“Is your dog relaxing or in distress?”asked the receptionist, prompting Akemi and I to swing a look over to the shiba inu sprawled out on the floor by a row of seats at the back.
“Relaxing,”replied her owner. “She hasn’t eaten in five days.”
Five days?!!! If any of my dogs skipped a single meal, it would be enough to set off the alarm bells that would send me off to the vet.
“Oncology triage to the front, please,”we heard the receptionist call over the P.A.
It was 9:45 a.m. and we were at the clinic, taking advantage of a late cancellation to get Bubba seen. His cough, and the outlook, were looking progressively worse. He’d had blood work done the previous night and this ultrasound would presumably confirm the worst.
And, this afternoon, when the results came in, they did. The biopsy all but confirmed the cancer diagnosis and its advancement, between the results of the ultrasound and the x-rays taken the other day, suggested it was aggressive. The doctor prescribed some cough suppressants to make Bubba more comfortable. Tomorrow, we go in to see an oncologist to discuss our options.
I realize that fourteen and a half years is great for a pug and it’s almost two and a half years more than Maximus had, but about two years less than Jelly had. Still, it’s hard and I had a great talk about this with Anthony Lemke this afternoon, all about family, relationships, and tough decisions. Not sure how much time we’re going to have with the little guy, but we’re going to make the most of the time we have left.
Because of this morning’s appointment, my two awesome lieutenants were on set to cover for me as usual – Co-Executive Producer Ivon Bartok was on second unit, while Co-Executive Producer Lawren Bancroft-Wilson was on main. I thank them for stepping up
Some Dark Matter-related goodies…
Emperor Ryo Ishida (Alex Mallari Jr.) and his man Ash (Michael Reventar) – photo c/o Michael Reventar.
Finish him!
Security drone c/o VFX Supervisor Lawren Bancroft-Wilson (concept design by Henry Fong, modelling by Ethereal Assets, shots by CVD VFX)
Oh Joe, I’m so sorry.
🙁
Bubba is family and, therefore, the relationship is deep – especially after so many years. I’m sorry all of you have to go through this.
That’s a beautiful picture of Akemi and Bubba. I was afraid of what they’d find. That’s alarmingly fast growth! So very sorry.
Dr Jo is seeing positive results from her immunotherapy. I hope the oncologist offers something like that. I’ve heard dogs can tolerate chemo fairly well too. Crossing my fingers, salt over my shoulder and sending prayers for good news tomorrow!
A big thanks to Anthony, Lawren and Ivon for helping out!
Having to say goodbye to a pet is never pleasant no matter how great a life they’ve had. 14 and a half is very good for any dog. Our cavalier king charles is six weeks off 13 but there are days I wonder if he’ll make it. Old age is catching up faster with every day. My thoughts are with all of you. I’m sure you will go out of your way to make however long Bubba has extremely memorable
Oh Joe, I am so sorry to hear of Bubba’s prognosis. I, as well as many of the other blog regulars, I’m sure, can 100% sympathize with you and the decision you’re facing as we’ve all been there. It is extremely difficult and heart breaking. It makes me think of my boy Wacko and how fondly I’ll always remember him. I’ll always miss him, but I know I did the right thing for him and for me.
I’m sure I can speak for a lot of us that frequent your blog and say that we love you guys and are here for you if you need anything at all. Hugs for you and especially Akemi, too, in these trying times. I can’t imagine how hard this will be for Akemi as Bubba was her man. Extra hugs and love for her!
Keeping you guys in our hearts,
-Mike A.
Oh how distressing! A few years ago, I took my 9-yr-old German shepherd in for what I thought was a tendon issue (as did the vet initially) but then x-rays showed osteosarcoma with no options other than to enjoy the few weeks we had left. I can really sympathize with you and Akemi. My boy got some nice drugs and we did all of his favourite things. I still miss him but am glad we had that time together. Thinking of you!
So sorry to hear about Bubba. I know how much Akemi loves Bubba. Joe and Akemi..I know you’ll both give him the best treatments and make his life most comfortable. 🙁
*hugs*
So thankful for Anthony, Ivon, and Lawren for being there for you.
I am so sorry to hear this. Sending all my love to your little family.
So sorry to hear about Bubba. Sending you guys all my love!
Aww no. So sorry for poor wee Bubba. Paws crossed the oncologist can give you some more time with your boy.
(((Joe, Akemi, Bubba, Lulu, Suji)))
Aww my poor little Bubba… big hug from me!!
My heart goes out to you and Akemi. Bubba is a lucky dog & I understand how hard it is to hear such diagnosis. I send you prayers and love.
Hugs to you all.
Joe, something to cheer you up. I know you like your socks, pugs and food:
https://detail.1688.com/offer/520940599010.html?spm=a2615.2177701.0.0.MIl3RZ
https://detail.1688.com/offer/525748355202.html?spm=a2615.2177701.0.0.MIl3RZ
🙁 I am so sorry. I had thought just heart, not cancer.
Sending love and hugs to all of you.
I’m so so sorry Joe. Warmest hugs to Bubba and to You Akemi Lulu and Suji too.
“Not sure how much time we’re going to have with the little guy, but we’re going to make the most of the time we have left.”
It’s all we can ever do. Though it really just doesn’t seem fair.
Need to excuse myself for awhile.
i’ll be back after i get done screaming at the heavens.
🙁
Joe I’m so, so sorry for you and Akemi, and so very sad for Bubba. Your pups are family in every way imaginable. And your hearts must be breaking. Much love and many hugs to you both, to Bubba, and to the rest of your sweet family.
Joe and Akemi, I am so sorry. Never the diagnosis we want to hear. Your love for Bubba will carry him through whatever lies ahead, and his love for you both will remain with you always. Peace and courage.
Stella
So sorry, Joe! Give Bubba a hug for me! We lost our first kitty, Shoobie, to lung cancer, probably started as breast cancer, a common cancer in female cats that are not spayed before their first heat, and even more prevalent in females that have had at least one litter. We suspect that before she became ours she had been a momma cat at least once. It was a very hard loss.
das
Deeply saddened by your news. I hope the oncologist can offer you some guidance in making the hard decisions that are to come.
You are blessed to have such a wonderful support group/family. You can rest assured that the ship will keep on sailing with Ivon and Lawren at the helm in your absence. Though separated by many miles, your blog family is here for you and Akemi as well.
Thanks for the pics. Ryo and Ash look like they are up to no good. Fantastic security droid design.
So very sorry, Joe. I’ll be thinking of you, Akemi, and the pups as well that things go as well as they can from here. I realized I’ve been reading your blog since Bubba was a youngster. Time does indeed fly.
Very sorry to hear about Bubba’s condition. 🙁
Was thinking of you, Akemi and Bubba last night and woke up this morning with you all on my mind …. didn’t notice I put the spoon I used for Puddles breakfast in mine 😶
Game casserole and porridge do not mix!
Will be with you in thought today 😊 xx
{{{hugs}}} for all of you
Sadness. Bubba is so fortunate to have you and Akemi as his people.
Akemi & Joe, I am so very sorry to hear this about Bubba. I’m sending my love and support, and keeping you in my thoughts. Bubba was just a little tyke when I started following you (3?4?) and he feels like family. I know this is going to be especially hard on Akemi.
Like Tam mentioned, dogs do tend to tolerate chemo pretty well. My girl Melissa actually came out of her treatments as happy as can be, and FULL of energy.
On the subject, I just had a skin cancer treatment on my nose last Tuesday, called a Mohs Procedure. The Dr. seems confident he got it all. 8 hours all in, including removal, testing and grafting. So, fingers crossed.
Bubba is such a sweet gentleman, many hugs and much love to your family. I love his Viking ears, Bubba is ready to fight.
That scene in reception could be good for the show. I could see Three stretched out on the floor and the Android asking if he was in distress or just relaxing.
Oh my goodness, that Bubba news is so awful. Actually, it sucks… big time.
Sweet Bubba, we all love you, and I’ll continue to pray for you.
Joe and Akemi, be comforted knowing you have supporters here.
Thanks to Anthony for caring and listening, and to Ivon and Lawren for helping.
May God bring His love and mercy always.
Akemi & Joe, am so sorry about Bubba’s prognosis. Will keep hopes up and prayers sent for palliative care (pain relief & buying time). Plan some of his favorite things and take pictures together With him. Bubba will let you know when he is ready. Hugs all around.
Aww. I’m so sorry for your whole family. What a sad prognosis. Poor Bubba. 🙁 *sniff* {{{HUGS}}}
So sorry to read this Joe. You and your family have a lot of hard knocks lately. Hope Bubba gets better.
On the Bubba news: Verklempt
On the work side: Glad you have people you can rely on to fill in for you when you have a family emergency. I like the drone a great deal.