Week 5 - the first week post radiation

OK, this week really wasn't great.  I mean, it was good that I didn't have to go in for anymore radiation treatment, but my pain stepped up about 10levels and I've really struggled a lot of the week.

I don't like it when mum is out of my sight, and I panic and cry and scratch at the doors if I can't see her - even just into the next room.  I have to constantly be following her because I'm worried she might escape again.

On Monday I went to work with Mum at the vets.  I slept in one of the regular cages because I couldn't fit my bucket in my normal soft crate.  I actually rested ok most of the day and Monday was pretty comfortable.  Granne came and got me before mum and Poco headed off to training.

On Tuesday I went to college where mum also works.  Mum took my cushy bed and put in under her desk.  I was really restless most of the day, and had extra pain pills a few times but still really couldn't settle.  Mum took me home via her vet work, because she had to drop off Fog the rooster so he could go to his new home.  While we were there Dr Jenny gave me a new pain patch too.  I went home and was still in a lot of pain.  I couldn't sit still and yelped a few times and shook a lot.  Mum and I didn't really sleep much on Tuesday night.

By Wednesday morning, I was more comfortable, especially after my morning pain pill.  I went to college again with mum and actually slept a lot of the day.  Mum picked up Poco and Granne on her way home and we all went to training.  Granne did Poco's training and Mum took most of the class.  They looked like they had a good time, and played egg and spoon races and water bucket relays whilst Poco and the other pups had to walk on a loose lead. I was happy enough to watch from my crate.  After training I said hello to my friends, and had some tummy rubs and wagged my tail a bit too.

On Thursday I went to Mum's vet work again.  I had an okay day, with a few extra pain pills.  My leg was getting really sore, and scabby and weepy.  It's so scabby I leave bits behind when I lay down, it grosses mum out when Poco and Biscuit do scab patrol and eat my left overs. Mum talked to Dr Sue and Dr Peter - and they added in Valium to help me sleep at night.  When mum came home from work she dropped me off and then ducked out to the shops, and then we went to DEMO training at the RSPCA.  It was a quiet night, and not all the dogs were there, but we did go for a walk as a team.  It wasn't too long which was good and I did enjoy going.  Unfortunately in the car on the way home I knocked my leg and most of the scab pulled off.  I yelled a lot, mum pulled over and Granne fed me some chippies to help take my mind off of it and Mum shared her coffee with me.  Granne and Mum put some special cream on it that night, but it really hurt a lot.
I took my valium and slept a lot better.  Only an hour or so of restlessness just after 1 in the morning, but then I settled down and slept ok again until 7.  My pain meds had worn off by then and I was in a lot of pain, but didn't whine or complain because mum was sleeping still.  When she woke up she felt really guilty, and I was in so much pain I couldn't get up.  Mum gave me a pain pill and I was able to get up an hour or so later, I even surprised her by jumping up into the raised garden bed and digging a hole - but I couldn't get down by myself.

Resting after my 1st dose of Valium

Friday was a better day, and Mum took me to work again. Dr Jenny and Ameilia cleaned my wounds, and I cried a little but tried to be brave.  Later Dr Jenny changed my pain patch that night.  Then mum and I went to her staff meeting at the RSPCA - I made lots of noise, and played with my toys - much like my normal self.  Mum gave me another Valium when we were leaving and I went to bed, but had another bad night - woke up 3times and each time mum couldn't understand what I needed.  She took me outside, gave me pain meds, cuddles etc.  I'm not sure I even knew what I needed.

Saturday was a better day, mum gave me Darby's spare DAP collar. In the morning she went out for a couple of hours and came home with a couple of new chickens (Majorie and Mazie).  When she got home we went on a really slow walk/hop/sniff with Granne, Aunty Fi, Holly, Finn, Mum and the other puppies.  I coped pretty well and we got to rest a bit along the way and at the half way point.  Koffi got to play on the kids equipment. On the way home we stopped to pick up subway for lunch.  I slept most of the afternoon.  Mum noticed that my leg doesn't seem as swollen and I didn't cry when I had my cream put on.  I also didn't need the same amount of pain meds. I slept on Grannes bed overnight or out on the couch rather than in my crate and I was happier even though I couldn't see my people.

 

 

On Sunday, Granne, Mum and Poco went to training.  When they came home, Mum let the chickens out and took my bucket off and let me eat a Jumbone under supervision.  We stayed in the yard, had cuddles, tummy tickles and sunbaked for an hour or more.  It was really nice. The rest of the day was pretty chilled, and I have been pretty relaxed and happy.  I've only had 1 strong pain pill today, but will probably get another for dinner.

 My leg doesn't look very nice at the moment, but it actually looks better than it did earlier in the week.

We are hoping this week is better, and I continue to improve.  On Thursday I have to go to see Dr Rod for my first revisit post radiation.

So until next week.

Lots of love and licks

Arthur