Mira, 7yr old Husky - Cushings ruled out; liver cancer (Mira has passed)

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi Janis,

How are your girls doing today? I hope they, and you, had a better day today after a good nites rest.

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

[Altira]

I talked to the cancer doctor tonight. I actually fell out of bed when she called trying to get to the phone. Thank goodness Mira wasn't laying there at the time!

Anyway I had wanted to talk to her for days. She was real sweet and answered the zillion questions I had faxed her. I was concerned that Mira might suddenly not be able to breath and all this panting she was doing. She said the one lung could give out and I might not even know it. I told her Mira had not seemed distressed at all. She said to watch for pale gums. The panting hasn't gotten worse and it's mostly just intermitant. Huskys pant just naturally too. She said it's hard to pin point what panting means.

We talked about the pain meds. She said she liked the medication schedule I had put together which looks like this:

6pm. 1/2 pred 1 met 2 gab 1 tram 1 pep
11pm 1 tram 1 mirt
4am 1/2 pred 2 gab 1 tram 1 pep
9am 2 tram 1 met

I adjust this all the time usually adding more tram in-between.

But we desided to cut the first three tram doses down to 1/2 because I suspect she doesn't needed so much and I might be mistaking her sedation for depression or unhappiness or worse. It could what sets me into fits of crying because things seem so poor. Last night I had not given her any pain killers for 10 hours straight and she seemed plenty comfortable enough. It's all a crap shoot really.
She said I could cut back on the predizone now. But to me it seems like it helps the most. So she said it was fine if I left it as is or even increase it by 1/2 pill if I want but to talk to her if I want to do more than that.

She was really pleased that Mira likes her walks so much. Even though Mira seems to have a little pain afterwards she says keep doing it. A LOT!

She was also pleased with how much Mira is eating. I have desided to focus on the total amount she eats in one day rather then falling apart when she refuses to eat. At the end of the day she has done well. Mira has never been a big eater. The highlight of her day seems to be the peanut butter in the kong toy. She thought that was wonderful and i should keep doing that.

In summary Miras eating seems to tell us the biggest story. If breathing gets that bad or the liver gives out Mira will most likely stop eating. She had said before that 2 to 4 days of nothing good then it's time to go. But she said Miras current condition seems very good. It was nice to hear that from a cancer specalist.

You know I stopped in at a cancer forum and told them of Mira and right off the bat they are telling me to have pitty on Mira and let her go. I'm not going back there. Little Mira is pearing at me from over the coffee table right now. Her bright eyes tells me she doesn't have a clue. If she knows then she currently doesn't want to go. I make a sound and her eyes grow bigger. Peanut butter maybe? Yes Mira we can do that. And a walk soon too.

[labblab]

Janis, I am so glad that you had such a good talk with the cancer specialist!! It sounds as though she has given you a lot of good feedback, and I'm hoping it will allow you to breathe a little easier for the time being. All this has come up so quickly and has been such a horrible shock to have to deal with. But it sounds as though you're settling into a bit of a routine now. And that is giving both you and Mira some quality "time-out." I've got all fingers crossed that you'll continue to have a number of overall good days. Thanks so much for this report.

Ongoing hugs,
Marianne

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi Janis,

I've been out of pocket all day and was so glad to read your update when I got back! It sounds like you and the cancer doc had a good, positive, productive chat that has helped you breath a little easier and that is wonderful. It also sounds like she agrees with me in that you are doing a fine job with Mira's care.

That is a crying shame you were greeted in such a manner on the cancer group you checked out. They could have taken a bit more time to learn about you and Mira then perhaps they would have gained more understanding and compassion. The day may come when I myself tell you it is time to let her go but, if it does, every word will be said with love, anguish, tears, empathy, and heart-ache because your precious Mira has wormed her way into a special spot in my heart.

But, today I am very happy to know you are feeling better about her and that she is continuing enjoy her life. This is what counts!

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

[jrepac]

Enjoy the time with Mira as long as she is able to enjoy each and every day with you as well! Anyone who tells you differently, well, pay no mind!


Jeff & Angel Mandy

[Altira]

Thank you!

Kira goes to ACC's Cushings specialist today. I think they will do more tests. I know this was ment to also be a consolation appointment. I wish i was in a better frame of mind for this. Bud is going this time. He needs to understand what's happening with Kira. Hopefully my brother will have a chance to look at Kiras detailed records and give us an opinion.

Mira will be going with us. I'll likely have her checked out while we are there. She's been panting pretty heavy all day.

[labblab]

Janis, good luck with the appointments today. I'm glad Bud will be going along. It always helps to have "four ears" to take in all the information. Plus, you're right, it will be important for him to understand any further recommendations that come from the vets.

Please give both girls big hugs for me, OK?
Marianne

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi Janis,

Let us know what the vet says today about Kira and Mira. Taking Bud with you is a great idea! It always helped me to have someone or something with me to help me remember what was said. I get so bumfuzzled at times it ain't funny!

You're doing a great job, Mom! Hang in there!

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

[apollo6]

Will be praying for you and Milo.
Fight for as long as you can. Milo is.
Hugs Sonja and Apollo

[Altira]

They are suggesting surgery for Kira. Any comments on that?

Mira..... Pale gums. Might be bleeding her liver. There running tests$$$$ for what I'm not sure. May need a transfusion. Might give her another day. Another week. Another week of what? Bud said do it. Bud who hates pending money.

They are both staying here for at least eight hours. More when we get home.