Gloomy Day

Thanks to everyone that has called and emailed about Greta. We had a follow up visit today to a Vet. Internist. 1 - for a 2nd opinion and 2 - to learn what to expect. We had originally had a visit planned for Wednesday, but after this past weekend, we pushed to get in as soon as we could get.

If you don't like gory, I would stop here.
Saturday, Greta had a little bleeding from her nose and we were having a hard time getting it to stop so Jon took her to the E.R. vet. It had stopped by the time we got there, and we got instructions to use cold compresses for the next time. Well, Sunday morning, we woke up to Greta sneezing in "her" room (aka the guest bedroom). Jon quickly peeked in and she seemed fine. 3o minutes later though, we discovered blood everywhere and Greta still sneezing quite a bit. After an hour and half of applying ice to her nose, the bleeding had subsided although not 100%. Jon and I looked at each other in those moments, terrified that that would be the end and we were not ready.

Today, the internist felt confident in saying that the tumor was cancer. Likely a 60% carcinoma / 40% sarcoma chance. She did give us a couple options, including catscans / biopsies followed by nasal radiation, offered at NCSU or in NOVA which may add 9-12 months OR chemotherapy which is usually only 30% successful. (radiation would have been 3 1/2 weeks away + thousands).

Jon and I had already decided against treatment for cancer, but did want to learn about the options, outcomes, likely prognosis and comfort care. So at this point, we are in a phase to provide comfort and love.

Meanwhile, we are trying to find the humor in this... Greta now is color purple at our Target pharmacy for her pain and clotting medicines but at least they didn't prescribe her Viagra as the Vet Tech told me they do with some dogs with vascular problems. I think she thought I needed a laugh, true or not.