It sucks to say this but, Hogan lost his fight today.
About a week ago Hogan's lymph nodes became enlarged again and he came out of remission. He didn't respond to doxorubricin or asparaginase, he quit responding to the CCNU. He was getting more painful in his hips and was also having some issues breathing with the nodes being swollen in his chest. He stayed all day at the clinic yesterday while his parents went to some doctor appointments. We all took our pictures with him and got to more or less say our goodbyes. They did a housecall euthanasia, when they brought him into the clinic I started bawling, I think EVERYONE was crying, no lie.
So I just wanted to say a few things.
Although Hogan's body finally gave in, he lived for 4 years after his diagnoses. He was initially given 9mos to live if they didn't treat him, or if treatment did not work. 4 years, even if it isn't the "norm" is at least worth trying. In those four years he really lived.
The loss of a pet is absolutely horrible, and you do feel very alone. But for those of you who have dogs going through cancer, know that the people taking care of your dog can become just as attached. We see them all the time, we handle them, we grow to love them. Not that we don't love all of the patients we care for, but you can't help but form a personal bond with a dog you see and touch regularly. Today was a totally grim day at work for all of us because Hogan was like one of our own.
RIP Hogan