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Lung Cancer Isn't Just For The Old


This isn't a story about dog shows or the CKC.  This isn't a funny story.  This is a very real and personal story.  Lyle and I found out first hand this last week that the "Big C", Cancer, more specifically, Lung Cancer, doesn't just hit the older population or smokers.

Our 23 year old nephew that lives with us was diagnosed with Lung Cancer, Lymphoma, this past Friday.  To say it was a shock would be an understatement.  Zachary had a little irritating cough for several months.  When we questioned him, he said it was like acid re-flux.  So, we got him antacid over the counter and he reported that it seemed to help.  Then he was coughing again but this time more like he was trying to cough something up.  He said it felt like phlegm caught in his throat.  So, we got him over the counter sinus and phlegm medicine.  Once again, he seemed to think it helped.

In the last few weeks he looked pale, but we thought it was because he is a geeky kid that just wants to sit and play video games rather than get outside and play sports.  He always wears hoodies, not in the gangster style, just because they are comfortable.  He looked OK but not great.  As the next few weeks groaned on, he was coughing harder to the point of gagging himself and sometimes throwing up.

I went to Atlanta for a quick unexpected trip with a friend to visit my sister and to do some shopping therapy.  When we got back home, I saw Zachary and he looked grey and very thin.  He said he couldn't catch his breath.  I immediately made him a doctor's appointment and he got in to the doctor the same day.  The doctor said he could hardly hear any breath sounds in his right lung and wanted him to go straight to the Radiologist for a chest xray.  The doctor said it was either very bad pneumonia or something more severe.

We took off straight to the radiologist for the chest xray.  They took him straight back and when he came out the xray tech made sure to make eye contact with me and she said that they would be sending the results back to the doctor immediately and it was very important that I call the doctor before they close for the weekend.  They did not want us to wait until Monday to talk to him.  I called the doctor's office when we got to the car.  I knew it was the More Severe something the doctor had said.  The doctor's office assured me that the doctor would call me as soon as he got the results.

We got home.  I got Zachary settled on the couch to watch TV and the phone rang.  Dr. Brunner didn't waste words.  He said that the news was very bad and that I needed to get Zachary to the hospital immediately.  They wanted him there before the radiologist left for the weekend so Zach could have a CT Scan.  Once again, I was rushing Zachary out the door to St. Joe's ER.  They were waiting for him.

The rest was just crap to say the least.  I am not a person that curses, but I wanted to spew bad language.  It seemed to be the only way to express my fear, heartbreak and frustration.  The news was bad.  The doctors and nurses couldn't have been kinder, more concerned for all our needs and our need for information.  I can't say enough about health care in Hamilton, Ontario.  We are so fortunate to have some of the best hospitals, researchers and doctors in North America.

The roller coaster ride has started.  It will be difficult.  Luckily, we have a very close and committed family.  We protect and safeguard each other.  We will take each day at a time and pray for God's help through this.  I know we are not the first and unfortunately, we won't be the last to experience this disease.  We just want whatever the future holds to be kind to Zachary.

This kind of puts dog shows, points race, being number one in your breed and picking the right judges very unimportant in the big scheme of things.

Please keep Zachary in your prayers and also pray that Lyle and I give Zachary the support and courage for him to face his struggle.

Pam McClintock offers her thoughts and opinions regarding the state of The Dog Fancy in Canada.  

Once Upon a Time...

Once upon a time, in a land far away, lived a wonderful group of people who truly and unconditionally loved animals, and in particular, dogs. These industrious and learned folks bred and proudly exhibited their lovely purebred creatures in a fair and just manner so that all who wished  to, could join in the celebration of magnificent animals. Breedings were carefully planned and everyone in the small community protected their creations from vandals and pirates who would steal the blueprints in an attempt to mass produce and thus bring to ruin all that was treasured. For years the pedigrees and royal lineage of handsome canines was jealously guarded and fiercely maintained. The resultant offspring from all of these meticulous and dedicated matings  were lovely to behold and each and every breeder looked with pride upon his canine designs , secure in the knowledge that his dogs were bred to perform and structured in the plan of the original founders.

One day,  a newcomer arrived in the small town. Outward appearance belied the fact that he was a lazy charlatan intent on a lucrative scheme that would bring to an end the breeding principles of the many kennels situated throughout the area. The interloper soon became friendly and interested in the dogs and their keepers. Carefully planned lies and deceitful ways allowed him to endear himself to the breeders and in time they began to trust him and allow him access to their kennels and to the dogs. With properly chosen words and a well timed ear scratch, the visitor had soon convinced the townspeople to welcome him into  their fold and into the secret domain of their breeding ideals.

In a while, several stunning and promising puppies of various breeds were adorning the temporary home of this cunning evil swindler. He had managed to insinuate himself into the lives and  breeding practices of the fine individuals of the little town and now had in his possession a lifetime of effort and knowledge. After an appropriate time the newcomer departed the town as quickly as he had arrived,  taking with him the beautiful puppies. He was never heard from again and the whereabouts of all those puppies was never determined.

But soon puppies by the score were appearing in pet shop windows all across the land.  It was no longer necessary to travel to the isolated small town  in the glorious countryside to purchase a quality puppy.  Now, one just needed to visit the nearest pet shop to choose a  pup from the several that were crammed into cages. And in a clandestine area, on a remote road,  hidden from curious eyes, was a puppy mill operation, the very source for all the puppies and the domain of the thief who had procured his dogs by devious means.  Many of the youngsters were malnourished and some were just plain sickly and unthrifty.  Well meaning purchasers would buy the pups without benefit of guarantees or return policies. Their hearts most often ruled their heads as they and their children gazed into the eyes of these pathetic creatures. After each sale the pet shop owner would call his supplier requesting more puppies to replace those sold. The puppy miller supplied puppies on an ongoing basis from the repeated couplings of the beautiful animals that he had cheated from the previous breeders in the little country town. The puppy miller flourished as the quality of his animals gradually diminished. Gone was the impressive and exquisite stature of pure breeding, replaced instead with cross breeding,  that produced all sorts of unimaginable aberrations that were given new catchy names.  

JUST A STORY THAT IS SO TRUE!!!!

I like to see people do nice things for others.  If someone does something nice for you at a show or you see or hear about something nice being done, please send me an email at djenkins@shaw.ca.   Be sure to put in the subject: Nice

We will mention that person by name in the blog.

This nice deed was submitted by Sherri Kuncaitis of BittyBull Kennel in Manitoba.

                                                              This week we highlight Hailey Rex from Manitoba, Canada.

Hailey Rex, what a gift.

She is a junior handler who has made it possible for me to continue to enjoy the dog world. In 2010 I had a stroke during a surgery, but Hailey came to my rescue. Not only does she show, groom, walk, and  love my wee dachshunds, she helps me setup, gets me food and drinks, helps load and unload my scooter. This is all done out of the goodness of her heart, she asks for nothing in return. I could never begin to thank her enough.

Her mom, Barb Rex, has raised a polite, caring, wonderful young lady.

Remember to watch for "Nice Deeds".  They are happening all around us.  Let's talk about the people helping others.

Be sure to go to Canuck Dogs, http://www.canuckdogs.com, to see all the upcoming events and to check stats.  You should  bookmark it.  That's where you will find my blog. 

                                                                  XXXOOO