. Secretly, I have been tired of being called a dunce (due to my distict Golden skull point), and tried to shave it down. Guess it didn't work the way I had it planned.

Do let me know if you have had experiences like me ... watching a guy battle inoperable cancer.

~ Jake (Speedo's younger brother)

Canine Cancer: Speedo's Second Chemo Treatment

2005-10-16T22:09:00.000-07:00

My brother is something else. He took his second chemo treatment as a trooper, and had been his regular self since that time.

We went "camping" this weekend to southern Nevada. We were not allowed to go into the Colorado River, but Mom told us she stuck her foot in it. Anyway, camping was fun, after we figured out where "home" was. Speedo always wanted to go over to the grass patch to roll and have fun. I thought about rolling once, but never quite did so. Speedo was the canine roller-king, as he probably rolled 6-8 times in 2 days. Guess he really wanted his back scratched.

Dad goes away this week and Mom is busy with a guest in town. Mom told us she will bring the guest here tomorrow so that we can visit with him. That will be fun. Also tomorrow, Dad will take Speedo to the Vet for a CBC (complete blood count) as well as a thyroid check.

For now, Speedo is still a great wrestle-guy. I sheepishly admit that he won today.

Canine Cancer: Speedo's Cardiac Ultra-Sound

2005-10-06T21:28:00.000-07:00

Yes! Finally a good result from Speedo's barrage of tests! His ultra-sound came back 'normal', although there was a suggestion to have him wear a Holter monitor, to assess the periodic arrhythmia. Right now, our humans are holding off on that until we know more as Speedo visits the oncologist this weekend. (she flies in from the Missouri Med School).

'Mom' caught us both this morning prior to our pre-sunrise walk, although the sun was up already today before we headed out. Anyway, just for clarification, I am on the left. Speedo, my dopey brother, is on the right. Notice my intense look (like our human Mom) vs Speedo's casual look (like our human Dad).

Can't believe you good canines out there don't have similar stories to share with me. Let me know what you've been through, and a little bit of what I can expect as my brother's disease matriculates.

Canine Cancer: Speedo's UltraSound

2005-10-05T21:18:00.000-07:00

Finally, Speedo had a "good" test result. His UltraSound was deemed normal, yet the cardiologists are a bit concerned about his occasional arrhythmia. They suggested one of those Holter monitors. Yeah, right...as if he would tolerate such a thing 24/7.... and keep ME away from it. Keep in mind, my brother is still feisty and we still conduct our daily wrestling matches. Now that the weather is cooler, we wrestle even more. Speedo is a tough wrestler, but he would be no match for me with this 'thing' taped to his chest. Certainly, I would knock it off...or be curious enough to displace it a bit. Plus, he would get pinned.

Given all of this, what do you think? Should I let him get this contraption, to determine if he needs to go on heart meds, or should we enjoy our lives as they are (knowing he does have ancer), and skip this ordeal? For all of my (human) friends out there who are reading my blog, let me know your thoughts. My humans said they are going to wait until at least after his oncologist's app't this weekend.

I should also tell you that my brother is losing weight -- some of you guys that used to dog-sit for Speed and I would think that might never happen. Well, he prob weighs less than me right now. Of course, he doesn't have much fur left on his belly, and we all know we goldens have a lot of long fur. Some of his belly fur is growing back to stubble, but he now has bare skin over his right chest area. Not even a good time of year for a tan!

Maybe some pix upcoming, but for sure a report after the oncologist Sunday afternoon.

Canine Cancer: UltraSound This Week for Speedo

2005-10-02T16:46:00.000-07:00

This week (Tuesday), my brother Speedo has to go to the doggie doctor for an ultrasound. The oncologist heard a slight arrhythmia a couple of weeks ago, but could not document it on the ECG "CardioPet" test. Our vet did not hear any signs, however, Speedo had a repeat "CardioPet" last Tuesday. The recommendation after that test was to conduct a full ultrasound, but no meds were called for. So, he has to go and stay in one of those little cages for a while and have the test on Tuesday.

There is some thought that Speedo's heart problem could be provoked by his other med, piroxicam, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. I guess we will all wait for the next recommendation.

I usually go with Speedo when he goes to our local vet. It's not a long ride in the car, and boy, does Dr M ever give us G-R-E-A-T treats! She says that they are all natural, healthy treats. I really like them, not only their taste, but their size. I am a big dog, and these are real big-dog treats!

Speaking of treats, it's almost time for chow, so I'd better move a little closer to the feeding location!

Canine Cancer: Speedo recovered from chemo!

2005-10-01T21:40:00.000-07:00

If you have been folowing my thoughts and impressions, you know my Bro Speedo has inoperable prostate cancer. He accepted a doggie-dose of chemotherapy two weeks ago, which gets you up to speed.

Last week, his white blood cell count was very low. Our doggie docs put him on some serious anti-inflammatory meds. Tonight we heard from our primary doc that his blood count is back in the normal range, so it seems like he has successfully fought off the negative effects of the chemo.

Speedo is such a trooper. He will do whatever you ask, follow you to the depths, and still smile. He is a model big brother. I am close to following with his traits, but sometimes I get a bit distracted.

About Speedo (my bro) and his cancer fight

2005-09-29T23:01:00.000-07:00

I really don't want to be down or sad, but my brother does have (inoperable) prostate cancer. Our humans had both my brother and I neutered when we were young, as a preventative for this disease. Guess what...it appears as though it didn't work (for him). Actually, some are suggesting that neutering may increase the chance of prostate cancer for we canines, but I don't have the citations to support this conjecture, so please don't quote me on this! What I do know is that my humans are paying more attention to both of us, the digital camera and video are out, and my human 'mom' started talking about taking a family picture, and it's still well before the holidays.

As far as Speedo is concerned, he sometimes gets tired, but mostly, he is his stubborn, big-brother self. He lets me get my way for a while (when wrestling), but he always puts me under, when it comes to match point. He doesn't run and play fetch, but he quit doing that years ago. He just saunters and gets the job done. He still goes outside and fetches the newspaper every morning (while I wait inside for him to finish the work), after which time we both get a small treat before breakfast. Sure hope I am not expected to become the canine laborer in the future!

Speedo's Picture

2005-09-22T14:16:00.000-07:00

Finally, I convinced my human to take a low-resolution photo of my brother, Speedo. Most of the photos that our humans take of us are at least 3 MP in size, and of course that would be way too slow. Are you interested in a new digital camera for your human? There are great prices at: www.techno-thrift.com. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Speedo is two years older than me. He looks more like our Dad, Dusty. (remember, I look more like our Mom, Stormy). I look smaller than Speedo, but we both weigh nearly the same (that would be 100 lbs).

Speedo has "lambie" by his paw. That is one of his favorite soft toys. I prefer pillow or even balls. I think Speedo has the right idea -- time for a nap!

Speedo, my brother

2005-09-18T22:08:00.000-07:00

I have an older brother, Speedo. He is 2 yrs older than I am. Speedo taught me how to dig and how to beg for attention and how to make my humans give in when I show them my 'sad doggie eyes'. He also taught me how to behave around young humans -- I wanted to run and crash into them, and he instructed me not to do that. He taught me this when I was a pup and it was a good lesson.

My brother Speedo was just diagnosed with cancer. He had his first chemotherapy session today. My humans have been telling me that he is sick, but we still wrestle and play together like we always did. Next post will be a pic of my bro, Speedo.

My Picture

2005-09-18T21:54:00.000-07:00

As promised...here is my pic (taken a couple of days ago). Ah, the joy of digital cameras!

Jake: 2005

Welcome to AllDogBlog

2005-09-16T10:35:00.000-07:00

Greetings! My name is Jake, and I am a 9.5 year old Golden Retriever. My human just set up this blog for us to keep in touch. As soon as I get a pedicure (to improve my typing skills), I'll post my mug.

Jake