Happy Holidays, Friends!

Two weeks ago I didn't think I'd be here, I really thought I was dying. But my mom rushed me around to various torture chambers and I started feeling better, and what do you know, for Christmas I am sitting nice and comfy in front of a fire after eating a fabuloso dinner of hamburger and kibble. Life is good! I hope it is for you too! Have a wonderful life in 2013.

Redmon

from pk: a few weeks ago Redmon was showing signs of slowing down and was scheduled for re-evaluation by the neurologists in another state. but before we made the appointment, he had a huge crash, including his first and so far only grand mal seizure at 2:30 in the morning. i took him to an emergency clinic who were able to give him anticonvulsants, and fortunately that day we were able to get an appointment at the specialist clinic, where they did an MRI. the tumor had grown back somewhat quicker than expected, and while it looked enormous to me the doctors considered it only "slightly" larger than it was when he was first diagnosed in 2011. to my surprise the doctors considered him still treatable. he was stabilized for a week on prednisone and phenobarbital and improved slowly, and just yesterday he completed a second round of radiation. the coming weeks will tell whether it has done him any good or not, but so far the indications are that we have bought him a little more, very high quality, time.

he hated the clinic visits as much as before, not because there is anything painful about it but because it is a very long ride each morning without breakfast. he showed slightly more courage tha before about going into the treatment rooms. as always the clinic is full of very devoted and stalwart pets and their people, all extremely ill but all very happy that they can buy just a little more happiness for themselves. 

i didn't think he would be here for the holidays, but he is comfortable and happy and still roaring along. he has decided to sleep by teddy's bed and cuddle teddy a lot, which makes teddy a bit curious. very little is known about the results of second-round radiation for brain tumors generally, and pituitary tumors in particular. redmon tolerates radiations extremely well (unfortunately his tumor does too) and so he was a good candidate for a second round of treatments. he is in unknown territory, and whatever happens will benefit future patients and their families. 

wishing you all happy and peaceful holidays from Redmon and Teddy.

P.S. somehow i messed this up. posted the same message twice, then somehow the correct message got locked but without the photo. sorry! this is the correct message.

Edited December 26, 201212 yr by pkcrossley

Redmon: Welcome back to Christmas fun and yummies! So happy you can enjoy it, Angus

Love to see him there on his pillow by the fire. Great!

Redmon you look very comfortable in front of the fireplace. I'm very happy you were about to enjoy the holidays with your mommy and brother Teddy. You are such a good and brave boy for your mommy.

Edited December 26, 201212 yr by bradl
poster's request

Glad to see that Redmon is home with Teddy and the family. Best wishes to you & yours!

Redmon glad you are doing better. Wish my dad had given me hamburger for dinner. You truley are a Christmas present.

Sassy

Oh Mr. Redmon, so very glad you got to enjoy a nice Christmas in front of the fire. You look very smart in your red bow tie. If things get tough ahead, especially on the long rides to the clinic, pretend you're back on your comfy cushion, enjoying the warmth of the fire and noshing on hamburger. I wish you all the best for the New Year.

Redmon, it's such a treat to see you looking so handsome and happy. You're a very brave boy and I'm sure you deserved every bite of that hamburger. Merry Christmas, buddy.

Buffy

(((super warm hugs))) Prayers and hugs to Redmon, Teddy and YOU!!! May your New Year bring good news and more happy, wonderful times!!

I love your strength and bravery Redmon. What a warm and heartfelt Christmas gift to be there with your family. You are a special cairn ( and your mom is very awesome too ).

So glad Redmond is better. miracles do happen. Am so very happy for your family. Keep healthy.

A true Christmas miracle. you are an amazing dog Redmon , keep up the good fight. .

PK, thank goodness you own this wonderful wee Cairn and Teddy also.I swear the powers that be send "special animals" to special owners. Big hug from our household to yours.

Oh Redmon...You are the best Christmas present for all of us! May our prayers and thoughts keep you warm and safe by the fire. Pleasant dreams to you, Teddy and PK.

Redmon, Addie and I hope you are comfortable, happy, and loved.

So glad you were able to have a good Christmas Redmon with Teddy and and pk. You look very cosy on your pillow there. Hamburger for dinner too! Keep brave and comfortable Redmon! Love Holly

All the best for the next round of treatment - love to you all Josie

Hello Redmon, please forgive my posting above. I didn't proofread my entry.

Just wanted to say your a wonderful dog, and have a warm, comfortable holiday. I'm sure Teddy is loving the attention.

Good luck, Redmond! Stay warm and enjoy your wonderful family. Every day is a precious gift.

So happy Redmond that you got to enjoy your Christmas at home with your family. You look so cozy curled up in front of the fire, big hugs to you.

Good for you Redmon and Family! Have a wonderful holiday!

Hearing you are safe and well is the best possible news. A belated Merry Christmas, Redmon, and a happy new year.

Way to go Redmon. A true cairn, all that grit, determination, tenacity and desire to carry on. Stay happy!

You look so confident and happy on your pillow. So happy that you all had the most wonderful Christmas ever.