Lucygoo - Pit. macroadenoma, endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery, trans-oral approach

Better yet...maybe I should take a tramadol. She perked up and ate some chicken:)
Next I'm going to install a Goo-cam so you guys can see what's happening 24 hours a day! Just kidding!:)
I guess her symptoms are going to come and go...I just hate the sort of fugue states she goes into, if you know what I mean. I've also taken off work, so I'm probably too hyper focused on her..(good thing I'm self-employed, but I'm going to have to go back soon, but I hate to leave her now.)

Thanks for listening as always...

Gina and Lucy

Hi,

Just happened to read your post.
Last year my dog was on tramadol, ( I was only giving him one a day, the vet said to give him 3 !) and by the 5th or 6th day we would be on our walk and he would just stand there - looking around - like he didn't know where he was, he had never ever acted like that before. When we ran into people he knew he would put his head way down and shy away, it was really unlike any behavoir I had ever seen. My next door neighbor is a pharmacist and when I asked him about it he said tramadol is a heavy opiad , and he wasn't surprised that my dog acted like that. It did help his pain - but really changed his behavior for the worst. Since then I've only given it to him on 2 occasions, and only 1/2 pill - they're 50 mgs. My dog is 90 lbs.
That was my experience anyway.
Wishing you luck.:)

Patti

Yes, like Patti, I would think the tramadol would make Lucy act even more dazed and out of it. But at this stage, if you have questions about whether or not to give any kind of medication, I think I'd ask Dr. B. You don't want to do anything that might interfere with her readiness as a surgery patient next Wednesday, and he's the one who will know best as to what is OK for her.

Marianne

Thanks Patti and Marianne.
You're right...and the tramadol must stay in the system a long time, since she didn't get one yesterday, but got 2 the day before (50mg.) She's also on metronidazole for diarrhea, so I don't know if that's doing anything...I doubt it.

xoxo..Gina and Lucy

Hi Gina,

I was getting ready to respond to your post and saw that Marianne just recommended exactly what I was going to tell you.....when in doubt, verify with the vet! :D

I'm excited to read that Lucy has "the go" from the surgeons for her procedure next Wednesday. Will be keeping you and Lucy in my prayers.

Louise

Hi Gina,

I am so excited for you and Goo to have this opportunity for a real cure. I am very impressed with your courage and strength! Like Marinanne, this brings tears to my eyes, too, not only for those who missed all the new technology and knowledge but for the hope this brings to so many of us now and those to come here in the US. You and LucyGoo are now officially among my heroes.

Hugs and prayers,
Leslie and the girls

That's awesome news Gina!
And you only have 5 and 1/2 days to completely drive yourself mad watching every move that Lucy makes :)

Guys.........I think she is feeling us out for a LucyGoo webcam!

I am so happy for you and Lucy!

Cheryl

Cheryl...well it certainly would make life easier for me;)
I'm definitely seeing a lessening of the spasms, but seems an increase in her out of it states (eyes rolling back in her head while head is up) I'm wondering if she needs more prednisone. She's on 20mg a day. At least she's eating a little. I'll ask Dr B tomorrow.

Thanks for all the support, guys....I absolutely could not do any of this without all of you...

xoxo
Gina and Lucy

Just checking to see if this works...tried to post a lame picture of Lucy from the camera on my phone....I'm so computer retarded.

:d:d:d:d lmao :d:d:d:d

Sorry guys....just took me while to figure out the picture process...Ignore these posts!:)

Wow...that was exhausting...but I did it:)
Not a very clear picture, but a picture nonetheless...

Good day today:) Lucy's eating a little more, and almost back to her good ol' self, just panting and wiped out. (Figures it's suddenly HOT here now) Just trying to enjoy every minute with her that I can now, and not trying to project what's going to happen...

Hope all is well with you all!

G & L

Love the photo. I continue to think of you guys and send best wishes. Hang in there. We are holding your hand from afar. God bless. Kim

Hi Gina,

Love the pic. too. I know getting that pic. up there can be frustrating, I know it was for me :eek::confused: but you did it :) Good Job :D I'm sure next Wednesday we all we be sending good thoughts, prayers, wishes and anything else we can think of, your way. Have a fabulous weekend with your lovely Lucy, and I hope you are having better weather there than what I am having here~rain~rain~past 7 days rain.

Take care, Harley and Lori

Gosh,
I wish that Dr B had been doing this surgery 6 months ago. Pebbles would of been a great candidate. Your dog bring back memerories of what happened to Pebbles. You have a great vet. Everything will turn out great.

Marianne...I'm so sorry that happened to Pebbles.
Is that her in the picture?

Hi everyone....Just wanted to give you a quick update.
I met with one surgeon today and most of the people that are going to be involved Wednesday except the human surgeon from Cedars who's actually going to be doing this. This is the surgery they were doing in the Netherlands, but the technology is better now where they can do it on a large tumor like Lucy has. Apparently Cedars-Sinai is expert at this surgery in humans, transsphenoidal surgery. They go in through the mouth and drill a small incision in the soft palate and remove the tumor (takes about 2 hours)

Of course there are all sorts of risks, and now I have to read over these scary consent forms, but I feel like I don't have a choice anymore. I just hate for her to have to be traumatized. They said she should be able to go home Friday or Saturday. They also take care of all care afterwards except medication, which involves a CT scan before surgery, another MRI after, and periodic follow-up MRIs.

When I asked what time I should call and check on Wednesday, they told me "We'll call you. Just stay at home, bottle of wine, try to relax." Yeah, right.

Anyway, hope all is well with everyone. I'm going to be a nervous wreck, but what else is new. My biggest fear is that she survives the surgery, but something happens and she gets worse....and I'll have put her through that. However, I feel like if I didn't do this, I'd always regret not at least giving her a chance.

Now I've got to read over these awful forms...

Gina and Lucy

P.S. Lucy gets a little better every day, although still seems a bit confused going through doorways, etc.

Gina,

You are a wonderful mom and don't ever forget that. Enjoy your evening with Lucy and give her a big hug from me. Hugs to you too.

Kim

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lucygoo

However, I feel like if I didn't do this, I'd always regret not at least giving her a chance.

---

Hang on to that thought regardless of what happens.
I know that you won't get much sleep tonight, have to soak in all of Lucy to hold you over for a few days. It really is amazing what they can do now.
I will be keeping the prayer line open for her.
Keep positive healing thoughts.
(((HUGS))) to you and Lucy
~Mary Ann

Gina,

If I were in your shoes, I would be making the same decision you have. You and Lucy are in my thoughts and prayers.

Carol, Winnie (always), McGill & Atty Cat

Gina,

You are definitely doing the right thing for Lucy. You are both in my thoughts and prayers. I honestly, totally believe Lucy is going to make it through the surgery just fine, then handle the post-op and move on to a complete recovery. That's what I believe is going to happen.

Wednesday is going to be a tough one for you. You might want to plan to do something, a long hike, bike ride, whatever you enjoy to help pass a little of the time. But, when you get the call that Lucy is awake and made it through the surgery just fine....total elation.

We are all pulling for Lucy more than 110%, lots of prayers and positive thoughts are headed your way.

Ken

Gina,

Just wanted you to know that I'm here and thinking of you and Lucy also. Yes, the surgery, the risks and those pesky required consent forms are scary and I'd definitely be nervous too. On a positive note this is a wonderful, life-saving opportunity for Lucy and I would be making the same choice you have made if it was my Munchie.

Maybe you'll feel like logging on and "talking" on Wednesday to pass the time?? We're here for hand holding!

Thinking positive thoughts for Lucy and keeping you both in my prayers.

Louise

Hi Gina,
Keeping positive thoughts and prayers for both you and Lucy. All fingers and 16 paws crossed.

Get Lucy's recovery bed and comfy spot ready, make sure it's comfy for you too.

John (Roxee's Dad)

Thank you all so very, very much. I can't tell you how much it helps.

The good news about this surgery is that after this trial, if successful, they're going to offer it as a service, at least here in Los Angeles. (I can't even imagine though what it would cost.)
Dr. Bruyette was also saying that when they did their study in the Netherlands, the dogs that didn't make it post-op didn't have good control of their cushings, and had multiple other problems. Lucy's always had good control with the trilostane (thank God). I just worry about the size of her tumor...I saw the MRI:eek:

Take care everyone....and I'm sure I'll be on here pestering you all nonstop today and tomorrow:)

Hi Gina,

Just wanted to let you know that you and Lucy are in my thoughts today and I'll be saying special prayers for you both tonight.

Like Louise said in her post, if you feel like logging in and "talking" tom. I'll for sure be here too.

Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way.

Dear Gina,

I, too, will be counting the hours tomorrow until we know that Lucy is safe. If it helps at all, I would have made exactly the same decision as you have made. You are giving Lucy her best possible chance for recovery and a normal life. Given the size of her tumor, both of those things would otherwise soon be lost to her.

I know you will physically hold her close today, and no matter what happens, you will be holding her in your heart tomorrow. And we will be here to hold you both in our thoughts and prayers.

Many (((hugs))),
Marianne

Sending you and Lucy hugs tonight and thinking positive thoughts for you, too.

And you can post here as much as you want -- it's not pestering at all. :)

(((hugs)))

Gina,
It's not pestering if it's invited.:D
I have you and Lucy in my thoughts and prayers. Good luck.
Jenny

Gina,

Just remember you are doing the best, not only for Lucy and yourself, but for all the dogs that she is going to help in the future.

Many hugs for Lucy & you.

Keeping the healing thoughts and prayers flowing.

~ Mary Ann

Thinking of you and yours again today. I too send warm thoughts and prayers your way. Kim

Hi Gina,

You and LucyGoo have been on my mind every day since I learned of her upcoming surgery and certainly no less today, the big day. Lucy and you are surrounded by hope and prayers. The operating room is quite crowded since we are all there in spirit plus the souls of all the cush pups that are at the Bridge are there as well, lending her strength and encouragement.

Please, don't hesitate to post at anytime today. It doesn't even have to make sense; just know we are here and willing to do anything we can to make this day pass easier for you.

There aren't enough words to express my gratitude to you and Lucy, or my admiration for your courage, or the hope this gives me and many others. You and Lucy are pioneers in a brave new world, helping to open a door of hope and promise for all PDH pups in the US.

Remember, many hands are here reaching out for yours, many arms ready to hold you, many shoulders ready to help you carry the burden of today's wait.

Hugs, prayers, and positive thoughts,
Leslie and the girls

Hi everyone...thank you so much. I really can feel all of the support for Lucy today.
Don't know anything yet. I just got home, and opening a bottle of wine (like they told me to) and waiting for the phone call from Dr. B around 4. He said he'd call me then no matter what, just so I'm not going crazy. They might get delayed or whatever. They let me stay with her in the quiet room until around 1 p.m., when they took her to do the CT scan. She was heavily sedated and feeling good, but she knew I was there, and I tried not to cry because I didn't want to get her upset, nor did I want any negative vibes going on. So I held it together pretty good.

So now we wait....I'll try and post again as soon as I hear anything.

Much love,
Gina and Lucy

Hi Gina,

So glad you posted. I have been checking all day for ya. We are all right here with you waiting anxiously too.

I'm glad when you were with her you were able to hold it together, they can sense when you are upset or nervous about something, you're such a good Mom.

I'll keep checking back and sending positive thoughts and prayers.

Hanging with you, Gina!

Thank you for the update, Gina! I've been popping in and out of here all day, hoping to hear from you.

Did they really tell you to go home and open a bottle of wine? :D Good on them, if they did and good for you for following their wise advice.

Fingers and everything else that can be crossed are crossed way up here in Canada for you and your Lucy.

(((hugs))) to you again, too!

Update!
Just heard from Dr. B, finally. He said it looks like they got "a lot" of the tumor out. :confused: (What does that mean??) She's doing well, doing well under anesthesia, and he'll call me back in another hour and a half, two hours:eek::eek:
Could this be any more drawn out and dramatic??:eek:

Anyway, will let you all know when I hear again, but at least she made it through the first phase (brain swelling from the initial incision and change in pressure)

Gina, I think that's a good sign that Dr. B called.

Quote:

---

Could this be any more drawn out and dramatic??

---

I hope someone is there with you while you are waiting, but if not, WE ALL ARE.

Thanks so much for the updates, as you can see I am glued to this computer just waiting to hear your updates about Lucy.

Hi Gina,

Thanks for letting us know how Lucy is doing so far. What an ordeal for you both! I am popping in and out to see how you girls are doing and always hoping for the best.

Hugs and prayers continue to fly your way!
Leslie and the girls

Again, thanks for the update. :)

Maybe they didn't get all of the tumour out, but if he said they got "a lot" of it out, then they very likely got enough of it to make a very positive difference in Lucy's quality of life and to stop the neuro-type symptoms she was having, so that sounds good to me!

I'm sure Dr. B will be keeping you updated and hopefully he can soon give you more information and answer some of the questions you want to ask him now.

(((hugs))) again! :)

P.S. Do you have any idea when they'll let you visit Lucy in recovery?