It's Gail here. I write this with a heavy heart.
A couple of weeks ago my friend Kirsty, a retired vet, looked after Bertie for the day and observed his ongoing peeing problems. Despite the normal blood and urine tests a month ago, she was worried about his 'straining' and encouraged me to push for further investigation.
The upshot was that Bertie had an ultrasound scan on Monday this week, and a 3 x 3 cm tumour (a transitional cell carcinoma) was detected at the neck of his bladder. The vet has prescribed an anti-inflammatory drug which might shrink the tumour a little or at least slow its growth and provide limited relief, but the devastating facts are that surgery is not considered appropriate, these tumours can grow and spread quite aggressively, and the prognosis is that he may live a few months, at best. Of course, I shall ensure Bertie does not suffer unduly, but oh he is so dear to me, especially at the moment with all the Covid-related restrictions impacting our lives.
I know that readers of this will understand my shock, and that many of you will have gone through similar or worse with your beloved pets. I wonder if the news would be easier to take if Bertie did not otherwise seem in pretty good shape.
How I wish I had a cheerier message today. Just now, facing the onset of winter darkness and with all our government limits on socialising between households (my visit to Kirsty yesterday for some much needed tea and sympathy was, strictly speaking, illegal here in Scotland) I'm trying hard to stay positive. After all, for the moment Bertie is still eating well, enjoying his walks and on the surface, little has changed.
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| Bertie out yesterday, belly part shaved for ultrasound scan |
oh no.... that is the news we fear so much... hugs to you and lots of positive thoughts... this year is so haunted, always if we think it can not come much more worse, we are wrong...
ReplyDeleteOh NO! I read this with dread filling my heart. I'm so sad for you. May the time you have left together be a comfort. Our animals take such a hold on our hearts, don't they. Hugs to you - damnit, socially distanced ones.
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteSending all Love and POTP to you both; and Gail, remember that here in Bonny Land, one can form an 'extended household' for mutual support needs (we've done it with neighbour M) - so if Kirsty is happy to do so, this could be your get-round for the non-contact ruling. (((((HUGS))))) YAM xx
Hi Bertie and mum, this is the same tumour as I have in my bladder. I'm on the same treatment too.
ReplyDeleteWe're in this together mate! Xoxo
Thanks brother!
DeleteOur thoughts are with you. This sort of diagnosis comes as a searing shock. Enjoy these good times - they are special. Bertie has no idea of what ails him so long walks, illicit sausages, ear scrunches and rule breaking can be enjoyed and savoured. Stay strong - you are supported by a world of dog bloggers.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear this. This is just not the right time for Bertie to be seriously ill, but then it never would have been because he is precious. Sending good thoughts for long walks and cozy hugs Bertie’s way and yours from Canada.
ReplyDeleteOh no. Our hearts go out to you and our thoughts and prayers are with you, Gail. We send you lots and lots of positive vibes, Bertie♥
ReplyDeleteOh Bertie, we are so very sorry to hear this sad news, and send all our love and support to you and Gail.
ReplyDeleteWe wish you lots of good times together, and hope that the anti-inflammatory tablets work and there is no further spread of the tumour.
You will be in our thoughts and we're sending lots of healing vibes and prayers your way.
Lot and lots of love to you both,
Inca xx
Ugh, this is so NOT what we wanted to read here today. 2020 hits again. And the evil C raises its ugly head again. We are so very sorry for you and Bertie, and we hope he has many happy days ahead. We know you will do what is best for Bertie because that is what good loving pet owners do. We sent you and Bertie lots and lots of prayers and good thoughts for the days to come. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteKathie and The OP Pack
sending love and prayers to you and Bertie and I totally get this, our Big boy has been diagnosed with end stage Congestive heart failure. I fully feel your fear and anger and hurt and my heart hurts with your heart.
ReplyDeleteDearest Bertie and Gail...Bryan and I are shocked and truly saddened by this news. Bertie has such a magnificent presence here in the interwebs, all due to your love and all the grand adventures you two have taken. If he was 2 legged he would have used up 87 passports over the last 10 years. Quality of life is most impawtant to all beings. I know way down deep in my heart pets are best at living in the moment. Bertie is lucky to be loved by you. I know you will see that each moment if full of love, adventure and quality of life.
ReplyDeleteWith love and many hugs. If Bertie will allow extra hugs give him one each day from us.
Cecilia and Bryan
Ohhhh Gail, we are so so sorry. Momma said that she knows that devastation, because Angel Jessie seemed so completely healthy when she furst got the diagnosis of her kidney failure. We know that you will do the best for Bertie and keep you both in our thoughts. <3
ReplyDeleteWe're so sorry to hear this news about Bertie today. Our paws are crossed and we are sending hugs to both of you. We know you will do what's best for Bertie and will send all the POTP to him we can.
ReplyDeleteGail and Bertie - I am so sorry. I wish you many more happy adventures. Hugs to you both!
ReplyDeleteBertie and Gail,
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry to hear about the horrible "C" entering your world. You know all of us here in Blogville are sending you both the strongest of our prayers. Please know we are here for you always!
Hugs,
Kim
Gail and Bertie: as the best of companions, I know you will help each other through the easier and harder steps to come. We are nearing the end of our beloved Tali's life, so I have a sense of how difficult this devastating news is.
ReplyDeleteWe are so very sorry to hear about dear Bertie and we send tons of love and hugs to you both.
ReplyDeleteOh Bertie - we are so sorry to read this ! We are sending you and your human lots of purrayers and POTP !
ReplyDeleteEven though we have been missing in Blogville since Amber crossed the Bridge earlier this year, we are never far from our wonderful friends. We send lots of POTP from the 28 remaining paws in our house and also lots of prayers for sweet Bertie. Miracles do still happen sometimes.
ReplyDeleteHugs...💙💚💜
Healing Pawkisses and purrayers are on the way. Please feel better soon, Bertie🐾😽💞
ReplyDeleteOh Bertie and Gail, I have no words. This is devastating news, and it breaks my heart. I am glads that you are feelin' good other wise, and can still have some funs with Gail and your furiends. I am sendin' lots and lots of healin' vibes and AireZens and {{{{hugs}}}} your way my furiend. and lots of margaritas...those always help ☺
ReplyDeleteKisses,
Ruby ♥
We are so very sorry to hear this. We know you already enjoy each day to the fullest, and are sending POTP and prayers there are many more to come.
ReplyDelete(((Hugs)))
Beth and the Gang
We always see Bertie around, and this has hit us unexpectedly hard. I can relate, as it's how things happened with my heart dog, Lexi. Know my prayers are crossing the ocean and the continents and the universe for you and Bertie. Amy
ReplyDeleteOh our dearest Bertie and Gail, although we have been very lax at blogging we try to keep an eye on our friends and we are so saddened to see this news today. Paws crossed for many more days and adventures for you together. Sending all our love and pug prayers
ReplyDeleteMabel, Hilda & Mom
Oh gosh, I'm so sorry about Bertie! We lost our first Golden to lymphoma five years ago, 2.5 weeks after her diagnosis, so I understand what you're going through. My heart hurts for you. Ducky sends POTP.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to learn of Bertie's health issues. I have only followed your blog for a few years, but I feed of you as a friend. Stay strong and we are all thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteI am devastated to read this. You have a very unique and loving relationship. I know Bertie is your child. Saying prayers and sending you love.
ReplyDeleteGail and Bertie - 💔💔💔 we are devastated to read this. Hugs to you both and POTP.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry you got such devastating news about sweet Bertie. I will add Bertie to my prayer list. XO
ReplyDeleteBertie and Gail - My heart is so heavy for you. What heartbreaking news. I can tell what a deep and wonderful bond you two have - so I know that Gail's heart is hurting. I am sending love and support.
ReplyDeleteOh Bertie, mum and I are so, so sorry to hear this. You have been my role model for the perfect (usually!) wire fox terrier, and you and Gail have cheered us up through dark times. Big hugs to you both, you are very much in our thoughts, and enjoy every moment you are together. xx
ReplyDeletePraying for Bertie and for you, Gail. All dog people know that this is the price we pay for our wonderful pets.
ReplyDeleteOMD! What s SHOCK. We sincerely hope the tumor shrinks, but this being 2020 the shocks keep coming. So saddened to read this, this morning.
ReplyDeleteGail, I too am in shock. Though I rarely comment, I never miss reading about Bertie's adventures. He is a very dear fellow. Once (about 30 odd years ago) I had the great fortune to have a wire-haired fox terrier named Daisy. Having a WFT had always been a dream for me. Daisy has been gone for quite a while now, so it was with special pleasure that I've become acquainted with Bertie (and you) and your marvelous blog. My heart is with you both; may there be so many happy days still to come. With love, Stephanie in Northern California
ReplyDeleteDearest One We are sad to hear this. We have you both in our hearts. 💕❤
ReplyDeleteGail, there are no words we can say to tell you how sorry we are to hear this news. We know how dear he is to you and how well you and he have lived each other over the years. And yes, the time is always bad for something like this but right now it's so much worse. Our hearts break for you but we hope you will enjoy what he is still giving you in the remaining time together. Be strong Bertie. Be strong Gail.
ReplyDeleteHugs and love from all of us!