Alivia was recently diagnosed with Cushing's - Alivia has passed

Mary Beth:
Oh Tipper would do 7 pets stores in the blink of an eye when she was well! I hope all works out with everyone watching Max. I know what you mean about the deep sleep as Tipper used to hear a pin drop in the nite. One nite I lifted her eyelid as she was not waking up and scared me, she never woke up. Sometime I shake her so hard I can't believe this is the same dog sleeping thru it! I am praying for you that all goes well. Blessings
Patti

I have not been here for awhile...sometimes it is just too hard. Plus, I have had a lot going on. I had a second CT scan and it showed the nodule was still in my lung. My sister died of lung cancer and was exactly my age when she was diagnosed, so I was a little (okay, a lot) freaked out. Saw the pulmonologist on Thursday and, long story short, it was all good news. He doesn't think there is anything to lose sleep over but will monitor it with another CT scan in 4 months. He also said on my first CT scan, that was done on the same day Ali died, I had viral pneumonia (in addition to the flu that was diagnosed by a nose swab!). I was so sick for Ali's last days. Taking care of her was physically such a struggle, but, it also gave me extra snuggle time with her. I still cannot talk (or write) about Ali without crying. I wonder if that will ever get any better.

More good news! My sister and brother-in-law are coming up from Virginia to stay with Maxwell, at my house, while I am in the hospital getting my knee replaced!! Maxwell ADORES them, so that is the best thing possible for him!! Peggy is taking off work and they will be here the day before my surgery! Turns out, all I had to do was ask (something I have a very hard time doing), and she unhesitatingly said they would come. :D Such a huge relief to know that Max will be well taken care of AND happy while I am away. In fact, he may not even miss me!! When they are here, Max will lay in front of the guest room door, anxiously waiting for my brother-in-law to get up. Max, has never really liked most men, but has always adored Jim, even though he only sees him about once a year, at most. In fact, we joke that Jim is Max's best buddy! Best possible solution EVER!! Except, now I guess I have to go through with the surgery....

Good news all the way around, Mary Beth, yippee!!!!!!

Gosh, you must have been so worried about your lung. I am so relieved that it turned out not to be a worry.:)

I struggled too the last month of Zoe's life,trying to care for her. Every time I lifted her (which was a lot) the pain in my arm was so bad and I did not get much sleep. But I would take the pain all over again if I could have my girl back. I am struggling just like you and think it will never change.

I hope you have a restful Memorial Day weekend. Please come to tell us before your surgery so we know if you can. I know it will all go well for you Mary Beth.

So glad you asked. I have a hard time asking for help too.

Big hugs

Mary Beth:
So sorry to hear of all the scares you have been thru. Thank God you are getting your brother in law to help while you are in the hospital . I truly hope everything works out for you and you can get back home and snuggle with Max. I am praying for you.
Patti

Hi Mary Beth-
Someone I "know" just had knee surgery-12 days ago. She is already not using the walker and is doing very, very well. She went home after only two days-three used to be the norm. Surgery was sometime after 1 on a Wednesday and she went home that Friday. Quite often the anticipation can be way worse than the reality. I'll be thinking of you.
Susan

Thanks, Addy. I miss Alivia like crazy and I know Max does, too. I was so worried about putting him through any more stress. I was actually going to postpone the surgery! But, with my sister and his best buddy here, he will probably hardly even notice I am away! :p

Thank you, Patti! I appreciate any and all prayers. So far, they are working for me!

Susan, that is so GOOD to hear!!! My doctor said 3-5 days, but most likely 3. I do keep hearing good things about the way the surgery is done now. My surgery is on a Thursday and I am motivated to get back home to Maxwell, before my sister and brother-in-law have to leave on Sunday. Worst case scenario, it will be much easier to get friends to come in and take care of Max for 1 or 2 days instead of the entire time! I have my mind made up to be up and walking ASAP! I am going to kick this surgery's butt!!

You know the saying, "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger"? I am on my way to becoming Superwoman!! :D Addy, I think you've earned a cape this year, too, along with at least several others. Maybe we can get them in bulk! :D

I am so glad that you have family coming to be with Maxwell. Now you won't have to worry about that and can just concentrate on getting better after the surgery. What a relief!! A definite bonus that it's Max's best BFF. :)

We understand that it is hard to come here and why. Don't worry about that. It is always good to see you though. :)

hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin

Some days and some moments are harder than others. Like today and right now. I, too, keep re-living that last day. It's been over 3 months and I still haven't been able to move Alivia's bed. It's still right beside Max's in the entryway...

Mary Beth:
I have left things like that from my other pets that have passed. There is no rule saying that it can't stay there forever! I still keep a denim jacket of my dad's and I used to go to it to smell his cologne on it, it made me feel better. The scent is gone by now I am sure, but I still think I can smell my dad on it? I would never move the bed if it were me. I hope you are getting thru this the best you can. Blessings
Patti

Sending you big hugs Mary Beth.

Patti is right. There is no rule that something Has to be moved.

hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin