Mustang Saga

Thank you everyone for your supportive comments. It really means a lot to me.

Today was a long, long day of doctor's appointments and waiting. Lots of things were learned, but I still feel like I'm in the dark. There are more tests to be done, but the short of it is that my sister is going to start chemo in the next few weeks, once the tests are done and they know what chemo to use. She's going to be very sick for a year. She's going to lose her hair. They recommended that she shave it before she starts treatment so she doesn't have to watch it come out in clumps. They're going to force menopause because the cancer is feeding on her hormones. After a few months of chemo she'll have a mastectomy and probably lymph nodes removed. After that she'll have radiation and another type of therapy, biological therapy maybe?

This is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer and it has already progressed quite a bit, plus there are a bunch of other bad variables she's tested positive for. One good thing is that they checked the other breast today and didn't see any sign of cancer there.

I'm terrified. I'm tired. I just don't know how you go on with something like this. You just go on, I guess. And love each other. Support each other.

On a happier note, here's Angus on our camping trip. He gets a LOT of attention when we take him places, since he's so huge. Everyone seems to love him:

Here he is helping with breakfast:

Here are Oreo and Bear, my sister's dogs. They're brothers. Bear is a Kelpie/Border Collie and Oreo is all Border Collie. Yeah, he looks a little odd... My sister shaved him. He's cute as heck and his ears are huge!
Bear obsesses over sticks and Oreo obsesses over Bear. It's a very weird, mentally unstable relationship. But they're both sweet dogs.

I could have gotten so many sweet pictures of the Mustang Gang snuggling tonight, but all my camera batteries were either dead or MIA. I got a better feel of Tonka's lump and it feels the same as before I left. I'm going to quit messing with it for several days and then check again. It's easier to tell a change in size when you don't check it every day.

I keep forgetting, although this would be a big event, in normal times. Bella is coming back home. Amy is looking for a good capable mount that will not test her AT ALL so that she can go on occasional rides during her treatment. Her horse Levi would be great, except he's in bad health too (kidney failure & EPSM) and can't be expected to work if he isn't exercised every day, which she won't be able to do and I probably won't have time to do for her.

Also, if anyone who knows how to ride wants a nice free horse, this mare needs a good home.
My sister started her well and then decided she wouldn't make a good mountain horse. Would be excellent for road and back yard riding, and might make a good mountain horse with more time. Amy just can't do it now.

So... That's what I know right now. Good night! May you sleep soundly and dream happy dreams.