Denial
September 3rd, 2008
Filed in: Uncategorized
I’ve been putting off doing a Zeke update because I deal with stress by not dealing with stress. Denial is my friend.
We headed back to the acupuncturist two weeks ago, and after working with Zeke she gently suggested that I take him to see a neurologist. Turns out his back leg “weakness” has moved to his front right leg as well, and he’s now knuckling on it:
Knuckling, or standing on a turned over paw, can be a sign that something is going on in the brain.
We saw a neurologist the next day, and her tentative diagnosis? Glioma. A brain tumor.
Wha?
We’re waiting for the results of one more blood test (”ionized calcium run,” anyone?), and from there it looks like it’ll be palliative steroids. Denial, denial, denial. Everything is fine with my baby doggie.
Reasons I know that Zeke is still Zeke:
1. He’ll still tug like a madman
2. He’s ready for a walk whenever I am
3. Breakfast and dinner? Yes, please!
Reasons I know that Zeke is changing:
1. He can’t keep his balance while he tugs
2. He wears out quickly during walks, often stopping and waiting for me to carry him home
3. He’s still eating his meals, but he turned down a cracker yesterday.
4. He trips on curbs and low steps. He won’t even attempt the staircase.
5. He sleeps. Lots.
6. He doesn’t come running when I’m scraping the dinner plates.
7. He allows me to do this all the time:
We’re taking it one day at a time. I’ve shed many tears thinking about the inevitable lurking around the corner, but for now we’re fine.
Has anyone else out there dealt with Glioma?
