Health blips.
A month ago I decided I hadn't had a regular check up in a few years and should probably do that just because. I had my appointment on thursday. The have no idea why I am having hot flashes, but figure its a hormonal sensitivity thing and to let it go unless it causes significant issues in my life, such as not getting a decent night sleep. Uh, that award goes to my boys, not my body. Plus I need to go back next week to have a suspect lump in my breast rechecked among other issues. Oddly, I went in feeling pretty healthy and good about myself.
Truly though I am not the least bit worried. Yes, cancer has been an issue in my family, my great grandfather died of it at age 89? My grandmother had her thyroid removed 14 years ago now. (yes, they checked mine for the hot flash issue, completely normal) My other grandmother had a breast removed because of cancer at the age of 78, almost outside the range of significance. But really 32 compared to well over 70? I really do believe I am of good health, despite the fear mongering of additional testing that seems to be going on.
What does have me devastated right now is the dog. I noticed Ender had a lump on his leg last thursday, it seemed pretty sudden so we figured it was a bug bite or wasp sting, we have a few nests in the back yard. But 4 days later it hadn't shrunk in size so I called the vet. They squeezed him in as a drop off today. They did a fine needle aspiration and it was inconclusive but suggestive of cancer. I've been preparing to lose him for 4 years now. When he was diagnosed with severe hip dysplasia and arthritis at 1 year the vet told us to not expect him to live past 4 or 5. He's now 9. For the last year we've hit a great balance with his medication and had his pain under control. At his last check up the vet had a glowing report and said we could have another 5 years with him easily and she thought it would probably be something else that would get him before his pain could no longer be controlled. I just didn't think it could be so soon.
Of course I am just over reacting there is no official diagnosis yet. He's having surgery tomorrow for a soft tissue biopsy which will give us conclusive answers, cancer or no, if yes, malignant or benign. I finally let my guard down and bam, blindsided.
As devastated as I will be, I have lived with Ender longer than Hobe and he's been there for me through many bad, good and otherwise trying times, I am more worried about the boys. Steve, especially, adores Ender. I don't want to do the went to a farm thing but I don't know how to best handle it either.
Truly though I am not the least bit worried. Yes, cancer has been an issue in my family, my great grandfather died of it at age 89? My grandmother had her thyroid removed 14 years ago now. (yes, they checked mine for the hot flash issue, completely normal) My other grandmother had a breast removed because of cancer at the age of 78, almost outside the range of significance. But really 32 compared to well over 70? I really do believe I am of good health, despite the fear mongering of additional testing that seems to be going on.
What does have me devastated right now is the dog. I noticed Ender had a lump on his leg last thursday, it seemed pretty sudden so we figured it was a bug bite or wasp sting, we have a few nests in the back yard. But 4 days later it hadn't shrunk in size so I called the vet. They squeezed him in as a drop off today. They did a fine needle aspiration and it was inconclusive but suggestive of cancer. I've been preparing to lose him for 4 years now. When he was diagnosed with severe hip dysplasia and arthritis at 1 year the vet told us to not expect him to live past 4 or 5. He's now 9. For the last year we've hit a great balance with his medication and had his pain under control. At his last check up the vet had a glowing report and said we could have another 5 years with him easily and she thought it would probably be something else that would get him before his pain could no longer be controlled. I just didn't think it could be so soon.
Of course I am just over reacting there is no official diagnosis yet. He's having surgery tomorrow for a soft tissue biopsy which will give us conclusive answers, cancer or no, if yes, malignant or benign. I finally let my guard down and bam, blindsided.
As devastated as I will be, I have lived with Ender longer than Hobe and he's been there for me through many bad, good and otherwise trying times, I am more worried about the boys. Steve, especially, adores Ender. I don't want to do the went to a farm thing but I don't know how to best handle it either.