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Dear Readers and faithful friends,

After a number of years of wonderful blogging, this blog has effectively become dormant - except for occasional updates regarding my book, MAXDOG. I have left this blog as a legacy to my dog and a place of sanctuary where we can reflect upon his life. Take your time, peruse the pages spanning Max's 18 months in cyberspace. Feel refreshed and uplifted because his story is an amazing one of..."LIVING LIFE TO THE MAX!"
My activities have now moved on to my new blog entitled "LIVING LIFE TO THE MAX". Please join me there where you can read about my family and canine companions. I also invite you to visit MAXDOG's FANPAGE on FACEBOOK. You can follow the specific links by clicking below:

* 'LIVING LIFE TO THE MAX: click HERE
*MAXDOG'S FACEBOOK FAN PAGE: click HERE
* MAXDOG, the book: click HERE

If you would like to follow me on a deeper, spiritual level, then I invite you to visit my more personal blog:

May God bless you and thank you for following me!
MAXMOM IN SOUTH AFRICA

MAXDOG's CHRISTMAS TRIBUTE

Thursday, February 4, 2010

THE NEXT STEP

Hello there, dear friends...

It's been a very busy and worrying day. Please forgive me if this blogpost is a little fuzzy, but it is almost midnight here in South Africa and I have finally got the chance to update you all. Please accept this short post about the events here with regard to our beloved Maxdog...

My Vet phoned this evening to give me his recommendations. He has researched and consulted widely and we also discussed all your comments at length. I am not going to go into lots of detail, but will give you the pertinent matters.

Max will be referred back to the specialist surgeon who took charge of his surgery, for his Mast Cell Tumor, in November last year. I will be phoning tomorrow morning to try to get an appointment.

Max will, most likely, undergo a sonar guided biopsy of the liver/liver cyst. Unfortunately the "Cancer" word has reared its ugly head, yet again. Research shows that even though ALL the tests might exclude cancer, it can only be excluded AFTER undergoing a biopsy.

Max's cyst is NOT parasite related, nor is it congenital.

The beauty about a sonar assisted biopsy is that, should it be established that the cyst's origin is cancer, then surgery to remove the cyst can be done whilst Max is under anaesthesia.

I have no idea what his chances are...we will have to wait for the next step and for the recommendation of the specialist surgeon.

In the meantime...here are some pictures for you from today...

Max enjoyed his short walk this evening and has eaten all his supper...
He enjoyed simply sitting in the garden for a short while this afternoon...

Grassy patches make interesting reading...

"I can look half-okay if I want to!"
(not so sure about that...)

(Notice how he is always panting)


Besides our worries about Max, the world still carries on. We had an incredible thunderstorm this evening...the highways were flooded in some areas (to car-bumper height). The garden looks beautiful too...


...and of course, there are others who also find the pace slow...


THANK YOU AGAIN!!!


...for all your well wishes, uplifting messages, advice, prayers, thoughts, good vibes and openly displayed love which is coming our way! Thank you too to those who have gone the extra mile to search out the information on the net and who have consulted "Scientifically literate" friends about liver cysts. To the Vets out there too who have also responded....

THANK YOU!
All your advice and information has been gratefully accepted
We are so, so, so, so thankful for all our cyber friends!

Lots of muzzle nuzzles to all your furry companions too.

With love

C

87 comments:

Teddy Westlife said...

I have all my paws crossed for Max that it is something they can deal with quickly and easily. I'm purring hard for you all.

Unknown said...

Oh, it's good to have some more information at last, even if things are still uncertain! At least you now have "next steps".

We are thinking of you and keeping everythign crossed.

Hsin-Yi & Honey the Great Dane

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

Thanks so much for the update!

We haven't stopped thinking about YOU!

Please know we'll keep the vibes flowing!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra and Her Mom

Heather and Kelly said...

Well, this sounds like cautiously good news!
It is too bad that they haven't ruled out cancer--but we'll keep hoping!!
Max is looking pretty good, thanks SO much for the update, I've been thinking about you and Max all day.

Amy & the house of cats said...

Thank you for the update on Max! We are glad that you have been able to at least get a plan going, so you don't have as much uncertainty.

We are still sending tons of get better purrs and prayers his way!

The Army of Four said...

Max, you're in our prayers!
Love,
Ammy

Droopy, Smiley, and Kayah said...

Glad you now have a plan of action and more information. We hope you start feeling better soon. We're keeping our paws and ears crossed for you.

Lots of slobber,
Droopy and Callie

Sam said...

We're continuing to think of you and hope for the best. I'm glad your boy seems to be in good spirits.

Molly the Airedale said...

Our paws are crossed very tightly for you, Max!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

Anonymous said...

thanks for your update. i was surprised to see they said not cancer w/o a biopsy. with my dingo, they didn't need one becuase white cells and liver counts were off the charts and the tumors were everywhere. sometimes i think the body jsut forms cysts. think of women with breast or ovarian cysts. it happens in doggies on skin. maybe it can happen on the liver.


I don't know. i do know the liver is the hardest thing to deal with because we all need one and it's important to take excellent care of it. for humans and animals. sigh.

yes, i hate it when my dogs pant for other reasons than exercise. freaks me out. i can feel your worry.

i hope their is only good news about the biopsy.
wags and wiggles,
wild dingo

ScrapsofMe said...

Max! For a sick guy, you sure are looking good in the hood! Out there waving yer guy pantyloons around to beat the band.

Enjoy each moment!
sniffies,
Bonnie

doyle and mollie said...

nature is a very strange thing, sometimes harsh, sometimes beautiful, as is life. stay strong max!
we are sending major good vibes to you and your family.

Ms. ~K said...

C, Thanks for taking the time to update and share these wonderful photos of Max!
You are both in my thoughts and heart,
Kit

Anonymous said...

We Max and mom,
We know what you are going through and we have our good vibes machine cranked up to full blast. Along with our mom and dad, all 13 of us are praying to DOG and howling; although we are not allowed to howl after 11 PM, then we must chant like Franciscan Monks. Please have all good days and try,try,try, to keep you spirit up. The entire DWB community is here to provide whatever support and comfort that we possibly can. We love you Max; you're our big guy tour guide.
- TBH&K

Hamish Westie said...

Thank you for taking the time to update us, and to show us some photos of dear Max. We realise you have so much on your mind.
Hoping for the best.
Cheers, H.

Rachel said...

We love Max and our family will include him and your family in our prayers.

sprinkles said...

Thank you for the update. I've been wondering how you and Max were doing.

I truly hope that when the surgeon goes in for a biopsy, he determines it isn't cancer. Or if it is, that it can be removed and that's the end of it.

Max is a beautiful dog!

Oscar the Beagle! said...

You look such a happy chap Max - all the best my friend let;s hope the news is the best -Oscar and Ruby Beagle x

Paco,Milo, Maya and mommy Simona said...

Awwwwwwwwwwwww.....
thanks for the update dear friends!!!!!
It doesn't seems so bad!!!!
And it's a good thing Max could have his surgery during the biopsy so he won't need 2 anaesthesias!!!!
we'll continue to ray for him and paws crossing always!!!!!!!
We're happy to see you soooooo full of energy during your walkie!!!
You look soooooooooooooooo gorgeous!!!!!
We would love to be there with you and sniff your grass together!!!
Be strong sweety!!!!!
You're our hero and we love you tons!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sweet dream boy!!!!!!!!!!

Unknown said...

Oh, please don't apologize or even explain. We're all in this now and we know what you're going through. I for one am grateful for every post. A word or two would suffice. Of course, since you posted all those beautiful happy Max photos...whenever you have the time... show us more!
Waiting for the experts again, but the idea of a biopsy and surgery at one, does sound positive. Let's see.
My family and I wish you a wonderful weekend, Max and family :)
Twinkie

Ina in Alaska said...

Keeping hands, toes and paws crossed and sending lots of love to "Our" boy, Max! xoxoxo,
With lots of love from Alaska, Ina, Ron, Toby, Ginger, Jeter and Halle !!!

Unknown said...

Ahhh, I just love Max's smiley face! He's not worried about a thing, just enjoying the wet grass and flowers and reveling in the thunderstorm! We should be so lucky, right?

I'll pass this news along. Still feeling very positive about this.

Your pals,

Jane and Petey

Cloud the Wonder Dog said...

Oh Max, we've been checking your blog throughout the day, hoping fur an update. Thank you fur taking the time to let us know what is going on.

It is truly wonderful to see your beautiful, smiling face in these photos. We're very glad you are eating and going fur walks. We love you so much, my friend, and will keep praying and sending you all our love!

Love and hugs,
Cloud and his mom

Anonymous said...

Caryl,

I know that we all say it but it really is quite nice of you to drag yourself to the blog and let us all know the update. Believe me I know that I am not the only one who checks every hour to see if there has been an update.

We are glad to see that Max does look good. Besides the panting he seems in good spirits.

We're happy about the Vet Spec. and the sonar guided biopsy.

Please take care of yourself so that you can take care of Max and everyone else!

Hugs, Tessa

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Thanks for the update, you and Max have been in our thoughts and prayers since we heard the news. We hope you can get an appt. soon so that you can move forward. Max looks as beautiful as ever. We love those closeup shots of him. And oh what a beautiful iris!!

Take care and stay hopeful.

Woos, Phantom and Thunder

Golden Woofs! SUGAR said...

Woof! MAX ... Good to see that you were able to enjoy your garden and had an after dinner short walk. I will continue to send my Golden Healing Thoughts. Hope for the best n miracles can happen. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

Sally Ann and Andy said...

Dear Max's Mommy,
We are so hoping that whatever the mas is, is something that can be "fixed." Please be strong for him. It is hard, really hard, but you will what to do. We are praying really hard that he will be well.
Sally Ann

Lacy said...

w00fs, we have been checking on u too, for the update..he does look happy...at least with the biopsy u will know what ur up against...and we have the "power of the paw" going..so hopefully it will b good news..thinkin of u all with love..

b safe,
~rocky and mama~

TwoSpecialWires said...

You are in our thoughts and prayers ... with nothing but comfort and peace and best outcomes in mind. We truly hold you close to our hearts.

With love and healing prayers
Jake and Fergi, Sally and Nina xxxxoooo

kks said...

i'm glad you are getting the biopsy....the more information you have, the more you will understand and be able to move ahead forward with whatever is handed you and Max.

Max looks really good, hopefully you will get an appointment sooner than later, and get some advise and answers to all your questions.

my thoughts are with you....and might i add, you have quite the support group!!! you and Max are very loved!
xoxo

Golden Samantha said...

Thank you for letting us know what is going on - we know you must be exhausted. I think it's a good thing that there are these options that will help you understand what is going on. He looks pretty good however - furry glad to see him, though he pants. Have been thinking about you all there so much - we love you here from our house and you are also loved from the world blogging community - so very, very much. We're praying with crossed paws and fingers and toes and continue to send BIG golden vibes. Your flowers are just beautiful.
With Huge Hugs and Love xoxoxoxoxo
Sammie and family

Brian's Home Blog said...

Thanks for taking the time to give us such a good update, we've been wondering. We're all still purring for you sweet Max!

Nuthatch... said...

We found you through Byron and have only just started following your adventures. Our thoughts are with you and your family. You're obviously pretty special to have so many friends and admirers the world over. We'll be thinking of you in the tough times ahead.

Moose said...

Hmmm... more things it is not. I hope you can get an appointment fast. I know you and Max (and rest of the pack) really need some answers and help but do they have any idea how many people from all over the world are waiting to know? Maybe they will fit you in sooner if you tell them.
I will continue to hope for a speedy diagnosis and a great prognosis. He is obviously in great hands.
Moose + Dana

RILEY AND STAR MY MALTESEKIDS said...

Dear Max,

We are glad to hear that there is yet another test to be taken. Now at least you do have hope and if he does have to have surgery to remove the cyst, I feel that he will make it through just fine because he seems to have such a strong will to live.

Bless Max and you while you go through this trying time.

Love,
Stephanie, Riley and Star.

Andrea said...

Thank you for keeping us updated about Maxx's condition. Know that we are praying for him and for you!
Hugs, andrea and The Perdue Zoo

houndstooth said...

I'm sorry, somehow we missed your post yesterday!

We are still praying for Max and you that the best possible outcome will occur! I was on an up and down roller coaster with my heart dog, Treat, almost two years ago when she first began to have problems standing up. When these things come on you suddenly, it's overwhelming. It's so hard to separate your emotions and hear what the facts really are. I really hope that things go well with Max's biopsy!

Clive said...

Hi Max

It's Murray and Clive! We're glad you had a good day today and you looked very happy sniffing the grass!

We hope you get your appointment very soon.

We sent our parcel to you this afternoon - the lady in the post office was nice to us for once, Murray's Mom was so surprised but then Murray was telling her all about you! The man in the queue behind us listened in, as people tend to do here, and gave us €2 to go buy some chocolate for the NSLM ("to put a smile on the young lad's face, he said". He said he wished you all the very best too Max!

Hope you have a good night Max and are able to snuggle your Mom awake in the morning.

love you lots
Murray and Clive

ps-we hope you don't mind us sending you religious statues - we forgot that maybe we should have checked that it was okay! But St Francis, we reckon is a good man to have around regardless.

Noll's Nip said...

Sending purrs and good thoughts your way Max.

the magic sleigh said...

Wooos Max Dog! We send woo our hearts and prayers, we love woo and hope to hear some good news, or even bad. We will be there for woo and your family in spirit!
paws crossed and puppy kisses
-Kira the BeaWootiful

Two French Bulldogs said...

We are pulling for ya Max buddy boy
Benny & Lily

Sheila and Bob said...

We will continue to lift up Max in prayer.

Hamish & Sophie and their Mom & Dad

Emma Rose said...

We will keep on praying!

Kisses,
Emma Rose

Charlie said...

Hang in there; we have all paws crossed for Max!
- Charlie

Anonymous said...

Take it easy, Max. We're praying for you, buddy.

Lorenza said...

Thanks for the update. I hope you got the appointment with the Specialist and that the procedure can be done soon!
Take care
Paws crossed!
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

Stella said...

We are like others who check the blog many times each day for News of Max!

I hope your surgeon can get Max a very pronto appointment and that the outcome is good. We just pray for that, a good outcome for Max!
Take good care of yourself, too, Caryl and update us when you are able.

Kisses,

Stella (and Jo)

Kasha said...

Sending lots of love to Max boy! Get well soon. I hate to hear the cancer word too.

Sierra Rose said...

Oh sweet Max, we are thinking of you. And, loved the comment entry from Murray and Clive! What a special pair.
Blessings!!

Hugs and snaggle-tooth kisses,
Sierra Rose

Anonymous said...

My Mom and I always read your stories.
I wanted to stop by and wish you well. I am almost 18 years old, and yes I am a golden, and have seen a lot in my years.
I know you can fight this, and stay happy for many more years to come.
We think about you every day. Please know we send our love
Grandma Golden

Deborah said...

I did call my niece today but not have heard back yet, but you seem to be on the right path. My prayers are with you and Max.
xxoo
Deborah

Taffy said...

It is good to see Max out and about. Glad he is eating. I know when I don't feel well chicken and rice gets me to eat ;o) We love you garden photos, thanks for sharing them. Hoping Max continues to get good news.
Hugs,
Twix and Mom

meowmeowmans said...

Thank you for the update. We continue to keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.

Tweedles -- that's me said...

We are still here with you- keeping paws crossed, and praying for strength and guidance.
We walk beside you
love
tweedles

Amber and Nala said...

We hope the vet can take out the tumor and Max will be ok. :( It does look like he enjoyed his walk. :)

Kisses,
Nala

kissa-bull said...

we are praying everynight for you max
we are so happy to see you having a bit of fun
pibble sugars
the houston pittie pack

Jacqueline said...

Good luck Max!!...Praying for you sweetheart.

LindaGJ said...

Yall don't know me, but my prayers are with yall. Just know that all is in God's hands.
Warm doggie hugs

KB said...

Max and you are loved by many of us. Thanks for going to the trouble of updating us - but we will all understand if a day goes by when you simply use every ounce of energy taking care of Max.

It sounds like you've found an excellent next step, even though the C word has reared its ugly head again.

Max looks so handsome in those photos. What a heart he has!

We're sending you all of our positive vibes straight from Colorado!

Life With Dogs said...

I'm sure all of us would give anything to hear good news - the unknown is so tough to deal with. Let's hope this collective energy is helping - there is much of it headed your way...

Jan Mader said...

Thank you so much for the update. I woke up thinking about Max this morning. My prayers are with you. The photos of Max are magnificent as usual.

Many hugs from Ohio....Jan

Naqvee said...

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{THANKS FOR THE Update}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

praying for you MAXdog... stay calm & composed.. we all love you.. Sincerely Hoping for everything to get RIGHT

♥ Naqvee

Piappies World said...

Hang in there, dear Max!

We have our paws crossed in prayers for you and your mom. Mommy is constantly thinking of you and you have our 100% support.

Thank you so much for giving us updates despite going through these hard times. We feel positive for Max as he really looks wonderful and is able to eat well.

-Fudgie, Princess, Frappie, Mocha, Sugar, Scrappy, Bullet

The Animal Doctor said...

Max, please know that we are praying for you...

Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, Ryu said...

We will be crossing all 32 paws that the sonar will lead to surgery which will lead to recovery. You are in our thoughts always.

Cheyenne -Millie said...

We will pray for you and Max!

That is a pretty flower and Max is very cute!

Martha said...

Thanks for the update. We enjoyed the pics of Max looking beautiful as always.
xxxx

Angus said...

Despite it all Max is certainly looking regal. When are the next tests?

Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek Ramblings said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family as you make the best decisions for Max.

XOXO
Lilly, Piper, Carrleigh and Java and their Mom, Lynn

Persephone and Buster said...

well gee max... we heard about your illness on petey's blog... and we just want to send you some blue zen.... that's kerry blue zen ...from all of us to you. and a couple of butt bopps and a slurp or to in hopes this will be of a calming effect for your trip to the doc's. xing paws for you in connecticut.

theBUSTER, Ms.Persephone & Ms.Blue too

Princess Patches said...

Max, we have all our paws crossed for you and we're sending lots and lots of healing Aire-zen! We are joining the Circle of Paws to pray that all goes well and you will be just fine!

Aire-hugs,
Poppy, Penny & Patches

The Black and Tans. said...

Max we are sending you loads of positive vibes. We will be thinking of you on MOnday.

Molly, Taffy and MOnty

Josie said...

Max, sending all our love to you and crossing all our paws in our house. (that's a total of a lot of paws...) Sending lots of Therapy hugs and prayers to you. Much Love. Woof Woof! Get better soon! BTW, great photos of you, the flowers and the snail. It's wonderful that you still see the beauty around you. It will give you strength just for noticing it.

Anna the GSD said...

Oh Max, I hope everything goes well for you!! We'll be anxiously awaiting updates and crossing paws and sending puppy prayers and whatever else we need to do!! GIANT HUGS AND KISSES!!!!

Farley said...

Hi Max, Paco and Milo sent us over. We are so sorry you are faced with this, and we send you our loving prayers. Love, Farley

Ruby and Penny said...

We are here for you Max. Thinking of you.
Love Ruby & Penny

White Dog Blog said...

Thanks for the update. Max we continue to send you positive healing energy. The power of the paw is awesome and you have a world wide network out here sending love and support...feel it...be strong...be comforted.

Anonymous said...

So glad Max is doing OK for now.
Sounds like he is going to be fine. I will keep praying for Max. Keep us updated as Im checking on him everyday.

Olive said...

Awww, so glad to see you doing okay Max. You look happy in those pictures. We are all thinking about you.

We will check back often...

Licks from Olive and Her Mom--Stephanie :)

Samantha ~ Holly and Zac ~ said...

Max, you are in our prayers too.

We have our paws crossed for you over here.

Unknown said...

Hey beastly dude. Mom read about your troubles. While she doesn't have any specific recommendations, she does know a few resources that might help:

http://onibasu.com/
This is a search engine that will help you look for topics in various dog health Yahoo! groups. She is a HUGE fan of the K9Nutrition database. You can also join their Yahoo! group and talk with the people directly.

http://www.b-naturals.com/newsletter/liver/
Info about creating a special diet for dogs with liver disease (although a little more specific to renal failure).

http://www.b-naturals.com/newsletter/cancer-diet/
Info on creating a diet for dogs dealing with cancer.

These resources helped a TON when they were dealing with my malabsorption issues and Big Pupi's kidney problems.

We wish you all the best in all the world~

Martine said...

Dear Max, I am so sad to hear about these bad news and I really hope you will be able to overcome this illness. I am sure that the tons of love and prayers your family and your friends give to you will help you. With friendly thoughts and prayers from Alsace/France.

BRUTUS said...

We'll keep sending pawsitive thoughts your way and hoping for the best. Keep your heads up!!

Love Snorts-
Brutus the Frenchie

Valerie Cummings said...

Sending you lots of warm hugs and kisses Max! Valerie Joey and Kealani

Smushie Ranch said...

Hang in there! We're all pulling for Max and sending him warm hugs from California.

Shannon and the Gassy Gang.

Paxton said...

Hello MaxDog, dear friend. It is so good to see you going quietly about doing things with your Mummy. Hang in there - I know that your Mummy is not leaving any stone unturned to get you the right help. You are a very lucky Puppy to have such a good Mummy! Mummy and I still have you in our thoughts and are sending you big puppy tail wags to cheer you up even more.

Woof

ocmist said...

We just read the last three posts to get totally caught up, and are so concerned for our Max, Buddy! Mom is praying right now and will continue to pray for him to recover fully from this newest threat, and that the Vets will be guided to the right treatments to take care of this problems quickly.

Mom has some big concerns about OC, too at this point and she feels your concern and pain.