Tipper - adrenal tumor/breathing issues

Hi Everyone:
I want to thank each and every one of you for Tipper's birthday wishes. They are heart felt and appreciated as this has been a tough day for me, and for her. Things just did not go to well after I took the balloons out. I put about 6 in the corner of the kitchen. I have a really thick rug there and thought it would help so she did not hurt herself. I got the video camera ready, and when she saw the balloons she looked at them for a second then looked at me and dove on them like a crazy banchee. The balloons went everywhere and she was so fast I could not get her on the camera breaking them. I had to put the camera down and pull her away as she was making breathing noises very loudly and it scared me. I had to get her a wet towel and calm her down she ran through the house looking for any that may have escaped in order to kill them. She was crazy for about a half and hour. I will never do it again as long as she is living. When she was well it was fun, but this could have ended up badly. I have not even had a chance to view the video and see if I got anything on video while running behind her. She was so worked up I had to take her hat off and party TUTU and pearls, and take her in my room to lay down. I only got 1 photo of her with her TUTU on and pearls. I did get her cake though. If I would have had some help, it could have been much easier to do. I did not want to get criticized for a doggy party by anyone so I did not tell anybody. I did post the pictures on her birthday album, and will show video if I have any! I will be disappointed if I don't, but I have her and that's all that matters. I have cried all day knowing she is 12 . It has become very real to me that she is declining, and I am scared. On a high note, she and Toby loved the cake. It was low fat, no oil, with banana, and wheat flour. Greek yogurt for icing. Lucky my cat loves sweets, so I gave him some icing. So you can at least see her one picture I got to take. Blessings
Patti

Oh my goodness, I'm glad I didn't miss wishing sweet Tipper

Happy Birthday!!

I was not on the computer all day so I haven't yet wished Tipper.....


A HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D :D


Happy wishes to a grrrrrrreat Jack Russell Terrier!!! :p :p


Barbara & Trixie

Patti--Sorry that Tipper got over excited today..that was probably scary. At least she got to enjoy some cake with Toby. I'm hoping she's doing fine tonight and will have a good night's sleep.

It's the Feast of St. Francis today so I'm sure Tipper has gotten an extra special blessing on her birthday!!

Barbara

Happy Birthday Tipper!

Happy 12th birthday Tipper!

You know Patti, I've never, ever been one to go with the flow or ever worry about what somebody thinks. I've always done things that make me happy. Having a birthday party for Tipper is your business and no one has the right to criticize how or what you think, do, or feel for your babies.

I'm sorry that Tipper got too excited, but hey.... that's actually a good sign.

With the job you did on that cake, feel free at any time to send me one. My birthday is coming up soon... no wait... Keesh's is in 11 days-LOL

Hi Everyone:
Tipper did get some much needed rest last nite. She was pretty well spent after the balloons. I went in on my bed and had her lay down, and gave her a massage and calmed her down. I still have not looked at the video. Tipper got up this morning and ran thru the house looking for any balloons that escaped. She has this on her brain now, and she will keep doing this for weeks probably. I am going to let the rest of her cake get hard and give it to the birds. I am having a hard enough time getting the weight off her now without adding cake to the mix. Kathy I did give Toby a balloon and he just sat there and looked at it like ok so what. He really enjoyed his cake though. I tasted it and it is surely a low fat doggy cake as it was yucky. It seems the split dose is working better for her although I noticed her water drinking has gone up. Saving more of her food allowance until bed time has helped also. I am hoping her ACTH comes out with good numbers. Blessings
Patti

Hi Everyone:
Wow what a storm last nite! The loudest crack of thunder I have ever heard, and Tipper and I sat straight up in bed, she ran for the closet. What a terrible nite for her. It is so hot and muggy here this morning it is the worst it has been. Tipper walked very slowly this morning as the humidity and heat are bad for her heart. She will be in for the rest of the day. I already have the air cranked up, and she is relaxing. She seems to be doing ok so far on the 20/5 split, but is drinking more water than she usually does. I have been testing her eyes regularly to make sure she is still having good vision. I put a tiny speck of food on something that is the same color and see if she spots it. I put a small grain of rice on a greyish white floor and she saw it immediately. Then I put a cheerio on a beige carpet and she saw that, so I think she is still seeing well. I do also throw the cotton balls at her. We have to go for her Blood pressure on Tuesday next week as I have to go Wednesday to my Dr. and to my mammogram in Pittsburgh. There is nothing like the feeling of going home! I will have to have the doggy sitter. I am going to take Toby for a ride in the car by himself that day while I have a sitter, as I took Tipper already last week. I try to work things out so Toby does whatever Tipper does. Toby does walk with Tipper in the morning because I can control Tipper to stay away from him with the leash. The only problem is Toby wants to make up with her and play, but that is not possible. Made some home made spaghetti sauce yesterday with some fresh basil and oregano so I won't have to cook today! Blessings
Patti

Awww. This crazy weather. We should be used to it, bit I can't stand the humidity either.
Tipper, Daisy and I agree with you!

These thunderstorms you are having are crazy. So sorry it scared the two of you. I'll check on the ginko baloba Patti... thanks for the suggestion.

Hi Patti
I am glad that you're including Toby whenever possible. Poor little thing doesn't have a clue as to what is going on. Yes, it is still important to keep them separated, even though Toby is itching to play.

Enough with the storms already!:eek: I'm glad that Tipper got to walk this morning, although slow. A slow walk is better than no walk.:) xxxx

Hi Everyone:
Another hard rain last night, it really came down. Tipper gets an acidic stomach when she gets nervous which starts her gastro symptoms in high gear. She had a stomach ache this morning around 4am. I could hear it rumbling, so out we went to go potty and get her fed. The food stops the gastro problems in about 20 minutes. Well we went back to bed and at 5am Elvis fell off of his perch, flapping, squawking, and blowing feathers all over the room. It happens to all birds, but thankfully not often. So I am kinda tired this morning. Tipper has already walked as it stopped coming down for a while. Toby has never heard Elvis fall off his perch so he started barking at him. It was something out of a comedy flick, you had to be here to appreciate it. Elvis was to go to the traveling Dr. for a wing and nail trim on the 24th, so the Dr. won't have too many flight feather to take out. This bird specialist goes all around the US and he has people that hold the clinic in their houses, even serving refreshments to the patrons. He actually puts the bird under, examines them, gets a weight, does their nails, beak and wings for 20.00. He comes from Illinois. I video taped him doing Elvis the last time. It is fascinating to watch. The people that sponsor the event get free care for all their birds. Tipper has not been herself the past few days. She has been very lazy and not wanting to do anything. It could have been the warm weather. It is cooling down now thank goodness. Our leaves are starting to fall. Tipper made it all the way thru the summer with no flea meds! She has not gotten any vaccinations either and the vets office has stopped bugging me for them. I decided that she was not going to get any more. I started to cut some of her food out in an effort to reduce her weight so today she may start with the hunger. Blessings
Patti

LOL - I can appreciate the Elvis episode. I laughed out loud.

I don't give Keesh any meds either that the vet tries to push, specifically vaccinations now.

Have a good day Patti.

Poor Elvis. What a way to wake up! I'm glad that everyone is ok. I'm sure that the heat caused Tipper's laziness because Daisy acts the same way.

Goodness Patti...Your gang had quite a night or should I say morning! 4am yikes!! One of our parakeets (when we had them) once fell from his perch and even that little one made quite a ruckus! I can only imagine when it happened with Elvis...and then Toby getting all into it...so funny! :D

All that stormy weather blew right into New York today! It did come in and out of here pretty quickly. Trixie was under the kitchen table for about an hour or so...not too bad.
I do think the weather probably got to Tipper for sure. Glad the appetite is calming down with the split dose. Hope she's not too hungry after you cut back on the food a bit. Sounds like Tippers eyesight is excellent! That's good news.

Barbara

Hi Patti,
I had a parakeet named Petey for several years while I was growing up. He used to fall off his perch several times a week. I thought he was just a sound sleeper.:D There was no Google at the time to check these things out.;)

It sounds like your zoo had a little adventure. I'm glad that Elvis is okay. I can just seem Toby yapping like crazy. Buddy certainly would have! I hope Tipper is feeling more herself and the storms have moved on. Xxxx

Hi Everyone:
Just got back from the vets. Tipper's pressure is still 140 and I need to get this weight off to get it down. She has not budged on her weight, it is unnerving. Last nite while Tipper slept I could hear her swallowing again like she just drank and had water to swallow. This has to be some kind of mucus or something. I gave her another antihistamine this morning to see if it stops. I have the dog sitter tomorrow so I will be nervous until I get home from Pittsburgh. it is getting dark here around 6:50PM. It is cool today and sunny. Tipper already walked twice today and three times yesterday. I have yet to review her video. Maybe next week when I get time I will sit down and look at it. I hope I got some of her antics. My vet away for about 2 weeks so another Dr. has to do Tippers ACTH test. I will be right there watching everything you can bet on it. She will get her blood profile also so I can see if any of the supplements helped her ALT and Alk Phos. I am nervous to see the results. Tipper also goes for her Ultra Sound on the 15 th of next week. That has me so nervous, if her tumor is worse I will be a basket case to drive home. I am trying to think and pray positive thoughts. Please say a prayer for her. Blessings
Patti

Positive thoughts always going your way Patti. Tipper's a trooper and so is her Momma.

Patti, you don't even have to ask. Prayers are a given here. I hope that the tests show that Tipper is holding her own.

Hi Patti, Thinking of you and Tipper and praying results of all of Tipper's tests will be good ones.
Hugs

Hi Everyone:
I had an exhausting day yesterday with the long trip in the car, it is not good on my joints. I could hardly get up and get out of the car when I got home. I also had to have a mammogram. I got a new nurse, nit my usual one. She really hurt me. I can take an enormous amount of pain and it made me call out to her to stop. My breast, back, and arm hurt me all the way home. When I looked in the mirror my breast was purple and I had a blood blister, the purple was as big as a hand print. I am having pains in my shoulder blade in my back, and cannot lift my left arm too high. I am calling my Dr. this morning and asking his advise. I do not want problems from this later in life. She just did not stop pressing the button and it just compressed my breast to nothing. This has never happened in 20 years. I am so sore I wish I did not have to take Tipper to laser today, but the show goes on as always. Tipper was so happy to see me. I stopped at the store and got the dogs a new toy, and the cats and Elvis. Tipper loves hers, it reminded me of the good old days when I would always bring her something home from the store and she would get excited. Tipper has been moving around the bed a lot at nite which means uncontrolled to me, so we shall see the numbers next week. There is a small blanket of frost on the ground this morning. Can't tell you how glad I am to see it for Tipper's sake. Hope the cool is here to stay. Yesterday morning I left here a 3:30 am. It was so foggy you could not see anything, I have to drive slow until I get out of the country roads because of deer. It was dark the whole time I was driving. Tipper seems to really be going into a deep sleep anymore where I cannot easily get her up. She continues to do the swallowing thing and stick her tongue out. The mystery of this really gets to me. I do not like things happening to her that I cannot correct since I don't know what the cause is. The hospital I went to is run by Catholic nuns so the chapel is beautiful there. It was far away from where I had my mammogram, and did not feel like walking the length of the hospital to get to it, but is was necessary for me to do. I went and prayed for everyone and their babies. They have a beautiful brass 30 ft. high chime that hangs from the ceiling and when you pray for someone or something, you ring the chime. I rang it so many times and so loud that you can hear it throughout the hospital. The people probably thought that girl needs some serious help as many times as I rang it. So just know all the babies are covered, I went right down the line like I do at home. I said a separate and special prayer for Woody and Tipper. I pray that God is listening and will have mercy on our babies. I can see Tipper declining every day and I am so scared. I am now going to rub some Ben Gay on my shoulder etc. as it is hurting me terribly. Blessings
Patti

Ugh....I had a similar experience once but I was teamed up on. I had never had one done at this hospital and was surprised when two girls came in but thought one must be training. When the first gal started smashing, she didn't stop and when I objected, the second girl actually got behind me and shoved her shoulder into my back, keeping me pressed against the machine. If I hadn't known I would rip my boob off, I would have jumped the one pushing me right then and there. As it was, all I could do was scream bloody murder and that's exactly what I did. People came running and that girl jumped to raise the machine and the one pushing me tried to leave the room but got caught by folks coming in. She had left a nice big red mark in the center of my shoulders as proof of what she did. THEN the hospital had the audacity to charge me for being abused by their staff and no test performed - NOT! A letter from an attorney friend at the time put a stop to that nonsense. I was black and blue for weeks after, sore as all get out. I hope you are soon better, honey. I feel for ya!

You can bet a man designed the mammogram, however if their cullions had the same treatment we go through, you can guarantee a mammogram machine would be re-designed within days. Sometimes I think they are going to mash us across the room. I feel for you Patti and Leslie, however Leslie I think I would have brought my knee up pretty quick behind me and shown that back presser just how high I can back kick. That is outrageous.

Thank you for the prayers Patti, that was really thoughtful of you.

I know what happened Patti. Your nurse was thinking about squeezing some fresh grapefruit juice while doing your mammo. An honest mistake! After all, doesn't everyone mistake breasts for grapefruits?:D I had a similar experience once. After I screamed, my nurse realized that I was indeed connected to those things. :D I'm glad you are back home safe and sound. xxxxx

Omg you guys! I have HUGE hooties and while mamagrams hurt like mad, you should not walk away bruised. Patti, a blood blister? Please call them and tell the person in charge what happened to you. Obviously, they did this wrong.

I hope that you feel better soon!

Hi Everyone:
Thanks for listening to my mammo nightmare. Kathy you are too funny, but I think what the tech was thinking as she was smashing my boob as Gallagher smashing watermelons with a sledgehammer! Good grief I still can't lift my arm up all the way. The Dr. that oversees that dept. called me yesterday and we went over what happened. I told her my objective is not to get the tech in any trouble, but to find out if this will cause me problems later, and what to do about this pain everywhere. It feel like someone is putting a hot poker into my breast. She told me what to do and said if I come in she would examine me. Told her I am 2 1/2 hours away and that is not possible. She is going to call in a few days to see if it has subsided, if not I have to go back and see her. Tipper had a pretty good nite last nite. She is still moving around the bed so I am suspect of her not being . She is also more tired than she used to be. She is huge around the middle, and I am cutting her food as much as possible with out her starting to beg. I need to get this weight off. She is a small dog and cannot carry this. Her girth is unreal, she does not look like the same dog when you look down at her back her sides are way out and her belly is so low hanging. Yesterday I got the laser Dr. to do her back real good where it is swayed. I know it has to be bothering her especially carrying more weight. It is cool here this morning and she has already walked and wants to go again. I pray she is here for her 13th birthday. Blessings
Patti

I hope you boob feels better soon, that's a nightmare. I,ve never had one and if its like you described I don,t want one either.

I,m glad Tipper had a good night, it is hard when there sick but you really do, do the best for Tipper. I know what you mean about needing to lose the weight I need to try and get it off Woody but its hard as I,m a sucker for his "I,m starving face" god these pups know how to play us x

Gads Patti, I can't even imagine an ordeal like that. Screaming was the only way to go in that scenario. What the heck where they thinking??!!!! Did the supervisor have ANY explanation for how this could have happened and for them to be so inept?! shocking.

Hope you get to feeling better and don't have to go back.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Hi Everyone:
I am a little bit better today but my chest wall muscle is still really giving me trouble. Tipper had a good nite last nite but has a lot of the muscle tremors etc. It is cool and she has already walked. I am dreading Tuesday for her Ultra Scan. I will be a basket case if this tumor has grown larger. I am trying to be positive, but am seriously worried. We have to be there at 8:30 so we will be up early and gone. Tipper will have to eat her breakfast and take her meds in the car, as I do not want to be late. I hope God hears me praying for my girl. Blessings
Patti

Praying for both of you as always Patti.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by goldengirl88

Tipper will have to eat her breakfast and take her meds in the car, as I do not want to be late.

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Patti,
Buddy had to be fasted for his Ultrasounds. Fasting helps to be able to view the organs more clearly. You might want to call and check on this just in case.

Kathy:
I questioned that in my mind also as the last time she had to be fasted, but they said she didn't this time. I am wondering why??? I am going to call there tomorrow morning to make sure. I am a nervous wreck about if this tumor has grown. I am trying to stay busy and it just keeps replaying over and over in my mind. Blessings
Patti

Hi Everyone:
I am still having some residual pain in my back around my shoulder blade and around the muscle on my chest wall. It is quite bothersome and I hope it goes away soon. Tipper had a good nite sleeping with some noise. The congested sound I had been hearing is for the most part not evident right now thank goodness. This cooler weather is really helping her so much. It is really damp, and the sky is black and we are supposed to get rain. Tipper has already walked. I started really cutting into her food allowance to the point where I am counting nuggets in an attempt to rectify this weight gain once and for all. I am trying to keep busy as I am really nervous about the ultra sound Tuesday and then Wednesday the ACTH and blood work. I have just a tightening in my chest, and a sick feeling in my stomach from worrying about all this. I am trying to stay busy so todays project is dusting in the house. I absolutely hate to dust, I would rather scrub 20 floors. I have an older man that is not well that lives near me and I gave him some vegetable soup yesterday, and he was so happy to get it since he does not cook. Tipper will be ok today as long as there is no thunder, so I am hoping it is just rain. Blessings
Patti

Patti,
I wonder if a warm bath with Epsom salts would help you?

Try to relax, I know that you're worried but it sounds like your vet is finally in your corner. He'll help Tipper with whatever she needs. Hugs.

I was going to say the same thing. Relax. Worrying does no good but stress you out. You can't control tomorrow you can't control the ultrasound. It is what it is. Enjoy today. Live in the present. Tipper is with you today. Enjoy her! Maybe it's because it is Thanksgiving in Canada but that's how I'm feeling today. You have to enjoy and be thankful for what you have today. And tomorrow be thankful for tomorrow. Stop worrying and live for today :) Here's a challenge for you. Try to catch your negative thoughts and turn them into positives. For example, my boobs hurt from that mammogram becomes "yay. I've got healthy boobs!" So many women don't. Hugs. Nikki and Kaibo.

Hi Everyone:
I forgot to mention I had started Tipper on the Hawthorne for her heart yesterday. The cardiologist told me it can cause gastro upset. I mixed it in her food. I did hear some gurgling of her stomach last nite so I am going to give it in the am instead. That way she has more food all day long and it will be less likely to upset her system. She slept well with little noise, and seemed more calm when breathing, and less effort to do so. I am hoping this continues to help her. Leslie is a lifesaver with the knowledge of all things herbal. She has saved Tipper and I numerous times and I cannot thank her enough. It is cool here this morning and Tipper has already walked. Yesterday she seemed to have an over abundance of energy. I need to get all her things together and in the car so tomorrow morning we can get out of here without a hitch. I heard we are to get real fall weather in a few days and that will be great for my Tipper. Blessings
Patti

Patti: I have been thinking of you all week, I know all too well the sick feeling that you have in your stomach I,m right there with you and Tipper. I pray that it hasn,t grown any and that you and Tipper can finally relax just a little as I know you worry.

Woody goes tomorrow for another US as well and some more tests so fingers crossed we can both post good updates tomorrow night, you and the lovely Tipper will be in my thoughts tomorrow ;)

Tracy

Hi Patti,

Hmm, well that makes me wonder if the breathing sounds are connected to the heart issues then, if the Hawthorn is helping wit that. Hopefully it will continue to help her out.
Hoping that tomorrows appointment is smooth sailing with some good news at the end of the day. I know it's going to be exhausting after everything you just went through at your own doctors appointment, so try to take it as easy as you can.
As always you know we are all right there with you in spirit.
hugs,
sharlene and molly muffin

Sharlene:
I don't think so , but at any rate she is seeing the cardiologist in November to see how her heart is doing, and get an xray to check if there is any enlargement. I think because this Hawthorne opens their blood vessels and lets more blood flow to the heart it is just making it easier on her. Also it will regulate blood pressure either up or down and that is amazing in itself. How is Molly doing with the stairs? Hope it is all working out for the #1 child. She certainly could not have a better life than with you. I hope she continues to do well. Blessings
Patti