New Member with 3 years of Cushings "cured" (Update: Macroadenoma)-Jackson has passed

I am so grateful to get all the info this forum provides. It is such a gift. I tried to "quote" your earlier post (need to research how to do that). Tek sounds like he went from adolescence to middle age with the treatment. That is good news to hear he still is a love. I am talking with the specialist, though not the surgeon He is very nice and very knowledgeable. I asked him about the last sentence in the study you referenced "...Hence, transsphenoidal hypophysectomy can be expected to have the best outcome as the primary treatment in dogs with nonenlarged or only moderately enlarged pituitaries (Hanson et al. 2007). He said the paper is not the most current (because it doesn't relate to the Vitom (minimally invasive) I believe. The reference to enlarged pituitaries does mean the tumor. He also suggested I continue the current course so that I can spend time with Jackson and make a decision when symptoms get worse. In so much as Jackson is "off the charts" with the tumor size and his size and his symptoms are currently being successfully managed by the 2.5 mg dose of Pred. I was thrilled to get that suggestion. I have been on an emotional rolllercoaster that I wouldn't wish on anyone. Racked by doubt and uncertainty. I think his odds with surgery are not very good because of the size ratio of tumor to brain coupled with his small size. I feel waiting while he enjoys life a little longer is what he would want. I will continue to update. I expect surgery is down the line, but we are going to take it a day at a time.

Hi Robin,

I must say that "doing nothing" would be a very huge possibility in my book of options. Medical science can do an amazing lot of things for both humans and animals. And these are just general thoughts...but I sometimes wonder if we are doing the right thing by persueing treatment for every possible condtion in every patient possible (again, both human and animal) I understand the loss and grief we experience after loosing someone we love, I have lost my fair share of dogs, pets, familymembers and friends over the years. But I do think we should question our own reasons when deciding on treatment, very carefully. (in the case we have to decide for someone else, and again, both human and animal) Is it really the very best we can decide for that person/animal? What will they gain if we decide to treat? And what are the odds they will gain...(quality of life)..indeed after treatment? Is it truly for them or for us, because we can't let go, because we fear facing the grief and loss? Because we are so used to "treat" because the options are there?

And each case is different. I probably would decide differently in a same situation when one dog was for exampe 3 and the other was 13. If I had a 3 year old dog that could be saved or cured by performing high risk treatment, I would take that risk. The dog either would not survive the treatment (and I would be okay with that since it was a risk) or the dog would survive and be cured and have many more happy years ahead of it. But if I had a 13 year old dog, that could be cured by a high risk procedure, I would think twice. The dog already had a reasonably long life and I don;t know if I would be willing to put it through all the stuff that comes with treatment (vet visits, feeling poorly after the treament, etc) for perhaps a year extra? Sure I would have another year with my dog...but what kind of year will it be for the dog? Wouldn't it be more "humane" to let the dog have a peaceful last time here with us? To just enjoy them and not putting them through anything and everything? To treat symptoms to the best of our (and the medical) abilities and then let them go...when we no longer can make them comfortable? Long...isn't always better. Not too long ago, someone else said, after the passing of a beloved pet, : It's not about how long they are with us, but how happy and loving that time is..." and I couldn't agree more.

I was so lucky to have an orthopedic surgeon for my dog, that had the "do nothing" approach high on her list of posibilities. It's an entirely different case but just to illustrate "doing nothing" is definately a choice and at certain times perhaps even the best choice. There were people telling me I was a fool to not have the surgery done...or ask if I couldn't afford it? Because in that case, people will understand a decission not to treat. But other then financial reasons, people can act very strange when you decide not to treat. But no matter what other people think, "doing nothing" is a very good option in certain cases at certain times. I suppose what I wanted to say was that we use to think in terms of treatments...while we should add "doing nothing" to the possible list of treatment options.

Enjoy Jackson the best you can and wishing you all our best,

Saskia and Yunah :)

Hi Robin....I Just read your thread and am so sorry to read what you're going through. I can totally relate, as Lucy was the first dog to have that surgery done here in the US. Dr. Bruyette is wonderful. My experience with Lucy was fantastic, but this surgery is no guarantee. I took the chance because I really didn't have any other option at the time as her tumor was so huge, but whatever your decision is is the right one. Deep down you know your dog better than anyone.
I read someone wrote that Lucy was "different" after surgery...for about a month, yeah, it was a nightmare; but she bounced back and I had her with her same personality and all for almost another two years. For that I'll be ever grateful. There's so many stories I could tell you about what went on so feel free to private message me and I'll give you my phone number, e-mail etc. The most important thing to remember is you know what's right for your baby...so don't feel guilty about anything.

Take care, Gina

Hi Gina
Thank you, I would love to know more about your experience and will contact you.
Robin

Let Jackson go three weeks ago. His appetite got less and less and he lost a lot of weight. Hand feeding extended his life with quality for about three months (original diagnosis after the MRI was 2 months) Raw food from the pet store was a hit for a while, then he liked the Cesar canned. There is a possible correlation between neutering and these tumors in Yorkies, so I regret having that done. I could rail against the lack of info and the misdiagnosis from the specialists I saw, but that wouldn't help anyone. If you are not going to do the surgery, then find a vet who will monitor your dog on a dose of pred. that is effective and not too debilitating.
Thanks to everyone for their kind words and prayers. And my heart goes out to everyone.
Robin

Dear Robin,

I am so sorry to hear that Jackson has left us. You did such a wonderful job with him and I know he is ever so grateful all you did on his behalf.

Please don't beat yourself up. We can only act on the knowledge we have and trust in those who are trained in the medical fields that treat our babies. I am positive Jackson does not blame you in any way and would not want your heart hurting more than necessary due to guilt you don't deserve to bear.

We are here anytime you would like to talk.

Our deepest sympathies,
Leslie, Squirt, Trinket, Brick, Tasha, and our Angels, Ruby and Crystal

I'm glad you got 3 more months with Jackson. He was so lucky to have you as his human Mom. Hugs, Judi

I am so sorry to hear you lost your sweet little Jackson, but so glad he is not in any pain or suffering. I am so glad you had three months with him. You are in my thoughts...

Julie & Hannah