After believing we had beat the cancer, it made a comeback. Waffles began limping and I assumed she probably sprained her ankle like so many of the rats have done in the past. We of course went to the vet to be sure. The x-rays showed the cancer in her shoulder bone had caused a fracture by growing the bone so large. I had 2 options. Amputate the leg and hope that the cancer hasn't spread, and watch her suffer through weeks of rehabilitation, that will probably be in vain do to the cancers aggressive nature, or, make her comfortable with pain medication and wait for her sign that says, "mommy, I've had enough." I chose the latter. Waffles is home now and her and Dandelion are in Gerbers old cage, no ramps or stairs for her to have to climb. We have ordered pizza tonight, no more health food for her. Waffles can have whatever foods she desires, pizza, french fries, cheetos, all her favorites. I am not sure how much time we have left, and I do not know how I can manage making the "decision", but I hope she will let me know. The sadness I am feeling, it is heartbreaking. Saying good-bye to so many friends. Waffles deserves more than 2 years. I have been crying all day, I am exhausted.
Waffles and Dandy are moving into our bedroom, next to my side of the bed. I want to be there every minute, and when I am at work, Jeremy or the Grandratparents will be keeping them company.
I wish I did not love her so much...it would not hurt this bad. But how could I not? The angels who came into my life, and whispered my calling. My first rats, my first rodents after Onion and Coal mouse. My friends. My happy gobbling rat. My Waf Waf. My rodentist. My loud bruxer. My nail cuticle trimmer. My hair groomer. Waffles, the terror of band-aids. Lover of carrots. Lover of Dandelion rat. She smells like soap and spaghetti sauce. My gargoyle, breaking out of her cage to perch on the edge, warding off evil.
Waffles.

Labels: waffles

My girl, my waf-waf...I found our first tumor on her, near her back leg. She is going to the doctor tomorrow. We will do all that is necessary to treat it. My beautiful, my love, mommy is not ready hun. I will post an update after the first visit.
UPDATE.....
Waffles has two tumors. She is going into surgery tomorrow. The doctor said we could buy another 6 months of good health, 6 months is worth it all.
Waffles came through surgery well. Both tumors were removed and will be sent for analysis. She is very weak and I will be getting up periodically the next two nights to syringe feed her baby food and high protein. Her little stitches and shaved fur look so painful, she is so brave. We got a wonderful rattie like Valium pain killer to give her as needed and she is sleeping peacefully now.
UPDATE 4/19
Waffles has been a good girl in her recovery tank, but she has grown bored and has started to pull at her stitches. I'm glad to see her spirit back. She moves her mouth in a big chewing motion (that I call "gobbling" like a turkey) when she is happy. She gobbled for the first time tonight since the surgery. My happy gobbling rat, I love you so much, You will get to go back to your Dandelion soon.

Labels: waffles