Say a Prayer for Elmer

by Sarah
(WI)

We knew he was the one the minute he came bounding out the sliding glass doors, floppy ears all askew, tail propelling wildly to and fro. Elmer fell at our feet, wearing his whole heart right out there, ours for the loving.

Elmer was 1-1/2 when we adopted him from a family who wasn't able to keep him. After just a day with him, his "daddy" and I couldn't imagine how hard it had been for his previous family to let him go. We knew - no matter what - we'd always do whatever it took to have him with us. Such a personality on this pup, such a lover, a snuggler, willfull but loyal, and the happiest dog you've ever seen anytime anyone stopped for a visit, or he got to take a walk or go for a ride in the car. He was always playful, and every night we'd come home from work, he'd run laps around the living room, wanting us to chase him. Tug-o-war? Always the game of choice.

In early October, we noticed the lymph nodes in Elmer's neck were suddenly extremely swollen. Two golf-ball size nodules. I knew immediately that something was amiss. A few days later, he got a checkup, blood work and a fine needle aspirate to test the cells inside his lymph nodes. A day later, we learned he had Lyme's Disease. We thought, OK, we can do this, and had nearly convinced ourselves that LD was the culprit. Then, two days later, his aspirate came back. He was diagnosed with what they estimated to be Stage III Lymphoma. And it was the most devastating afternoon imaginable. He's 3-1/2 years old, so young, still so playful, showing no symptoms...just Elmer. And to have both Lyme's Disease and Lymphoma? Well, it just didn't seem fair.

Quality of life was and is our foremost concern for Elmer. Because he still was so "normal" and himself, there was no question we would start chemo (CHOP) here in Appleton (WI) the very next week. He began the treatment (a 4-drug cycle that rotates four times, over 16 weeks) and Prednisone in mid-October. This week, he had his 6th treatment. He's been such a trooper. A bit sluggish and under the weather his first 5 treatments, but always bouncing back. He's kept a great appetite, regular potty schedules, and his fervently happy wagging tail.

This week, we weened him off Prednisode, which was great. For a couple days, he really livened up and seemed to be getting back his normal self. But chemo proved to be tougher. He got sick for the first time, throwing up 4-5 times on Chemo Day. Yesterday, we noticed he's reluctant to get up. He limps. We're waiting for his doctor to call back with a plan, but are hoping - as we always will - for the best, and taking it one day at a time.

Treatment is expensive, there's no question. But what else do you do when a member of your family is sick, and you can tell he wants to get better? We're planning our wedding this year, so it's been an emotional autumn. One day at a time is our mantra, and just having faith that things will be OK. We're so grateful for any positive thoughts and prayers family, friends, and the kindest-hearted strangers can send our way :)

Elmer's Mom