I know it's been awhile since I posted anything about Gus, thought I 'd fill you all in. He's been doing pretty good although I think he is slowing down some, I had questioned the vet about stopping the cytoxin since I noticed he was starting to have a kind of cough when he would get up, eat or drink, but it was only right at first, once he had his couple that was it, and it wasn't something that was making him uncomfortable or having a problem with. When I took him into the vet a couple weeks ago he was amazed at how good he looked, he even had gained 10 lbs in the last 2 months, back up to 103lbs. but I bet a couple of those pounds are the lump he has on his neck, it is as big as a grapefruit, probably bigger actually, but it doesn't seem to bother him. But the vet said he wouldn't change anything if he was looking that good and not having any problems or showing any signs of sickness. Been trying to keep him cool, been pretty hot and humid and I think the cancer is progressing in his lungs. He isn't moving as fast as he was, unless he thinks he needs to be somewhere right away. He was out at the wood pile the other day climbing around it trying to get a woodchuck,  when he gets on a mission there's no stopping him, well, he got it, but it took all he had, and about an hour later proceeded to eat the whole thing, believe me when I say he has been paying for that whole mission big time the last couple days. That night he was laying on the porch moaning from being stuffed with chuck, and he is still quite sore and not moving very fast. But when I made the decision for no chemo, one of my main reasons was so he wouldn't have to deal with side effects if he had them and to let him live a good life as long as time let him, so as most of you know, we live on a farm, and he likes to roam the fields, well even though he was one hurtin' dude, yesterday the neighbor was mowing hay, I watched him as he lay on the porch,about five minutes later he was  checking out the hay field, that my friends is my buddy Gus, that's what he loves to do and when this journey is over I will feel good that I gave him the chance to live life to the fullest. Will I miss him, you bet I will, I dread whenever that time comes, as we all do, but knowing I gave him the extra time to do it longer makes this whole journey worth it, and I couldn't have done it without any of you. Your help and support have meant the world to us, all I can say is thanks for being there when we needed it. Paws up, Gus and Dan    

Well, I hope I didn't jinx myself by posting this update, I am hoping the humidity and heat are a temporary setback but Gus isn't doing so good this morning. I had to cook a hamburger to get him to eat and he seems to be laboring in his breathing more than usual. I turned on the ac in the house and tried to get him in but he wanted out on the porch, so for now he is out there , but i don't think he is to comfortable. It's not to bad out yet, but they are calling for 93 and humid, so I will bring him in once things start to really warm up. I had a feeling he would have a rough couple days after his last mission, but I thought he would show a little more improvement by now, lets keep our paws crossed. Paws up, Gus and Dan

Oh, sorry to hear Gus isn't feeling very well. I too hope it's just the heat and humidity and perhaps some lingering effects of chuck eating.

Paws are definitely crossed.

djbockman said:

 But when I made the decision for no chemo, one of my main reasons was so he wouldn't have to deal with side effects if he had them and to let him live a good life as long as time let him, so as most of you know, we live on a farm, and he likes to roam the fields, well even though he was one hurtin' dude, yesterday the neighbor was mowing hay, I watched him as he lay on the porch,about five minutes later he was  checking out the hay field, that my friends is my buddy Gus, that's what he loves to do and when this journey is over I will feel good that I gave him the chance to live life to the fullest. Will I miss him, you bet I will, I dread whenever that time comes, as we all do, but knowing I gave him the extra time to do it longer makes this whole journey worth it, and I couldn't have done it without any of you. Your help and support have meant the world to us, all I can say is thanks for being there when we needed it. Paws up, Gus and Dan    

Tracy, Maggie's Mom

 I am sorry Gus isn't feeling so good.  This heat and now the humidity here in Arizona has been terrible lately, Tasha also pants so hard, I get worried. I am somewhat paranoid, (ok, I admit a lot paranoid) when it comes to Tasha. Hope soon that the heat and the humidity will come down and Gus will be feeling much better.

 Paws crossed for Gus !

 Jo Ann & Tasha

Oh so sorry to hear about Gus…maybe this is just an off day for him.  Hopefully by this evening it will cool off a bit and Gus will be feeling better and more hungry.  If his breathing seems ok that's probably a good sign. We'll be keeping our paws crossed for you and Gus.

Poor Gus! We're totally rooting for you too.

Carmen, Catie and Riley