Sep
15
Aspen Monkey Dog Update
September 15, 2015 | 3 Comments
Yes, Aspen is still around! At 14+ years, she is still getting around as good as other dogs a fraction of her age. About the same time Jewels crossed the Bridge we had noticed a large lump forming on Aspen’s left hip. Our primary vet diagnosed it as a benign fatty tumor and said it would eventually need to be removed, but there was no rush to have to do it anytime soon as long as we did not wait until it got too big. Since we were losing Jewels at around that time this tumor did not become a priority. It wasn’t until about a year later near the end of 2012 (after my last post) that we decided to have it taken care of. What I assumed would be a routine “carving” out of the tumor and stitching up actually ended up being the removal of a cancerous “nerve sheath” tumor that was already in advanced stages. Thus began our second experience of canine cancer. We are lucky to have a wonderful veterinary oncologist with Jewels who we started taking Aspen to.
So almost three years later, three surgeries and four kinds of chemo treatments Aspen is still around and happy! The cancer she has can eventually give her fatal lung mets, but it was certainly not as aggressive as the Osteosarcoma Jewels had.
Aspen might move around more slowly now, but at least she can still get around! As long as her quality of life is good, we will continue to keep her as healthy and happy as we can for the short time she has left.
3 Comments so far
Aspen! You are an amazing senior Missy! Of course, having a magnificent Guardian Angel like Jewels is a real plus!
Geez, having two dogs with this piece of crap rotten disease…awful!
I went back and read Jewels’ journey. A very loved dog, that’s for sure. And just so know, Jewels is still reaching putand touching lives in a positive way. When my Happy Hannah transitioned, I wondered if I had done it “too soon” also. I read the responses of those trying to offer comforting words. I believe it was Dakota’s mom who said basically “you shouldn’t wait for pain”. And, as Jerry said, “what do you want to remember”
Just wanted you to know Jewels life still matters!
To know that Aspen is doing so well and is still enoying ner ” mature” years is just delightful to hear! We don’t get to see three year plus survivors at FOURTEEN years still soaking up all that loving and spoiling that I know she is getting!
Keep on keeping on sweet girl! You are sooo special here for so many different reasons!
Hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
That is awesome to hear Aspen is doing so well at her age. I am sorry that the vet thought the tumor was just fatty. All we can do is make them happy 🙂
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Wow! It is SO great to hear from you and know that Aspen is rockin life! Give that pup a big ol’ smooch from us and know that we are celebrating her amazing, inspawrational tail. Jewels is very, very happy for the pack and especially her sissy I’m sure.
I’m sorry you had to deal with cancer again, but we thank you for letting us know, it’s wonderful that we are still in your orbit.
xoxo