Lilly Lu's Chews for Chemo

07/10/2021

It is with great sadness that we wanted to let everyone know that Lilly Lu crossed the rainbow bridge last night. She fought a good fight but the chemo had stopped working and the meds to keep her comfy weren't working either.
We tried to give Lilly the best last few days ever, filled with seeing her favorite people. Her last day was spent doing many of her favorite things. She dressed like a pretty princess, we watched some Scooby-Doo, we made her a birthday cake and she ate cake with her sister, we got out this year's Christmas jammies early and took Christmas pics, she ate a cheeseburger, and most of all we loved on her and snuggled with her, and made sure she knew she was loved.

Until Lilly liked you she would have her brow all furrowed with nervousness. But once she got to know you she was the silliest, cuddliest, happiest little girl. When we got her Kiyoko had to teach her how to play and they eventually figured out their own ways to play. Lilly loved the couch, she loved naps, she snored and made pig noises, and sometimes (usually) smelled spicy. Kiyoko taught her to bark at strangers and she hated any delivery or mail person just like her big (little) sister.

I believe we are called to take care of God's creations that can't take care of themselves. Thank you all for helping us do that the past few months through your generosity, your prayers, and your love for our girl. She touched many hearts in her short life.

Three years ago Anastasia came home and said she met this dog at the humane society and she needed us. It turns out we needed her too. We loved her beyond measure, always and forever.

03/10/2021

Lilly Lu pupdate: Friends it is with a heavy heart that we wanted to let everyone know that Lilly is no longer responding to the chemo treatments. We have opted to not put her through any more and instead to keep her comfortable as long as possible. As a fur parent these decisions are never easy. If you need us we'll be basically spending all the moments we can with her as much as possible.
Her Aunt Barb brought her this soft blanket today she's enjoying.
Thank you all for rallying around our girl and following her journey. We've tried our hardest and loved her much.

29/09/2021

This is the face of a girl grateful to be home and sleeping on her couch (this could also apply to me but she's cuter)!

Dr. Bernstein and the crew at University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital have been fantastic with her. They are doing their best with our nervous girl and with her health.

Lilly has a community of people loving her and sending tons of good thoughts and prayers and we are so grateful. She may not know all the support she gets but we do. Thank you for continuing to love our sweet girl.

29/09/2021

Lilly Lu pupdate: The oncologist called. Lilly is doing well today. Her fever is gone and she ate a little bit from her hand. They are going to do another blood test to check her white blood cell count again but she said her best bet is to bring her home today on oral antibiotics. Her lymph nodes were definitely lower though and they are going to reduce her chemo by 20% to avoid this in the future. Thank you all for all your thoughts, prayers, and well wishes! We are picking her up later today!

29/09/2021

Friends of Lilly Lu, we are posting from the emergency center at U of I. Today Lilly has not felt herself and when she went in for her CBC in Greenville her temp was high and her white blood count was really low. They are probably going to keep her here overnight for fluids and antibiotics. Lilly could really use all the goodness you can give her tonight for the antibiotics to work. Thanks so much!

28/09/2021

Don't forget to let us know if you'd like more Lilly Lu treats! We've got some frozen and ready to go when you are! We can't be at farmers market this weekend but will be available in the evenings for delivery or pick up!

As an update: Lilly had a little bit of an allergic reaction to the last treatment but was remedied quickly with benadryl. She's been running around like a silly girl and been a hungry hungry hippo so I think she's feeling better again! Tomorrow she goes in for a blood test to check her levels. Send good thoughts!

23/09/2021

We are wanting to make a bucket list for Lilly Lu! Make sure we really let her make the best out of her time she has left! Her diagnosis hasn't changed but I don't want to wait until she's not feeling up to things either.

So, suggestions? Keep in mind she gets nervous around a lot of people or loud things. Here are some thoughts I had:

- half birthday celebration
- pup cup from the big dipper
- long drive that doesn't end at the vet
- seeing her favorite people

Let us know your suggestions below!

22/09/2021

Lilly Lu is smart and she knows why we use pumpkin in our Lilly Lu treats, but she wants to share it with all of you.

We have treats ready to go if anyone is interested and couldn't make it to Paws in the Park. We have about 24 bags of large and 2 smalls ready to go!

21/09/2021

Friends of Lilly Lu- we had to take an emergency trip to Champaign today because her lymph nodes were swelling again, causing her to cough and have more labored breathing. What they decided to do was change her to a CCNU protocol which is one they use when you are resistant to the original CHOP protocol. This one is 5 visits every 2-3 weeks.
We are grateful that treat sales from Paws in the Park covered about 75% of today so thank you to everyone who helped her get a treatment today.
We are home now and they said we should start to see her lymph nodes decreasing soon.
And just because she cute, here's a dose of adorable!

18/09/2021

Lilly Lu says thank you to everyone who came out today and bought treats at Paws In The Park!

We have several bags left so tomorrow we are having a BOGO sale! 2 bags for $10! Let us know if you want us to come by, meet, or deliver in town!

Thanks again to everyone for your support, thoughts, and prayers!

18/09/2021

Lilly Lu's Chews for Chemo is set up and ready at Paws In The Park - 17th Annual at Patriots Park!

18/09/2021

Lilly Lu's Chews for Chemo is super excited to see you at Paws In The Park - 17th Annual today at Patriots Park!
We are hoping Miss Lilly Lu will be able to join us for a bit!

17/09/2021

Psst. Come closer. Lilly Lu wants to tell you that her lymph nodes were smaller today when they got measured which is great news!

17/09/2021

Lilly Lu's Chews for Chemo can't wait to see everyone tomorrow! We made 70 bags of treats which will pay for about 2 rounds of chemo!

Don't forget to come see Lilly Lu's Chews for Chemo at Paws In The Park - 17th Annual on Saturday! Lilly has been helping us bake all week (as quality control, of course) so we hope to see you there!

15/09/2021

Don't forget to come see Lilly Lu's Chews for Chemo at Paws In The Park - 17th Annual on Saturday! Lilly has been helping us bake all week (as quality control, of course) so we hope to see you there!

11/09/2021

Guess what? Lilly Lu's Chews for Chemo will be at Paws In The Park - 17th Annual next Saturday selling treats! Hopefully Lilly Lu herself will be up there for a bit too (depending on if a crowd is making her anxious or not)!

So, grab your pup and come on up!

10/09/2021

Today we got some disheartening news. The last medicine they gave her for Chemo did not work and her lymph nodes are swollen again. This means she is out of remission, at least for the time being. The medicine they gave her today has worked well in the past so we're hoping it will work again. She's going back sooner than planned so they can check her lymph nodes. They may have to switch medicines in place of the one that didn't work. So continue to send good vibes and lots of prayers for our girl that she starts feeling better again soon!

10/09/2021

At least we get beautiful sunrises on our 2 hour drives to chemo. Lilly was hiding but Jenny, the vet tech, said she'd get her cookies so hopefully that made it better.