INTERNET PRAYERS.

I am about to do something I said I would never do when I created this blog, and that thing is veering from the subject matter of Bolted Bionic Woman. This is a blog about my life, but only a sliver of that life as it relates to my spinal fusion and my recovery. I don't blog about my family, or what happens during my day, or my feelings, unless it is something that specifically relates to the reason for BBW's existence. But I am going to go back on my word, just this once.

Within the last couple of months, both Bolted Bionic dogs were diagnosed with mast cell tumors, a type of cancer that is common among the canine species, especially boxers and Boston Terriers. Diesel, our five-year-old boxer, was the first to be diagnosed by the family vet, and after being referred to a specialist, has undergone two surgeries to remove the tumor and has completed three of four rounds of chemotherapy. Two weeks ago I was crushed to learn from the specialist that he has another tumor behind his left ear. After giving his body some time to heal after the last round of chemotherapy, Bolted Bionic Husband and I will most likely have this new tumor removed and put him on a drug recently approved by the FDA to control existing mast cell tumors and prevent new ones.

But then, after having a new bump on her left shank biopsied, the vet confirmed that Greta, our seven-year-old chocolate Lab, has a mast cell tumor as well. We were stunned, as Labs are not on the list for Most Likely to Develop Mast Cell Tumors like Diesel is. She is being prepped for surgery to remove the tumor as I type this post. After the tumor is removed, the specialist (who has to be the kindest person I have encountered in quite some time) will confirm the grade of the tumor which then determines what type of post-operative treatment is needed.

Here's the thing: these dogs are our children, the closest thing to kids that Bolted Bionic Husband and I will ever have. There is no love like That Love that comes from nurturing another living being: ensuring they are well-fed, well-rested, healthy, clean, groomed, exercised, and happy. It creates a binding relationship built upon responsibility and accountability towards another; an agreement that states "I will take care of you no matter what;" a contract we often take for granted with dear friends and spouses, as well as people we don't even know who share the world with us. I take this bond with Diesel and Greta very seriously and would do anything to give them that happy doggy existence that carefully balances what I need from them (unconditional love and companionship) and what they need from me (quality of life and the freedom to be a dog, not an extension of my human self).

So I have a favor to ask. If you can spare a little time and energy from your already hectic and busy life, full of your own problems and sorrows and challenges; a life overflowing with doctor's appointments and soccer games and dances lessons and meetings with your boss and dinner to get on the table and bills to pay; would you please take a moment and send a good thought or prayer our way? It will be appreciated more than you know.

[Post-publication note: thank you, everyone, for your thoughts and prayers. Greta's surgery went very well and we pick her up today. A dear, dear friend of mine wrote me something so beautiful that I must share it here (I hope he does not mind): "No one can overestimate the power and influence of our life companions, and to equate our fellow creatures as family is to realize how much living things help one another. I believe that help extends beyond the face of this earth." Thank you again everyone.]