Alayne took that photo a few days ago of blind Widget in mid-roll on a bed in the living room.
Back in October, I had mentioned in a post that our oncologist at Peak Veterinary Referral Center in Burlington, Dr. Kendra Knapik, had said Widget was already "probably in remission" at that point. We've had a few ups and downs since then, and for one brief span her lymph nodes became enlarged again after we had to interrupt the chemotherapy for a couple of crucial weeks because of gastrointestinal issues. Along the way we found that one of the chemo drugs in her protocol, vincristine, seemed to be the culprit behind the GI problems. Once Kendra switched her to vinblastine, a similar but different drug, everything improved. Widget's been on a roll ever since. (Um, I think that pun was intended but I'm not really sure.)
At Widget's weekly oncology appointment yesterday, Kendra was quite definitive: Widget's lymphoma is in remission. Yay! We still have a couple of treatments left, but after that we'll be in monitoring mode. It's been a long slog, but absolutely worth it. She wouldn't be with us today otherwise.
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2014 Shelter Challenge Underway
The first round of the Shelter Challenge for 2014 is underway and runs until March 30th. You can vote every day here. To search for us, type in our name, Rolling Dog Farm, and Lancaster, NH 03584. We've won thousands of dollars in the previous contests, so your daily votes do bring in serious money for our disabled animals!
Please note that I cannot help with technical or voting problems. I also do not have an "inside track" to anyone at the Shelter Challenge, and I don't know any more about the contest than anyone else does. So if you find yourself having issues, please consult their FAQ page here and their Rules page, which is a pop-up you can find linked on this page.
Thanks for your votes!
Yay!!!
Posted by: Janet in Cambridge | February 07, 2014 at 08:46 PM
Oh no Jenny, did Gabe die???
Posted by: Lynn (in Louisiana) | February 07, 2014 at 01:11 PM
Yea, Widget! Such good news!
Posted by: Ashley | February 07, 2014 at 12:24 PM
I am so thrilled for all of you! It's been such a tough slog this fall and winter. You go guys!
Posted by: Kathleen Rivard | February 06, 2014 at 05:36 PM
Long live the queen!!
Posted by: Lynn (in Louisiana) | February 06, 2014 at 12:10 PM
Roo roo roo Widge! REMISSION is the BEST word! You go girl! With many thanks to Steve, Alayne, and your awesome medical team!
Posted by: Margaret | February 06, 2014 at 11:53 AM
That is awesome news! I'm so glad to hear - yay Widget!
Posted by: Dawn | February 06, 2014 at 11:19 AM
Woohoooo Widget!!! You are one of my favorites! (Actually...every living creature is my favorite at RDF!) So glad to hear that your doing so good.
With much love....
The McRoberts clan....Paul, Jenny, Kaylee, Ella,and Kelsey.
Posted by: Jennifer | February 06, 2014 at 08:50 AM
What great news. Widget is a tough girl. When I get that pose from our rescue beagle it comes with a look that says "this beagle belly isn't going to rub itself minion".
Posted by: Bob | February 06, 2014 at 05:55 AM
That is awesome news!! Widget is definitely rolling with pleasure. You go, girl!
Posted by: Ann | February 06, 2014 at 03:20 AM
Way to go Widget! Of course you are worth it. Now stay well!
Posted by: Julie and her 2 doxies, Annie and Lucy | February 05, 2014 at 10:52 PM
Hooray for Widget! That's wonderful news. She seems to be very happy about it.
Posted by: Tonya Allen | February 05, 2014 at 05:35 PM
WOO-HOO WIDGET - WAY TO GO GIRL!
Posted by: FELICIA | February 05, 2014 at 03:02 PM
Thank you for trying so hard for Widget. May she have a long time still with you folks.
Posted by: Phyllis Snow | February 05, 2014 at 02:20 PM
YAAAAY WIDGIE!!!!! You are one blessed Beagle!
Mom and Dad sure are special, taking such good care of you and loving you so much. They have saved your life many times over, and I am sure you have given back to them a thousandfold. You sure give a lot to all of us out on the interwebz too.
Posted by: Heidi, Emmett the Beagle, and Moxie the Kitty | February 05, 2014 at 02:16 PM
FANTASTIC!!!!! ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC NEWS!! Go Widget!!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | February 05, 2014 at 02:00 PM
Yeah Widget! Yes, so worth it - she is a special girl. Thank you so much for seeing she has gotten such amazing care!
Posted by: Linda | February 05, 2014 at 12:54 PM
Go Widget, go Widget!
Posted by: Mary H. | February 05, 2014 at 11:37 AM
Yea for Widget - you must be SO relieved! I just love that little dog and look forward to seeing cute pics like this for a long time! :)
Posted by: Katy | February 05, 2014 at 11:29 AM
That's terrific news about Widget. She is, by far, the rollingest dog I've ever seen. You can tell she is truly happy and enjoys her life. Smart girl!
Posted by: Barb Ribinski | February 05, 2014 at 11:00 AM