Duke update (again)

I really don't even know what to say, Duke is eating good now, and the swelling on his nose has gone down abit, so those are good signs I guess. He wants to go outside all the time, to lick the snow, even tho I am givng him water with ice in it. But it's the breathing that is so bad. His whole body just heaves. But he also doesn't seem as uncomfortable, didn't pace too much last night.
Having said that, he jumped off the couch, and barked when my friend came over this morning. Just two barks, but that's something. (He's a wonderful barker)
Part of me wants to end his struggle to breathe, but the other part wants to see if this med will help him, and that could take maybe three weeks, to kick in, or it may not help at all. So I am just taking it day by day.
YOUR COMMENTS HAVE BEEN SO COMFORTING, YOU JUST HAVE NO IDEA...I WISH DUKE KNEW HOW MUCH SUPPORT HE HAS. THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!!! BASSET PEOPLE ARE WONDERFUL, OUR HOUNDS HAVE TRAINED US WELL. I really want the basset reunion to happen I want to meet you all in person!
I haven't got the sense yet that Duke is 'ready', but the poor guy is working so hard for every breath. Steaming seems to ease it a bit, so my house is getting pretty humid! Some of it from my tears...

Sandy