Here is an update on Tucker’s visit to the oncologist:
I promised you that I would let you know about Tucker’s visit to the oncologist. He and I went yesterday to meet her. She explained more about this rare tumor in his mouth. In addition, she laid out 4 different treatment choices. One was radiation. There is the old form of radiation that would be everyday (except Sat. and Sun.) of the week for 4 weeks straight. Tucker would be put to sleep each time. The second form of radiation is called SRS which is a new form using a new machine that is far more intensive and can be completed in 1-5 days. Both forms of radiation cannot ensure that the cancer will be completely eliminated and they both shorten his life span to just over 2 years. The second form of treatment is chemotherapy which is brutal and has not been improved on much over the last several years. The oncologist did not see this as an option for him. The third choice was surgery which would allow the surgeon to completely remove the tumor and Tucker would then be cancer free and able to move on to live a long, healthy life. The last option was to do nothing except that the tumor grows back fast and in another couple of months we would be back to where we started from.
I chose the surgery option for Tucker. It seemed to be the least invasive, the quickest to deliver and the one with the highest chance for him to be cancer free and live a long life.
Tucker’s surgery will be on Thurs. I can’t wait for it to be done so he can be on the road to recovery.
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Tucker is a son of Korral and Einstein, born May 15th. 2008. I am worried about this beautiful Doodle, this cancer is a scary business in animals and people. It is really hard to believe with all the money that has been raised we can’t seem to stop it. Good luck to Tucker on his surgery tomorrow and a speedy recovery. I would like to have this posted on my web site and I would love an update on Tess, Abby and Duke as well. Tucker’s family wrote:
I am so sorry to hear that you have had a tough winter health wise. In times like that thank goodness for animals and their unconditional love and comfort. I am sure they have helped you through some of the tougher times. I wrote earlier that Tucker has been my “rock.” I am on long term disability from teaching. As a result, Tucker and I have been glued to each other 24/7. He is my therapy both emotionally and physically. His long walks and runs every day have helped to keep me in shape and keep a handle on some of the chronic pain issues I struggle with following a horseback riding accident in 1999. I couldn’t have done it without him.
Tucker has such an incredibly loving, gentle and happy personality. He is very popular in the community, from the very young to the very old, because he always wags not only his tail but wiggles his entire body from side to side when anything with a heartbeat comes near him. He also loves to raise his top lip and give everyone big smiles. He often draws small crowds when I walk him into town. Complete strangers seem to sense his loving nature and come and pet him. I have also taken him to the local seniors home where he works his magic with the staff and patients. He loves to participate in agility classes, swim in the Bow River, hike in the mountains and run beside my bike. He is truly a jack of all trades. How lucky we are that Einstein and Korral gave us such a special guy.
I want you to know that I didn’t email you about Tucker’s cancer to blame you or question your breeding. I wrote you to let you know the joy you have given myself and my family by providing us with Tucker. Tucker, his sister Tess, Abby (born 2006 from your farm) and Duke (Abby’s brother) are 4 golden doodles I know well from your breeding program. They are all incredibly gentle, loving and giving dogs. I have recommended you to many people and would buy another puppy from you without a second thought. Tess and Abby live next door and Duke lives across town.