I'm glad to hear that things are looking good for your dog. I can totally relate to how terrible it feels when something is wrong.
Last February, our Maltese who is about 15 now, became very sick within a matter of a day or two. After a battery of tests, the diagnosis was chronic kidney failure and the dog was initially given about 2 - 3 months to live. The dog is still alive today and doing great. The last time a blood test was done, the vet was shocked at how well he continues to do; it's almost like he grew more kidneys or something.
He eats a high-quality dry dog and Science Diet KD canned diet and takes 1cc of Aluminum Hydroxide, twice daily. The medication and the strict diet have done wonders for him.