Hey Kirsty and Tony,

The odds that our Dane-babies should have met under these circumstances do seem pretty long!  It really sucks that they should have met that way.  Would have infinitely preferred that they met down at the beach at Bayview and that they were not diagnosed with this at all

Why don't you just send an email through to Veronika or Penny Brown at SASH and ask them about the meds and Duke's refusal to eat?  Just send the email through to info@sashvets.com and they'll redirect it to them.  They've answered my emails pretty quickly.  I don't know how much pain Duke will be in post-op, but now that the site of the primary tumor is gone, I imagine he should be able to weaned off meds fairly soon?  It might be worth trying the codeine?  I can only tell you that Tippy isn't too drowsy on codeine, and she engages with us, swims, and (so far) it seems to be helping with the pain as well.  If the Fentanyl patches are off, Duke should be getting less drowsy and then you have a chance to get him moving more as well.  That's also crucial. Getting the guts moving and getting his appetite up.  Tippy won't each much during the day, but once we get home from a swim at Bayview, she always eats a little.  She is not eating anywhere near what she used to - but that's to be expected.  Her bowel movements are tiny, but at least I know something is passing through.  I wish I had better advice for you!  

I really feel for you.  I know how painful it is to see them struggling like this.  But everyone on here seems to be saying that after the initial few weeks of post-op pain and readjustment, things do get easier.  I am sure Duke will pull through this.  At least he's drinking - thank goodness! - and as you say it's a good sign that he's pulling you guys around the garden.  I personally saw how he led 3 nursing attendants on a merry dance and, in the end, did his thing at the time and place of his choosing - not theirs!  He'll get his appetite back guys - but, like most Danes, he can't be pushed or cajoled, he'll know when he's ready to eat and then he'll lose no time in letting you know.  I'm sure he must still be in shock with it all.  It will get better.  It has to, right?

Don't worry so much about long-term outcomes now.  I think you're doing the right thing in delaying the chemo.  He needs time to adjust before you re-traumatise him again with more trips to SASH and more chemicals.  Being at home with you guys is the best therapy he can get right now.  Just hang in there.  Don't lose heart - I know it is easier said than done.  Every time Tippy rejects another freshly prepared meal, I don't know whether to cry or hurl it at the wall.  And I find I can't stop blaming myself for her condition and for the fact that I didn't spot the signs sooner.  And I hate that I can't make her feel better or give her what she needs so that she can feel herself and feel reassured and at least eat and relax a little.  I suspect we all go through the same emotions.  But despite all that, we are still their main source of comfort and strength.  That's what gets me through each day now.  Knowing that, even though I get things wrong, I am here for her and that I'm battling this disease with her to the end.

Lots of hugs to you and Duke,

Vee