Greetings, Tripawds family. Sorry it's been so long since we've posted actively. (On days/weeks when I end up working extra-long hours, I'll still 'lurk' on the forums in the wee hours from home just to send positive thoughts and good vibes to friends we've made in person and here online—a few shoutouts if you scroll below.* I hope you're feeling them even if you don’t see them in writing.)

So, the good news on Lexie...she's had a lot of happy, hoppy times the past few weeks--even 'springy' as our PT vet said at our session a week ago Saturday. The bad news: stupid cancer has reared its ugly head again. She has a tumor on her amp side in her neck, and it’s growing.

We had a fine needle aspirate done at our primary care vet (the poor girl had an ear infection, too) and a lung scan. Unfortunately it looks like another pretty aggressive soft tissue sarcoma, and the mets we’ve known she’s had all along are growing and there are a few more of them. We have an oncologist appointment midweek.

Her breathing is more labored here and there and panting will sometimes get more frequent, and she’s more sensitive to the humidity, but she’s been so playful and always eager for walks and really enjoying herself when she feels good--which is still about 85% of the time.

As much as I seriously wanted to scream with the latest test results (and I definitely did let myself bawl here and there) I’m trying to stay focused and ‘Be More Dog ’ and model my girl, who lives each day to the fullest.

At our primary care visit after we looked at the lung scans together, our vet said, “Seriously, if I just saw Lexie for the first time without knowing her history I’d say she’s a really happy tripod with a bad ear infection.”

I have to look at the positive. Lexie is 14, had lung mets when we got the cancer diagnosis, has had pancreatitis and Cushing’s for years--plus more recently a luxating patella, hip dysplasia, arthritis, along with this unusually ultra-aggressive form of an STS--and we’re coming up on her four-month ampuversary in August. I can’t ever believe I was on the fence about amputation. These extra months with her have been such an amazing gift.

She still wags and hops around every time she sees her vest coming out and she knows we’re going out for a walk or for a car ride. She’s just a happy, happy girl. (For folks who are new to the Tripawds community—especially for anyone who is second guessing themselves during that tough first month—see the video of Lexie at the end of this post.)

Thankfully I had planned to take some much needed time off anyway this week, so we’re doing some fun ‘bucket list’ types of things between our upcoming onco visit and PT.

Btw, I should mention that I think the K9 Immunity Plus supplements we've had Lexie on have been a factor in her energy level and playfulness (and possibly the newer Chinese herbs she’s been on too, though she hasn’t been on them as long).

Thanks so much to all of you for the positive thoughts and prayers for Ms. L.

Hugs to all (+shoutouts),

Deb and Lexie

For anyone with an older dog or anyone who is scared during that rough first month post op (days 10-30 had some rough patches for us), here is some hope:  And make sure you keep coming back here, especially on those rough days, and keep searching on relevant topics as needed and using the forums. Someone will always be here in this great community for you. 

On to shoutouts...

*Sally, Merry Myrtle & Happy Hannah, we feel your positive thoughts daily and the videos and stories and pics have helped us smile through some tough times. Love seeing all the MM joys and firsts, and there’s nothing like Sally encouragement, cheerleading, and words of truth combined with laughs when we need them most. Smooches!

Elizabeth, Tanner & Angel Jake, wish you could have seen the ear-to-ear smiles at our PT session when I showed the vet and tech the Lexie & Tanner video -- and many others, too. Lexie is blowing kisses to Tanner right now…

Cheryl & Zach, Lexie says hi and she hopes her fellow senior tripawd buddy is still doing great!

Esther, we’re still thinking of you and your Angel Snoop, and hoping that you find more comfort and peace every day.

Alison, we knew along that Shelby sent Jasper to be your next dog, and that you were meant to be her Mamacita all along. Jasper and Shelby both remind me so much of Lexie in our first year together, with all the quirks and adjustments and Jasper's Basenji (though not always typical B) personality.

Lori and Ty Guy and Bonnie and Angel Polly, we knew those husbands would come around!Thinking of both of you…and your angels on the bridge are definitely watching out for you.

Cassie and Domino, we hope cold laser is helping Dom and that he’s staying away from matches. (No more scares, Domino…even though mom is an LVT you can still scare her! So happy she saved you!)

Sahana & Angel Leland, even though Leland was only a Tripawd for a short time, it’s so kind of you to still be here offering support and encouragement to others. Can’t wait to see pics of your new boy!

Michelle & Angel Sassy and Karen & Spirit Maggie and Amy & Spirit Libby and Lori & Tucker, and anyone I’ve missed…thanks for being such amazing cheerleaders for all of us.

And last but not least, Rene/Jerry (and Admin Guy and a shoutout to Tripawd Spokesdog Wyatt Ray , too), thanks again for creating this amazing community. Lexie wouldn’t be here today if it hadn’t been for you. Huge hugs and high-fives!