Sequins and Sea Breezes: A Novie + Life Update

A Novie + Life Update

1/29/2018


Hello loves! Can you believe the first month of 2018 is already almost over? It's been awhile since I shared an update on how my sweet fur baby has been doing so I figured today I'd share a little bit on how he's been doing and what's been going on in my life. There has definitely been a lot of changes and to be completely honest, I wasn't really sure I was ready or even wanted to share but I kinda figured why not? Sometimes my posts that I'm hesitant to share actually help me the most so let's just jump right on into it, shall we?

Unfortunately Novie hasn't been having the greatest luck lately. His vet actually joked with us the other day that we should just move in to the office to avoid the drive and it definitely does feel that way. Early December we noticed some blood in Novie's urine so we rushed him to the vet to find out he had a urinary tract infection that we ended up having to put him on meds for. As it turns out, the treatment for his cancer is known for causing UTI's so it wasn't unusual for him to get one but it was definitely a shock. Shortly after his UTI cleared up we were back in the vet's office because he was limping and having issues with putting any weight on his back right leg. The vet informed us that the reason he was having issues walking was due to him tearing a ligament in his leg. Usually the treatment for this is surgery and then he'd be good as new but since Novie has issues with anesthesia due to his heart condition, we're having to treat him with just pain meds and rest. Of course this means he can't jump on anything, go up and down stairs, or walk for any distance for 6-8 weeks so it's definitely been hard on him. It absolutely breaks my heart seeing him so sad that he can't do what he normally does and be in pain so I'm desperately hoping his injury heals up quickly and he can go back to his normal self.


As for the cancer, his third chemo treatment was a little over a week ago (it was supposed to be his fourth but we decided to skip the originally scheduled third and see if the tumor grew) and we did get some good news. The tumor has not grown at all or spread but it also hasn't shrunk.Seeing how exhausted and just emotionally drained the chemo makes him, not to mention how it lowers his blood cell counts and causes him to get sick easier, we've decided to stop treatment for his prostate cancer moving forward. Since it doesn't seem to be making a significant difference in the size of the tumor or his overall well-being, it just doesn't make sense. After every chemo treatment he's gotten either a UTI or pancreatitis (which if you follow me on Instastories, that's what was wrong with him last Monday when I posted he was sick again) and it's weighing on him and on us. Quite literally actually. When we first started this process, my sweet pup weighed around 16 lbs and last week he was down to 12.4 lbs. We've decided to do what we feel is best for Novie and stop all his treatments and medications (with the exception of the pain meds when needed) and try to get him as healthy as possible and his weight back up. All of these different medications and treatments have taken such a toll on his little body and while not all dogs are the same, and some would probably take much better to all of this, poor Novie is struggling and we always said that we'd stop when it affected his quality of life. So here we are, off all medications and eating a healthy diet in hopes that we can get our sweet little Novie back to the pup he was before are all of this. I'll continue to keep you updated!


Now on to my life update. To be completely honest, I've written this part several times and each time it's been completely different. I'm not going to go into as much detail as I had when I previously wrote it (especially since I wrote so much in my Novie update) but here we go.

I didn't often talk about my job on here but most of you know how much I loved what I was doing and the people I was doing it with, well in December, shortly before Christmas and the day before Novie's second chemo treatment, I got some shocking yet not so shocking news that my position was being eliminated and I was being let go, effective immediately. I say shocking because what company in this day feels that they aren't in need of a Digital Marketing Manager? Especially when that person is the sole person running your SEO/SEM, digital advertising, website content, etc but in all honesty, I had seen it coming.  Call it intuition or just being able to clearly read between the lines, as upset as I was when it happened, I really wasn't all that surprised. Luckily I had some amazing co-workers who (almost) all rallied behind me and met me out that night for a wonderful happy hour send off that really boosted my spirits and made me feel good and despite the situation, I still wish my former company the best of luck!

I'm not going to lie, I've had some major ups and downs during the time I've been jobless. I've been angry, I've been upset, I've been anxious and even embarrassed but I've also been grateful. And now, just over a month after I lost my job, I am officially employed again. I start my new position in a week and I couldn't be more excited and happy for what this new position and the future holds for me.

So as you can see, 2018 has already been full of changes for me and while I have no idea where this path will take me or what to expect, I'm excited for the journey and the opportunities I've been given. Hopefully Novie's overall health will start to improve and even if we can't prolong his life from the cancer, if we can give him the best possible life he can have while he's still here, I'll be happy. And hopefully this new position will be the perfect fit I've been looking for. If you've made it this far, thanks for sticking it out. I know not only was this a very long post, especially compared to my usual posts, but it wasn't exactly the most upbeat for a Monday but hopefully this explains my absence in the blogging world and just my overall mood the past few weeks and will explain my absence or slow replies in the upcoming weeks! Love you guys. Mean it.

*Linking up with the fabulous Biana who has been such a great friend and cheerleader*

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28 comments

  1. I know this has been a crazy trying and emotionally charged time for you - so many changes and so many ups and downs but girl you are handling everything like a champ! I'm happy that you have a new plan for Novie - poor little thing is getting everything he needs from you! So excited for your new job - it's going to be amazing! xo,Biana -BlovedBoston

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  2. So sorry you've been going through SO much! You've got this, girl. Hope the rest of the year is amazing for you.

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  3. Girl you're a rockstar and I am so proud of you! These posts are my favorite to read and truly help us relate to what you're going through. Thank you for opening up and sharing your life with us. Always thinking about your sweet pup! Xoxoxo

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  4. mi amor! it's been a whirlwind for you to say the least and i'm glad that we can both be here for each other! you've been such a rock for me too, through ALL the shit you're going through and it means a lot. <3 to each day being better than the last. only moving forward!

    xoxo cheshire kat

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  5. Still praying for you all and I'm hoping things calm down for you very soon. That's exciting to be starting a new position and I wish you nothing but the best, friend!

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  6. Pamela- I know how hard it is to open up but I'm so glad you shared your heart with us! My dad lost his job right before Christmas too to I totally understand what you went through. SO glad you have a new opportunity and I know you're going to rock it!! I'll be keeping your sweet pup and new job in my prayers! Sending lots of love girlfriend!

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  7. Oh my goodness you’ve really been through the ringer lately! I’m so sorry that Novie isn’t doing well with the chemo, but I think that just having be a happy puppy is the best decision y’all could have made for him. We had said the same thing about Dart that even if the chemo was prolonging his life, if he wasn’t happy or feeling the best it wasn’t worth it to us. And I’m so sorry about your job too! Chris went through the same thing right before the girls were born and he was a wreck. But thankfully y’all both found jobs! I hope that you love your new job!

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  8. Oh Pamela, you've been through so much! I just want to give you a big hug -- you handle it all so well too. I don't think I could been my stuff together. I'm so glad you have found a new job and I"m wishing you the best of luck. As for Novie, you know we think and pray about him daily. Even my husband prays for him, you know we are huge dog lovers, so I can't even begin to imagine what y'all are going through. Sweet boy, he is so loved!

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  9. I couldn't be happier for you with the new gig where you'll truly shine! I can't imagine how hard it must have been to make the decision to stop Novie's treatments, but it'll be good for him to get his weight back up and not deal with the UTI's all the time. Sending lots of hugs your way <3
    Green Fashionista

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  10. What an eventful start to the year you’ve had - gotta love life’s planning sometimes. I’m glad to hear that Novie is doing okay, and I hope that being off the meds will help make him feel even better! And, you go girl! Losing a job always is a hard, weird adjustment, but it’s awesome that you’ve already landed something new. Fingers crossed it’s the right fit for you! Sending you lots of wishes!

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  11. I completely relate to you with the job situation. The same thing happened to me back in October and I kinda saw it coming but I didn't. There is a story there but I'll save it haha. Unfortunately I am still looking for a new job. Congrats to you though, that is fab and you are going to do GREAT! I hope that your fur baby feels better ASAP too, poor little guy. :-( Sending you a hug too. :-)

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  12. Girl..... I know how hard it was to put publish on this post. We've talked about it and I'm so proud of you and glad you did. And now SO EXCITED FOR YOUR NEW JOB! Prayers it is the best experience and helps you feel back to more of you. YAYAYAY!

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  13. Oh girl, I'm so sorry you have had all of this on your plate. This is a lot and you clearly kicked ass at your job. It's their loss, but I know that it still hurts. I hope the new job is even better and your commute is better! Give Novie lots of hugs from Maggie! She hopes he feels better!

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  14. Your poor little fur baby. My parents dog is 11 years old and this year has been so hard for her. She has spent so much time at the vet with heart failure :( So sad to see them go through it. Prayers for your new job! I hope it turns out to be the best!

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  15. I can't even imagine how hard things must have been for you. Sending you big hugs. I hope Novie gets better and I think you made the best decision. That is so fantastic that you have already found a new job! Well done. But honestly, what company wouldn't want you as an employee?? You are awesome!! And remember, everything happens for a reason, better days ahead my friend.

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  16. Oh man I am so sorry all of this has been on your plate. I am sending Novie some healthy vibes, poor little angel! I hope the new job is a perfect fit! Unemployment is not fun at all, so glad you found something so quick!

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  17. Tough end/start of year. So sorry about your fur baby. They are so special. My boyfriend misses his old Beagle Haley every day. He has been gone since Oct 2016 and I miss him too. Hopefully he pulls through soon. Happy to see that you got a new and better job so quickly.

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  18. I'm so sorry to hear everything you're going through with your sweet pup! Nothing is more heartbreaking then seeing them so helpless and there's just nothing you can do to fix it! Sending him so many prayers! I hope that he gets back to feeling normal with stopping the meds!

    Rosy Outlook

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  19. Virtual hugs! I'm so happy that your job situation has improved. Pet troubles are just so hard, and I really feel for you. I hope that Novie starts feeling better and puts on a few pounds. It's hard to see our furry friends in pain. Thank you for sharing!

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  20. I tried to comment this morning, but I think I messed it up. If this is a duplicate, I am sorry. I’m sorry you had so much going on. I have been thinking of you, and Novie. I’m very glad to hear that his cancer hasn’t grown, and will continue to pray that he gets better. I’m sorry things in your career have been so stressful, but how exciting that a new opportunity has come up. I hope this year continues to become I hope this year continues to bring good things. I’m glad you published your post. 😊

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  21. Gosh girl, so many ups and downs lately, especially around the holidays. I can only imagine how stressful it's been dealing with your sick fur-baby in pain but I hope you guys find the right solution for him to get better! Congrats and I'm happy to hear you found a new job starting soon! Emily @ Martinis & Bikinis

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  22. Wow you both are going through a lot. It's always hard when your furbaby is sick and especially when they are in pain. Thoughts and prayers to you both.
    Xoxo,
    Whitney & Blaire
    Peaches In A Pod

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  23. Hey gal- ugh sorry to hear about your poor pup and the job loss. I went through that too and it truly sucks but glad to hear you've already gotten a new position. Keep your chin up and hopefully things will turn around soon!

    xo, Kristina

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  24. Oh Pamela- my heart is with you right now. I can clearly see how much Novie means to you and I’m sure all these decisions are so difficult. He knows you’re doing it all for his best interest. I’m sorry to hear about your former job- job changes can be so rough. Happy to hear you’re on the upside now and starting a new gig. Sending you positive vibes - 2018 has already been a wild ride on my end too. Xo!

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  25. You are so amazing, Pamela! My heart is so sad right now for little Novie. He is just the cutest and our fur babies are such an important part of our lives. I am also so happy that you get to start a new venture. Wishing you all the best in these new changes <3 Sierra~Beautifully Candid

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  26. Sending Novie alllll the healthy vibes! Thinking of you both! xo

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  27. Oh you’ve had So much on your plate! So sorry you had to go through that at work! Been there, done that, was not fun at all! And with your fur baby too...You poor thing. Hopefully, 2018 it’s onward upward from here

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  28. SO sorry I'm just now catching up on this post! It's been a hard few months - thoughts and prayers with you tremendously! So glad to hear you have a great new job! And as always, happy thoughts for your sweet baby!

    Zelle | Southern Style 

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