Flynn 11 y/o Foxie Cross - Right adrenalectomy- Good Bye Flynny We will miss you

Did they check his blood pressure today? Does it take 3 hours to do a CT scan?

Thanks for posting, Trish:)

Yep i still breathing... It was 5k for his liver op last year so I imagine will be similar if this op goes ahead. Oh well, holidays are overated anyway!! Surgeon said the anaesthetist going to check him thoroughly Ro, no bp done before i left. Have found a nice spot in a park in the sunshine, 11.45 as i type this so yr time conversion spot on!

Oh and they said he going in midday for scan, so thats about now! Also doing his chest and a good going over to check fitness for surgery, i was walking him in the little shop they have with pet products while we waited for surgeon, he stretched up on his back legs and grabbed one of those chewy type bones off a reasonably high shelf and looked very sad when i took it off him. Poor hungry boy

I know, not letting them eat is heart breaking. Was Flynn shaking there?

He was a bit, not too bad though. I am off to have a bit of look around, this posting has chewed through half my battery! Can't have it running out when they ring me!! Will post later when i hear

Let us know when you can, we are all here for you.

Hi Trish,

I'm here too, and thinking about you and Flynn. Thanks for the updates so far. I hope all is going well for your sweet baby.

Hugs from me and Jasper

Sending love and warm thoughts! Kim

((((HUGS)))) to you guys.

Good news! It is operable, surgeon just called and waiting to pick him up now, tiny bit in vena cava he described it as pimple sized so relatively easy to get out. Bad news BP still 200 so as we all expected they not operating till more stable. He consulting IMS re BP meds to get her recommendations on that, Will post motr after i pick up Flynn and get to speak to them, so long drive home coming up but with much more hope! Thanks for your prayers and good wishes everyone, they are working!! Xxx

Great news that the tumor is operable!!! Yay!!!! Dang blood pressure though. What the heck???? I guess his blood pressure was accurate yesterday. Thanks for the updates!!!! I have been looking forward to them all day:)

Still many prayers sent your way. Drive safely.

Ro and Chey

I am so glad to hear the good news and also that they did not proceed yet. Getting the bp under control can be difficult because it rises when the tumor is active and there's no way to control that. Glad it's a tiny thing and operable. Get the bp down and keep us posted.. we are all here. Good job mom! Kim

Great news Trish! Maybe the specialist will have some better BP med recommendations. Safe travels home with your little guy.

Hugs,

Tina and Jasper

Oh Trish, this is truly wonderful news. Just think Flynn could be back to being a normal healthy dog, without all the issues. No more cushings stuff, the BP should be under control too once the tumor is gone, at least we hope so. I think it's all quite wonderful!

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

So nice to get home and read all your messages, what a bunch of awesome people you all are!!

New Plan: Phenoxybenzamine increased to 10mg twice a day (it was 3.5mg twice daily until last night when they went to 7.5mg twice day) then recheck BP Friday at local vet, then if all well down for surgery on Monday. I am very impressed with this university vet hospital, while I was there the surgeon had consulted with the anaesthetist, she had been researching and had new data that shows it may be best to stop the phenoxybenzamine a day or so before op, because what it does is blocks the receptors to get BP lower, but if a problem occurred during surgery ie BP starts to swing then it is more difficult to control with other drugs if the receptors are still blocked. So they are considering that data in relation to Flynn and will come up with a plan for intraoperative care. I also saw the IMS, who had recommended the increase phenyoxybenzamine. She said not to be surprised if he becomes more down and depressed with this increase. So it was great to see such good teamwork amongst all those specialists. I feel pretty good about it, but to be clear he really outlined all the risks of the surgery.

He also said how he is amazed when he sees a scan on a dog that he has done a liver resection on (he removed over 1/3 of Flynn's liver a year ago) and it has totally regenerated. No sign of any spread there, the two liver nodules that keep being reported on he is not concerned about. phew. He showed me the CT scan and went through it all, which was good to help my understanding. So he thinks all going to plan 2 - 3 days in hospital, I told him I am planning on staying down there a couple extra days in motel just in case anything goes wrong and then I am close to their expert care!

So while a little disappointed it is not happening tomorrow, I totally agree on the need to get BP lower so surgery is safer. Flynn travelled pretty well, hungry as a horse though so he was very pleased I had packed some cooked chicken into a cooler bag! You would think for $1000.00 they would give him some lunch :D:D

Thank you all for being there with me through the trip today.... roll on next week :) I need bed! xx

What a great team you have working for Flynn. I'm always impressed when I see a team that comes together and works together. Glad you have good news and a plan of action. Now sleep!! :)

hugs,
Sharlene

Hi Trish,

Sounds like a productive day and a wonderful team on Flynn's side! :)

I love the doc talking about his liver - further proof what an amazing organ the liver is, huh?

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

Hi Trish,
It sure does sound like you are doing everything right for Flynn and you have a great team working for you. My dog had her adrenalectomy to remove a very large corticol adrenal tumor which was pushing against and deviating the caudal vena cava but had not invaded. She had a very successful adrenalectomy and lived another 3.5 years with a great quality of life. I know it is a difficult process but I'm confident things will work out wonderfully for you and Flynn! Hang tough.
Ken

It does seem like a team working together for Flynn:). Sending lots of prayers your way.

Hugs,

Ro and Chey

yay! awesome news. Hope that the BP goes down soon.

Hi everyone.... such a better nights sleep!

Flynn seems good after a couple of doses of the higher BP med, a little quieter, but a big day for him yesterday so I am sure he will need a lot of rest today. I am back to work today (need to pay his bills, how many of us pay a substantial amount of their pay on vet bills!) but I am lucky Mum and Dad care for him during the day, I think I will tell Dad not to walk him today. They also have a very cheeky Siamese Cat who keeps him on his toes stalking him :eek: I will take two weeks off work, if surgery goes ahead next week. so need to save anymore days off for then.

I am very lucky with the specialists, I agree with you all the teamwork was impressive, when I was leaving the surgeon was getting on the phone to call my local vet to make sure he was in the picture too.

Thank you again for all your posts, you don't know how much it means, or on 2nd thoughts you most likely do and that is why you are all so kind and supportive, hopefully I can pay it forward when we get through this! Also thanks Ken for your comments on your dog's successful surgery, just what we need right now :)

Right off to work I go!
Trish xx

Well, it makes sense that as the BP comes down they would feel tired. My dad had low blood pressure and when it went low, he felt exhausted. I assume BP works the same way in animals.
Your parents sound really lovely Trish!
Yep, I Know I am working for Molly. LOL She tells me so with each vet bill. ROFL

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Hi Trish,

So glad to read all the good news! It does sound like there is a wonderful team taking care if Flynn, and that they are really on top of things. Fingers crossed that his blood pressure stabilizes. And I can totally relate to working to pay the vet bills, I suspect we are all in that boat!

Hugs,

Tina and Jasper

Hi all

Pretty good day for Flynn, he always enjoys his time at his grandparents haha... sometimes I think he would rather live there as they spoil him so much :p he is still trembling a bit, but less I think... I am willing that BP down!

I have had a stink day at work though, I think I am still so tired and I have had a day or sorting out stupid stuff. You ever get so irritated by something like an email and furiously type out a reply? I did that today and thought to myself... hmmm perhaps do not send that until tomorrow to have a chance to edit when I have cooled down... but NO I pressed SEND anyway for that fleeting feeling of satisfaction, then immediately regretted it. Well I have done that not once but THREE times today. Dreading my inbox tomorrow :eek: What a grumpy pants I am.

Then I was in an office with a couple of girls, one knew about Flynn going for his appointment yesterday and asked me about it, I started telling her and the other girl butts in, asking how old Flynn was and perhaps it is time I made another decision.:mad: She does not even know about his case at all... I said I do not want to talk about that, it was upsetting for me but on she goes trying to tell me it was time to let him go.... :eek::mad: I couldn't even talk so just got up to walk out, she tried to stop me and I shook her arm off to get out before I started crying. Witch!! (her not me). They must think I am a psycho :cool:

So while I thought I was calm and in control seems I'm pretty stressed out but I so need an early night and a good sleep. Flynn boy is pestering me with his ball to play fetch, so I am going to take him for a gentle walk to chill out a bit, it always does good to see him have a bit of a romp with his happy little face. It's a lovely evening here, so a bit of exercise and fresh air will do us both good!

Trish and Flynn xx

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))) ))))))))))))))))))))

some people just love to talk to hear their voices and for some reason they also think they are intelligent in what they are speaking about.
warm bubble bath and bottle of moscato wine. that will help you out. :)

Trish, some people are just jerks, I think we have all run into a few. I know how it hurts to hear that crap. Try to let it go if you can. Yup and I can totally relate to the work stress.

You need a break sweetie and try to go do something you enjoy even for just an hour.

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))) )))))))))))))))))))

OMG Trish! What a horrid day. :(
Just remember, jerks are a dime a dozen and nothing special at all. You on the other hand are a rariety of faith, determination and good will, not just to Flynn, your sweet little guy, but to all others that you offer comfort to when they are going through such trying times themselves. When you need someone there will be people lined up in a row to help you out, when that chickepoo needs someone she'll be begging. What comes around goes around you know.
Of course you are stressed, I agree with Addy, just try to let it go if possible. And darn it do something for yourself too! We all have to be reminded of that sometimes, when we are so consumed with our furbabies, we forget about ourselves.
:)

Big ole bear hugs!
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

I am not fond of people that say, " it's just a dog or cat or bird." Grrrrr.....they urk me. I totally get where you are coming from. I have probably done or said some things while going through this process that I shouldn't have. It literally consumes you. I was talking to my husband one night about how sad and heartbreaking it is to see Chey shake so badly at the vet and he said, "we'll, quit taking her then." That just went through me like fire and knee jerk reaction was, "f you!":eek: He has been in trouble before for being insensitive during very sad and confusing times.

These are our babies. I, like you Trish, have not been blessed with a human child. My thirties were horrible years and Chey was with me through it all ( can't say the beginning of my forties have started off any better). I have only been with my husband for two years. Other than that I have lived alone and lost all of my family to death.

Don't make me call this chic:mad: lol. Like Sharlene said, what goes around, comes around.

I hope you get some unwind time tonight. Moscato is pretty good:D. I had some for the first time last week. It was an Italian Moscato by Movendo;)

Huge hugs,

Ro. Chey gives Flynn a high paw:D

Hi all - thanks again for the comments... feeling a bit more normal today :)

Still lacking in sleep not helped by a friend txting me at 11.45pm last night! I always seem to wake at 5am too :mad: Oh well, tonights another night then its the weekend. I had three Christmas parties to attend this weekend, I have cancelled two to spend more time with Flynn, if surgery is to go ahead Monday then i will drive down Sunday so he is calmer on the day.

Flynn goes in for his BP check in 12hrs time, so we shall see the outcome of that re plans for surgery. I am in two minds really, if its still high maybe I get a bit more time with him at home :D if it is down then we are facing the adrenalectomy on Monday which scares the bejeezus out of me but seems to be the only way for a potential cure for Flynn.. but I feel so mean putting the little fella through that, he really hates the hospital now. Then all the talk of it in the vena cava.. might be only a little bit, but still its there and obviously increases risks. I do feel lucky with the surgeon, I thought of a question I forgot to ask last night, so I emailed him and he had replied by 7am this morning, so nice to have that support in calming my nerves.

I don't usually wish time away but I sure would like it to be this time next week, with surgery over and my sweet boy recovering nicely.

Have a good day tomorrow everyone, I will post his BP when I hear. Pats for all the pups :D

Trish xx

Looking forward to Flynn's BP today. I should be able to shoot a BP back to you in about 30 hours;)

Have a great day.

Ro

Hey Trish,

I always look at those sort of folks like this - they are simply missing something that we have...and we are the lucky ones. I KNOW there is a soul in these fuzzy little bodies, a heart, a mind, a rich emotional life - a Being worthy of devotion and the deepest love. I also KNOW these little beings return our feelings in spades - they love us, adore us, protect us, and sometimes fight to stay with us in the face of insurmountable odds. Folks like your co-worker are lacking this ability to recognize the value in life other than human - they are lacking the thing that allows them to love and be loved as we all here are. THEY are the broken ones, the delusional ones, the empty ones.

Yes, we are the lucky ones, no question about it. So don't let them get to you and instead try to find some sympathy for these poor folks. Just look at all they miss! ;)

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

BP 100-120! So its down alright, awaiting confirmation surgery monday

Whooo hooooo! Go Flynn! Excellent news Trish!

Hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Great numbers! Way to go. Keep us posted. Sending prayers and love. Kim

that is awesome news. do they have all the technology available to monitor it carefully and be prepared for any lows and or highs?
and on the woman at your work place. I would have said....aweee, come here, i am sorry you would make such an ill uneducated uninformed decision on a life. Obviously you are making your opinion known, every one is entitled to their own, but my decision is not only opinion based.......it is being well informed, educated, decision and being the best advocate i can possibly be for something that has no voice and is often left vicitum to humans like yourself. My situation is stressful, but going forth together, your situation is just sad....
hope your day today was good, and hope your inbox didnt have to many icky emails.
:)

Wow! His BP came down fast. Great news!!!! So glad to hear this.

I am definitely thinking about you and Flynn. I can only imagine your excitement and fear mixed together right now.

I hope you had a good day and you didn't have any nasty e-mails waiting for you today.

I will be checking in throughout the weekend.

Ro

Hi all

Home from work now, officially on two weeks leave to nurse this little Flynny back to good health :)

I was pretty surprised too Ro when local vet txt to let me know results! My parents took Flynn to vet today for his BP check so I have not seen him much today, but he is tired and resting a lot. He was still a little shaky last night, so I did not expect it to be this low. He is alert and hungry, but with a result like that and then take in his usual stress levels at the vet, I think his BP at rest is likely much lower!!

I phoned the university to see what time he has to there on Monday, 9.30am... and I also asked about fasting him. Receptionist went and asked the surgeon and she told me he is going to phone me back. I really want to ask him about continuing the drug at this dose as I don't want Flynn to start passing out!! His dose is now 2/3 higher than it was earlier in the week.

Skye - I asked about postop monitoring when I was there on Tuesday, surgeon told me he will be fully monitored and have an arterial line in so I am happy about that.

Ro, you got that feeling of hope an fear in a nutshell it is exactly how I am feeling. But I am going to read my signature a bit more often and focus on the positive :)

My nephew Luke is a journalist for a newspaper, he sent me a msg today to check how Flynn is doing. He said he was talking in his newsroom about Flynn and the lengths we are going to treat him. His chief said it sounded like a nice story to do a pictorial on and they want to send a reporter to speak with me and get photos of Flynn! I am not sure though, people already think I am a crazy dog lady haha so I think a story in the paper may just confirm it :eek::rolleyes:

Will keep you all informed, last weekend at home for furry Flynnykin before he returns all healthy!!
Trish xx

Leslie and Skye
Your posts made me a bit teary... mind you everything does lately :p I am totally over that insenstive witch, I have not seen her since. I was meant to be at the Christmas dinner she arranged tonight... but I have cancelled. Not because of her, but because time with my boy is precious this weekend! Thanks so much for your kind thoughts, your all lovely xx

I have heard back from surgeon, despite BP he is to have full tablet tonight and again in the morning then stop as he said receptors would be fully loaded. Nothing to eat from Sunday night but to have water available at all times.

OMG it is getting a little too real now! Stomach in full on fluttering mode :eek:

Oh, Trish.... I can only imagine how you are feeling right now. Yes, it is getting all too real as Monday is approaching. Gosh, I wish I could be there with you.

Maybe I missed this part, but did the vet give an opinion as to what type of tumor he thinks Flynn has.... Pheo vs. cortisol secreting adrenal tumor? I know high BP is very common in pheo's, but from what I have read,it can also be present in Cushing's disease.

Thinking about you. Big hugs.

Ro and Chey