Post 22

Friday, April 1, 2016
I debated posting anything today knowing some might take this whole thing as an April Fool’s joke. But Cancer is not a joke. And those who know us can attest that we are real.
On Tuesday we will finish up 4 weeks of radiation! Yay! 2 more to go. Then we’re almost halfway to being cured (God willing). Bob has a really bad “sunburn” on his behind where the metal plate is on the table. We are putting a lot of Eucerin (generic) on it, as they told us (though not as much as we should, that is going to change). It’s almost purple, and very hot to the touch. I joked with Bob that maybe we should fill a small igloo cooler with ice and let him sit on the ice. No joke – he’s about ready to do it! And it’s in a very uncomfortable spot – everyone has to sit! But we are trying very hard to keep smiling. It gets to both of us at times, and we each go to another part of the room when we get down, and when we are able, we talk.
Two days ago was our 20th wedding anniversary. One year on my birthday, Bob had to have surgery to repair a hernia – great birthday present! I jokingly said to him he didn’t have to top that by having cancer for our anniversary! A very dismal joke, but we try to laugh at a lot of stupid things now.
But today, April 1, we designated when we got Sheila, our Australian Cattle Dog/Sheep Dog mix, as her birthday. Today she is 16 years young! When we did our grocery shopping today, I bought her some “Dogsters” (like Frosty Paws, they are a doggie ice cream), so that is going to be her birthday cake later. I also picked up (another) stuffed toy for her – a lamb we will call “Lambie” – found out years ago if we named the stuffed or squeak toys, she wouldn’t tear them apart. She’ll get that later too.
So we’re having a little celebration for her tonight. We are so grateful we have her and that she’s been our baby. When Tasha died at 14 1/2 in May, 2000, I said I didn’t want another dog. By late August I couldn’t stand by that. I had to have one to fill the emptiness. Not to replace Tasha – every one of our fur children have been unique individuals. I called our vet to let them know I was looking for a “furball”. Well, as you see from the picture, she wasn’t a little one! But we were introduced to her at 4 months old and we fell in love with her. She has filled our lives for almost 16 years! So today we celebrate her life and her unconditional love for us.
Sorry the picture is sideways – still haven’t figured out how to correct that. It’s perfect on our computer.
Thank you for sharing this journey with us. It’s a continuing one. Please continue to share this.
God bless and thank you. Happy Sweet 16 Sheila! ❤ We love you!