Great News

Good News! Today I got the preliminary biopsy report on Lucy from the vet, and it is that the tumor was not cancer. the final report will come on Monday, but for today, I am thrilled. Lucy is doing well, and looks a lot like her old self, minus any hair on her abdomen. They removed her spleen, but she is good and can live long and well without one. It always amazes me what we can live just fine without. Dogs seem to have this remarkable ability to recuperate quickly. I guess that before they were our hunting partners and became domestic creatures, an injury could mean death due to weakness, so nature in her infinite wisdom, made recuperation faster. I am keeping Lucy quiet, and have been confined mostly to the house because of that. She should be able to resume light activities by the end of next week, one week post-op. Pretty miraculous, yes?
But I have to say that looking around at the group, I see that we as human beings also have the ability to regenerate and renew at any age. The CHLI took a chance on all of us, but I am not so blind as to not notice how much of a chance they took on me. As I am the oldest of the group, they have been extra careful with my exercise program, and I have to say that they seem to be extra proud of my accomplishments. Not prouder than anyone else's accomplishments, perhaps just surprised.
This past week or two we all had our re-checks, our three-month milestones. I hope that all are satisfied, and I see why the CHLI in its wisdom, gave us 6 months to develop new habits and get into new grooves. Now at three months, I am just beginning to have the need to exercise. Up until now, I have to admit, it was a push, but now it is a need. I spent Lucy's first day at home from the hospital, laying around with her, reassuring her and just being with her. She needed me in her sight at all times. By the next morning, I just had to get out for my walk. I was achy, I was cranky without it. SoThanks to all the CHLI staff fdor your good care and for your wisdom in givng us the time to build the habits we need to go ahead.