Today is a happy day.  Mom went to see her oncologist today - she thought she would have to start chemo in two weeks, but she has improved!  Apparently she had used ibuprofen that caused her platelets to drop so much last time.  Mom may not have to go back in for tests for another six weeks.  I was so happy I bit right through Mom's sweater.

I am certain that I made all of the difference.  I slept close to Mom to keep the cancer from getting to her.  It worked.   Since Dad is traveling I get to sleep really close to Mom all night on the bed.  When Dad gets home I won't let him on the bed unless he lets me stay there too.

Aunt Jackie is on the back porch waiting for me.

A happy, happy day!

Mom's body got really hot when she was trying to watch a movie with Dad last night.  Mom is almost never crabby.  I guess when her body gets so warm it makes her unhappy.  I hate that.  She went to bed to try to go to sleep to feel better.  Dad opened windows and turned on a fan to cool her down.  It seemed to help and she went to sleep.

Usually Mom sings in the morning even though Dad says she can't carry a tune in a basket.  I think it's pretty and it makes everyone in the house very happy especially Mom.  Dad says that when Mom is happy the whole family is happy.  I guess so.  I just know that when Mom is happy she pets me and walks me, which makes me very happy.  Today she didn't walk me. She seemed in good spirits when she went to work this morning although she didn't sing to us.

Dad is packing for a trip to Virginia.  He will be gone Tuesday through Thursday.  I won't miss him too much because it means more room for me on the bed to sleep with Mom to protect her from the cancer hurting her.

 I also heard Mom tell Dad that Aunt Jackie will be visiting one night to keep her company while Dad is away.  I love Aunt Jackie.  I hope she doesn't bring Jessie and Jose though.  I get jealous of them when Mom pets them and they take my chew shoe.

Mom will go to the doctor tomorrow.  She goes to the doctor a lot lately.  I hope she comes home while it is still warm out so we can sit with Aunt Jackie by the pool.

I am scared because Mom is really sick.

Hi, my name is Buddy.  I am a ten year old golden retriever.  I have a brother named Lou.  We like to bark and dig up the lawn.  We usually walk with Mom and Dad every morning.  Lately, they haven't been walking us.  Dad and Mom cry a lot.  We just dig up the lawn...

Mom went to see her oncologist last week.  Oncologist is a big word that means vet for humans.  Her vet says she has chronic lymphoma.   That means her blood is f**ked up.  She had the same problem two years ago.  She went to the hospital for treatments every month.  But her cancer came back.  That's what chronic means - you can't get rid of it - like luggage.

I am fine - that means- F**ked up, insecure and emotional.  Mom and Dad are so sad lately.  I don't know what to do.

Next week Mom goes in for another check up.  Her platelets are low.  Almost to the point where she might bleed spontaneously.  I'm really proud that I know what that means since I am just a 92 pound dog who is scared of everything.  Especially losing my Mom.  I sleep with her at night even though Dad says I crowd the bed.  I don't care because my job is to keep her safe.  If I can keep the cancer away from her I am staying on the bed.  Dad lets me stay and my brother Lou thinks I am dumb.  I don't care.  I love Mom and I will do everything I can to take care of her.