Tipper - adrenal tumor/breathing issues

Hi Patti

Just wondering how you and Tipper are getting on? Hope that the snow has cleared enough for you to make the trip today (guessing today as its been 48 hours?). Hope to hear from you soon

With you both in spirit all the way

Big hug

Mel
Xxxxxx

Checking in on you and hoping that everything is going okay.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Everyone:
What a bad couple days!! Trying to regroup. The hospital changed course and now they want Tipper to get scoped by an IMS. They cannot do it until April 11th. I am so upset with all this, especially the wait, as something could happen before then. This IMS does not have the years experience that I feel are required on a case like Tipper's. My Vet suggested one that has 40 years experience, but when I contacted her she is not taking any new patients. The other Dr.s in her practice are newer also and couldn't see her until the middle of April. I have to weigh my options. Beside the Pharyngeal Mucocele possibility, I have also researched the Macro Tumor possibility, as Tipper has exhibited some of those symptoms in the past. I know this can cause problems swallowing, etc. so I am also suspect of this. If I can't get another IMS I will be forced to use the one at the hospital. Not that I have anything against her, it is just her lack of years doing this scares me. A Dr. with more experience may have seen this before. If this is coming from a macro tumor it could paralyze her throat. I am just in agony at any of these possibilities. I never really wanted to know if Tipper had a macro tumor, as the thought of it would give me a nervous breakdown knowing she didn't have long to live. I may have to face my worst fear if they find nothing in the throat or nose. That will certainly scale down the possible causes. That is why they gave me a price on an MRI or CT Scan. I may have to be told the answer to this even though I don't want to know. My head is reeling, but I am trying to remain calm for her sake. I will let everyone know as I go along what is happening. Please if anyone has any ideas or their dog had any problems like this please post it for me. God Bless Us All We Surely Need IT. Please pray for my Tipper.
Patti

Mel, Sharlene, Addy, Vicki and everyone:
Thanks for thinking and inquiring about my girl. Please pray for her. You know you start to do funny things when you are faced with the mortality of your baby. I am taking one day at a time. God Bless You All.
Patti

Hi Patti

How frustrating and scary for you both that the hospital changed the plan, why did they do that?

I can appreciate your need to get the very best to take care of your girl to limit any further complications. I hope you can find another option you are comfortable with

I am beside you in spirit holding your hand all the way as I am sure Vicki, Sharlene, Addy, Trish and Sharon are to name but a few. I hope you can feel the love and strength I send your way through this post

Hope you get a clear direction soon

Big hug for you and a sloppy kiss for Tipper

Mel
Xxxxxx

Our Chi snores now too. We never really noticed this untill she was diagnosed aboyt one year ago. If I reposition her, she does seem to stop. My wife was blaming it on my snoring, but for once it truley was the dogs fault!

We also noticed she passes gas more now, maybe her diet. We have been trying to get her weight down a little. I do think the weight and the snoring may go hand and hand. She is 10 lbs, used to weigh around 7-8.

Sending hugs for you and Tipper, how things can change in a day, sorry to hear about the surgeon problems, nothing but the best will do for our babies! We are here for you right beside you all the way!!!

Patti,
did you tell the group that is not taking new patients how serious Tipper's condition is? I can't imagine that they wouldn't make an exception.

Honestly, if you could get to Cornell in Stamford CT there are a few good hotels in the area and I'm in the next town over.

I don't blame you for being frustrated and scared:( I'm so sorry that you're having so many issues and that no one seems to have the qualifications necessary.

Another option would be to ask if the new person would be willing to consult with someone more experienced in regard to Tipper's case. Have you reached out to Dr. Peterson? I think that he's in New Bedford, NY.

dr.peterson maintains 2 offices.yes 1 in bedford ny and 1 in nyc.they are very kind (have been to me in the past) patti you can probably put a call in for an appt. after you fax info to him.he will review hopefully tippers info.ps i also made an appt with him prior to him reviewing milos info and he had reviewed milos.prior to his appt.sorry to say my milo past before he got to met dr.peterson....we are all here for you !!! patty (milo)meka xoxox

Patti, you know my prayers are with you. I am sure that you are finding this whole ordeal so very, very frustrating. Delays are just not in our vocabulary. I hope that you can find someone that you feel comfortable with who can do the scoping sooner rather than later. I'm sure you will be worrying yourself silly every day.
So, remember, deep breaths and one day at a time. I am absolutely positive that there is no one better in the world to take care of Tipper than you and that there is no one who can do more for her than you do. So, based on that. I have a great deal of confidence that Tipper will come through this.

Hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Patti, you had asked me some questions. See Scoop's thread.
Hope you and Tipper are having a good day.
Prayers and big hugs.

Jeepers, what a pain in the butt all this to-ing and fro-ing is for you guys. I would be taking my dog back if these alarming symptoms remained and demand they do something NOW. I am also wondering if a CT/MRI would be the way to go, at least you would get some answers and know what you are dealing with. I can see their point in getting an IMS to do the scope, they need to work out the diagnosis before jumping into any potential surgery. If surgery is required it needs to be planned appropriately and any other medical conditions stablised so it is safe for Tipper. Sometimes all this uncertainty just messes with your head. You need to be able to plan for the future and keep it as calm as possible so Tipper (and you) are not any more stressed than need be. I hope Tipper's breating is settled down and you are getting some rest to fight whatever lies ahead.
Trish

Hey Patti

Just posting to let you know I am thinking and praying for you and your sweet Tipper. Hope you are ok and have got somewhere with these vets

Hope to hear from you soon

Big hug

Mel
Xxxxxxx

Just checking in on you and Tipper, Patti. Let us know how things are going when you can, sweetie,

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

Patti, How's Tipper doing? Everything OK?
Prayers for your Tipper.
Hugs to you both.

Hi everyone:
I am just trying to figure all this stuff out with Tipper. She was not as bad last night , but still labored breathing and mucus or something in the throat. She keep trying to clear her throat, and sticks her tongue out real far. She moves around the bed every few minutes/seconds as she is trying to breathe better. It keeps her and me awake most of the night. I am just exhausted from all this, as I am sure she is also .I get up every morning no matter how I feel knowing she needs me. I am hoping, and praying that whatever they find is not something that cannot be treated easily. The mountain is starting to get higher to climb. Since this started with her all my savings have gone out the window for testing, treatments etc. I am sure everyone on here knows the feeling.I am scared if she needs an operation how I will fund it at this point. It will cost 3000.00 for all the procedures, and MRI on the 11th alone. I am also scared that an MRI will tell if she has a macro, and I swear I could not handle that now, I will just crumble to pieces. I've never really wanted to know how long she has left as that would just kill me. I so much appreciate all of you checking on her all the time. God Bless Us ALl and all our babies.
Patti

Vicki,Mel, Leslie, Trish, Valerie, Addie,Sharlene, Lettie:
I draw my strength from all of you, and your kind support of my precious girl. You know I went thru this with my father watching him succomb to cancer day by day. This ranks right up there with that. In fact it brings those haunting memories back to me every day I deal with this. This dog is my world, and I am desperately clinging on to any hope that I can keep her going. I pray every night for all of us on this forum, we need a miracle from God for all these suffering babies, and for our own sanity. Who knows Easter is coming and I still believe in miracles. I hope all of you have a great Easter. I will be home with my girl spending time with her. God Bless Us ALL and all the babies we care for.
Patti

Oh Patti, I do know what you mean and I am sorry it is so hard for you and Tipper right now.

(((((((((((((((((Hugs))))))))))))))))))))))))

Hi Patti, thinking of you and Tipper this weekend. Hopefully they can figure out what is going on. I hate this disease too. The toll it takes in so many ways is just awful. I hope that Tipper can find a comfy rest spot tonight that allows her to breath okay.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Sharlene and Mel:
Wishing you both a Happy Easter and may all of us experience a miracle form God. I know I could sure use one about now. God Bless You Both.
Patti

Happy Easter to all of you and your furbabies!

(\___/)
(=’.'=)
(“)_(“)

Patti,
Please read my most recent thread about our visit to Cornell today.
I urge you to consider
going there and they do take the Care Credit card which can at least break up the cost of the tests etc so that they're more manageable.

While we did not get the news that we hoped for, Dr. Morgan appears to really know her stuff! She found a few other possible issues on the ultrasound, but nothing that takes precedence over getting Daisy's Cushing's in check.

My sincere thanks to each and every one of you for the hope, knowledge, strength, and tears that we've shared! I felt quite prepared for our visit today and understood everything that Dr. Morgan discussed. Without all of you, this visit and the results would've been much, MUCH more frightening!

Hey Patti, wishing the miracle you so hope for with Tipper, and keeping you in my prayers...Simba is sending a get well hug too!! Have a blessed Easter!!

Patti, Wishing you and Tipper a Happy Easter.
I sure agree with you about those miracles.
Hugs

Praying for Tipper tonight and many days/nights to come. I know how hard it is watching our babies suffer through this dreadful disease. I lost my Angel close to two months ago to what they thought was a macro. Watching him go day by day and not knowing what was going to happen next was just dreadful.
I pray for strength for you and your family as you get the diagnosis and for many happy days ahead for Tipper.

Belinda Rose, I know exactly how you felt. It is so heartbreaking. None of us should have to deal with something like that.

Patti,
Just wanted to stop in and let you know that I am thinking of you and Tipper. While I have not posted a lot to you, I am following along and I try to stay caught up with all that is going on with your baby. I know what you mean about her being your whole world, I feel the same way about my Jasper, and to some degree now, his sister Shelby. I don't have children, so I suppose that is part of it for me. I am so sorry you have so much to worry about with Tipper, and I am praying for a miracle for her also. You and Tipper are always in our prayers. I hope you are having a peaceful Easter.

Love and hugs,
Tina and Jasper

Hi Everyone:
Tipper and I had a quiet Easter. Hope everyone enjoyed their Easter. I am just going over and over Tipper's problems when we are awake at night. I am so scared to have them put her under to check her nose and throat. I don't know something keeps telling me not to do it. The last 2 days her mucus problem seems to be better. I found a natural recipe to make and give her to clear mucus. Maybe I am just foolishly thinking it is better I don't know. I am scared of these diagnostic test procedures as sometimes they can bring on problems of their own. We are kind of in a holding pattern for lack of a better description. She does not go until the 11th so I have time to make decisions on what to do. I am so tired of putting her thru all this. I do know that she needs to be able to breathe better, so I am torn on what to do. I keep praying for an answer to all this. If only I could take her back to when she was a puppy. In retrospect I would never have left them give her prednisone for the allergy problems. That is water under the bridge now, so little can be done, but to deal with these new issues. The decision of what to do everytime you are faced with new issues, is gut wrenching to say the least. You always second guess if you are doing the right thing. I have a major rash all over my face from my Lupus acting up due to nerves. I am trying to keep a grip on this, and stay calm. Too bad you cannot turn your mind off from thinking about all this for a while. We will get thru this challenge some how. Thank you all for reading Tipper's thread and caring about my wonderful girl. It so helps me to get thru my days. I am so fortunate to have found this great family on here, that lets you ramble on about your fears, and always extends support no matter what. I appreciate each and everyone of you. God Bless Us All and all our babies. May we all get a miracle, and get rid of this incidious disease.
Patti

Hey Patti, sure thinking about you and Tipper, this dreaded disease affects us and our pups so much, everyday is different it seems. I ask myself everyday if I'm doing the right thing by Simba. Somedays are good some not so good, I sometimes feel like I'm losing the battle with cushings and that it's taken my sweet Sim away from me. He sleeps a lot and when he is awake he's restless like he can't get comfortable. So I sure understand your thoughts, I think we all do, sending hugs as prayers,and remember to take care of you too.....

Hi Patti,
Just wanted to let you know I'm still thinking of Tipper and you. I'm glad you think she is doing a little better. I can totally related to the difficulty of every decision and worrying about if you make the right choice. It can be absolutely agonizing. You just have to remind yourself that every decision you make is in her best interest and then go with it and not look back. I know that's easier to say than it is to do, as I constantly worry about decisions I make. I think way too much about everything, including my sweet Hannah. You are right, this site is wonderful, and the best thing is knowing that we are all here for each other.

Sending you and Tipper lots of positive thoughts!

Julie & Hannah

also popping in patti to check on you two.i sure hope that tipper can find some comfort and for you some peace of mind.the worry is just horrific.we are all very blessed here to be able to be here for each other.it was a God send when i came upon this site .xoxox to all the furbabies and their caregivers...patty(milo)mekaxoxox

Hugs Patti. yes we do all understand. How can a person not worry, but you do have to take care of yourself too. Lupus and stress do Not mix. I don't know what to tell you to make the stress go away, other than when you think of something, write it here, get it out and then go from there. Maybe that will help to release a little bit of the worry. A worry shared is not as heavy as a worry carried alone.
Are you still using the humidifier too?
Hang in there and yes, you do have time to see if the remedy you are trying will help long term.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Patti,
is Benadryl an option for Tipper's allergies? I'm guessing that there is a tapering period and you can't just stop (the same as it is with humans).

Please, please take care of yourself too! Tipper can sense your nervousness. When I'm upset, the cat and dog stare at me until I stop crying:) It's kind of funny in a way.

Feel better soon and I'm hoping that Tipper truly is feeling better too.

Sharlene, Patty, Valerie, Lettie, and Julie:
Thanks for checking in on us. I talked to my Vet about the mucus thing with Tipper. We decided to try Benadryl, as it will dry up mucus. She didn't seem to be bothered with it that night. I do not want to have to give it to her every day for mucus, as she has allergies that come back in the summer, and I will need it for those. I don't want to diminish the effectiveness of it by constantly using it, cause she can swell up real bad with allergies. Especially now that the cortisol is low. So now I need to find out the source of the mucus, as I have heard others on here talk about maybe their dog has this too. It has to be a Cushings thing. She never had it before. So Tipper was a lot less restless when given the Benadryl. Could also be that it makes them sleepy too. Nothing is ever cut and dry with this. So I am going to the IMS appointment with the idea of finding the source of mucus etc. in the least invasive way. My Vet did agree that these diagnostic tests can bring on problems of their own. Tipper did not even stick her tongue out repeatedly like she always does in the morning, so I know it is connected to the mucus thing. Maybe I am better doing the CT or MRI and not the scope. Just don't know at this point and will have to talk to the Dr. Thank you all for caring. God Bless you All and all your babies.

Patti,

if they can see the cause in an MRI or CT scan than I would ask for those to be done instead.
Good luck sweetie!

Hi Patti

Good news that Tipper seems to have improved with the mucus. Let's hope that what you are doing continues to work

It is so hard at times with everything going on to know which way to turn, keep your chin up and try not to second guess yourself to much.

I do hope that your own lupus symptoms clear up soon as that must also be tough to handle.

Hoping and praying things get better for you both every day

Big hug for you a kiss for sweet Tipper

Mel
Xxxxx

Hi Patti, Glad to hear that the Benadryl is helping with the mucus. I know it sucks to have to use it for this with allergy season coming up.

You're doing great!
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Hi Patti, Glad that Benadryl seems to be helping Tipper. Hope she is feeling better.
Prayers and hugs to you and Tipper.

Hi Everyone:
Had to go to my Dr. yesterday in Pittsburgh because of my Lupus, so I was busy all day and did not get to post. I think I told everyone I have been using Lentils in Tippers food to help her lose weight. No I may have a complicated issue. The last week Tipper has been exhibiting hunger issues before it is time to eat, and begging for food. I am not sure if it is the diet or she is having a rise in cortisol. She does not get tested until May. When I called the Vet at Dechra to go over Tipper being put under for her procedures on the 11th, he said it was ok as long as her cortisol was under control. Now I don't know what to do. I am going tocall them and tell them what is going on. I may have to delay the procedure and have her tested. I do not want to do anything that would jeopardize her safety. I am trying to get control of this awful rash on my face. The Dr. said it is stress induced. Duh!! Wonder what could be causing that??? I will let everyone know what I am going to do. I am wondering where is my Mel at??? I haven't heard from her and miss my connection wioth her. Hope all is well Mel. I am going to call Dechra now. God Bless Us All and all our babies.
Patti

Am here, sent you an email too :D

Big hug

Mel
Xxxxxx

Patti,

hoping that you and Tipper feel better!