Kami ((((hugs))))) 

I am so sorry. This is not such great news. But, as you say, some dogs can live a good quality of life for quite awhile with lung mets. I don't have any experience with the drugs you've mentioned, but I'm sure others have. Sophie has had cancer in her lungs (nobody has used the word "mets" to me - they just said that the cancer had spread) since 3 weeks after her amputation. 

We hear these terms - lung mets - and immediately think of the worst case scenario. Mackenzie is a strong girl with a lot of will-to-live. She is still enjoying her life. It's great that she is still happy and swimming and playing with her ball. I will always think of her when I hear the song "These boots are make for walking...", and see her belly-flopping into her pool. Beautiful. What a precious soul. 

BTW, nothing wrong with a little meltdown - in my opinion. Just do it out of her sight and range of hearing. Then you can concentrate on all the things that she IS doing, CAN do, and ENJOYS doing every day. 

I hate the see a side-effect of meds as "diarrhea" - geez .... we should all be investing in a carpet cleaning company ! 

Sending you lots of hugs and prayers, Kami and Mackenzie. 

Tana and Sophie

Kami, I'm sorry about your not-so-good news. I totally get taking a temporary nosedive to have your feelings--sounds like the best thing to do. Now you'll be better able to do whatever you have to do next. I remember when a pet reader told me on March 2 that Daisy didn't have long to live, and I cried almost the entire night over it. She was wrong, but for me, those tears needed to be shed anyway as I had spent so much time being positive and strong for Daisy that I hadn't really taken care of myself by allowing my feelings.

I will hold the vision with you of Mackenzie continuing to enjoy life no matter what!

Kami, there are many inevitable turns in our journey.  We know they are there somewhere, we just don't know where or when we will have to make them.  You have a great attitude and you will do well.  You already know to enjoy each and every moment, and this makes it more precious. 

We all know when they pronounce our friends 'cancer free' that it likely will return.  I am sorry you have come to this turn in the road.  We will all be right here beside you. Mackinzie is feeling well, so take advantage of that and build more wonderful memories.

cometdog said:

We have a lot of living, loving and laughing to do.  

Kami,

We are still on the road, so I will not be able to fully respond as I would like. However, Miss Cherry had a growth on her kidney at the time of the initial diagnosis, that about six weeks after the amputation, burst. She also had many lumps that formed and also got the dreaded mets. However, we made for considerably longer than anyone would have ever hoped. Many here know of my number one suggestion for those entering this process - remain as positive as possible. Comet is absolutely spot on! It is only natural to feel the pain, shock, and apprehencion with this news. However, you still have plenty of time to make priceless memories.

Do not for one minute think that I am underestimating how devistating I know this report is to you. I feel you pain and we both would not want any less feeling for such an amazing companion. I only want to help you focus on enjoying all the remaing time to the fullest. That is what we should be doing the very first day we bring these amazing creatures home as puppies, and this is not time to defer.

Prayers and Pawsitive Thoughts,

Sprit Cherry's Dad

Kami:

This is bad news.  There's no two ways about it.  But it isn't the end - not yet.  Mackenzie could still have plenty of good, quality time left in her.  One of the hardest things right now will be for you, not her.  You have to make sure your perception of her doesn't change now that she's been diagnosed with the next stage of this disease.  Yes, she has the mets, but that doesn't mean she's down for the count.  You should watch her closely, but don't treat her differently.  She doesn't know there's anything going on inside her, so make sure your attitude around her reflects that.

What you need to do is take Mackenzie to her favorite place right away.  Whether it's the beach or the dog park, take her wherever you go when you want to see her go crazy and run around and just be a dog.  It will be good for her, and even better for you to see her tearing around and having fun.  She has a lot of play left in her, and seeing that for yourself will help you stay strong for the treatment ahead.  Let her put a smile back on your face.

I'm sorry this happened, but stay strong.  It's not over yet - not by a long shot.

Well, I'll pretty much echo what everyone else said (including my husband):  McKenzie doesn't know she's sick, only you do, and right now that's going to be the toughest part.  We found out about Max's lung mets at the end of October 2009, and he never really showed any symptoms of them until January 2010.  Sure, he was a bit slower during playtime, but he had also been a year without a front leg; that would make anyone tired!

So, for right now, have your cry, then just go have some fun with her.  That's all a pooch ever wants anyway.  (Besides food and sleep!).  We're all thinking of you and your family, and sending positive thoughts your way.

Diane