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Well, last week I received my sixth and final chemo treatment for recurring bladder tumors that have been bugging me for years. I have had five operations and heavy chemo twice and still, they persist. Hopefully, this new treatment will end this plague. I’ll know in six weeks when I return to check the results.  

 

I know one thing, no more chemo for me.  I was sick as a dog and didn’t eat for two days. I’m coming around and my appetite is back so thanks for the prayers.

 

Before my last treatment, I received a call from the owners of Rody, a Rotwieller mix that stopped eating and his parents couldn’t figure out what was wrong. Rody was 6 ½ years old and they’ve had him since he was a puppy. They wanted to send him to Upstate but couldn’t afford it, and asked for my help.  

 

“It will cost a fortune,” I told them. “It doesn’t make sense until we learn what’s wrong. I’ll call Landrum Vet and tell them Rody will be under my care, meet me there tomorrow morning and hopefully, we’ll figure this out.”

 

The next morning I met the beautiful boy and the sad and woeful look in his eyes struck me down to my soul. I told Rody’s owners, “It’s all set up for blood tests and x-rays, we’ll see what’s wrong and go from there.”  

 

“He loves people,” I was told.  “I can tell that people love him too,” I answered. I walked over and cupped his face in my hands and kissed him between the eyes. “I promise to do all I can to ease your pain,” I tearfully told him.  “I’ll be back tomorrow after dialysis to see how things went, they have my permission to give Rody whatever he needs.”

 

The next day when I returned to settle the fee and see how Rody fared I received the sad news. Rody had a tumor on his bladder the size of a football and had to be put to sleep.  

 

“He was such a beautiful boy,” I said, “but I guess I kept my promise, he’s out of pain.”

This week I learned Dr. Parker is working with a Chihuahua Dachshund mix (Chiweenie) named Rudy. Rudy is six years old and has a tumor that must be removed; the cost would be around $1,000 which the owner didn’t have.  

 

“Okay,” I said, “Just have her give what she can for Rudy and I’ll handle the rest.”  The operation is scheduled. Over the weekend I saw Dr. Donna Raines and asked if she was aware of Rudy. She said she was, “I’ve had a rough couple of months doc, let’s win this one.”  

 

I received a hug from my dear friend as she said, “We’ll do our best, Len.”

 

Thanks for listening.