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

Trish,

I'm still here waiting in support with the others. No more Novembers for you Missy! :(

.

Just checking in again to see what the surgeon said.

love you and Flynny

Just got home, surgeon very reassuring, i need to type more, will try get my lappy working so i can type easier as lots to say, tumour is right side not left which is trickier he also going to biopsy kidney, small bowel and adrenal nodule so we can get to the bottom of those problems. Flynn home with me for night, got to take him back at 10am for surgery tomorrow arvo. Xx

Thx for all support, it tears me up. Just been speaking to my local vet mike (ims is a mike too so if we go by naomis theory that all mikes are good we onto a winner!) to make sure i am being objective and not emotional with wanring to keep him alive, he agrees with proceeding too xxxx

Sending you tons of love and healing energy. I'll check in several times tomorrow to see how our boy is doing. I am glad that Flynny is there with you tonight. Paws up Flynny boy! ((((((HUGS))))))

If Mike, your vet agrees and Mike the IMS agrees that this is the right thing to do, that if this was their dog, they would proceed, if they think that the risks are acceptable level for Flynn-man, then that is really all you can go on. They will give you their honest opinion.
I know that no matter how strong you are, this is still Flynn, our beloved wonderful guy, and your best bud and it is going to be scary. So, hold on tight to those reassurances from the professionals. Flynn has come through these surgeries before and he will do so again.
Now I like the sound of "getting to the bottom of this once and for all". Lets do just that and get that boy fixed up.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

yay finally have the laptop working!

So problems identified are:
4 cm liver tumour right central liver. Does not appear to be encroaching on bile ducts but they will not know for sure till they go in.

Nodule on left adrenal, has grown in last 6 months, 1.5cm now. Previous sugeon did not think it looked nasty, new surgeon said they get a very good feeling when they actually see them. He has seen benign tumours over 3cm not cause any problems. the risk this is also a pheo? he has seen that twice in his career so rare but a possibility. IMS agreed with what the old IMS said that his BP would not be controlled if this was a pheo on his current BP regime. Usually requires phenoxybenzamine. He thinks this is unlikely but they are going to have a very good look at it tomorrow, and biopsy. They do not want to go for adrenalectomy tomorrow as it is too risky to combine, which is what I have read. Though he said should it be required in the future depending on biopsy tomorrow that he would go for it. We talked about Addisons, he made it all sound very easy to manage but all I could think about during that converstation was Jasper. :)

They all agree the immediate problem is the liver mass, it is new from last scan. So has grown 4 cm in 6 months, liver tests steeply rising last 6 weeks or so and I have noticed lethargy, panting, twitching worse in that time. So they want it out. It could be recurrence of the hepatocellular carcinoma removed two years ago, it is on other side of liver. Or it could be a new primary, he said it could also be benign, one of those benign nodules that we know he has exploding for example. OK I am going for benign!!

IMS concerned about his kidneys, he wants a definite renal diagnosis, he is not so sure it is just secondary to hypertension. so they will do a tru cut biopsy of kidney.

IBD issues, again we have no definite diagnosis so if Flynn is doing ok during surgery tomorrow they will biopsy that as well.

He also has a nodule that has been biopsied twice previously and showed liver cells, current surgeon wants it out if it is easy.

He also had lipoma behind one kidney that is also new, he will take that if it is easy too, like on a stalk?!?

His latest blood tests are OK, well not much worse than previously.

They have 24 hr care, I can visit afterwards and they will call me when surgery is finished.

I cannot believe I am sitting here typing this... poor Flynn. But I guess I have not had time to stew over it. I sent an sos text to Mike our local vet and bless him he was away at a seminar but got back to me, he has now spoken to IMS here and is fully supportive of proceeding. I asked him if I was just being emotional and I needed him to give objective view if I was going too far putting him through this again and he said No I wasn't, he would do the same... also his wife who was in the car listening to this converstation would also do it for their dogs :D:D so that made me feel better.

So there we are, decision made, a speedy one I admit. But it is done and he is going in tomorrow afternoon. Will let you know what time once I hear. I have confidence in this team, both IMS and surgeon have spent over an hour with me going over everything and all the risks so I am well informed. IMS said his life expectancy should be for another 4 years or more and he would proceed if it was his dog. The alternative is Flynn dying in a few months, also as I have said to others looking at surgery if he is going to pass I would rather it be fast and giving him a chance than a lingering death. Will see how I feel if the worst was to happen but that is my thinking now.

Phew, think that is all xxxxx

At least this time I am with friends here, I have a plate of cheese n crackers to my left and a glass of wine to my right... Flynn is at my feet wondering what all the fuss is about.

Wow was just readin all your posts, thanks so much everyone, my phone was not listing them all properly. Sharlene, they are not so worried about kidneys affecting this surgery just that IMS would like a definite diagnosis of what is causing proteinuria and subsequent UPC increase and a biopsy should show that and then they can plan optimal treatment.

Trish,
we'll be praying for Flynn to have a speedy recovery!

Trish,
Well, if this were me, even though it's all sudden and shocking I like the speed of getting it taken care of....waiting will just ramp up the worry. If it has to get done, the sooner the better. Found the problem and quickly going to get it out...I think it's a smart decision.
Hoping all goes well and that Flynn gets through with flying colors and a speedy recovery!! You sound like you are in good hands with this vet.
Sending prayers and positive energy across the miles to you and Flynn!! He's a trooper and so are you!!
Will be awaiting the good word and with you all the way!!!

Barbara

OMG Trish, my head is spinning! So much to think about, but as usual you are in top of everything. I don't know how you do it. What a lucky boy Flynn is, he has such a smart Mum. And how reassuring that you were able to talk to your own vet about everything to get his take on it. I am going to post this now real quick so you know I am here, and I need to go back and re-read everything and will post more in a bit.

Huge hugs for you and Flynn from me and Jasper. xo

Thanks Barbara, my thoughts exactly, I asked them if they had space this afternoon!!

Hi Tina - one of my friends is home from work, the one plying me with cheese and wine.... the other one who I said.. nope, won't do anything rash is yet to get back, she will take some convincing we are doing the right thing .....

I just emailed work and said I need the rest of this week off, I was meant to be back there on Thursday and also said I am taking next week off too, they will be cursing me at such short notice but to tell the truth I don't care, Flynn is number 1! Will take more leave if I need to once I know how he is doing. You can bet your bottom dollar no swab will be left in this boy, they all knew about it and tut tutted. I also think they may have been talking about me and that's fine, they took ages to talk to me today so I appreciate that. It is not cheap that's for sure, lucky I have my visa paid off and its pay day tomorrow anyway :) but he is worth every last dollar in the bank to me :)

Trish, please excuse me, but I am just bawling now after re-reading everything. I pray that I could be half as brave as you. I completely agree that you are doing the right thing, but I always let fear get the best of me. I am a big worrier and don't think I am very good at making speedy decisions under the gun. I admire you SO much. I am so impressed with your veterinary team now, just as I have been with the others in the past. I am not sure that I have access to that level of care and attention here. Again, that is so reassuring. I love the amount of time they have all taken with you.

Right away I was thinking about your work and would you be able to get the time off, as that would be a problem for me. But as you said, Flynn comes first always!! And yes, they are worth every last dollar, most definitely. Hard typing through this tear outburst. Jasper is looking at me like "what's wrong now Mom?". I am a such an emotional sap. I love Flynn, I can't help it. xo

I forgot to say that I like the idea of getting a kidney biopsy while they are in there. It will be good to know exactly what is going on there. That was in the back of my mind when Jasper had his ultrasound, if it would be possible or indicated to get a kidney biopsy also. But I didn't think to ask anything about that, since the immediate problem seems to be liver or pancreas related. The liver biopsies that he had were trucut biopsies like you mention for Flynn. First I had heard of that.

Gosh, I feel like I need to take the day off work tomorrow so I can monitor everything here for Flynn. Well, I am just going to have to sneak on the forum while I am at work. I will be with you all the way. Tons of love and positive thoughts being sent across the miles Trish.

Big hugs to you and Flynn,
Tina and Jasper

OK stop that crying right now Missy!! No time for tears, we need good thoughts and positivity only!!! He is going to be fine, that is the only outcome!! I feel myself getting teary when people get too sympathetic kind of if you know what I mean, he is a tough little cookie and we WILL get through this one way or another... I guess I have kind of have gone into professional work mode right now, when I am in bed later on thinking about it it might be a different story. But he will not be seeing me sad or crying, he needs strength and normalcy he will get it from me... afterwards I can fall apart.

By the time it happens you will be home anyway, so there you go that's tomorrow night taken care of :)

Well what a day you both had! I am with Barbara, the longer it's left the more you worry, you would have had to come back as well so this makes sense to me

They seem to be on top of it all and want to look at everything while he is under which is good, I like that they took the time to explain it all

Gutted that they found it but grateful you went for this scan and they can do something about it. I will be right beside you in spirit willing you both on

Mel
Xxxxxx

Ok, the water works are under control now!! :) Sorry for the lapse, I think I have been keeping it all bottled up with Jasper's latest round of tests, and it was built up. And you are right, need to keep up a brave face for Flynn. He is definitely a tough cookie and this time will not be any different, I truly believe that. It sounds like you have the time of the procedure pinned down? I like to know so I can focus. :)

Hi Mel :) yes I am grateful we found it before it gets too big too... one thing they said was good is that it is one mass, not spread throughout the liver, so yay a positive... I am collecting all those positives up right now :)

Awww Tina, why do these boys of ours have these crisis like this, least they do it in tandem sometimes so we can commiserate together. You are so sensible and kind, don't know what I would do without you :D:D Tell Jasper he better blardy not copy Flynn on this one! I do not have time other than "afternoon" yet, will let you know when I take him tomorrow so you can send all your positive vibes to him at the precise moment, I know they work too :)

So it will all come out with clear margins then, that's what new mike better tell us tomorrow!

Mum and Dad doing ok, as this was probably a shock to them too?

Xxxxx

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Trish

Awww Tina, why do these boys of ours have these crisis like this, least they do it in tandem sometimes so we can commiserate together. You are so sensible and kind, don't know what I would do without you :D:D Tell Jasper he better blardy not copy Flynn on this one! I do not have time other than "afternoon" yet, will let you know when I take him tomorrow so you can send all your positive vibes to him at the precise moment, I know they work too :)

---

Oh thanks Trish, I don't know about the sensible part, but kind, I'll take that. :) :) When I told Jasper about all that is going on with Flynn, I did say "and it is ok if you don't copy him this time". :rolleyes: I just thought I would let him know that since we are still waiting for histology results! Yes, will be watching for the surgery time so I can focus all the positive energy.

I agree with Mel, clear margins is what I want to hear also.

Poor Mum is upset, she posted his photo on her facebook with this message :(
For Eleven years this little chap has been part of our lives, he came through a operation for cancer of the liver two years ago, unfortunately it's returned,wish I was with Tricia in Auckland while she confers with the vets..he is such a big part of our lives, it breaks your heart..xx

Now don't cry again when you read that Tina because it nearly had me blubbing when I read it. I have rung and spoke to her a couple of times, but she is upset

Yes we will all be waiting for excellent histology results...

Bless her, they both love him so much too as they are his grandparents :)

Thank goodness they can do it tomorrow so you guys can get back home quicker! And at least he can have his dinner tonight if they are do it in the afternoon, he wouldn't have been impressed if he got no tea tonight!

Yes, I am telling myself that too Mel, as I just gave him his last supper! He is hungry because of missing his breakfast, even though I had given him food this afternoon

See he don't have a clue, where is my tea mum?! People have been poking me least I deserve is some decent food for my efforts :D

:) That's what I love about them, just live in the moment! They did his ultrasound and he lay nice and still so they did not need to use sedation and they did not shave him either, IMS commented on what a nice sweet dog he is. I have seen the ultrasound pictures pictures and they are super clear too for ultrasound.

Awww, how sweet of your mom.
My father is quite attached to Daisy Mae, he calls her his girlfriend.

One mass that hasn't spread - this is the perfect time to get rid of it and they shall.

Hugs.

Yep, pretty choked up reading that Trish. Yes, they are his grandparents. My Mom is the same way with my pups, so sweet.

Jasper was nice and still during his ultrasound also, my vet told me that the Dr doing it said "I love this dog". :) But he had to have sedation due to the biopsies.

Well, I just took Jasper out for his middle of the night pit stop. He gets his Denamarin now also since it needs to be given on an empty stomach. This time works perfectly. The only problem is, Mom hasn't been to bed yet this time!! :eek: :rolleyes:

I better hit the hay, have to be up in about 3 hours or so for work and have a meeting in the morning.

Trish, sending all my best to you and Flynn for tomorrow. You most certainly will be in my thoughts all day, and I will be monitoring the forum for updates and the surgery time.

Big hugs to you and smooches for Flynn. PAWS UP FLYNNY BOY!!!

xoxo

Mel, good to see you. I think it's been quite a while since we have both been on in real time. :) I hope your work is settling down for you, mine has been crazy also. Thank you for your sweet comments on our thread. Hugs to you and Boyce. xo

Awww poor you Tina, hope those 3 hrs feel like 30! Thanks girls for your kind wishes, I won't have much else to do tomorrow but keep everyone up to date so I shall be popping in when I have news.. off to bed now ourselves, he is a tired little boy after his big day and I want him to have a real good sleep tonight so he is fighting fit for his surgery tomorrow, see you tomorrow xxxxxxxxxx

OK, U.S. Morning Crew now aboard! Hope you and Flynnie are sleeping soundly at this moment. But whenever you're up and about, we are here. Tons of healing wishes being sent your way!

Well, you can fuss at me for crying all you want and it won't do you one whit of good! ;):D I started last nite when I peeked in and read your initial posts, and am still crying this morning, so there. AND I don't for one second believe you are as stoic as you want folks to believe. ;)

I am glad this is moving quickly - it gives you less time to worry about things and gives his insides less time to progress to worse states. I would want everything questionable checked out and removed if possible so the odds of having to go back in yet again are lessened. Three major surgeries in his short life and one to correct a goof. Bless his little heart and yours, too.

It's 6:20am here so I hope you are both resting comfortably, gathering strength for today's ordeal. Everyone in our house is sending you both hugs, prayers, healing energies, hope and faith in a bright future.

Hugs and belly rubs,
Leslie and the gang

Morning crew here too. Checking in before I leave for work because I just had to say.

Paws Up Flynn


We're with you here Trish. I think we would send a whole brigade to stand guard over Flynn if it were possible.
I like the sound of 4 more years. That makes it so worth the risk vs months. Now, like I said he before, he is a strong boy and he'll come through this just like he did all the others. Fine! Nothing else is acceptable. I'm glad you have friends with you this time. Especially with such short notice. No letting the mind get started running.
I'll pop in as soon as I can to check again.

hugs and love Trish to you and Flynn and your mum and dad
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

All Paws Up Flynny


I think you are like me, the crisis starts we think we are being strong and holdin it together to see us throught the crisis but it causes post tramatic stress syndrome and we dont even know it.:rolleyes::o

My thoughts and prayers are with you and Flynn. We wont leave you alone, I'll pop in from work to keep tabs on you, along with everyone else.

It is the dang waiting that is so hard.


love ya

God Bless you and Flynn, I will pray for you both.

Trish, checking in real quick before work to wish our boy the best. Many thoughts and prayers heading your way. I will be popping in as I can from work today also but may not be able to post. I hope you are getting some sleep now. We are all here with you and I will be thinking about you guys all day.

PAWS UP FLYNN!!!

Much love and hugs,
Tina and Jasper

Checking in before work this morning. Sending wellness thoughts and healing energy your way. Paws up Flynny boy! Xxxxx

Hi Trish,
Hope you both got some sleep last night. Just came in from our morning walk and we thought about Flynn all along the way. We're sending all the good thoughts for a successful procedure and good results!! We know it's going to happen that way!!
PAWS UP FLYNN!!!
Hoping you're hanging in there, we are all here thinking of you and Flynn!!

Barbara xo