health update

This is Sylvia writing for Dauber. Here's the brief update on his health. On Wednesday, June 1, Dauber had his repeat ultrasound at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Springfield. The inflammation, which had been very severe, had gone down; however, with the inflammation reduced it was clear that there is in fact a large mass in his pancreas. They took a needle biopsy. Most likely it is a fast growing cancer, because there was no mass on previous ultrasound taken in May and February to monitor his bladder stones. The interpretation is that he has a cancer of the pancreas and the pancreatitis was a secondary problem. Pancreatic cancer is deadly and there are no treatment options. Instead the goal is to recover from the current inflammation, prevent future inflammation and keep him free of pain until the end.

We have not told Dauber. Instead we are trying to spend lots of time with him and give him small amounts of water and food. He keeps water down, but continues to vomit the food. Today we tried a 1/2 teaspoon of boiled potato, which he has kept down for 2 hours so far. Baked potatoes are the only thing my mother, Faydine, could eat and keep down for a long time after her pancreatitis. I think that his Grandmother has had pancreas problems is another piece of evidence that Dauber was always meant to be a part of our family.

James and I are having our ups and downs. We know that technically we are doing all the right clinical things. Dauber was our first baby and he's been such a major part of our lives that we just wish there was something concrete we could do that was the definitive "best path." I think feeling helpless is the worst --- not knowing if today is going to be good/bad, or what really to try to give him to eat.

Dauber does still seem pretty happy and he still has his spirit, but he is clearly weakened. This morning I gave him a nice warm bath which he always likes. He was very cute in the tub and scampering around afterwards. I blew dry his hair (he loves that) then he rolled around on the rug to scratch his nose. That he did all his "normal" behaviors, although less energetically was good to see. I think he's not in pain and still enjoys life. Next we sat outside for a full hour today and I petted him constantly. My arm muscles are sore! Now we are sitting in the dining room while a write this and he is napping just like he always does on days when I work at home. This evening James and I comes will take him to one of the places he loves to explore and mark as his territory (either Hampshire college or the bike trail). He seems to like these short pack outings because he perk up, marks a lot and sniffs the air. He even trots a little but you can tell he tires fast.

Thanks to everyone who sends their thoughts. It really means a lot to all of us. We will keep you updated as best as possible.

Love,
Sylvia