I took Wiley to my regular vet yesterday, I just had to "do something" and wanted another opinion. Of course, Wiley was more animated at the vets, didn't cough, and was social and active all day. So that was encouraging. Chest xrays showed no blood or fluid in his lungs--also encouraging--but now about 3 times the number of mets in his lungs as on Nov. 27. Wow, what an agressive cancer. The mets were all pretty small though, and Wiley's next chemo isn't until Dec. 18.

Wiley ate a little last night but then threw up a whole bunch of ground food and a lot of mucus...I actually had expected that, because with all the coughing he had been doing up to that time, he had to have been swallowing anything he had been coughing up, except for the blood I saw that prompted our visit to the vet. His breathing since then has been rapid, shallow and raspy....but no more coughing in the last 24 hours since he vomited. He hasn't wanted to go outside and when I encourage him and he goes out, he just stands there like he's in a daze. He wouldn't get on the couch with me but he did come up on the bed last night, where I could hear his raspy breathing all night. It was hard to leave him at home alone today...it sucks being on your own when things like this happen (how do single parents do it???). It sucks starting a new job this week and missing time, when I just want to stay with Wiley 24/7. But I have several good friends nearby who get off work before me and check on him in these times, I couldn't wait for the call this evening to hear that Wiley was alright. The labored breathing continues, he's not very animated or moving around much tho he perked up when more friends came by this evening and seemed to respond well to the attention.

It is so difficult to read these forums sometimes because of all the sadness and loss, but the information and support is sooo valuable to me, thank you all so much. I feel each and everyone's pain, knowing my worst days are yet to come. I keep reminding myself that it's not about me, it's about Wiley. But you're right...if I have to ask "is it time?", then it's not. I'm hoping this is just a speed bump in the road, and not the dead end. Wiley's eyes are still expressive and light up...not as often as they used to, but I don't feel he's trying to tell me it's time. As I was typing this he came in from the family room and curled up at my feet. I love him so much, I can't imagine being without him.