Alivia was recently diagnosed with Cushing's - Alivia has passed

You and Alivia are in my thoughts and prayers, Mary Beth.

Even a slight improvment shows a step in the right direction. We all have to take baby steps at times. I know we want our fur babies to improve right away, but sometimes it is a slow process.

You are a doing a wonderful job of taking care of Alivia, and making sure that she has the best care possible.

Addy - Of course, I called THE Dr. Peterson....actually I emailed him and they called me! I would have found a way to contact the Queen of England if I thought she would be of any help! ;) (Beautiful wedding, by the way!) Back when Alivia had IMHA, we had no specialists in Pittsburgh at all. She was in critical condition so I did a lot of fast research about where the most knowledgeable specialists were and in less than 24 hours we were on a road trip to Ohio State University, 4 hours away. Thank goodness it was ONLY 4 hours away, because I was prepared to take her wherever I had to! She was in intensive care there a few times and we made numerous trips. Ali's regular vet worked very closely with them and Alivia surprised them all and pulled through. My daughter would jokingly say I'd never drive her to Ohio if she were sick; that I'd just tell her to get over it! Fortuantely, I never had to! :) So, Ali's regular vet is well aware of the lengths I will go to. I won't lose Ali without a fight. On Monday, the ultrasound doctor was looking through my folder of Alivia's test results and saw the e-mails from Dr. Peterson, Dr. Oliver and Dr. Allen. He said he felt humbled because the most well known people in the country were participating in her care. Whatever it takes!

Terri - Thanks! You are right....baby steps forward are a good thing. She's a tough little one! I am hoping to see some improvement when I see her in about an hour or so. I hope she isn't still mad at me. She really would not even look at me yesterday. I can't even bribe her with treats. :(

You guys are such a tremendous help. I feel like I have been monopolizing all of your time with my posts, and I am sorry for that. But, please know I appreciate everyone of your comments.

My Dear Mary Beth,

We have all been in crisis with our little ones. Do not apologize. We are glued to our computers and to your side...feel us.

Love,

Rene & Snoopie

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MBK

Help!

I am spending a fortune, going into debt, and that would be okay if I can save her life. I just want to spend the money where I can get the most benefit for her...whatever that may be. :confused:

Please chime in....anyone.

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I had to share something my very wise husband said to me when I was making the desicion to let Snoop go or give her an expensive surgery to save her life.

My husband would never spend that kind of money on his horse, dog, cat or even himself for that matter so when he sat me down and said this to me I cried. He knows I how I feel about my Snoop.

"If you spent this money on her and it saved her life, she will most likely live out her life and be around another four years. If you do the math that is only a couple dollars a day spent for your happiness. That's money well spent in my book."

I love my husband.

Rene & Snoopie

Dear Mary Beth,

I have only a moment to post tonight, but I want you to know that I am still holding your sweet Alivia in my thoughts. I've had to be away today, so could not check back in until now. But I'm so hoping that you will see improvement in her during your visit this evening.

Continuing hugs,
Marianne

Me Again, checking in for news, to see if you are back from seeing Ali.

Sending love,
Addy

Rene - You do have a very wise (and kind) husband and you are so lucky to have him. From what I know about you, he is also lucky to have you!

Addy, Marianne and all - Thanks for checking in. Sorry I didn't post any updates last night. My internet was out for awhile and then I was too emotionally drained to post.

I visited with Ali for over two hours yesterday. She still wasn't sure she wanted to look at me, but she did snuggle up and lay with me. She even slept soundly at times. She is still painful, but there seemed to have been a big improvement in that. She was gingerly walking a little and knew where the door out was and she really wanted to use it. While I was there her IMS did another u/s. She said the fluid in her abdomen had resolved but her pancreas looked "about the same". There is no evidence of gall bladder blockage. She said Ali's results are not typical of pancreatitis and there seems to be more going on. Because of the clotting issue in her blood work yesterday, it was repeated. The really upsetting news is that there are indications her IMHA is reoccurring as she is becoming more anemic. That was a very hard battle to fight when Alivia was 6 years old and otherwise very healthy. I don't know if her little body could do it again. :( She will have a COOMBS test and some other things today. My heart is so heavy. How do you know when you are helping or when it is time to let go? Alivia really wanted to come home last night and it is so hard to leave her, not knowing what the final outcome of all this will be. If these are to be her last days, what a horrible way to spend them. How do you know if you are helping or being selfish?

I am so sorry to hear there might be something else going on. I understand why your heart is so heavy and mine is heavy with yours.

Sometimes it seems very bleak. In the morning light it may seem different. I feel more information is needed to determine the possible final outcome. Quality of life, odds of overcoming present illness, so many things come in to play before you can determine are you being selfish.

I, myself, play the odds so to speak. Is there a reasonable chance for recovery?

Don't go there yet, sweetie. You need to find out what else may be going on and if it is treatable.

I am praying this mornings light will bring more insight for you.
You have been strong for so long. I know your tired. See what today brings.

So much love being sent your way and for Alivia.

Addy

I cannot add to what Addy has said so beautifully. I am so hopeful that you will receive some news today that will make your decisions clearer, no matter what they may turn out to be. Please know we will stay here to talk over anything that you may find out.

Sending strength to you and comfort to Alivia,
Marianne

Hi Mary Beth,

Oh, I hope the IMHA is NOT rearing it head again! Do let us know what the tests today show when you can. I know you are overwhelmed with everything that has happened and now this new possibility just makes things even worse so don't feel as if you HAVE to check in with us.....just know we are anxious with you and here anytime you need us.

It would be so nice if there were a set of rules or guidelines that were clear-cut; "if you see A, B, and C in your pup, then it is time." But that just wouldn't work across the canine board. Each pup is different, each parent is different so it becomes a question of what we believe is enough for our baby - since we are the ones who know our babies best of all. It is even more difficult when a pup is as sick as Ali has been. It is difficult to see how much fight they have left in them through all the aspects of the current situation - are they giving up, or do the drugs making them seem listless? have they lost their appetite because they are just too tired to care or is it because of the illness and treatments? is that look in their eye "goodbye" or is it depression from being in a cage away from those they love?

I do think talking to the docs involved will help you decide the path to take. That her pancreas is still inflamed isn't surprising to me - Squirt's still was when she came home after four days in the hospital. It really does take time for that organ to recover. It wouldn't be surprising to learn that the surrounding organs are also inflamed as a result of the enzymes, etc. the pancreas has been releasing willy-nilly but they will recover faster than the pancreas. So right now Ali feels like total CRAP just from the pancreatic attack.

Find out what the test results are today, what the docs feel about her chances of recovery and ability to fight another problem IF one is actually present - then you will have more info to use in making any decisions on her behalf. Talk with Ali; she will also help guide you because you can hear her when no one else can.

There is one thing I want to hear and take to heart - no matter what you decide, it will not be wrong. Your decisions will be based on your abiding love for Alivia and a decision made from a love like that cannot be wrong.

We will be with you every step of the way regardless of the choices you make - an amazing mom like you deserves no less. And I have no doubt whatsoever that Ali knows you will do the right thing for her always - just as you have from day one, and that you love her dearly. She carries that knowledge with her deep in her soul and it will never waver.

My thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang