She's watching me intently.

I started this blog when Darby was pre-diagnosed with Lymphoma. I wrote a couple of times, but noticed that those first few days were actually very challenging for both Darby and I. So I stopped writing. Accepting a diagnosis like this believe it or not takes a while to come to grips with. What to do, who to listen to, who is going to be on your team, who can you trust, how much are you going to have to spend, etc...Whew, overwhelming...During the night, I slept with one eye open and the other one closed, I went to work thinking and wondering if Darbs would be OK, I came home hoping to hear her bark....and as I always, my girl pulls through for me. Then there is Duncan. My sweet male lab. I hope he know what's going on. Well, to catch everyone up, these are the events since my last initial post.

Sept 1, 2009 - We met Dr. Scroggins and Erica G. at North Texax Vet. I really like Dr. S. He didn't officially diagnose the lymphoma, however, based on her symptoms, she stated that it was highly likely that Darby had a journey ahead of her. They did suggest that I get her slide sent to a pathology lab to have it confirmed. At that point in time I declined. Dr. S. also informed me of my options. If I was to proceed with chemo, I had 3 potential choices. UWP - University of Wisconsin protocol, COP and CCNU. Each are listed from most invasive to least invasive. I left the Doctors office overwhelmed and exhausted.

Sept. 3, 2009 - Since my visit with Dr. S. I thought back and forth about the slide. should I have it tested, should I not, etc. Well, I remembered that my friend Chris' wife was a canine researcher. I called him to just ask him some questions, come to find out that his wife "Erica", was a clinical pathologist (sitting for boards soon) for the University of Wisconsin. I rushed to the Dr. office to pick up Darby's slide and sent it off to Wisconsin for Erica to look at. She did confirm Med / Large Lymphosites......Lymphoma............sigh

Sept. 9, 2009 - We met with Dr. Pam. Dr. Pam specializes in Holistic veteranary care. Dr. Pam gave me 3 supplements for Darby. A Multi vitaming, a digestive enzyme, and an antioxidant. In addition, she suggested that I feed Darby a variety of meats, such as chicken, turkey, beef, fish, etc. The veggie medley that I prepare should consist of at least 5 green veggies. I have been preparing spinach, squash, green beans, brocolli, cauliflower and seaweed. www.vitalitypetcare.com.

Sept. 14, 2009 - I decided to move forward with the Chemotherapy. Darby will be undergoing the CCNU chemo protocol. I chose the least invasive chemo protocol for her because I intend to commit myself to her diet and nutrition, her fitness and happiness. I feel confident that we can make strides by enhancing these components.

On this day we also met our "New" primary vet. His name is Dr. Joe Allen. His office is in Colleyville. I wanted him to look at Darby to get a benchmark of her current state. He is a fantastic Dr. and we both lucky girls...

Sept. 16, 2009 - our 2nd visit to see Dr. Scroggins. he prescibed the CCNU capsules. I gave darby her first pill that evening.

Sept. 17, 2009 - Gave Darby her second CCNU pill.

Sept. 18, 2009 - OUr call with Dr. Loops from North Carolina. Dr. Loops will join our team as Darby's homeopathic vet. He will be responsible for Darby's homeopathic cancer remedies.... www.charlesloops.com

Sept. 24, 2009 - We began our homeopathic protocol. Our first remedy was Cad. This is important to know because I have 3 rememdies that I have to alternate. Cad, Sulph, Cad, Sulph, Carci...I have to put this on a calendar some where, otherwise I am going to forget....

Sept. 26, 2009 - This was the day for our enchilada dinner fund raiser. It was a hit. Lots of enchilada plates, many jars of salsa sold. Thank you to the following people...First and foremost, my mom for helping make this event such a success for Darby. Kristen, Cindy and Jake; Angie, Todd and Zach; Jenny, Jimmy and Caroline; Mary and Chuck; Suzanne and Reggie; Suzanne and Bob; Jodi and Nancy; Dr. Jacoby and Debra Mackentosh; Brett B. and Pam G.; Kirk and Sanna; Tracey; George Ostrander; Rita and Ginger; Mandy; Ryan and friends; Misty and Patrick; and Jan and Bill, Courtney, Kim, Rosemary, and Patricia....

Over all, our past two weeks have been successful. I still get the wonderful greating from her when I get home. Thanks to all of my wonderful friends and Dr,'s for being so kind to us and supporting us through this journey.