The Fight Begins

in mid December 2008, my 6 year old black Mini Schnauzer, Jack, started to show some signs of illness - he was bringing up his food every now and again and then I felt some lumps on his neck. Other than that he was bright, happy and energetic. So when I took him to the Vet I expected it would be a simple case of leaving with a pack of antibiotics and directions to keep him on chicken and rice for a couple of days. He has always been a scavenger and as I live and usually walk him at Bondi Beach - known for the enormous amounts of rubbish that people leave around - it wasn't unusual for him to have a stomach upset.

I saw a locum, who swiftly mentioned the "C" word. It was a horrendous week before the diagnosis was delivered. Jack had Lymphoma and without treatment would be dead within a month! It was so much to take in and I was shocked, incredibly sad and didn't know which way to turn.

An appointment was organised immediately with a Specialist, and Jack began Chemo treatment 2 days later. He was in remission after the first treatment and remains in remission 9 weeks on. His blood count has been too low for treatment a couple of times, but he has been mostly well and happy and I have my fingers crossed for a long remission.