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Hey Patti, worried about you and Tipper too, but you need to take care of yourself hon, so glad that her breathing is better also when Sims tummy was upset and noisy I gave him eggs or egg whites or plain yogurt, always seemed to help, hugs and prayers
You certainly have your hands full, but I'm glad to hear Tipper's trachea problems are better.
Wish I could wave a magic wand and make everything better for you, including your health.
You are taking the best care of your pets that anyone could ever possibly expect, and it will all work out, I have no doubt.
Hope the rest of your weekend is good, thinking about you.
Hi Everyone:
Well last nite it looked like we were in for a heck of a storm. So anticipating it I gave Tipper some Benadryl. We never got the storm and I was so sorry I gave her that. That's the thing about these meds, you can really mess up sometimes thinking a storm is coming and if you don't give it ahead of time, it won't be possible once it starts. Tipper was restless last nite. Something inside her makes her uncomfortable I know it, and wish I could find out what it is. I waited last nite to give her the Vetoryl until her last mini meal. She was hungry, so I left the room where she was for about 10 minutes-peaking in on her. That way I don't get so upset seeing her hungry. It all worked out and she did not have a tummy ache this morning. She even slept in, we both needed that. Nothing will ever replace the feeling of her soft fur on my face kissing me to wake me up. I need her to live, I really need her, she is my rock. She is so smart, I wonder if she realizes that I am awake before she does this??? She is probably playing the game with me. It is very hot and extremely muggy today, we are supposed to get storms, I bet they will be bad with this humidity and heat going on. I better get the Benadryl ready and watch the sky. She has already walked once. I got a wash cloth with cool water and wiped her down, then put her ice pack harness on and walked her really slow watching her breathing the whole time. It is a small wonder I don't run into something as I never look up because of always watching her for signs of distress. I am not pushing the exercise so much, unless she wants to. I read exercise can be dangerous with pheo's and because we don't know if she has one, I am being cautious. Hope everyone is having a good long holiday with their babies. Blessings
Patti
Hi Patti, thinking of you and Tipper.
I know it is hard with the storms to know what to do or not do, will it show up or will it not. You can only really guess, based upon what you know. It won't hurt her if she is given it at least, so that is good.
hang in there Patti, you're doing really excellent.
hugs,
sharlene and molly muffin
Hi Everyone:
Boy I feel like a real loser today. Last nite I gave Tipper the Benadryl and she went to sleep and no storm came. Today I waited and all of a sudden the thunder started and off to the closet she went and the storm raged. I have to get my act together with this stuff. If it stops and she comes out I am giving it to her. Never a dull moment here! I guess quite a few are getting their holiday rained out. Lucky and I just had a small piece of apple pie. Lucky has a sweet tooth, and loves a tiny piece of something sweet, his favorite is donuts. I never knew cats liked sweet things until one day when I still lived in my beloved Pittsburgh, I baked a cake for my Dad's birthday. I sat it outside on the porch to cool and got dressed to go and get ready to frost the cake. When I went to get it my neighbors cat Clyde was sitting in it eating it like he had never eaten before. I had to run and go buy one. The next day I called my neighbor and asked her if Clyde was feeling ill?? She said "no why?" I told her he ate my Dad's birthday cake. She laughed her self silly. From then on when we would see each other outside she would say" hey Patti what are you making tonight, as Clyde wants to know!" I never give Lucky but a tiny piece of anything, I don't need him all sugared up he is crazy enough on his own. He is my rescue cat and when I first got him, when we went to bed at nite he would jump up and pull pictures down off my walls and scare the crap out of everyone, but Tipper. For some reason he did not like things on the wall and would try to pull them down. He has learned I do not think it is funny to remove all my Steeler memorabilia from the family room. That is strictly off limits. I use quite a bit of museum wax in my home these days. I had enough of vases tipped over and candle holders knocked off the mantel at nite, so I use this and it is Earthquake Strength so we have no more problems with broken items. Ok back to the closet to check Tipper again. Blessings
Patti
:p:pROFLMAO!!:p:p The image of Lucky attacking the walls is hilarious! I'm sure the reality sucks but the image is funny as all get out! :D:p:D
We had a cat named Maxwell who could not tolerate closed doors of any kind except for some reason the doors to outside. All others had to be open and that included cabinet doors, refrigerator doors, display case doors - it if it had a handle it had to be open in his mind. He would sit and scream at us until we opened the door and he could check it out. If at all possible and we wanted peace for a minute, we left them open for Max. Over time, he learned to open many of those doors himself, including our bathroom door. When visitors would go to the bathroom, in very short order we would hear them making occupied-don't-come-in noises and we'd just holler, "It's OK! It's just the cat!" :D
Hi Everyone:
Leslie that is so funny, my cat Chance who is an angel and never does anything bad gets a bug every couple years and opens and slams all the kitchen cupboard doors. The first nite I heard this I though someone was in the house. Then the next time it happened I could find nothing going on and went back to bed. In the morning I could not find Chance. I looked everywhere, and when he cried out I located him under the kitchen sink. My cabinet doors are kind of heavy and I guess he couldn't push his way out. No at least I know what is going on when I hear it. It is funny cause Lucky sits there in amazement and watches Chance do it. I think he wonders why he did not come up with that idea.
I am so glad yesterday is over. When Tipper finally came out of the closet I gave her the Benadryl. It did not work. She just was shaking like crazy. It thundered for so long, I put the fan in the closet for her and turned up the T.V.. Nothing seems to work. I hope there is no more damage to her eyes. She got all calmed down and came to lay down with me, and someone set off an M80.Now normally she has no fear of fireworks, but she got up and bolted to the closet, I could have screamed. So we are in for some rain today. That is ok as long as it does not involve thunder. I have been putting some seasonal items I have outside away, as I do not know what is going to go on with my Tipper, and I don't want tot have to contend with the outside stuff if she has things going on. I put away a few things every day, so I will be done when the weather sets in. I will be so glad for cool weather!! It is very foggy here this morning, and a lot cooler and not as humid. I am having a hard time sleeping wondering what I will learn at the meeting with the surgeon. It is making me nervous. I hate anticipating bad news, and the waiting. I am also dreading putting her in the car for the long trip as it is hard on her even though I make her a bed out of pillows so she can lay flat and be comfortable. At least there is no fasting involved. It is just the idea of the stress on her. She can't do much more of this, and I don't blame her one bit. I am still praying to God for a miracle for her. Blessings
Patti
Hi Patti,
Never a dull moment with that zoo of yours. :o
I hate that poor Tipper becomes so anxious that she cowers in the closet. At least she has somewhere to run to where she feel safe.
Remember, one day at a time Patti. You can do it!;) xxxxx
Patti,
You know our Lulu in the last couple years of her life, added storms to her list of sounds she was scared of. They didn't bother her as a younger lab. We discovered though at times that we could put her in the truck with the back open and she was content. Don't know if that helps, and certainly we didn't do this during the most violent part of a storm, but it just helped at times.
Hi Everyone:
Thank God that it is cooler out today and no storms until the end of the week. Tipper had an uneventful nite which was so good for once. She has already walked and is on the floor by me resting. Tomorrow she goes for blood pressure. Since things are calm at the moment I am planning on a soak in the tub and a pedicure. I don't get too much time to myself so this will be great. I am anxiously awaiting Friday I am a bundle of nerves. Thanks for the suggestion about the storms. It is funny when I put Tipper in the car when it is storming she just lays down and for lack of a better description accepts what is going on. There is no shaking and very little panting.Maybe I should ride her around when it storms??? Blessings
Patti
Glad to hear Tipper had a great night. Even better to hear you are going to spoil yourself a little today.
Hoping the rest of the day for you is just as good.
HI Patti,
So glad Tipper had a calm and peaceful night!! The stormy day she had yesterday sounded awful....poor Tipper and poor you. I'm sure when she's shaking and upset you are the same...that's what happens with me too.
But today is a new day and things sound good including the weather. We are still humid today but it's supposed to be drying out right now. I'll take Trixie in awhile for an afternoon walk. If it's less humid maybe we'll make it a longer one...we'll see. Right now Trixie is napping and breathing nice and slow! Must be a good day all around!! Hoping Tipper has another calm night!!
Barbara
P.S. I love the cat ate the cake story...how funny!!
Wow a peaceful night for all and you get a bath and pedicure time! Sounds heavenly!
Enjoy!
hugs,
sharlene and molly muffin
How was the rest of the day and last night?
Hi Everyone:
Well yesterday and last nite was pretty good. I did my pedicure, and got a soak in the tub. It's so funny this is a deep tub and when you lay back you can hardly be seen. A few years ago when Tipper was not sick I was soaking in the tub and I heard Tipper run from my bedroom. Before I could even say what is wrong, she jumped in the tub on top of me. She is so smart, she could not see me and thought I drowned, she was coming to save me. So now that she is not well I am careful where she is when I go in the tub. I don't want her getting hurt thinking she has to save me. I cannot believe I forgot Tipper's second dose of Vetoryl last nite. No wonder she was roaming about. I never do that. I have just grown so accustomed to the once a day . I was in a panic this morning when it dawned on me. I just made a fool proof method so I do not forget ever again, and I am going to implement it now. We are off to the vets with Lucky and Tipper today. I should have an apartment above his office. Think of all the gas I would save. Blessings
Patti
So glad to hear that Tipper had another good night Patti! It's also nice that you had a home spa evening for yourself. Hoping your vet visit goes well today...will be ready to hear your report later on.
I'm sure you're loving this beautiful cool weather day...I know we are. Long walk for Trixie and hardly any panting!! ;)
Barbara
Glad you got your spa time Patti. We all need that sometimes. :) Tipper is a smart one heading in to rescue you from the tub.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
I am so happy that you took some very needed time for yourself! Keep it up Patti! I worry about you. Xxxxx
Hi Everyone:
Tipper had a decent nite, but I have noticed on the 20 mg dosage I am hearing a lot more noises out of her than when she was on the 30mg. Have to figure that one out. Her blood pressure was not high yesterday, but higher than usual at 150. It was a real blast in the car with Lucky and Tipper. Every time Lucky let out a loud meow, Tipper tried to climb in the back seat to get at him. This is the cat she does not like. Everything went well at the vet's. Of course he came 25 minutes late again, but it was his birthday so I kept my remarks to myself. Yesterday was throw up day here. Lucky quickly ate some chicken when he got home, and just as quickly threw it up. He was upset from at the vets, he never throws up. I no sooner got that cleaned up than Toby threw up in his crate. Well I got that all the bedding washed up and cleaned him up and brushed his teeth, and Chance threw up a hair ball. Tipper is the only one who did not throw up, and I am glad of that. I do not want to see vomit for a few months!! Thank God for hardwood floors, although usually when the cat gets sick he gravitates to my best rug in the house and wants to throw up on the white part of it. My kitchen is 30 feet long and you would think he could do it there, but oh no he runs to that rug. I have now covered that rug with blankets and it looks terrible, but I take them off when anyone comes. It is much easier to wash the blankets out, than have him permanently stain that good rug. Cats have such strong stomach acids it ruins everything. I am not seeing the surgeon tomorrow as my vet said he does not want me to have to pay to get answers, so he will get a surgeon who does this to talk to me for free. I am really not thinking of doing this operation anyway because of Tipper's many other issues and age, so I think this is just as well. She will however be going to get another scan in 2 months to see if the tumor is growing. I cannot ask any more of Tipper than she has already done. She has had enough. I will have to rely on my faith in God to keep her safe, and the knowledge I have acquired to manage her treatment. She will have to have continual ultra sounds, as if the tumor grows and invades anything that would cause her to have life threatening problems I would put her down before it happened. I don't want her last bit of time on earth to be bad. I would rather she go before anything happens to distress her. I am only thinking of her in these decisions, and I am leaving myself out of them. It would kill me, but I would do it for her. My vet said she could live for years on treatment, we just don't know for sure. I cannot let a surgeon carve her up and put her thru that agony after all she has been thru so far. I love her more than anything, and cannot do that to her. It is in God's hands now. I will fight for her and never give up though. Blessings
Patti
This is where I am with Squirt, too. She's had enough and deserves as much peace and comfort as I can provide for the remainder of her days. I know those days are numbered so I do the best I can each and every day to make it one that brings us both joy and binds us that much tighter. Gratitude for her presence is something I express every day to her and to the Powers that guide my life. You have always done your best for Tipper; you are doing no less now.
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang
Me too with Zoe so I totally understand.
Patti, everyday I see Keesh's face in the morning I thank God for another day with him. I don't know either how much longer I have, after all he's almost 14 and that's really good for a dog his size, at least I think so.
I am pretty much finished with trying to find out what is wrong with him. He is comfortable, loved, fed and completely spoiled, so I know I've done everything I could for him and just letting him live out whatever days, weeks or possibly months he has left without being prodded anymore is my goal.
I know that I could spend much more if need be, but at this point in his life I'm just not going to. I've had to accept the fact there are fewer days with him ahead then there are behind us and enjoying each and every day that I have left with him. When everything seems to be going ok, there are subtle reminders that come out of the blue that he isn't the boy I used to have anymore.
Even writing this it brings tears to my eyes, knowing what lies ahead, but I have to accept it and there just isn't any other choice.
You have done way more then most anybody else ever could or would, so please take comfort in that knowing Tipper has had the best life a dog could ever wish for and a Mommy who went to the ends of the earth for her.
Judi,
I like your philosophy. I like to think the same thing. You know the words from a Little House in the Prairie, said it best when the dying widow of three children on an episode said, "Remember me with smiles and laughter, for that is how I will remember you all. If you can only remember me with tears, then don't remember me at all."
So enjoy your dog(s) while we have them, they are angels from heaven!
There's another saying to, but it pertains to people with a "woe is me" attitude.
Valerie Harper dying of brain cancer said "Don't go to the funeral until the day of the funeral- live this day " - good attitude.
Sending hugs and prayers!!!
Patti,
I have been there, done that, with Buddy, and it was all about him. You will do what's right by Tipper when the time comes. In the meantime, be thankful for every precious minute you have with her. Once you have your plan, try to let as much stress go as possible and spend that time loving on her. You know her best. You know when she's had enough. That's the time to stop pushing. I won't kid you. It is not easy. It is damn hard! :o you can do it though Patti. We have all seen how strong you are.
Sending much love your way,
Patti,
every one of us feels the same way and would do exactly what you're doing.
Prayers for Tipper and you. I am so glad that you had a "spa" day :)
Hi Everyone:
Well last nite was bad. Tipper moved around the bed all nite. I am also hearing that congested throaty noise coming out of her again. I know she is not being controlled on this dosage, and I have to do something about it now, before it causes her more problems. I am going to call Dechra and possibly set up an early ACTH to see where her numbers are. I know her best, and I can tell the split 10/10mg is not working for her. I am exhausted as she kept me awake all nite and got up at 5:30am with sort of a stomach ache starting. I am going to call the vets after I talk to Dechra and see if it is too early to test her she has been on the split for 10 days, but on the lower dose of 20 mg 21 days ago. This cortisol has done such terrible things to her body I am afraid to let this go any longer, so I must get on it immediately. It is only 42 here this morning so Tipper is enjoying that. We are due for storms on Saturday unfortunately. I am exhausted mentally and physically from this disease. I will however persevere. Blessings
Patti
Hi Everyone:
Well I just spoke to Dechra. They agree with me that we need an ACTH done again before doing anything to see where her number is. I have it scheduled for Monday. God I am going to be broke. I had a lot of heavy bills this month car insurance etc., and I am struggling. I wish in a way I was still working so I had no money worries, but in another way I don't because I would never leave Tipper. Some of these bills are just going to have to wait. Her health is more important to me than stupid bills. I just gave her some Benadryl to see if it helps with the congested sounds I am hearing from her. She is starting to stick her tongue out a lot again and swallowing a lot so there is some kind of drainage going on. She has not done this for a while. If her cortisol is up though you would think the opposite if it were allergies or something similar. I must have spent way over 3500.00 on ACTH and blood panels so far this past year, not counting urine tests ultra sounds, ct scans, xrays, drugs, and supplements etc. Oh well like the AMEX commercial says "priceless." Blessings
Patti
Hi Patti,
I just posted on my own thread that I was thinking of you this morning when I heard our morning temp was 57 degrees!! I see you had much cooler weather than that. Perfect for our pups. Trixie was not even panting for most of our walk. The cool weather will really make a difference for these dogs!
I'm sorry to hear that 10/10mg dosing isn't cutting it for control. I know that feeling when you just "know" that the cortisol is running too high. We are also going to have to to an acth in the next 2 weeks. I am completely unsure right now about where Trixie is. She seems well controlled until about 2-3 hours before the next dose is due. We'll have to see what the numbers say. I can totally relate to worrying about the expense. It's terrible that this important acth has to be so expensive, it really makes me angry but it has to be done.
I hope Tipper does not have another restless night...maybe the nice walk in the cool air will help her have a decent night's sleep.
Barbara
Hi Everyone:
Well Tipper had another restless nite last nite. I know she is not controlled. I just hate making her do another ACTH when she just had one. They are so hard on her, and I am trying to limit her stress level. I will not change her dosage with out one though. She wanted food all nite and kept begging me. That is what I find to be one of the hardest things to deal with. You feel so bad for them, but you cannot keep feeding them. It is an awful thing. She was also up at 4:30am, and has been drinking a lot of water. Tipper shows signs quickly when uncontrolled. I am anxious to see where we go from here since they say 30 is too much anymore for her, and 20 is not enough. The problem is they want her on Vetoryl not a compounded Trilostane. So I don't know what will happen next, but I know one thing for sure I want this under control now. This has already affected her so badly I don't want any more damage from this cortisol. I just had to order Tipper more chicken. Can you believe she went through 15 lbs already?? Hope all the babies have a good weekend. Blessings
Patti
Hi Patti.. haven't been around much in the last few days on here. Sorry that Tipper is still having issues.
Tipper is going through chicken and Keesh is going through steak. What we lose at the vets, seems it costs just as much to feed them.
Sure hope that you can get some results on Monday. What a rollercoaster for you. So sorry.
What a roller coaster ride. Sometimes all you can do is hang on for dear life!:eek: I'm proud of you Patti. You are dealing with the little fires as they pop up, handling what you are able to control at any given time. That's all any of us can do. Please make time for yourself too. If I had a big bathtub like yours, I would be in it much more often!:D xxxxx
Hi Everyone:
Well we will just add a few more bumps on the roller coaster ride. The vet's office called and said because there is going to be workers doing something at the vets Monday that Tipper has to be shifted to Tuesday. Exactly at the time of her laser appointment, which I will now have to change on Monday as they are closed. Tipper has been crying a little today, something she has never ever done. I know she wants food so she is making these little crying noises that aren't too loud, but she knows her mother can hear them!! We were having a good old time on the front porch until the neighbor started his mower and weed wacker, Tipper wanted in immediately. It's funny, she has heard those sounds a million times and never had a problem with them until this year. This disease has changed my fun loving, playful, happy girl into a scared of everything dog. She is still with me and for that I am thankful. I have been having a prayer emailed to me everyday to start the morning off. Reading it makes me feel better for a while. If any are interested you can sign up at oblatesusa.org you can ask to have a prayer for someone or have a candle lit. I asked for a prayer for my Tipper. They will email you a morning prayer. Have a good weekend all. Blessings
Patti
Hi Patti,
I'm sorry your appts have to be changed now. I know when you prepare yourself for taking the dog to the vet and getting things done it's hard when things have to be rescheduled. So will you now try do an acth on Tuesday?
Trixie has been pretty hungry lately too. You know I try to use low cal, low fat small treats that I can give one by one and she thinks she's getting a lot. I have Charlie Bear treats...do you know them...they look like big lentils. Hardly any calories or fat but since they're small I sit with a handful and dole them out to her. I do it with kibble too. Maybe something like that for Tipper will satisfy her when she's wimpering for food.
I am using both Vetoryl and compounded Trilostane to make up our dose..maybe this will work for you if you need an in between dose like we are, the majority of the dose being Vetoryl.
Just glad it's nice and cool for Tipper and all our dogs on the East Coast today where there is Fall weather. I can see what a huge difference it makes for Trixie to walk outside and not get over heated. Hope it stays for awhile! Hope Tipper has a good night.
Barbara
Barbara:
I am going to do the ACTH on Tuesday. I wanted to get this over with, but oh well!! As I am typing the sky is growing black and it is ready to rain. Oh my poor girl is so sick of this and she has not been herself the last couple days. Not wanting to chase cats off the porch, not even barking at dogs on t.v. which is a favorite of hers. She seems really depressed. I hate to take her for testing when she is like this. She has really lost her playfulness. It makes me cry when I think of it. She is just worrying about food, and resting most of the time. This is not my dog, it is like another dog is inside her body. I am so sad about all this I hate seeing her like this. We did play ball for a while today, but she lost interest in it. Before all this she would play it 24/7. I am trying to enjoy every second with her as I still hear that clock ticking. It is so much better for these babies in the cool air. They are free to enjoy themselves without over heating and panting. Glad Trixie is enjoying herself and taking advantage of the cool days. Take care of yourself and Trixie. Blessings
Patti
Patti, Moo & I are praying for you and Tipper.
Going to watch Cedar Cove on Hallmark channel, great story with great scenery in Washington State. Comes on again in a couple hours if you missed it now. Actually tonight it's on three hours later, check your guide. ;-)
Patti,
they sure know how to make us feel badly don't they!
Praying for a solution soon.
Patti, Sorry to hear about what's going on with everything with Tipper.
Prayers and hugs for you and Tipper.
Hi Everyone:
Well we were supposed to get storms last nite, but I held off on the Benadryl. Good thing as they never came. It looks pretty ominous out there this morning though. Tipper has already walked once. I am not pushing her to go again. She seems tired and unwilling. Her behavior is changing so much it is scaring me. I keep looking at her thinking this cannot be my dog. God help her. I will fight every day I get up for her. Last nite she was wanting more food again. It is so hard not to give it to her. I can see the physical and mental decline in her, and it is heart wrenching. I need to talk to my Vet about forming an emergency plan again. I cannot think of having no help in an emergency. It is just not acceptable. I could not be any closer to Tipper than if we shared the same DNA, and I am very frightened for her. I think we are going to get some rain as it is black outside. I better go and get the Benadryl ready. Blessings
Patti