Dr. Couto Is Not Available :(

[Guest wholovesskunks]

Well, I received a response back from Dr. Couto this morning stating that he and his colleagues are busier than usual.  He is unable to look into my case in detail but has forwarded my information to his colleagues. He did say there is a distinct lytic lesion in the distal tibia that is highly suggestive of a tumor and that a fine needle aspiration would tell us more. I don’t know if that’s good news or bad news. I’m thinking it would be better than osteosarcoma but I have no clue really. I knew there was a tumor it’s just going forward from there that I’m unsure about.

 

The clock is ticking for Lenny and I’m hoping dearly that someone else will get back to me today since my vet is going to be at a conference this Saturday to Wednesday and I will not be able to have any further tests done until next Thursday at the earliest.

 

I’m just sad and feeling defeated. It is what it is but it doesn’t make it any easier. I am so glad Dr. Couto has been able to help so many of you and your precious pups. Hopefully, I will hear back from a colleague this morning to discuss Lenny but I guess we shall see. I have already called my vet to find out if she can get Lenny in today for a fine needle aspiration but wanted to find out additional info from OSU before I went that route.

 

Lenny is still doing well- playing and running as usual, appetite is good, and he appears to be in no pain. I hope it keeps up like this for a while!

 

Please keep your fingers crossed that I hear something soon!

 

Krista

[Guest mountain4greys]

Krista, don't feel defeated about this. Dr. Couto's colleagues are fantastic, from everything I've heard. I don't have first hand knowledge, but through the years, everyone says how great Dr. Couto is, and I have heard him talk. But you rarely hear how great the people are that work with him. I've heard nothing but amazing things about them.

So things will move forward for you, and Lenny will be taken care of. I know it's easier said than done, but try not to worry to much.

[Guest wholovesskunks]

Krista, don't feel defeated about this. Dr. Couto's colleagues are fantastic, from everything I've heard. I don't have first hand knowledge, but through the years, everyone says how great Dr. Couto is, and I have heard him talk. But you rarely hear how great the people are that work with him. I've heard nothing but amazing things about them.

So things will move forward for you, and Lenny will be taken care of. I know it's easier said than done, but try not to worry to much.

Thanks, Mountain4Greys.

 

Dr Couto said his colleagues are busy as well and it is Friday now which means I very well may not hear from someone until Monday, then my vet won’t be available until Thursday, so I feel at this point that I keep running into roadblocks. I have utmost confidence in his colleagues I just don’t have confidence that I’m going to get moving on Lenny’s plan for almost another week. I called and left a message at OSU on Wednesday, yesterday, and then I got the email stating his colleagues will take a look. I’m just not feeling very optimistic at the moment. I certainly think OSU is amazing I’m just sad at this point that I still am not doing anything while Lenny is getting sicker…..

[Guest Smiley]

I'm so sorry you weren't able to get a consult with Dr. Couto Krista. That must be so frustrating. I know he is going out of town tomorrow so perhaps that is why he can't consult. I did want to give you some positive info. We met a couple who had their mixed breed down at OSU for a post-amp appt. and she (because she's not a greyhound parent) was connected with another onocologist at OSU. They had a wonderful experience with their oncologist who DID give them lots of info. over the phone. So keep the faith that you will be connected with someone else who can help. If we learned anything these last two days, it's that everyone! at OSU is kind, compassionate and great at what they do.

 

I'm also wondering if Dr. Couto can fit you in in a week or two when his schedule settles down. That is, if you feel you can wait. No matter what, I understand how confusing, overwhelming and scary this is. I know waiting is so hard, but if this gives you a little comfort, Dr. Couto gave us the option of waiting until next week for the surgery-so I think a few days of waiting to move forward is okay.

 

Hang in there and know that I am sending you many, many hugs, good thoughts and prayers. And for Lenny of course! If I can do anything to help you, please, please let me know. Even if it's just to vent, talk, brainstorm, I am here.

 

Take care Krista,

Beth

[sweetdogs]

Krista Please don't give up hope. Dr. Couto's team handles a lot of his correspondence but everything is reviewed by him. And they are excellent vets in their own right.

 

I hope you can get Lenny in for the FNA today. It will take a couple of days to get the results back anyway so you will still be moving forward with his diagnosis.

 

Please hang on - we're here with you & Lenny.

[Guest wholovesskunks]

I spoke with my vet this morning and she doesn’t know that she can do the FNA because of how he is presenting (whatever that means) so she is calling someone else to see if they would be able to do it and will call me back. Dr. Couto did look at the x-rays so I’m assuming it is possible but I am still in a holding pattern right now. I HATE waiting and am WAY impatient. Not a good thing in this situation.

[Batmom]

Whereabouts are you located? Could be another university hospital near you that might be of help?

[Guest wholovesskunks]

Whereabouts are you located? Could be another university hospital near you that might be of help?

I’m in Tampa. I can’t travel too much since I have three small kids and work a full-time job and a part-time job. My availability is somewhat limited. I can’t go to Gainesville by any means because I’d miss too much work and can’t afford it. It’s just one roadblock after another…..

[Guest K9Cookies]

I completely understand how you are feeling. Like every minute and hour that he's sick is taken off "the" clock. Dr. Couto and his team will do whatever they can do for you. Keep checking in with them, and they will help.

 

Hang tight. We know it's difficult. Hugs to you and Lenny.

[Guest Greytluv]

Lots of good advice here. Dr. Coutco's team is the best. I wouldn't think for one minute you're not getting the same level of care. Dr. Coutco will review everything.

[Guest wholovesskunks]

I just got of the phone with Dr. Marin (I’ve been calling all morning and was happy that someone picked up!), she was very nice but I wasn’t able to get any additional information at this point. She was unable to really tell anything from the x-rays except that there is a tumor of some sort. I had hoped with the 4 different views that she’d be able to shed additional insight. She can’t tell if it’s advanced from the x-rays and has no suggestions for whom to see down here in Tampa. I was hoping the x-rays would more indicative of what we were dealing with.

 

So now we are waiting for my vet to call back as to who I can see to get the FNA done. Once the FNA is done I can send it to OSU for their advice but it’s not looking good at this point since amp is out and chemo isn’t really worth it since we can’t do the amp.

 

She did agree that he shouldn’t be amped because of his history with issues under anesthesia. We could do radiotherapy and chemo but it’s super expensive so that’s out. I wish I could take him in to see them.

 

I apologize for being so negative. I’m not normally like this. I just don’t have much positive left to spread around…..

[o_rooly]

:grouphug

[Guest greysonly]

Sending prayers and positive thoughts for your Lenny

Edited January 15, 2010 by greysonly

[Guest Energy11]

If Dr. Couto referred you to his staff, they WILL get back to you, I am sure.

[Charlies_Dad]

I am sorry you're going through this with Lenny. Know that there are many here hoping you get answers soon and can give Lenny the best possible.

[Guest eaglflyt]

I'm praying for Lenny and you, too. Did your vet also do a chest x-ray just to check everything is alright there?

[Batmom]

It is worth doing the FNA in an effort to verify that you're dealing with some type of cancer rather than a weird bone infection or fungus. Beyond that, your biggest concern I think will be pain management and quality of life. Hoping your own vet's expertise will be of great help to you there.

 

FWIW, not everyone would choose to do amputation and/or chemotherapy for a dog with cancer, whether they could afford it or not. That probably isn't much comfort to you -- you want what you want, even when it just isn't possible. Sending hugs for yourself and gentle scritchies for your beloved pupper.

[Guest dnjglassdesigns]

All the Drs at OSU are awesome, hope you hear from them today. Good thoughts and prayers.

[Guest wholovesskunks]

Update from my DVM- She consulted with a specialist here and it’s such a small area at this point that it will be difficult to do the FNA without ultrasound and that will be costly. Since we really aren’t going to get any benefit or change our course of plan by doing one she advises against it. She also said there is a very high chance nothing will be found when there is something there and diagnostically, it won’t make a difference since amp and chemo is not an option. At this point, she recommends re-xraying in two weeks to see what changes are occurring since using digital x-rays allows her to track and view the growth of minute details very well. Part of me just wants to know- how aggressive is this or are we lucky and maybe it’s something benign, odds are slim but a chance maybe. I guess I just have to leave it in God’s hands and be ok with that as hard as that is for me.

[Guest Smiley]

Sending you many, many hugs as you navigate this journey. It's so hard and know that you are doing the very best you can and whatever outcome, you've made your choices from love.

[Jackandgrey]

I know how devastating this diagnosis is for you. I know you were looking for every possible miracle and treatment for your boy. Amputation and chemo is absolutely not for every dog and family. Concentrate on pain control and on celebrating every single day with him. Don't regret these days later. You still have him with. If you make each day special, I promise it will help later.

[Guest trevdog]

I'm in Tampa, who is your vet? You can email me trevorgreyhound2003@yahoo.com if you want as I see you don't have enough posts here.

[Guest Greyt_dog_lover]

I thought that Dr Cuto gives free chemo drugs to greyhounds that enter his studies? Also, if the problem is in the "distal" portion of the leg, that means its at the bottom, or "distant" from the joint. So, you do have time regardless of your decision.

[Guest Swifthounds]

FWIW, not everyone would choose to do amputation and/or chemotherapy for a dog with cancer, whether they could afford it or not. That probably isn't much comfort to you -- you want what you want, even when it just isn't possible. Sending hugs for yourself and gentle scritchies for your beloved pupper.

 

I've not personally dealt with osteo, but I have two boys at the bridge from two different cancers, and I can second that not everyone would do amputation and chemo given the cancer diagnosis. It's difficult when availability of resources is such a factor, and may make you feel helpless, but take heart. The best advice anyone gave me was to not let a diagnosis, disappointment, or frustration about the possibilities (or lack thereof) for tomorrow rob you of the joys of the present. Regardless of the options available, our time with these wonderful creatures is always so short. Cherish every moment.

[MP_the4pack]

I hope you are lucky and it turns out to be nothing.