4 years ago today
4 years ago today Murphy had his first x-rays. He had already been limping for a couple of weeks and our vet had started him on pain medication and an anti-inflammatory. With the medications he could walk with just barely a limp. My husband had had an accident at work the day before, so we spent the night in the hospital, but I made it home in time to get Murphy out to his appointment at the radiology center. I walked in, met the doctor and explained what had been going on. He took Murphy to the back and returned with him just a few minutes later, telling me that everything looked great. I was so relieved – he must have just strained something running out in the yard with the other dogs. Famous last words, right? He gave me a copy of the x-rays on CD and sent us on our way.
A couple of weeks later, Murphy finished his medications and immediately started limping and yelping in pain again. I took him back to our vet along with the CD of the x-rays. When our vet reviewed the x-rays, however, he thought he ‘might’ see something near Murphy’s elbow, but the picture was a little bit blurry. He gave us a refill on the medications and told me that if that didn’t do it, he would give us a referral to an orthopedic specialist. The medications helped again until January, which is when we got the referral to go out to Michigan State University. However, it took a few weeks to get an appointment.
Why didn’t they get a better picture??? Why? It wasn’t until February that we got repeat x-rays. Murphy went misdiagnosed for 4 months! And it was over 5 months by the time he had his biopsy, even more x-rays, then finally surgery.
I do realize how very lucky we’ve been – we’ve gotten 3 1/2 years so far, and that’s just incredible. But I still get angry that Murphy was in pain and that time could have been made better for him. He could have had surgery sooner. I knew something was wrong, but I never thought it was cancer.
November 1st, 2016 at 1:24 am
We never know. We trust our vets they are supposed to be the experts. We don’t know how to read the xrays or what to look for. They do. Meds are supposed to help. We each learn on this journey. Now its sad to say the first thing that comes to my mind whenever something goes wrong is that stupid C word.
You have one sweet boy there and I am so glad I got to meet all of you at the puppy up walk. Keep kicking butt Murphy.
hugs
Michelle & Angel Sassy
November 1st, 2016 at 4:01 am
So incredibly frustrating….as you probably know, our story was similar, but not quite as extreme. It took us about 2 months to reach a diagnosis, and 5 weeks for the path to come back on the amputated leg. Murphy definitely had/has an angel looking out for him. Like Michelle said, I’m so glad to have met you guys; I hope we can swing it again sometime.
Paula and Nitro
November 1st, 2016 at 2:36 pm
Murphy you are one tough boy! Looking so good! So thrilled I got to meet you and your folks this year along with all the others at puppy up. It was the high point of my year. Miss you sweet boy I need a Murphy fix! Much love to your whole pack!
November 1st, 2016 at 3:25 pm
Ahh…the bliss of dog! Murphy isn’t looking back..isn’t questioning a thing…good care less about four years ago…but sure does love being with you TODAQ and feeling sooo good!!! 🙂
This boy is a MIRACLE DOG!! I don’t think anynof us can imagine the amount of HOPE that he gives anyone starting this journey! When I joined I, like everyone here, would see a success story and believe, TRULY BELIEVE, my Happy Hannah couod be a MIRACLE DOG too!! 🙂 Murphy gives everyone HOPE!! To be on this journey without it would be just too devastating to think about.
So keep on lighting the path with your Beacon of Hope Murphy! The imlact you and your humans are having here is invaluable!! 🙂
Lots and lots of love!!!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
November 1st, 2016 at 3:31 pm
AMAZING … CONGRATS …. WHAT A HUGE MILESTONE!!! And yes, I am shouting because this is incredible! A true hero and warrior. Murphy is our hero! And all the things and places you have gone and done to show how great life on three can really be!
Thank you to mom for being such a huge support to our community too!!! We love you all!
OXOXOXO
Alison with Spirit Shelby in her heart (and little Jasper)