Red's Benign Tumor

My two-year old dog, Red has a cyst-like bump on her ear. Last week, it looked like a pimple and today it had grown and was a bit bloody. I took her to the vet. My other dog, Blue, plays with Red by grabbing her ear and I assumed it was just a small infection that would need antibiotics. However, when I got to the vet, the vet wanted to do a biopsy - actually a needle aspiration of it. She then examined the slide, while I held Red's ear to clot the bleeding from the biopsy. I was sitting in the same office, actually, as when they took my previous dog, Cashew, to get X-rayed and then told me the news about her cancer. I kept thinking about that and I wished I had brought Red in last week. It was difficult.

It turns out it is benign and quite common in dogs under two. Her breed is not known for it, but the vet has seen it before. It usually clears up on its own, so no additional medical care is necessary. I will bring her back in two months to make sure it has cleared up and if it hasn't they will cut it out, while it is still same. Red was so brave. I held Blue on the table so she could be there with her. I think Red was scared of the attention and procedure, in general, but except for a small whine didn't seem to care about the needle going into her.

I, of course, am glad she is o.k., but it brings back the reality of my upcoming six month tests.

Colonoscopy Preps

About four months ago, I posted on colonclub.com a query about colonoscopy preps. The usual responses were forthcoming about the unpleasantness of the experience without any real good suggestions, until today. Someone indicated there was a new prep - Pico Salex - which was reasonable tasting. Usually GI doctor's have a preference, but I plan to inquire for next one in a few months.

EndoNurse Magazine, online, a publication for gastrointestinal nurses, has technical information on bowel preparation and clinical studies about effectiveness and patient tolerance including a 2006 Bowel Prep Update, Which Bowel Preps are Best for Your Patients,- http://www.endonurse.com/articles/bowel_preps/586_661feat2.html and Bowel Preps: the Current and Future Outlook.- http://www.endonurse.com/articles/bowel_preps/586_561feat1.html

Relay for Life

From the American Cancer Society Website: Relay For Life is a fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research and programs of your American Cancer Society. During the event, teams of people gather at schools, fairgrounds, or parks and take turns walking or running laps. Each team tries to keep at least one team member on the track at all times. Visit www.relayforlife.org for up-to-date information.

The one for my city was held on Saturday, May 31. I did not join a group, but went on my own. It was amazing!!! It was held at the local high school track. There were tents pitched everywhere! The majority of people there were teens/young adults, enjoying being able to stay out all night. The message of courage was everywhere. To remember someone, you could write/color on a white bag. A candle was place inside the bag and lined the track. On the stadium bleachers, the word HOPE was spelled out with the bags. At night, all the candles were lit and you walked around the track reading each bag and seeing HOPE. It was very poignant.