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

Hi all...

Sorry to say that I was up all night with Lucy last night. She had severe diarrhea and cramping....she really seemed like she was in distress. I gave her an imodium about 2 a.m.....didn't really do much. I don't know if it scared me so much because I'm more focused on her now, but I've never seen her like that. I literally laid on the floor with her all night. Tried e-mailing Dr. B at 3 a.m.....got my e-mail kicked back....

To make a long story short, I ended up bringing her to his office at 6 a.m., which happens to be open all night for emergencies too, so now they're giving her fluids and checking her out .

I feel kind of stupid now for bringing her in now, but it seemed like she was in such pain with the cramps, panting like crazy, even in the car on the way over she was doing that back arching thing.

The worst part was when we got there. She wouldn't get out of the car she was so scared. I had to get the guy to come down and he brought a gurney, we put her on that, and I just cried like an idiot, while she looked at me with those eyes.

Sorry for venting guys, but I just am about ready to collapse.

Thanks, Gina

Hi Gina,
I am so sorry that Lucy is going thru this. I hope they find what is causing the problem and it is a simple fix. Kinda went thru the same thing with our Roxee and Rozee a few weeks ago, luckily it was fixed with a shot of B12 and antibiotics. Hope it is that easy on Lucy.

It's okay to vent, we are here for you.

Keeping good thoughts and prayers for you and Lucy.

Catch yourself a nap if you can.
John (Roxee's Dad)

Thanks John....I just heard from Dr. Bruyette...he said she's fine. Everything checked out fine, her chest x-ray was fine, and he's going ahead with the MRI...I'll hear from him later today with what it shows and a "plan."
I swear to God...she probably sensed something was up today and got all stressed out. I just couldn't take watching her spasm like that and not being able to help her. I thought it was neurological at first.
At least they'll put her out for the MRI. (Wish someone would put ME out) Now I have THAT to worry about all day.
Oh, well....pacing and biting nails...I'll keep you posted...
And thanks again for all the heart-felt wishes..

Gina and Lucy...

Hi Gina,

I am SO glad to hear that Lucy is doing fine now. Thank you for letting us know. I'm sure she is in really good hands now. I'll be waiting anxiously to hear the results of the MRI and the subsequent game plan. I hope you can at least close your eyes and get a little rest. Shi's got her paws crossed for Lucy.

Ken

Hi all....We just got back, and Lucy has a very large tumor...I've forgotten the size already, but he basically said she has about 3 months left if we do nothing. I thought surgery would be out of the question because her tumor is so large, but he said they're doing it with an endoscope, brand new surgery, and he doesn't see any reason why they can't do it.

He's meeting with the surgeon on Wed and will let me know for sure, but Dr. Bruyette said he'd be very very surprised if the surgeon said it was inoperable. He also said Lucy's the perfect candidate, because she's otherwise healthy, and a bigger dog, so it's good for their study...which is for both dogs and humans.

She was very happy to see me, of course, but she scared me on the ride home...she kept trying to stand up and was whining a little. I thought it was neurologic...almost like she was having those spasms again...but when we got home she was so happy, she ran around like a puppy for quite some time, came in, drank about 10 gallons of water, and now she's passed out already.

So I guess it's good news....I can't watch her deteriorate any more...and I'm seeing subtle changes it seems like by the day now. My poor Goo. I just hope none of these changes are permanent in her brain. What am I talking about....I just hope she survives the surgery.

Thanks again everyone....You all are the best and have kept me going through this awful, awful time...

I'll keep you posted...

Much love,
Gina and Lucy Goo

Gina,

While the news isn't great - you have one heck of a doctor as your advisor and you had already done your homework and had the options before discovering the tumor. Plus you know you'll have a whole host of cush moms and dads rooting for you and Goo.

You should be very proud of yourself - you are obviously a fantastic mom to her. Give her a big hug from me and mine. Sending hugs and prayers.

Kim

Gina,
You've had a tough 24 hours. At least Lucy is resting comfortably now and you have some answers. I hope that you can get a little rest too.

Knowing how large the tumor is and how long she has, really lays out your options. I truly hope that the surgeon will accept her for the surgery, as this seems her best option. Dr. B may think she has three months without surgery, but those three months could be horrible for her and pure hell for you. Just imagine how she is now, and make it progressively worse and worse until you can't handle it anymore and then have to make the decision to let her go. Under ordinary circumstances this is hard and we second guess ourselves with "what if's". Here the option of a surgery can cure her. Granted surgery carries its own risks, but this risks are far outweighed by the huge benefit she can achieve.

Healing thoughts and prayers for Lucy, and that she will soon have a surgical date.
~ Mary Ann

Hi Gina,

I'm glad the MRI came out so clearly and you now know exactly what you are dealing with. Mary Ann expressed herself extremely well and my thoughts are identical to hers. If Dr. Bruyette and your surgeon say everything is a green light for surgery, I think it is the only way to go. It will be very difficult for you but if it is similar to an adrenalectomy, it very well may provide a complete cure for Lucy. She could live for a long, long time as a totally happy and healthy dog.

Please keep in mind that Lucy is your dog and you are a huge part of this equation. Ask all of the questions you have. I certainly think you should have the opportunity to meet with Lucy's surgeon and I think that will be very meaningful for you. For me, it was a wonderful experience consulting with both of Shiloh's board certified surgeons prior to her surgery. I was convinced that I had the "dream team." You are a courageous woman. All the best to you and Lucy.

Ken

Thanks everyone..

I agree that surgery is my only option at this point. I just hope she can hold out that long. Just went and got her prednisone 20mg and tramadol for pain. Does anyone know how soon the prednisone should start to work? Don't ask me why we didn't get this yesterday. She just seems really uncomfortable today. Hope it kicks in soon....
will keep you posted....

Gina and Lucy

Hi Gina,

I am so impressed with you and how you are handling this with Lucy. You have made the only real decision that you could have for your baby's welfare. It sounds like you have a great team for surgery and, of course, as Kim said, you have "a whole host of cush moms and dads rooting for you and Goo."

Hang in there and keep up the good work! Lucy is so very lucky to have you on her side.

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls