Elias and Freya update (good news and bad)

As part of a fabulous start to 2013 (NOT), Freya and Elias were both diagnosed with cancer. Freya has cancer of the mouth and was not given long to live, and Elias has...

... nothing. The vet's original diagnosis of a nerve sheath tumor was dis-proven when they biopsied the lump they removed, which turned out to be nothing more than a lipoma (fatty tissue deposit). It was completely benign! All he has to show for his ordeal is a lovely scar - he's completely back to his usual bouncy, talkative self, "helping" with the barn chores and "guarding" the house.

 

Elias is ashamed of his new scar. OK, not really, but this is what he did when I went to take a picture of it!

We are so, so relieved. Elias is such a personable dog, and such a huge part of our lives. It's good to know that we'll have him with us for a little longer.

Freya's cancer, unfortunately, is very real. It's in her jawbone, and you can see her cheek poofing out a little more each day. She doesn't like to have that side of her face touched, and she has trouble eating. However, she still comes and gets me to let me know that her bowl is empty, and she's still eating, even though she has lost a lot of weight.

 

Her Highness Freya the Furbisaur, poofy cheek and all. 

She's never been a hugely affectionate cat - she likes to cuddle on her terms, thank you very much. But since Christmas she makes sure to cram herself between hubby and I at every possible opportunity (sitting on the couch, snoogling in bed, etc), and she stares at one of us until we pet her. For now, she seems to be doing OK, but one of these days she'll take a turn for the worse.

Until then, we're making every minute count.