I took Seamus to the eye specialist for a check up on Friday. Sadly, it looks like the tumor on his eye is growing; the surgery did not get it all. The tumor is not growing rapidly and Seamus is not in any pain or even discomfort, so at this point we are on a "wait and see" basis. Eventually, the choice will be to try the laser surgery again (but it is doubtful it will help) or have the eye removed. The cancer is not life threatening, but needless to same I'm not thrilled about either of the options. Right now, he gets eye drops three to four times a day (and he's such a good patient about receiving these). And of course he's getting lots and lots of love (as always). As long as he's not in any pain or discomfort, we don't need to make any decisions. As as always, I'm going to research eye melanomas in dogs and learn what I can. The vet assures me dogs adjust very quickly and just fine to losing one eye. My dad had a dog once that lost an eye and she certainly seemed fine. It just worries me because of course, they can't tell us what they're feeling, so how do we ever know?
In case I haven't mentioned this lately, I hate cancer.
P.S. if you missed my original post about Seamus's diagnosis, it's here:
eye melanoma
So sorry to hear about Seamus but Im glad his cancer is not life threatening. I have known plenty of pugs with one eye who got on fine
ReplyDeleteUrban Hounds
My dad's one-eyed dog was a Pekingnese, and it's sort of common in Pekes and pugs, I know. Thanks for the input. I'm sure he will be fine--it's just me that needs to get over it!
DeleteHi Teresa,
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear this update about Seamus. I've been reading your blog ever since I became a patient of Dr. Karam's (Google searches are awesome.)
I wanted to pop in and let you know that my dog Maddy is a blind diabetic. She lost her eyesight about three years ago. It was so sad, but she adjusted so well! In a way her quality of life has almost improved...she doesn't have to deal with me looking ugly without makeup in the morning, AND we cater to her every whim (though I think we probably did that before.) If you go forward with the eyeball removal option for Seamus, I have no doubt he'll know it was out of love. Plus he'll look really bad ass when he gets to dress up as a pirate for Halloween.
(On another note, I tried sending you a private FB message a few weeks back re: your writing style. You probably get tons of messages and it's hard to check, but just letting you know.)
Thinking of Seamus!
-Rachel
Rachel- thank you for your comments. I don't think I did get the FB message (I'll double check!). You are in great hands with Dr. Karam--isn't he wonderful? I've send many patients his way. I hope you and your Maddy both are doing well!
DeleteJust so you know - I'm envisioning Seamus in an eye patch (and he could so rock an eye patch)! Best of luck, hugs to him and you and to your wonderful fella.
ReplyDeletePS Tell Seamus I am very impressed by the wonderful book he wrote and let you put your name on!
Seamus is very impressed with his book too--and he thanks your for your insightful comments while he was having me write it for him. ;-)
DeleteI'm sorry the news wasn't great, but not life-threatening is what matters most. Hate cancer too. It's despicable.
ReplyDeleteYou are right, Nancy. That is what matters most and I just have to keep reminding myself of that. Thanks.
DeleteWe had a one-eyed Daisy beagle and she was fine (glaucoma). I know Seamus will be okay. Beagles lead themselves around by the nose anyway. Still, we know how it is to worry about cancer and hope for the best for him.
ReplyDeleteRiver & mom
Excellent point about the nose, River. Seamus is indeed all nose and that won't change. Thank you!
DeleteI am so sorry to hear this news - our dogs always deal with their problems a lot better than we do. Yes, cancer is right there at the top of my list that I hate most - I lost both of my parents to it plus relatives and friends. Shasta would love to give her man a big Beagle kiss and some hugs and thinks he would look most handsome with an eye patch.
ReplyDeleteWe all send our healing thoughts and prayers to you and Seamus.
Kim, Shasta'n Shiloh
thank you Team Beaglebratz. I know Seamus will be very handsome and handle it well as always. It's another adjustment. Thanks for your encouragement!
DeleteQueen Shasta told us about you Seamus. I am so very much sorry that this has happened.
ReplyDeleteI have my paws crossed fur you.
Thanks Frankie and Ernie. Seamus appreciates your concerns and good thoughts.
DeleteSending you crossed paws and drool - because that's what bassets share - but we also want you to know that life with one eye isn't awful at all. Sissy will happily share her tips on how to help Shamus adjust if it comes to that. If there's anything we can do, don't hesitate to ask.
ReplyDeleteAnd since Blogger/Google does crazy things, you can most directly find Sissy at http://dontmesswithmytutu.wordpress.com
Thank you Sissy--I'll be following your blog and taking encouragement from there.
ReplyDeletePrayers from all of the Dachsies With Moxie!
ReplyDeleteI had a cat that got a virus in his eye as a kitten and the vet said he would be totally blind in that eye. He never became totally blind in that eye even though it was a little cloudy. These doctors always paint the worst-case scenario. Do the research, the wait and see and the outcome will probably be better than you think. Prayers for Seamus.
ReplyDeleteHello theres, I is Puddles and my good furiend Shasta sent me overs. I just adores Shasta.
ReplyDeleteAnyways, I wish I could gives you an answer on what to do but I can't. You is just gonna has to go withs what your heart tells you. But,we'll most definitely be thing of you and Seamus during dis time.
He be so very handsome.
Puddles
Shasta sent me over, too. I am so sorry for Seamus ...follow your heart and listen to Seamus and you will know what to do. We are sending you lots of support and healing wishes.
ReplyDeleteYour pal, Pip
Shasta sent us too. We have all our paws (all 40 of em) crossed for Seamus for a good outcome with this!
ReplyDeleteHi There! Her Royal Highness Shasta sent us. We are praying for your healing!
ReplyDeleteLicks,
Ruthie
Fifty and I will be praying for Seamus xo
ReplyDeleteWell that Shasta sure gets around doesn't she. WE came over to meet you too. And we are very much keeping you in our hearts and prayers. Just so you know....
ReplyDeleteBah! I am sorry to hear it is growing. I hate cancer. :(
ReplyDeleteTeresa, So, so sorry to hear this. I know how upset you must be. I too will include Seamus in my prayers...such a courageous dog, he's been through a lot. Hang in there. Love to all...Nancy
ReplyDeleteI hate cancer too. My dad died from it in 1989 and I've known a few other people who have as well. You just never know when it will strike.
ReplyDeleteLee
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Dear Teresa:
ReplyDeleteI once had a cat that got a virus in his eye and the doctor said he would go blind. He did not. Optimism has gotten you through this with Seamus before, and it will again. Praying for your beloved beagle.
The best,
Marcy
I want you to know that we had a dog at work that somebody dropped off. She was 14 when she passed away last year. We had that decision to make also of have her eye taken out. It wasn't an easy decision to make, but we all agreed and I think that it bothered us more than it did her. She adjusted and adapted well ! Just wanted you to know !
DeleteLouise Baranick
Hi, Teresa,
ReplyDeleteI just read the story about you and Seamus today. It is in the November 12 issue of Woman's World.
Thank you for sharing it.
When your book comes out, I will be first in line to
share it with my dogs: Cher, Maggie and Roxie. Also, Cucamonga, the cat who is in the house recuperating from getting run over. He is deaf, and did not know the truck had started. I believe he is in the house to stay, because he likes the accomodations. Especially, the breakfast in bed. I also have about 10-11 outside cats; some are named, but others just come to Kitty.
Will pray for both of you; thanks
for sharing. Mildred, Texas