Mira, 7yr old Husky - Cushings ruled out; liver cancer (Mira has passed)

Janis, thanks so much for posting Kira's test results here. You're right -- this way they are much easier to read than from the scanned version.

Also, I am wondering if you'd like us to start a new thread for Kira? That way, we can more easily follow all the info and discussion about each of the two girls. If you'd like, I can go back through this thread and make "copies" of all your replies that also contain important info about Kira. I can then transfer those copies to a brand new thread. And then from this point onward, all new information about Kira can be posted on that new thread. And this thread can remain reserved for Mira. Does that sound like a good idea to you? I'll be happy to take care of it for you if you'd like.

Marianne

Janis, I decided to go ahead and take the bull by the horns and I set up a new thread for Kira this afternoon. I haven't changed anything here on Mira's thread. All the replies have been left here just as they were posted. But I made copies of those replies that also talk about Kira's testing, and I placed those copies on Kira's new thread. Here it is:

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2742

I hope this looks OK to you! Just let me know if it does not, and I will change it. But I'm hoping that this will make it easier for us all to follow Kira's testing and possible treatment. I figure sweet Kira deserves a thread of her own...:o

Marianne

Yes I thought starting a new thread would be good but after Mira is gone. I'm afraid no one will come back here. The story is no less complicated with Mira but it's so much harder to talk about. The best I can do is just bits and pieces right now.

Our regular vet called he suggested someone to come to the house. But I dont want her to die here. I don't want to see her die. God I'm being torn apart. She is ok right now. Drugged up but ok but her liver could rupture any time. She is only seven she has a right to every good moment left. She looks so peaceful knoding off to sleep. I offer a treat, she doesn't want it right now but Kira sure does. Kira is getting way too many treats!


The vet said that Dr Sebastian at VSS is wonderful at tumor removal. He said that he has been successful at many cases that seemed hopeless. not the adrinal type but another very touchy one. He said ten years ago this type of surgery for dogs was unheard of. He said if anyone can get Kira through it Sabastian can. And he amited that adrenal removal is the most dangerous surgery in dogs right now. His confidence in Sebastion is encouraging. And we know Sebastian. He did both of Kiras legs. He knows Kira. Her other leg was just done in May. And a big thank you to who ever noted that place where he studied (or worked?) as being a great place. That sure helps alot. Anyone know how much this might cost me? I will get you all the missing pieces I swear I will. And little by little I will read these posts better.

Ok I will get Kiras bp meds right away. Thank you for that input. But I don't want to leave Mira agian so soon. She had seperation anxiety so bad for most all her short life. I just left her an hour ago to go get things she might eat. The welcoming committee greeted me. I wish she could go with me but the ride in the car might be too ruff. I wish bud were here. Mira would eat none of the good things I bought an hour ago. There is a good chance she will later.

I try to get my mind off Mira and stop freeking out and concentrate on Kira. You know I stop in here like twenty times a day hoping to here from someone. You know she looks so peaceful right now. The prednisone makes her breath so hard and fast and she cant sleep. I think she is asleep right now. But when she hasnt taken it in awhile she starts to limp. Oh hell I should try to rest to I guess. More later

We are all here and reading and sending love... we might not post each time but please know we are here. Kim

Hi Janis,

As Kim says, we are here listening and sending all the hope, strength, and love we can to you and your girls even if we don't actually post anything. ;)

Sometimes it is hard for folks to know what to say, what not to say, so we just don't say anything for fear of making the situation worse. We ask ourselves, would she want to talk about Mira right now? Maybe they are having a good time and don't want to be reminded of things at this moment. So we wait, wanting to help and not hurt, but not really sure what to do.

Then there are folks like me who you wish would shut-the-crap-up but just keep on writing....:rolleyes:

We are here, honey, even when silent, we are here.

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

Janis - I lost my first dog this year, in May. She was 16 1/2. It hurt like hell. I prayed that when her time came she would die in her sleep so I didn't have to make any decisions. During her last year, in addition to cushings she was nearly blind and nearly deaf. But she managed to get around the house just fine and she still loved to eat. She was frail and had good and bad days. There were times I wondered how I would know it was time. I really struggled with whether or not I was being selfish but everything I read said "you will know when it is time".

I woke up one morning and she was walking in circles and could not stop. More than likely a stroke. I knew I had no choice. I had little time because it was a Saturday and the vet's office closed in 2 hrs. It was so tough. I was by her side to the end thanking her endlessly for the wonderful life she gave me. They gave her a shot and it was over.

I am in no way telling you what to do because only you know your dog. I am just sharing my experience if it can help you at all. You are right - it is not fair at all. Just keep loving her every day, hug her, give her treats when she'll take them. And when it is time I think you too will know. And NO ONE can take away all the wonderful memories you have of the healthy times. Bless you.

Continued best wishes. Kim

Kim - thanks for sharing that.

We have lost three dogs each one similar to what happened to you. Old age. When the first one pooped sand! I knew. He hadn't walked in days. Couldn't stand up. It was hard but i knew, i had no problem taking him. The next one was 14 1/2! Man I was so greatful for that. She suffered for months. She had a seizure. First one I had ever seen She looked at me one day and I knew. I made the apointment and I kept it. Icarried her in myself. And cried this horrible sound. I saw both of those after they were gone. It was nice to see them not suffering anymore. The third had many seizures. He spent a lot of time at ACC. We had to go away and i knew he would not make it until we got back. He was only 11. I did not go see him.

Mira will be our 4th husky to leave us and the whole picture has changed. She was to be possibly our last husky. I would be sixty then. Huskys are hard to handle. I had thought she would out live Kira by a lot, she is our baby. But no god suddenly desided to take her from us, to me she is just a child. How do i let her go? How can i take away what little is left. All the things that gave way to exceptance just don't work here. And on top of that the way she is expected to go is the worst torcher for me possible. That look that says it's time to go will never come. I'm not looking into the face of an old dog. I'm looking into the face of a still beautiful young dog who is being robbed of half her life. She hasn't suffered that much. My gosh only a month ago her life was bliss. Only a month ago I looked at Kira and Mira and thoughtlife is good. Mira can walk, she eats, she can see and hear and light up with interest. It's all changed none of the rules apply. I thought I had learned to do this pretty well. But I find myself in the most horrible situation ever. Do I put her down now? Or wait until god takes her? I know im not the first one to face this I just never expected to be torn up this way. I'm terrified of what I will feel when it's over cus all I can see is total rage !! And sadly as time goes on and I get another husky I'll look at Miras picture and not even remember her. What once was will be completely gone. How else could I servive? I hate that in me.

Understand entirely. Its like you are playing God and having to make very tough decisions without knowing what the 'rules' are. I am glad that Mira is able to walk, eating well and seems to enjoy life. Its all about quality of life. The uncertainty has got to be difficult to deal with. Perhaps you could just come out and ask your vet for advice on how to know when its time? They certainly understand you want every single possible minute of quality time. Since they are more familiar with the 'signs' they could serve as your guide? Just throwing out ideas trying to help a bit. It sounds like the vets are good ones. Plus they know you are dealing with serious issues with Kira at the same time.

Keep the faith. Kim

(((((HUGS)))))

Jane, Franklin and Bailey xxx

Im drowning here please.
Anyone...
I don't think I can..
Save myself

(how to destory angels)