Today, Jazz and I traveled the all-too- familiar PA turnpike to Chalfont to the Veterinary Oncology Services Radiation Center. The trip is long and monotonous but I don’t care because the destination is the place that is helping to save Jazz’s life.
Once we arrive, Jazz is taken to an area that is restricted where he receives his radiation. The sign on the door says all dogs must be leashed or in a carrier. Since I use crutches, a staff member greets me at my vehicle and Jazz receives the ultimate pampering- he is carried like a baby into the facility. Does he mind this inconvenience? 🙂 I think not!
I’m told I can go for lunch but never do. The majority of the time, I sit and wait in the parking lot wanting to be near my Jazz -hoping and praying the radiation is working to erradicate the melanoma cancer cells in his mouth.
Jazz is kept in the restricted area for an hour where is anesthetized and receives his radiation therapy. When he is done, a staff member who “wants” my Jazz, brings him outside to me. Talk about drive-up service. I can’t begin to thank the staff enough for the generosity shown to me because of my own personal circumstances. They treat Jazz as if he is one of their own pets. I know Jazz is not the exception. I’ve met other dogs and their “parents” during my visits. But it is reassuring knowing the staff can care this much knowing how difficult of a time this is for me and all of us who have pets receiving chemotherapy or radiation.
I talked with Jazz’s oncologist today and the news I received was positive. The radiation is killing those nasty cancer cells. YAY! We are at the halfway point in his radiation treatment. Then he will begin receiving the ONCEPT vaccine (canine melonam vaccine) that has proven to prevent metastases and improve his survival rate by years since his cancer was caught in the early stages which is rare. Melanoma is very aggressive and frequently spreads throughout the body.
Jazz and I have gotten closer through this ordeal which I didn’t think was possible since he always wants to be with me. We have bonded in a very special way.
Losing my precious Shadow in August took a toll on my household. My heart was broken and Jazz’s best friend was missing leaving him quite sullen and confused as we all were. While grieving for our dear Shadow, we learned of Jazz’s cancer. Now my thoughts have been focused on him but never forgetting Shadow. How could I?
After receiving this unbelievable news of Jazz’s melanoma, it was only one day after that diagnosis that I received my own diagnosis of skin cancer. I don’t know what the odds are with the two of us fighting skin cancer but it must be astronomical.
That is why Jazz and I have gotten even closer. We’ve been there for each other during our ordeals. I want him to know I will always be there for him for the duration and I already know he isn’t leaving my side.
It is too strange and coincidental that the two of us have cancer without some kind of reasoning behind it but I have to wonder if the two of us have a bigger mission to complete.
Stay tuned to find out.