Update from SoCalGirl - Doberman Forum : Doberman Breed Dog Forums

SoCalGirl · 01-25-2013, 08:30 AM

Hi Guys -

Not sure if any of you know, but I wanted to let you know what I am going through. They found a tumor in my brain earlier this month and removed it, and now I am getting ready to start chemo and radiation. It was a shock to say the least and apparently the tumor was large, aggressive, and malignant. Scary stuff but I am doing well and my doctor thinks my prognosis is good. I don't have any lasting symptoms which is amazing.

I don't want to scare anybody but wanted to fill you in. Everyone here has been so supportive when I need answers.

Unfortunately, Elke cannot be with me right now but she is boarding with her trainer who LOVES her and playing with her friends at daycare. I visited her last week and I know she could tell something was wrong with me - she wouldn't look at me; it was weird. I have to talk to her trainer to see what he thinks about future visits, whether it would be good or set her back. Looking back to December when this was coming on, she was very pushy like she knew something was wrong. Any suggestions are welcome.

Thanks,
Amanda

Dave_L · 01-25-2013, 08:35 AM

Sorry to hear the news. Hope you recover well!

I don't understand why you can't see your dog though?

SoCalGirl · 01-25-2013, 08:41 AM

I am staying with my dad whose house is not dog friendly. Also, I am so weak that Elke could knock me down, so it is safer for her to be with other dogs.

DogsR4Life · 01-25-2013, 08:47 AM

I know you will get through this. Just reading your posts, you sound like a strong person. Don't dwell on the negatives, just think about the positives.

Feel better soon

**dobegal** · 01-25-2013, 09:02 AM

Stay strong and know that you are not alone

blueberry · 01-25-2013, 09:27 AM

Sorry to hear this....Hope you recover soon.

Meldrew79 · 01-25-2013, 09:32 AM

I know it would do me a lot of good to see my girl if I were going through something like that. Maybe she could come to you for just a short visit instead of you going to her?
I wish you all the best....Hugs and healing vibes from WI!

Toby'shuman · 01-25-2013, 09:36 AM

How terrible. I had no idea you were ill. Did the symptoms come on sudden? Oh what am I talking about, such stuff doesnt really matter, what does is that you make a speedy and full recovery and get back to where you belong, with your Doberkid and DT.

Sending a huge hugs and

to help with the healing.

DobieGal15 · 01-25-2013, 09:40 AM

Im sorry you're sick, and wish you a quick and safe recovery. Elke is probably just really confused, dont let it get you down- she will be home with you soon and everything will be great for you two. Healing thoughts

Sam1491 · 01-25-2013, 09:40 AM

Hugs and huge healthy healing thoughts your way.

I'd see if there is a way to visit elka somewhere you are both comfortable and familiar with, maybe your old house for a few hours? Dogs are so sensitive to our health and emotions, I wouldn't take her avoidance to harshly, I'm sure she's just as concerned and worried for you as you are, perhaps even senses how fragile you are.

Here's hoping you're home soon and things can get back to "normal"

**dax0402** · 01-25-2013, 09:44 AM

Sending lots of healing vibes and lots of good thoughts and prayers. Stay strong and positive. If it were me, I would want to see Baron as much as possible but your trainer will know what is best. Please keep us updated.

Capone's Mommy · 01-25-2013, 10:00 AM

I will be sending good vibes your way. I could only imagine she is confused by what is happening and once everything is better she will be so happy to be reunited. I am sure not seeing her is really hard, but you need to get strong/healthier for yourself. It sounds like she is in a good place so I will be hoping for a speedy recovery.

dobermansrule · 01-25-2013, 10:17 AM

you have to focus on you and healing. Chemo and radiation will be taxing. And it's ok to have to reassess one's life and priorities and figure out where the dog fits in. Maybe it's better for her to be rehomed permanently. And for you to focus on you. I wish you all the best in your recovery.

LindaH · 01-25-2013, 10:21 AM

Danged tough break for you. Sorry you've come down sick and Elke can't be with you, but you don't really need the worry of taking care of Elke so you're lucky someone can keep her.

Thank you for letting us know what's going on and please keep us updated. Keep positive...that's key!!! We will be rooting tooting for you!!!

workingk9s · 01-25-2013, 11:21 AM

I am so sorry you are going through this! Positive thoughts coming your way from up north.

RedFawnRising · 01-25-2013, 11:41 AM

Sorry for the challenge you are facing. Huge vibes your way.

I hate that you and your friend Elke can't spend more time together.

Dog saliva is very healing

Tayl · 01-25-2013, 11:42 AM

Healing thoughts and hope you'll be with your girl soon. I'm sure she just knows you aren't feeling well.

Sent from Petguide.com Free App

Nynaeve · 01-25-2013, 11:42 AM

I'm so sorry, what a terrible thing for you to be going through. My thoughts are with you.

**MeadowCat** · 01-25-2013, 11:49 AM

I'm so sorry, Amanda. Big hugs sent your way from Shanoa and Richter. If you trust your trainer I would go with her advice. It must be really hard on you to be away from her. Try to take comfort in the fact that she's doing really well and enjoying herself. If you are able to figure out a way to safely visit, do it!

Darkevs · 01-25-2013, 11:55 AM

Hugz Hugz and tons and tons of positive thoughts coming your way.

so sorry you are dealing with all this.

Elke is probably a wee bit confused with the changes to her routines.

i do not think that your visits with her would be negative in any way, you will both benefit from them at this time.

love your attitude!!!

you may have cancer, but...it does NOT have you.

I wish the best for you.

SoCalGirl · 01-25-2013, 11:56 AM

Thanks everybody - you are really wonderful. I guess my concern is more that Elke is the type of dog that pushes around the weaker ones (whether it is my lack of training knowledge or whatever, we are still working on this). She was definitely doing that in December as I look back (jumping on furniture and being a general PITA frankly which she had not been doing prior). I am more concerned whether this would set her training back or whether just enjoying seeing each other would be beneficial to me. I will be talking to her trainer about it and finding out his opinion but you guys usually have good suggestions.

For whatever reason, Elke is NOT the kind of dog (again, whether due to training or whatever) that cuddles up with you when you don't feel good. She gets really pushy and dominant acting, so that is really what I'm trying to get at.

And DR, she will NOT be rehomed! I love my little girlie and can't wait to have her back home with me, she really cheers me up and she is such a sweetheart, just a serious PITA as well. Fortunately there is a dog park near where she is staying so I am thinking we could pick her up and take her there to play. I would ask the trainer to come (and pay for his time) because I am not strong enough to handle her leash even.

Thoughts?

dobedream · 01-25-2013, 11:59 AM

Sending good vibes for a speedy recovery for you!
I'm sure Elke is just being sensitive...my Roxy senses the fragility of my little toddler niece, and will stand beside her and stare steadily in another direction while she gets gentle pats.
Gather your strength from all the good people around you, and the peace of safe surroundings.

God bless.

**NOX** · 01-25-2013, 12:39 PM

I'll be thinking of you and wishing you have a quick recovery.

natdobe · 01-25-2013, 12:53 PM

I'm so sorry to hear your news. I myself was just diagnosed with breast cancer. I have a thread titled urgent prayers needed. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Prayers do wonders! Your attitude is wonderful. Stay positive and strong and you will get through this. You have a great support system here with the DT family! HUGS!!!

Sam1491 · 01-25-2013, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCalGirl

Thanks everybody - you are really wonderful. I guess my concern is more that Elke is the type of dog that pushes around the weaker ones (whether it is my lack of training knowledge or whatever, we are still working on this). She was definitely doing that in December as I look back (jumping on furniture and being a general PITA frankly which she had not been doing prior). I am more concerned whether this would set her training back or whether just enjoying seeing each other would be beneficial to me. I will be talking to her trainer about it and finding out his opinion but you guys usually have good suggestions.

For whatever reason, Elke is NOT the kind of dog (again, whether due to training or whatever) that cuddles up with you when you don't feel good. She gets really pushy and dominant acting, so that is really what I'm trying to get at.

And DR, she will NOT be rehomed! I love my little girlie and can't wait to have her back home with me, she really cheers me up and she is such a sweetheart, just a serious PITA as well. Fortunately there is a dog park near where she is staying so I am thinking we could pick her up and take her there to play. I would ask the trainer to come (and pay for his time) because I am not strong enough to handle her leash even.

Thoughts?

The dog park sounds like a good idea, or even just a park with you and her and no other dogs, plus your trainer. I'd run it past your trainer first of course, she's been with elke since before and up to now and will be the best voice of opinion.

I think it would be at the very least emotionally beneficial for the both of you to be in each others company again.