Winston's Bucket List -Cancer Fight
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Help Winston live out his final days with style! #WinstonsBucketList
I never knew pain like this before. Mike and I have had the worst week of our lives. Our sweet kid Winston was diagnosed with one of the worst most deadly forms of cancer and we are left feeling helpless.
Winston has been diagnosed with terminal Hemangiosarcoma and has been given a few short precious weeks to live.
My husband and I welcomed Winston into our Denver, CO home in May 2011. We were 28 and 30 years old. We would be getting married in October 2011. We knew would always have Goldens, because I said so ;) Mike is from Nebraska and I am from Colorado. We swapped places during college. I went to the University of Nebraska and He went to Colorado State university. We have been married 4 yrs and just celebrated our 10yr "best friend- aversary."
We met Winston when he was 3weeks old and fell in love instantly. He was born March 28th, 2011. We took many visits up north to Fort Collins between meeting him and getting to bring him home. We knew he was meant to be in our family.
Winston is now a 5 year old sweet, handsome Golden Retriever. He is an only child and the love of our lives. He is the most loving, loyal and amazing dog in the whole world. He is basically a Unicorn. He is more than a dog, he is our baby and my companion.
He is well known in our neighborhood, whether it be sitting outside the grocery store, long walks or a trip to the gym. Everyone seems to know Winston. He is recognized by his sweet demeneor, kind personality, big head and even bigger heart.
We want to give Winston the ultimate bucket list. We want to make the last few weeks of his life be as great as he is. We have friends and family across the country who are devastated and want to be a part of his last few weeks. We thought ok, lets allow all of these amazing people whom we love and those we don't even know help to make his last weeks here with us special.
So, we can't sit back and do nothing. We can't cure him, but we can make the time he has left with us truly amazing.
We want to raise awareness about Pet Cancer, we want to comfort others who are going through this or have been through this. We want to give our friends and family peace around all of this. My husband and I want to find peace with it all, and most importantly we want Winston to be happy.
We will use any of your donation money to pay for your bucket list item if needed. Please keep in mind we will have to do something local here in CO. No flying for Winston. Anything left over from your donation we will donate to Pet Cancer Research and the Golden Retriever Rescue Fund.
We will document Winston's adventures here as well as a facebook page, Link to follow shortly. He can also be found on Instagram @WinstonTheRetriever .
Winston is pure JOY! We can't thank you enough for being part of this unfortunate path we have found ourselves on. Thank you!
Mom and I playing in the snow!
How this all happened:
On Tuesday May 10th, 2015 we had a vet appt. that would forever change our lives for the worse.
Winston was having a limp in his back right hind leg as well as being incredibly lethargic. He had been having a small cough for the past couple weeks. Nothing excessive. Sounded like he was hacking up a hairball. He usually follows me around the house and is always by my side so his lethargy was incredibly concerning. Mike and I never hesitate taking Winston to the Vet. he loves it actually. I thought it was a pulled muscle and needed some pain meds and a little rest. No big deal. I was wrong...very very wrong.
Our vet performed an overall physical exam and informed us that she thought it was an urgent situation that we needed to see a Veterinary Neurologist. We headed to our local animal hospital with prayers that we wold be able to see a neurologist that evening and we were preparing ourselves for a costly MRI and potential surgery. Anything for our baby!
The ER vet on duty did another exam, Winston had a brief meeting with the Neurologist on call and she noted delayed neuro responses and sensitivity on his spine. Signs that were consistent with Disc Disease. Best case scenario a little inflammation in his discs treated by steroids, worst case..invasive back surgery.
Not a great prognosis but not life ending. The ER vet administered some pain meds for Winston and performed a hip x-ray to ensure there were no broken bones or any other spinal issues that could be viewed on radiographs.
We were informed it was not urgent and we scheduled a full neuro exam and an MRI in the morning with the doggy neurologist. Winston was loopy all evening from the pain meds but seemed to be moving on his leg a bit better.
Mike had a late night flight to WY we decided he should go since I would just be taking Winston in for his MRI in the AM and he would be home by 4pm the next day. Just in time to pick up our sweet Wincy-Bear from coming off the anesthesia.
Wednesday - May 11th 2016:
Winston was putting weight on his back leg and seemed more like his normal self. Happy go lucky! The Neurologist performed a complete exam and we were about to proceed with the MRI and possibly surgery depending on what the MRI showed.
The Neurologist decided to run a quick set of chest xrays to make sure that there wasn't an infection. I thought his small cough for the past two weeks had been a sign of allergies and drinking water too fast. I even just stocked up on Claritin since he gets allergies really bad this time of year.
Then it happened....... the neurologist brought the films back into the exam room and there I was alone..by myself listening to the doctor tell me that Winston had metastasized cancer in his lungs.
There I was feeling like my heart had been ripped out of my chest and my child was hurting. I needed someone with me and my best friend Michelle was there in a matter of no time.
I have never prayed for a person or a dog to have lymphoma. How did I end up praying for this? But I was praying for Lymphoma. Lymphoma was a best case scenario.
Winston would need to be put on some meds to get him to lay still for is Abdominal Ultrasound. The goal of the ultra sound was to identify the source of the cancer so they could biopsy it and we could treat Winston with chemo.
Many dogs who are diagnosed with Lymphoma can live a normal healthy life with chemo and surgery for several months and years. This wasn't the case for Winston. They can't find the tumor, blood work is normal, lymph nodes are normal. It's all NORMAL!
So we move down the crappy list again to Hemangiosarcoma. Worst case scenario possible.... We made an apt with the oncologist for Friday May 13th. Friday the 13th.... great!
May 13th 2016
We met with the oncologist she confirmed what we already knew. Some form of Malignant Heamgiosarcoma. Our prognosis was 1-3months. Months???? We wouldn't have a 14yr old Golden. We won't even have a 6yr old golden.
We can't find it but we know it is there and he doesn't have long. So what? What now?
Chemo round one. It was suggested that we start chemo immediately as his lung x-ray showed it was a fairly fast moving and very aggressive cancer. No time to spare. It is unsettling to treat a cancer we can't even find. Putting drugs into your dog, praying it works.
We proceeded with chemo and felt like the oncologist left us with several questions. What about alternative therapies? What about tea? I don't know. What else can we do? I have to be able to do something.
Winston seemed to handle the chemo very well. We played fetch all evening and he was even eating normally. We saw signs of lethargy and he couldn't run as long as normal. But he seemed happy. He is always happy. That is the thing I love the most about him. He smiles...literally smiles!
May 17th 2016.
It's my 33rd birthday today. This will go down in the history books as the worst birthday ever....hopefully, because I can't imagine anything worse.
Our first oncology appointment didn't sit well with Mike and I. Yes, we were getting confirmation of the absolute worst outcome for our 5 yr old Golden. But it was the bed side manner? Lack of awareness? The yelling about our terminally ill dog across a waiting room while we are both holding back tears? It didn't sit well.
I needed another doctor. I made an appointment with another oncologist in town. Best case scenario: his lungs have cleared up. We were holding out hope this was some bizzaro fungal infection, or a weird case of bronchitis. With my medical knowledge consisting of whatever I learned on Grey’s Anatomy, I knew I was grasping. What can we say, sometimes blind hope is the only thing you have.
I needed a doctor that would help me create a plan. A plan on what to feed him, what supplements, what could make his time left the best it could be.
This doctor was kind and compassionate. Honest and realistic. Her presentation, the way she explained his condition made us feel so much better. It wasn't what she was saying it was how she was saying it.
We ran another x-ray. (insert blind hope). The x-ray showed that Winston's lungs had not cleared up but actually appeared worse than they did 6 days before. The chemo and steroids appeared to not be working. We didn't expect chemo to cure him but keep the cancer at bay or stop the spread.
Based on these new x-rays Winston's prognosis has deteriorated. He has been given 3-4 weeks. Possibly less. I can't begin to tell you the pain and utter heartbreak we are feeling.
May 18th 2016
Winston came home with us 5 yrs ago today. It has been the best 5yrs and he is my best friend. His breathing was a bit labored today and his energy level seemed diminished after chasing a few balls. He could normally play for hours.
Snow for days! I am a true Colorado dog.
I am covered in snow balls!!! It is AWESOME!
Dad and I have snuggle time too.
Mom calls me her Golden Bear. We are in Vail. It's one of my favorite places in the world!
I am so patient with my parents. ;)
You have to drag me in from the snow. I could chase
snowballs ALL DAY!
I own this house. I sit where I want.
Mom puts glasses and hats on me sometimes. I don't mind.
I sometimes sleep sitting up.
I am honest to a fault. I stole 99% of these tennis balls from our neighbors front yards.
I genuinely smile and pose for photos. I can't help but not smile. I am so so happy!
I never knew pain like this before. Mike and I have had the worst week of our lives. Our sweet kid Winston was diagnosed with one of the worst most deadly forms of cancer and we are left feeling helpless.
Winston has been diagnosed with terminal Hemangiosarcoma and has been given a few short precious weeks to live.
My husband and I welcomed Winston into our Denver, CO home in May 2011. We were 28 and 30 years old. We would be getting married in October 2011. We knew would always have Goldens, because I said so ;) Mike is from Nebraska and I am from Colorado. We swapped places during college. I went to the University of Nebraska and He went to Colorado State university. We have been married 4 yrs and just celebrated our 10yr "best friend- aversary."
We met Winston when he was 3weeks old and fell in love instantly. He was born March 28th, 2011. We took many visits up north to Fort Collins between meeting him and getting to bring him home. We knew he was meant to be in our family.
Winston is now a 5 year old sweet, handsome Golden Retriever. He is an only child and the love of our lives. He is the most loving, loyal and amazing dog in the whole world. He is basically a Unicorn. He is more than a dog, he is our baby and my companion.
He is well known in our neighborhood, whether it be sitting outside the grocery store, long walks or a trip to the gym. Everyone seems to know Winston. He is recognized by his sweet demeneor, kind personality, big head and even bigger heart.
We want to give Winston the ultimate bucket list. We want to make the last few weeks of his life be as great as he is. We have friends and family across the country who are devastated and want to be a part of his last few weeks. We thought ok, lets allow all of these amazing people whom we love and those we don't even know help to make his last weeks here with us special.
So, we can't sit back and do nothing. We can't cure him, but we can make the time he has left with us truly amazing.
We want to raise awareness about Pet Cancer, we want to comfort others who are going through this or have been through this. We want to give our friends and family peace around all of this. My husband and I want to find peace with it all, and most importantly we want Winston to be happy.
We will use any of your donation money to pay for your bucket list item if needed. Please keep in mind we will have to do something local here in CO. No flying for Winston. Anything left over from your donation we will donate to Pet Cancer Research and the Golden Retriever Rescue Fund.
We will document Winston's adventures here as well as a facebook page, Link to follow shortly. He can also be found on Instagram @WinstonTheRetriever .
Winston is pure JOY! We can't thank you enough for being part of this unfortunate path we have found ourselves on. Thank you!
Mom and I playing in the snow!
How this all happened:
On Tuesday May 10th, 2015 we had a vet appt. that would forever change our lives for the worse.
Winston was having a limp in his back right hind leg as well as being incredibly lethargic. He had been having a small cough for the past couple weeks. Nothing excessive. Sounded like he was hacking up a hairball. He usually follows me around the house and is always by my side so his lethargy was incredibly concerning. Mike and I never hesitate taking Winston to the Vet. he loves it actually. I thought it was a pulled muscle and needed some pain meds and a little rest. No big deal. I was wrong...very very wrong.
Our vet performed an overall physical exam and informed us that she thought it was an urgent situation that we needed to see a Veterinary Neurologist. We headed to our local animal hospital with prayers that we wold be able to see a neurologist that evening and we were preparing ourselves for a costly MRI and potential surgery. Anything for our baby!
The ER vet on duty did another exam, Winston had a brief meeting with the Neurologist on call and she noted delayed neuro responses and sensitivity on his spine. Signs that were consistent with Disc Disease. Best case scenario a little inflammation in his discs treated by steroids, worst case..invasive back surgery.
Not a great prognosis but not life ending. The ER vet administered some pain meds for Winston and performed a hip x-ray to ensure there were no broken bones or any other spinal issues that could be viewed on radiographs.
We were informed it was not urgent and we scheduled a full neuro exam and an MRI in the morning with the doggy neurologist. Winston was loopy all evening from the pain meds but seemed to be moving on his leg a bit better.
Mike had a late night flight to WY we decided he should go since I would just be taking Winston in for his MRI in the AM and he would be home by 4pm the next day. Just in time to pick up our sweet Wincy-Bear from coming off the anesthesia.
Wednesday - May 11th 2016:
Winston was putting weight on his back leg and seemed more like his normal self. Happy go lucky! The Neurologist performed a complete exam and we were about to proceed with the MRI and possibly surgery depending on what the MRI showed.
The Neurologist decided to run a quick set of chest xrays to make sure that there wasn't an infection. I thought his small cough for the past two weeks had been a sign of allergies and drinking water too fast. I even just stocked up on Claritin since he gets allergies really bad this time of year.
Then it happened....... the neurologist brought the films back into the exam room and there I was alone..by myself listening to the doctor tell me that Winston had metastasized cancer in his lungs.
There I was feeling like my heart had been ripped out of my chest and my child was hurting. I needed someone with me and my best friend Michelle was there in a matter of no time.
I have never prayed for a person or a dog to have lymphoma. How did I end up praying for this? But I was praying for Lymphoma. Lymphoma was a best case scenario.
Winston would need to be put on some meds to get him to lay still for is Abdominal Ultrasound. The goal of the ultra sound was to identify the source of the cancer so they could biopsy it and we could treat Winston with chemo.
Many dogs who are diagnosed with Lymphoma can live a normal healthy life with chemo and surgery for several months and years. This wasn't the case for Winston. They can't find the tumor, blood work is normal, lymph nodes are normal. It's all NORMAL!
So we move down the crappy list again to Hemangiosarcoma. Worst case scenario possible.... We made an apt with the oncologist for Friday May 13th. Friday the 13th.... great!
May 13th 2016
We met with the oncologist she confirmed what we already knew. Some form of Malignant Heamgiosarcoma. Our prognosis was 1-3months. Months???? We wouldn't have a 14yr old Golden. We won't even have a 6yr old golden.
We can't find it but we know it is there and he doesn't have long. So what? What now?
Chemo round one. It was suggested that we start chemo immediately as his lung x-ray showed it was a fairly fast moving and very aggressive cancer. No time to spare. It is unsettling to treat a cancer we can't even find. Putting drugs into your dog, praying it works.
We proceeded with chemo and felt like the oncologist left us with several questions. What about alternative therapies? What about tea? I don't know. What else can we do? I have to be able to do something.
Winston seemed to handle the chemo very well. We played fetch all evening and he was even eating normally. We saw signs of lethargy and he couldn't run as long as normal. But he seemed happy. He is always happy. That is the thing I love the most about him. He smiles...literally smiles!
May 17th 2016.
It's my 33rd birthday today. This will go down in the history books as the worst birthday ever....hopefully, because I can't imagine anything worse.
Our first oncology appointment didn't sit well with Mike and I. Yes, we were getting confirmation of the absolute worst outcome for our 5 yr old Golden. But it was the bed side manner? Lack of awareness? The yelling about our terminally ill dog across a waiting room while we are both holding back tears? It didn't sit well.
I needed another doctor. I made an appointment with another oncologist in town. Best case scenario: his lungs have cleared up. We were holding out hope this was some bizzaro fungal infection, or a weird case of bronchitis. With my medical knowledge consisting of whatever I learned on Grey’s Anatomy, I knew I was grasping. What can we say, sometimes blind hope is the only thing you have.
I needed a doctor that would help me create a plan. A plan on what to feed him, what supplements, what could make his time left the best it could be.
This doctor was kind and compassionate. Honest and realistic. Her presentation, the way she explained his condition made us feel so much better. It wasn't what she was saying it was how she was saying it.
We ran another x-ray. (insert blind hope). The x-ray showed that Winston's lungs had not cleared up but actually appeared worse than they did 6 days before. The chemo and steroids appeared to not be working. We didn't expect chemo to cure him but keep the cancer at bay or stop the spread.
Based on these new x-rays Winston's prognosis has deteriorated. He has been given 3-4 weeks. Possibly less. I can't begin to tell you the pain and utter heartbreak we are feeling.
May 18th 2016
Winston came home with us 5 yrs ago today. It has been the best 5yrs and he is my best friend. His breathing was a bit labored today and his energy level seemed diminished after chasing a few balls. He could normally play for hours.
Snow for days! I am a true Colorado dog.
I am covered in snow balls!!! It is AWESOME!
Dad and I have snuggle time too.
Mom calls me her Golden Bear. We are in Vail. It's one of my favorite places in the world!
I am so patient with my parents. ;)
You have to drag me in from the snow. I could chase
snowballs ALL DAY!
I own this house. I sit where I want.
Mom puts glasses and hats on me sometimes. I don't mind.
I sometimes sleep sitting up.
I am honest to a fault. I stole 99% of these tennis balls from our neighbors front yards.
I genuinely smile and pose for photos. I can't help but not smile. I am so so happy!
Organizer
Erin Kuwitzky-Johnson
Organizer
Denver, CO
