18 August - We are very sad to say that little Mitch decided it was time to let go yesterday and tavel on to Rainbow Bridge. He was at the specialist in the morning and despite showing signs of being alert and walking well, we'd been gone only an hour and returned to find him stretched out in his bed having drawn his last breath.
He was a quiet boy and never once caused any trouble. Even in the end he went so quietly. Exactly what it was that took his life we will never know - he was an enigma to the specialists.
When we take animals into care, we don't know how long we will have them - sometimes it seems just too short. We do our best to provide for all their needs in the time we are given. What Mitch's life was like before we took him from death row - we will never know. But he enjoyed his time with Halfway Home and was given a good taste of what life should have been for him all along and he was made as comfortable as possible in his final weeks.
Thank you to all who expressed support for Mitch. We will miss him greatly.
It's up and down...
Mitch's test results finally came back...Sadly it's not Multiple Myeloma and not treatable! But not exactly clear what the issue is as all the other tests are too risky. His chemo treatment is being withdrawn there's not much more to do but keep him comfortable! Even more sad as he seemed to be showing progress. He actually walked quite well today during his toilet breaks...He is a little fighter who has puzzled all the vets and specialists he has seen.
This little fella needs all the well wishes he can get. He deserves something great after the bad start he's had. We're not giving up.
Chemo begins
3rd Aug - Mitch started chemo so we begin his journey...very bittersweet journey. At least we have hope.
Good news?!?
Mitch went back to the specialist today and his surgeon Dr House was upset to see how bad he was looking but he did have bittersweet news - it looks like Mitch does have Multiple Myeloma afterall...the treatable cancer!!! Yay...I think!?! Very confusing position to be in. Mitch was as excited as me but we're both as exhausted as each other.
Dr House gave Mitch an injection to get him started on the fight of his life. I take Mitch back tomorrow to see the Oncology department to learn his options....well option - Chemo! I haven't heard many positives outcomes in regard to Chemo but we have been advised that his cancer responds very well and could give him a good year or even more.
Now some may think he's had enough. That we should stop his suffering. But when you look into his eyes and ask him - "Give me a sign little mate" and he starts to pull himself up after hardly any unassisted movement and drags himself onto you lap while you're driving mind you...I believe is his sign that he's not quite ready to give up. Mitch deserves everything we can do for him. We aren't about to give up on him...
A very difficult time
To all those people who have had to face watching their beloved family member battle cancer - it is the hardest thing to see. Mitch has been in foster care for so long know we have grown to love him as one of our own.
I have had to take Mitchie outside sometimes four times a night and see him struggle to hold himself up, stumble then right himself.
Praying for Cancer?!?!!?
Mitch went back today after a nice break to build up his strength. It was suggested that he would finally have to have a biopsy on the bone that has the cancer in it and to possibly decompress his whole spine in the process.
I received a call later in the day to say that they had done another xray to see if anything had progressed. It had! The surgery has become a risky business as it could destabilize the rest of his spine and possibly cause neurological issues if the spine fractures. We opted for a specialised blood and urine test.
We know he has cancer but the question is...what type!?! He has a choice of 4 - three very nasty ones and one treatable but incurable one. Great options! Not! So when I say we are praying for cancer....we're praying for the treatable one.
We took him home and got him all snuggled in. Tonight...a great dinner and a DVD. His suggestion.
Again we wait for results...
Results
Wednesday 21 July - Mitch has the specialist baffled. Results inconclusive!??! Why are we not surprised. Mitch has never been straight forward, just a little bent. He came to us with bad skin, bad teeth and bad ears and a special smell to top it off. This little fella deserves a break!
Back to the specialist on Tuesday 27th for the next step....
More tests...
Monday 19 July - Another trip to the specialist and another hole in his tiny body from where the needle went in to aspirate the bone in his spine. He is noticably exhausted today and its hard to watch but he seems happy enough. He is still loving his cuddles and food and is off to the bathroom like clock work.
Now we wait for the next set of results and then we'll know our plan of attack...the waiting is the hardest...
Weekend break
Mitchy got to come home on Saturday to spend some time with us to regroup and be cuddled and pampered in preparation for his return on Monday. He is the smallest Jack Russell we have ever seen but the biggest fighter who never complains. He came home and snuggled in his bed, ate his dinner and gave us a few reassuring licks. His little body has hair missing due to being shaved for his procedures and he has a few new scars but he is just dealing with everything like a Rottweiler...nothing fazing him.
Its once again hard to see one of our little souls going through such trouble knowing that they came to us already being through such rough times. We really do treat all our fosters as our own and having Mitch in care for such a time it hurts even more to see him unwell.
Cancer?!?!?
Thursday 15 July - Sadly it's not good news for Mitch. A myelogram today at the Melbourne Vet Referral Centre indicated that Mitch's problem is a cancer rather than a structural problem. He will have further tests tomorrow and receive whatever treatment can be recommended. We are deeply saddened for our little mate.
