Bambi's Post Radiation Report Day

The past week went by with much nervousness and worry. After a week of radiation treatment, the wait and see period was truly unnerving. I have refrained from writing because fear and uncertainty. Realizing that uncertainty is always a fact that we face in life did not assuage my anxiety. A week of caring for Bambi consisted of making sure her meds were religiously administered by Sami (the diligent and ever faithful nurse), shopping and preparing her organic and well-balanced meals, making sure that she was comfortable and rested, and taking her out for exercise. There were times when I read aloud to her and of course, she always had Michael Jackson's beautiful music playing in the background. From observing her closely, she had some challenging moments when she did not feel too well. But for the past three days, she regained the spring in her steps and her feisty endearing ways. One thing was for certain, Bambi maintains her great appetite and her weight has been steady.

Today was the post-radiation check up with her oncologist, Dr. Lyons. When Dr. Lyons entered the exam room, a smile broke through his face as soon as he saw Bambi. She has been looking very good, even younger. Sami and I both got emotional as our vet declared that everything was looking very good, the tumor has shrunk significantly. Dr. Lyons listened carefully to Bambi's lungs, examined her from snout to tail, and declared that her healing is progressing very well. Vaccination number 2 (of 6) was administered.

We decided to celebrate, so off we drove from Culver City to our favorite seafood spot in Newport Beach, the crab cooker. Sami and I haven't been eating very well since the diagnosis and today was the day when we decided to pig out with much gusto. Finally, we tasted what we were eating as opposed to the days when we ate just because we had to. Bambi had her own plate as opposed to the leftovers she usually was given. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed to walk on the beach before 4:30 pm so we skipped that plan.

Today, we were tearful with joy, knowing that our baby is healing well, that she is not in as much pain as she was, and that her puppy ways are back. Our fourteen year old beautiful black lab is on her way to recovery.

Bambi has many kind and lovely angels who have helped her, and continue to bestow love, attention, and practical help. From well wishes, prayers, and healing vibes sent her way, to financial help, and thoughtful inquiries, we have been blessed with family, friends, and even strangers in this journey. We have been blessed with wonderful vets who quickly and lovingly treated Bambi, vet techs who just adored and pampered her, and loving people around her who just showered her with love. We have been blessed with friends and family who dug really deep into their pocketbooks to help finance her treatment. With all the support that Bambi has been receiving, I can only say that my faith has been strengthened and continues to flourish.

Bambi, I can truly say that you are loved. Maybe because through the years, you have given so much love to everyone around you. Now, it is returned to you a thousand fold. Keep getting well and strong, my baby. My courageous and beautiful puppy, you are blessed!
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We are on Day 4/5 of Bambi's Radiation Treatment

Daily radiation treatment for Bambi is well in progress on day 4. It was a very rainy day today and it took us 3 hours to get to the vet (mainly because I got lost). Bambi looks quite well and she has made many friends, canine and human, at the vet's.

We met with the holistic vet today to consult about Bambi's diet. Since we have been researching and preparing her food from our kitchen, it was good to know that we have done very well for her. Dr. Mahaney's recommendations have been incorporated into Bambi's diet right after our conversation.

We believe in the importance of nutrition and the holistic approach to treatment.
We have seen how an enhancement in our pets' diets have produced positive results. For Bambi, she already looks so much better once we really gave her the best food. Yes, her diet is much better than ours. We should be so kind to ourselves, as well.

Tomorrow is day 5 and the last of her radiation. Please keep praying for her as she bravely continues her fight for good health. Read more!

At left, Bambi right before radiation therapy.

Today was Bambi's first day of radiation treatment. It is mind boggling to an overload of information on the Internet. In cases like this, it almost cripples one to make any decisions. There are many horror stories that kindles fear and paralyzes the spirit, mind and body. It was a very emotional day for my family.

Nevertheless, after Bambi overcame her attitude of being mad at us for taking her in for treatment, she was back to her usual funny, loving, and silly ways. As usual, she always wants to know what is in the fridge. Her appetite is insatiable. Her spirits are high and she is doing very well.


The treatment spans five days of radiation therapy, followed by immunology treatment (already started), and we'll see from there. My hopes are high that she will successfully overcome this.

Thank you to all our friends who are keeping Bambi in prayer and who have been helping us with the finances. Be blessed. Read more!

Keep the Love Coming Bambi's Way!

I am numb, I refuse to let fear or sadness get hold of me right now. The time requires for me to be the best that I can be, courageous, thinking smart, compassionate, loving, patient, strong...and I haven't been all that all at one time.

But some very special people are inspiring me and they have lit the fire in my heart to keep going. Bambi's biopsy results are not good. Our next step is to take her to the oncologist. So, I have been making phone calls and looking at vet reviews to find the right one for Big Girl.

To the lovely young lady who just so generously handed over her newly cashed school money to add the Bambi fund, thank you for your good heart.

Today we met with a new lovely friend who we have known only for a few months, right before the 2010 elections. She really doesn't know me and Sami very well, but her heart went out to us to help us financially with Bambi's health care. I thank her for her love, her trust (that we are not out to make a buck for ourselves), and her beautiful spirit.

And my Russian friend who just plainly stated "Friends help Friends!" Girl, you touched my heart and I was crying all morning from your loving concern and love. And how you allow me to keep my dignity in my time of need. You are truly precious, a Michael sent!

Our little French friend who has always been there with Bambi during the summer. In fact, we all established that she is Bambi's dog. The love and spoiling you gave our Lab diva goes a long way in instilling that beautiful and feisty attitude in her. I know your influence gave her fun and a spunk that will never quit. Thanks for your help.

Thanks to Johnny for visiting and giving her some time and love. You know that she loves people so much that the petting and the hugging does wonders for her spirit!

And most of all, to Sami, how can I ever do without you? For standing strong, keeping a level head, cleaning, cooking, giving meds, keeping watch at night...you are non-stoppable love. Your nurturing love has been the fuel that keeps Bambi happy and strong.

Today, Bambi went to see the horses, the sunset at the Lake, and just enjoyed some great mountain air. She loves nature and it just really gets her energized.

Tomorrow, we will find out more about the treatment and the journey ahead. For the past few days, we have been taking good care of Bambi's diet, supplements, exercise, and all that good stuff, trying to get her strong and ready for treatment.



Again, please pray for Bambi's healing and daily beautiful miracles, big and small



And here is the rest of it. Read more!

Counting on Miracles

She is a beautiful 14 year old black Lab mix with a diva attitude and the most loving heart toward children. Bambi is a great friend to all who know her and a staunch defender of her peeps. To our family, she is the first baby, the mentor to the other dogs who followed her into our pack, the senior member who has a ready smile and big kisses, the one who always cheers us up when we are worried. Though still in a beautiful state of health as her vet exams show, she may have an operable tumor in the mouth. We are still waiting for her biopsy. In these cases, time is of great essence in saving her from much suffering and saving her life.

It will take a couple of days before we know, than we have to make quick decisions on further treatment. Unfortunately, because of the economy, our family has just been able to handle the basics of daily living. The little extra money that we have had already been spent on the ER vet and another vet for tests and diagnosis. I am shocked at how fast these expenses add up. I am hopeful that it is nothing serious. Please keep her in your prayers. At the same time, I need to prepare for anything that we may have to face.
It embarrasses me greatly to have to ask. But at this time, my resources are so minimal and our expenses have drained them all. Will you please help? Any amount will help save Bambi from any potential health risk that we may not be able to handle financially.
Should we not need the money for her, I promise to find another animal who may be in need immediate financial assistance. It is sad how these things should happen at this time when I can barely provide the essentials for my family. Modesty aside, I was always one of those who was on the giving side when needs arise. But as it stands right now, I am the one needing help. I usually hate to ask, but for my Bambi’s health, I swallow any pride and I am asking for any donation. I will need to raise thousands of dollar needed for surgery in just a matter of days. Please consider any donation. My Paypal account is ttayag@gmail.com Most important, please keep Bambi in your prayers and send her your beautiful happy healing thoughts.
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