12.10.07 Update on Stimpy

Tybee Island, Ga. --- As many of you already know the biopsy on Stimpy showed a malignant cancer. I sincerely thank all of you for understanding our situation and being patient with us as we go through this ordeal.

For the past few days we have been doing our normal routine, walking, pooping and eating --- the dogs and me and Kay.

Stimpy’s output has remained pretty much the same and he seems to have no distress. He can still be his old independent and often times crotchety self demanding now and then some attention and some treats. He is eating about normal for him. He has never been a big eater. He still enjoys the treats although gets picky. He has just had his morning walk --- one of three he gets daily --- and is resting comfortably.

Max (on the right in photo, that's his friend "Teddy" on the left) last week developed a severe cough and the doctor has him on heavy antibiotics for a brachial infection, which it appears he picked up at the dog park unfortunately. This means the doctor has banned him from the park for two weeks. However, he seems to have adjusted okay to this now that we are doing three long walks each day.


Little Bit can tell there is something very badly wrong and both he and Stimpy, especially Stimpy, have taken to sleeping as close to me as they can. Of course, Little Bit has always been the “snuggler” of the three although now Max and Stimpy seem to be competing with him.

We have decided that we will not put Stimpy through the trauma and recovery of surgery at his age (105 in human years). The prognosis seemed to be he might get a year more with surgery and no chemo or radiation and maybe another year or two if he did have chemo and radiation.

The agonizing decision that looms, of course, is when do you know that his health has declined and his pain has begun? We have decided we will simply take it a day at a time and watch him carefully for any signs of distress.

So, that is the update for now. I did not write anything last week because Kay was gone with the computer and air card and I had no way to connect. I also have been fighting a terrible depression as you can imagine. Although writing is usually my way of handling such a depression, well writing and good Bourbon, neither seemed to work very well for me right now.

I can't express adequately how much we appreciate the outpouring of love, prayers and thoughts that so many of you across the country have sent us during this time. Your expressions of kindness have provided all of us great comfort.

I will be sharing many of those notes on this blog in the near future.

Until next time.
Dr. Darryl
L. Darryl Armstrong
www.ARMSTRONGandAssociates.com