MP_the4pack Posted January 15, 2010 Share Posted January 15, 2010 Sending prayers that if it has to be cancer, it's a really really slow-growing one that will let her enjoy lots of good time with you. Actually, I want the opposite. Sorry I haven't responded earlier. I'm exhausted, first good news, then not. Then maybe still good news, but not. Then maybe another piece of good news, then not. Here's the update. Pearl did very well with surgery. Her heart is actually in very good condition. The Vetmedin (heart drug) did perform a miracle on her heart. It's back to the way it was years ago with just the valvular disease. And.......hypertension is a GREYHOUND THING! The spleen was 5 lbs. They removed that.(her pet weight was 64 lbs, she was down to 58 by the time she got to OSU.....So, she's down to 53 or less by my calculations) It's not hemangio, but it is a sarcoma. They removed the two nodules in the left and center lobes of the liver. Called it a partial lobectomy. They saw another nodule in the right lobe and removed that. But in going over the right lobe, they concluded it's in worse condition. Loaded with cancer. It's pretty well shot. Worse than the other two. Her middle and left lobes are still working. Needless to say when I heard that I broke down again. Okay, to the jaw drop. Dr. Couto said that if it is a slow growing cancer, I can have about 4 months with her. Chemo doesn't work on them. If it is an aggressive cancer, chemo works about 80% of the time, and I could have as much as 9 months with her. So, I'm being selfish, I want the 9 months. I visited her today. Spent 1/2 hr on the floor of the 'comfort' room. She took a big sigh and relaxed. Apparently, she is a bit anxious without me, so Dr. Couto, Dr. Thompson (surgeon) and the ICU staff will confer this afternoon and call me by 6 PM. They may decide it is to Pearl's best interest to send her home with me tomorrow. To Jane's house(JoeJoesMom) not all the way back to NJ. (update....I see her tomorrow at 9:30, and they will decide then if she's coming to Jane's house). In other news, Diamond is here with me. Since she was due for her last chemo today it was either have it done here or wait another 2 weeks. So we did the chemo here. And since she was also due another chest xray (next week) we did that too. And the added perks are that a radiologist reads it and Dr. Couto was right there. (otherwise, just my GP at home reads it). Clean! Diamond's surgeon Dr. Ben-Amoz, her vet tech Amy and a few others who took care of her in Oct went to visit with her to today, so she was in her glory. She's doing great. (at least one of my sisters is). While Diamond was in chemo and I was waiting for Pearl to be taken to the quiet room, the staff wheeled Smiley out the door. He was...shall I say, "in a happy place". (more drugs than Pearl) They let me love on him and tell him his Momma misses him. Let me tell you, all the time I've been in the waiting room waiting (8:00 AM to 6 PM, Wed, 7:15 - 6 PM yesterday, and 8 - 2 PM today) there always seems to be a greyhound in there. Either as a blood donor or patient. I got plenty of greyhound fixes while waiting for my babies. Thanks for all the prayer and support. I've actually lost about 5 lbs. But I won't recommend this as a diet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sambuca Posted January 15, 2010 Share Posted January 15, 2010 I hope it's a fast growing cancer as well, for your sake. I'm glad things are looking up overall for the time being. Can I ask a couple random questions? My Dad has a sarcoma and we are looking into everything we can find, as he's not doing great. Do you know what type Pearl has? If not, when you find out can you let me know? What are the treatment options? What kind of chemo? I'm sorry for the hijack. Now, don't forget to eat. You aren't going to be able to help them as much as they need if you get sick, so stay healthy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ss556 Posted January 15, 2010 Share Posted January 15, 2010 Mary Pat, take care of yourself. Glad Diamond is with you also. My thoughts and prayers are with Pearl. I hope for the best, whatever that is for her. May you have some extra time with her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFullHouse Posted January 15, 2010 Share Posted January 15, 2010 My gosh, what a road you are traveling right now. I'm keeping you all in my prayers and please take care of yourself. You need to be healthy for your babies. Quote Judy, mom to Darth Vader, Bandita, And Angel Forever in our hearts, DeeYoGee, Dani, Emmy, Andy, Heart, Saint, Valentino, Arrow, Gee, Bebe, Jilly Bean, Bullitt, Pistol, Junior, Sammie, Joey, Gizmo, Do Bee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest GryffinSong Posted January 15, 2010 Share Posted January 15, 2010 Hugs from a cancer survivor. It's never easy, whether in our canine friends or human. I'm so glad that you're there for Pearl, and I know that you're making excellent decisions for the both of you. Hugs to you both, and may you have as much time as possible with your Pearl! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Smiley Posted January 15, 2010 Share Posted January 15, 2010 I'm so happy to read this update Mary Pat! I've been thinking of you all day today and Pearl too. I'm glad you got to see Dr. Couto again today and that everything looks great with Diamond. You needed this good news and I'm so happy you got it! I'm especially glad that you got to visit with Pearl for a whole half and hour-that seems like heaven to me. And of course I'm so happy Smiley got loved on too. Thank you for that! I got your message today and since you weren't available when I called back, left a message. Hopefully we can connect soon, or if nothing else, on Sunday. Hang in there and remember that many prayers and hugs are coming yours and Pearl's way! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
queenwinniesmom Posted January 15, 2010 Share Posted January 15, 2010 Mary Pat, you have been through so much. You're doing everything you possibly can to keep Pearl safe and healthy, and I so hope you get as much time together as possible. I know Beth really appreciated that you were there too, as they played the "waiting game." You and Pearl are in my prayers. Quote Nancy, Mom to Evangelina and Kiva Missing Lacey, Patsy, Buster, my heart dog Nick, Winnie, Pollyanna, Tess, my precious Lydia, Calvin Lee, my angel butterfly Laila, and kitties Lily, Sam and Simon My Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Catsburgandhoundtown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobinM Posted January 15, 2010 Share Posted January 15, 2010 Incredible. Keep the faith. Many prayers sent your way. Quote ROBIN ~ Mom to: Beau Think It Aint, Chloe JC Allthewayhome, Teddy ICU Drunk Sailor, Elsie N Fracine , Ollie RG's Travertine, Ponch A's Jupiter~ Yoshi, Zoobie & Belle, the kitties. Waiting at the bridge Angel Polli Bohemian Ocean , Rocky, Blue,Sasha & Zoobie & Bobbi Greyhound Angels Adoption (GAA) The Lexus Project Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaliforniaGreys Posted January 15, 2010 Share Posted January 15, 2010 I have to admit this is all overwhelming to read so I can't imagine how it is for you. All I can offer is to keep you all in my prayers. And you sure have that! Quote Missing my little Misty who took a huge piece of my heart with her on 5/2/09, and Ekko, on 6/28/12 For the sick, the lost, and the homeless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BertnLil Posted January 15, 2010 Share Posted January 15, 2010 You certainly are going through a lot. Sending strength and hugs. Quote Pam with Sockem the GH, Birdie the JRT, Osorno the chocolate lab, and Shelby the shepherd mix. Missing Clarice (1991-2007) and Lily (2004-2012), always in our hearts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahicks51 Posted January 15, 2010 Share Posted January 15, 2010 A friend of mine who used to be on here more often had a dog with a spleen that was removed; the pathologists hemmed and hawed over it for 4-5 days, unconvinced as to whether it was malignant or not. Eventually they decided probably not, but in the interim I came up with an interesting paper on psuedotumor of the spleen in the canine. It had some vaguely similar features. Note that while traditional chemo works best on swiftly growing tumors (the faster they grow, the more readily they succumb to poison), some (non-traditional) methods of combating slower-growing tumors can be used as well. Most revolve around enhancing the immune system. Quote Coco (Maze Cocodrillo) Minerva (Kid's Snipper) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lflaherty45 Posted January 16, 2010 Share Posted January 16, 2010 Prayers and hugs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sabrina Posted January 16, 2010 Share Posted January 16, 2010 Mary Pat the 3 of you have gone so much. Stay warm with this blanket of prays & hugs we send to Diamond, Pearl & you. Quote Caroline, Mom to Daphne (49B-50215) and Penny (41D-55779)Remembering Bridge Angels Margo and Sabrina Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4greyhounds Posted January 16, 2010 Share Posted January 16, 2010 Sending lots more prayers!!!!!! Quote Darlene Mom to: Aladdin, Sophie ,Pongo, Jasmine, Relic Forever in our Hearts Champ at the Rainbow Bridge. Let a greyhound race into your heart Adopt Bay Area Greyhound Adoptions INC. Naples/ Fort Myers Chapter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greytluck Posted January 16, 2010 Share Posted January 16, 2010 I hope you have many more good months with pearl a head of you. Sending lots of prayers. Quote Hobbes-Ricard Hatch09/23/99-12/21/09 Always loved, never forgotten. Wally TNJ Boy Howdy, GLS Genuinerisk Corinna Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TinyMityMo Posted January 16, 2010 Share Posted January 16, 2010 what a rollercoaster ride! Best wishes for the most successful outcome. I'm a little jealous that you are close enough to go to OSU and see and speak with all the specialists directly. I guess Bailey is in sort of the same boat. Her other tumors were scattered throughout her omentum. In addition to her spleen they took out one big tumor but there were too many small ones all over to do anything with. Her biopsy came up as spindle cell sarcoma. Dr. C asked for additonal testing to be done but I had my vet save him some tumor samples when she did the surgery so we sent those to him. So far the only feedback I've gotten with all my emails back and forth is that the sample arrived yesterday and they were going to process it today (he wanted to definately rule out hemangiosarcoma). Then he said he'd get back with me Wednesday after he's back in town. So I have to wait more. I wonder if it is the same sort of prognosis as he told you? Hopefully Pearl will be home soon and if she's like Bailey she'll perk right up now that the spleen is out. Quote Maureen, Sean, Molly (Garnett Madonna) and Sully (Starz Top Style) Visit LongDog Leather Works for adjustable leather martingales, wrap around leather tag bags, breakaway tag necklaces and cool leather people gear. Check out our Etsy store! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest vahoundlover Posted January 16, 2010 Share Posted January 16, 2010 What a rollercoaster! My prayers are with you guys! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Adrianne Posted January 16, 2010 Share Posted January 16, 2010 I can't imagine what you must be going through. Keeping you and Pearl in my thoughts and prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest wholovesskunks Posted January 16, 2010 Share Posted January 16, 2010 Wow! Talk about a winding road! I am glad she made it through (and glad to hear you saw Smiley!) I will keep on praying! Krista Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EllenEveBaz Posted January 16, 2010 Share Posted January 16, 2010 Keeping all paws crossed here. Quote Ellen, with brindle Milo and the blonde ballerina, Gelsey remembering Eve, Baz, Scout, Romie, Nutmeg, and Jeter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
45MPHK9 Posted January 16, 2010 Share Posted January 16, 2010 thinking of you, mary pat, and pearl. Quote Tricia with Kyle, our senior mutt dog Always missing Murray Maldives, Bee Wiseman, River, Hopper, Kaia, and Holly Oaks Holly“You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.“ -Bob Dylan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LunaTygerCat Posted January 16, 2010 Share Posted January 16, 2010 Hugs and prayers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest FullMetalFrank Posted January 16, 2010 Share Posted January 16, 2010 Sending prayers; I hope you get lots more time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest PhillyPups Posted January 16, 2010 Share Posted January 16, 2010 Mary Pat, Many prayers for Pearl, Diamond and, of course, you. Sending you a I am sure it is comforting for Beth, to know that with all you are going through, you took time to love on Smiley too. Prayers also for smiley and to Beth also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greytpups Posted January 16, 2010 Share Posted January 16, 2010 Sending lots of good healing thoughts and for everyone Quote Jan with precious pups Emmy (Stormin J Flag) and Simon (Nitro Si) and Abbey Field. Missing my angels: Bailey Buffetbobleclair 11/11/98-17/12/09; Ben Task Rapid Wave 5/5/02-2/11/15; Brooke Glo's Destroyer 7/09/06-21/06/16 and Katie Crazykatiebug 12/11/06 -21/08/21. My blog about grief The reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not get over the loss of a loved one; you will learn to live with it. You will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered. You will be whole again but you will never be the same. Nor should you be the same, nor would you want to. ― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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