Sydney Sue's Page

Weight: 79
Breed: Labrador Retriever
Age when diagnosed: 5

Tumors:

Sydney Sue, my beautiful chocolate lab was diagnosed with osteochondrosarcoma of the skull in March of 2007.

After various consults and testing, I decided to try to help Syd beat the cancer. Sydney had part of her skull removed in May. She then went through three weeks of radiation. I live in Pittsburgh and had her treated in Columbus. Sydney and I made many road trips togethers, stayed in hotels together and snuggled whenever we could. Not once did I see her in pain. I remember being ecstatic driving back home from Columbus for what I thought would be the last time. She was sitting beside me with her head draped on my neck while I was driving. "My girl is back', I said to myself.

Over the previous year, Sydney had her seizure/swallowing problems. We spent the majority of Christmas Eve in the hospital. She would have these episodes and be full of life in between. About a month ago, I noticed that Syd was once again controlling her front legs (something I noticed when she was first diagnosed). In addition, you could tell her eyes weren't focusing correctly. She seemed dizzy. We were at the animal hospital four times this past week. It took me a few days to realize that Sydney wasn't dizzy, but she was blind. I cried the entire weekend I found out. I just couldn't imagine my expressive girl (who wagged her tail when I smiled) was blind. I convinced myself that if she was blind -- we'd work through it she and I. I went out and spent $100 on toys that she could smell or hear. The first day I brought her presents home -- she was like a puppy again. That was the last time I saw her play.

Over the next few days, Syd seemed to be blind and be losing her balance. (You know never once did I think I was going to lose her). We had been through so much -- and she always rallied -- and never seemed to be in pain. A trip to the opthalmologist confirmed (although not 100%) that Syd's problem seemed to be coming from her brain -- and not her eyes. The vets were going to do a second test which looked at retinal function -- and to their and my surprise -- someone through away a piece of the equipment they needed. (Are you kidding me? I thought to myself). I had all intentions of brining her back the next day for the test. I needed to know that Syd's blindness wasn't some fluke -- and was indeed being caused by a regrowth of her cancer. That was last Thursday, June 19th.

On Friday June 20th, after a night of cuddling with her on the couch, Syd woke up screaching in pain as she moved her head. My poor baby was now suffering, something she had never showed signs of during all her treatments. I called the vet -- and said I wasn't sure -- but I may have to say goodbye. From that moment on, Syd didn't seem like herself - she was trembling (not scared of the vet trembling, but real "I'm in pain" trembling). She was so full of life and love. I've always had a deep connection to my animals -- never like this. You know she made her way up the stairs blind and trembling to wait for her final dab of toothpaste (a ritual we performed daily).

By the time we got to the hospital, 4 vet techs were in tears --- in disbelief, as I , her Mom was. She fought so hard. Never once did I think of what it would be like without her. I enjoyed every moment of my life with her. The problem is I'm finding it hard to go on without her. She was my sole focus for the previous year ....tests, surgery, radiation, traveling to Columbus from Pittsburgh, seizure control, temperature checks, drops in the eyes, ear ointments, ER visits......
and now....NOTHING.

I am having the most difficult time without her. I feel a deep depression setting in. She was truly the LOVE OF MY LIFE. I am single and have no kids. I never realized that so much of the happiness I experienced on a daily basis --- was simply---SYD.

Please keep us in your prayers. I've never felt the sadness and despair that I feel currently.

SYDNEY SUE 9-30-01 THROUGH 6-20-08. BE AT PEACE MY GOOD GIRL......I HOPE YOU GET TO TASTE LOTS OF TOOTHPASTE IN HEAVEN!

Pictures

Sydney Sue Sydney Sue