We're Back...

"Can you believe she is making me
wear this HUGE cone?"
(for the record: I cut it down another inch
after this photo was taken)

What an eventful afternoon (eventful is an understatement)... well the minor blood and fluid leaking out of Taylor's wound today wasn't stopping. It wasn't a lot, but it was worrying me. So I called (yes, I even paged) Dr. Clara and Jon (our student). They didn't think it was anything major but because I was worried about the blood and the site seemed to be opening a bit we decided to bring him back for a check-up.

All I can say is thank you for Clara, Jon and the sweet oncology nurse (I can't remember her name) we worked with this afternoon! They are the most patient people for putting up with me, my questions and my bleeding dog. When all was said and done - we came home with four stitches, a flushed wound, instructions for a larger cone and encouragement to decrease his movement. Hmmm, do they know Taylor? Not like we do! :)

For the record, I was told I was not the craziest pet owner they have worked with and it was good they took a look. Even though I can be a pest. :) They even told me to call if I had any other questions or concerns... they have no idea what they are offering!

A face only a mother could love -
or feel guilty about

Lucky for us the larger cone seems to be slowing the movement and stopping any licking. I am definitely not the most popular person in the house, I'm getting sad eyes every time I peek in on him. But as Jon said... it's worth it now a healthy site later. I agree but it doesn't mean I have to like it - Taylor's eyes are breaking my heart!

We spent the day cutting down the 30cm cone to work better than the 15cm cone we had to give up - it was WAY too long and you would have thought I attached a weight to Taylor's head - I ended up cutting off about 3 inches. I think we finally have a nice compromise... long enough to stop licking... short enough Taylor can move. Andre has been watching us all day and runs from me every time I carry the cone near him... bad memories. He's happy it's not his problem anymore.

We did get some good news... Dr. Clara said the preliminary results are in for Taylor's tissue removal and it is looking like they got all of the tumor. Wouldn't it be great to say we are soft tissue sarcoma - peripheral nerve sheath tumor free?! We aren't throwing a party yet... but this is great news. I can't wait until the final report is done!

This will give me something happy to think about tonight... when I'm up with our night owl instead of sleeping.