Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Clara on May 30, 2011 at 6:30am

Andrew,

You, your wife and Gilbert are in my prayers.  Please keep your chin up- I know it is hard but look at all the years of love that Gilbert has been able to unconditionally provide....  

My little guy, Pablo is paralyzed and well it has been a very tough time for us but the life he has given us- I would not take a way a split second from it.

My best friend has a husky and she is going through some tough times with Keiser (he too, has cancer).

She came across a website and the herbs have helped him tremendously.  I will leave you with the website below just in case you want to look into it.   WE are all here for you.  This site saved my sanity.  The people here are amazing and have become my virtual pet family.  WE are blessed to be here.   Big hug to Gilbert.

 

http://www.herbal-treatments.com/dog-cancer/

Permalink Reply by Andrew Hicks on May 30, 2011 at 7:07am

Hi Clara,

 

Thanks so much for your note.  It definitely helps having like minded dog lovers thinking about us.  Yes, you're right ... the time that they give us cannot be taken away.  Unconditional love which will last forever.  Take care of Pablo.  I'll definitely check out that site. 

 

We really appreciate all the support.  I'll give Gilbert that big hug and tell him that he's being thought of in an amazing community of dog lovers.

 

Give Pablo a hug from us too ... and Gilbert sends a lick too!

 

Permalink Reply by Ellen Slater on May 30, 2011 at 12:41pm

Andrew, you and Gilbert will be in my  prayers.  This is such a devastating disease and leave us Mamas and Daddys feeling so helpless.  What I learned it to above all follow your gut, you know him best.  We are all here for you and your handsome big boy!

 

Permalink Reply by Andrew Hicks on May 31, 2011 at 12:42pm

Thanks Ellen!  Your note is much appreciated.  Gilbert seems to be doing OK today.  I was worried this morning because he wouldn't eat and I had to hand feed him.  He didn't take much food in but I've just got back from work and was greeted with a big wagging tail and a happy boy and girl!  Hope Sadie is doing OK?

Permalink Reply by Kelly Meyer on June 1, 2011 at 1:02pm

Hi Andrew,

 

I've been meaning to post for a few days now, but just now getting some time to sit and do so. 

 

I'm so sorry to hear of Gilbert's diagnosis!  It seems like more and more of our 4 legged kids are becoming afflicted with this NASTY disease--Cancer--in one form or another.  You have found a GREAT place to come and gather information, support, and just friendly, caring, loving ears for whatever you may need.  Ask, scream, yell, vent, we are all hear to help you through Gilbert's treatment and--God willing--celebrate with you when Gilbert beats this disease and gets well!

 

I found this group out of necessity when our then almost 9 year old Vizsla Phoebe was diagnosed with Plasma cell cancer--I found the support hear--as well as the 'Fight K-9 Cancer' group to be my lifeline as my husband and I went up and down on the rollercoaster of emotions--fear, anger, sadness, joy, then fear and sadness again!  Phoebe sadly lost her battle with cancer this past December 11th, and we miss her so much!!  But, we will all pray for a better outcome for Gilbert!  We are all hear for you and your wife--and of course your big boy Gilbert!

 

Keep us posted,

Kelly♥

Permalink Reply by Andrew Hicks on June 10, 2011 at 1:24am

Today we woke up with Gilbert on the bed with us.  He was comfortably cuddled between us.  He looked so peaceful and had it not been for the little bit of blood which was leaking from his privates, we wouldn't have known that he was sick.  He's struggling today.  He struggled to get off the bed and wouldn't eat all his food.  He still managed to humor me though by singing with his sister as I was getting ready for work.  Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.  Pray for healing.  Pray that he's not in pain.  Pray that he finds some more strength.  Please pray for us all as we work through this turmoil.  This is a horrible disease!!!!!  WHY!!!  I'm so mad and so distraught at the moment.  Why does cancer infect our most beloved and seemingly helpless babies.  He's done absolutely nothing that would answer why he now has to go through this.  He's next to me as I write this ... I just love him so much and want the best for him.  He's our life and soul.  ... Deep breath I guess ...

Permalink Reply by Kelly Meyer on June 15, 2011 at 5:39pm

Andrew,

 

I read your post in the K9 cancer group, and I'm just so sorry!  I too remember coming home to trails of blood on the tile, wood floors, everywhere Phoebe had walked!  With Phoebe she had open tumors on her feet, and in the end, they would crack open and bleed--it's just so sad watching them go through all this! 

 

We do anything we can to comfort them, ease their pain, cure them!  I am praying tonight for strength for Gilbert so he can fight his cancer, for comfort so he can be without pain, and for healing so he can beat this nasty disease!

Stay strong Andrew, Gilbert knows you are doing what is best for him--he loves you for it!

 

Kelly♥

Permalink Reply by Andrew Hicks on June 17, 2011 at 1:19am

Hi Kelly,

 

Thanks for your message and for your prayers for our boy.  He seemed to be doing a bit better by yesterday evening although in the morning my wife was very distressed because there was still lots of blood in his urine.  My eyes welled up with tears as I read your message.  Thanks for the support and prayers.  He's getting lots and lots of love from Mom and Dad ... but could definitely use all those extra prayers and happy thoughts.  

 

Thanks again!

 

Andrew

Permalink Reply by bill cronin on June 21, 2011 at 12:23pm

ANDREW /GILBERT WILL BE IN MY PRAYERS ALSO,I LOST MY LITTLE GIRL TO CANCER 16 MONTHS AGO

AND IT STILL HURTS.I HAD TO MAKE HER AS COMFORABLE AS POSSIBLE IN HER FINAL DAYS.

ANGEL DIED IN MY ARMS ON FEB 16 2010.PLEASE CHERISH THE TIME YOU HAD WITH HIM AND GILBERT WILL LET YOU KNOW WHEN THE TIME IS HERE.GOD BLESS YOU IN THIS NEEDED TIME.       BILL C

Permalink Reply by Andrew Hicks on June 21, 2011 at 5:06pm

Thank you Bill.  I'm so sorry about your loss of Angel! 

 

We are doing everything we can think of to make Gilbert comfortable.  From tomorrow, I'm changing up his diet.  He's been on high quality dog food recommended by the vet.  From tomorrow he starts getting turkey, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and shitake mushrooms with fresh garlic and lots of love.  Tomorrow evening we'll add liver to this.  We're trying to help him fight.  He's having good days and bad but he's definitely losing weight and showing signs of deteriorating.  We need him to keep up his strength and fight.  He has the will so we need to do our part to give him what he needs. 

 

He is so precious to us ... as I'm sure Angel was to you.  We have so many stories and memories.  Only thing is that we aren't prepared to relay these on in the past tense. We move into a new house this weekend and will get everything moved by the end of the month.  When we were looking at places to purchase, we had our babies in mind all the way.  I just want for him to enjoy the house we bought with them in mind.  I know this sounds crazy ... but he's our big boy and means the world to us.  I appreciate the support!  So does he!

 

Cheers for now!