Introduction: Roo and Java (13 y/o Labrador retriever x) adrenalectomy advice

[Roo]

My husband and I took Java to Dr. Bookbinder's today for the consult. We were very comfortable with his approach, he was very open and honest. He also assured us that there is no "right" decision, as there are so many variables and we cannot predict what will happen. It was pretty clear though, with an adrenal tumor like she has and that will continue to grow, doing nothing might be worse than having her go through the surgery. The surgery can at least give her a chance. Her blood tests already indicate organ damage, considering how high her levels are.

We asked the important question, if this were your dog, what would you do. He said that if his own dog were in the same position, and knowing what he knows about Cushing's disease, that he would want to try. I was comforted by the fact that he said that he is more conservative than some other surgeons might be; he is not going to go for an all or nothing approach with tumor removal, if it compromises the chances of her survival.

Her surgery is going to be on October 25th @ 9:45 AM.

[Roo]

I had a consultation yesterday with Dr. Bookbinder, and decided to schedule Java for an adrenalectomy. The date this will happen is October 25th. I have to admit that I'm very scared about this, since there is a possibility that if something goes wrong with this, I could lose her in less than a weeks time. The thing is, she does have a large tumor on her left adrenal gland, and her blood test levels are so high that it indicates damage is already done to her organs and that it will only get worse if the surgery is not done. The doctor has assured me that his approach is not agressive to the point where he is willing to remove the tumor if it would put her in jeopardy, which to me is a good thing. I think part of the reason I am scared is that right now she seems relatively happy, her biggest symptom right now is that she is hungry and thirsty all the time. The doctor has told me that with time she will develop other symptoms if we do not act, most likely kidney or liver failure. I really hope I am doing the right thing. It seems like every option has it's drawbacks. The adrenalectomy is the only option that may offer her a better quality of life but is also risky enough to possibly end her life during surgery, or afterwards if there are complications.

Moderator note - I have merged you post about the surgery with Java's original thread. We like to keep all the info about each pup in one thread. This way it is easy to look back at the history if needed.

[Squirt's Mom]

Mornin',

Being scared when facing something like this is perfectly normal. If you didn't feel this way, I would have to wonder about you!

The surgeon said two things that would go a long way toward bringing me comfort. 1) That this is what he would do if Java were his; 2) he wouldn't take any further risks with her than he had to. You know today that this tumor is wreaking havoc in her body. This operation can give her the best chance and it sounds like Dr. Bookbinder knows his stuff. We have to trust he will do everything in his power to make sure your sweet Java gets off the table and makes a swift, uneventful recovery.

I remember when my Squirt had a tumor removed along with half her spleen. I was absolutely terrified from the time they told me about the tumor until the day she showed me she was well and back to her old self. Everything she did would cause my heart to race and my hand fly toward the phone just in case. That was in '08 and I am grateful every morning we wake up together to face another day. It is my sincerest prayer that years from now this time is just a memory and your heart is filled with wonder for each and every day you have with your Java.

Until the 25th, enjoy your baby. Go do things the both of you like to do. The decision is made and now you simply put one foot in front of the other until the surgery is over and she is back home.

We are here for you any time, sweetie - you are not alone. If you need to vent, have at it. We can take it!

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[Buffaloe]

Hi Roo,

Oh boy, October 25th is going to be a big day for you. I definitely think you have made the best decision for Java. Dr. Bookbinder sounds fantastic. Judging from all of the information you have provided, my guess is that Java's tumor is not a real bad one in terms of size, vascular involvement, or malignancy.

Shiloh's adrenalectomy was exactly 5 years ago today, October 19, 2006. Oh my goodness, it was such a difficult day for me but when my surgeon called and said the surgery went well and Shi was awake, it was total elation. I truly believe that the odds are way, way in your favor that Roo's adrenalectomy will be successful and she will make a full recovery. About a week before Shiloh's surgery, I took her to another really good gp vet I knew, just to get some confirmation that I was doing the right thing. She said the risks were "minimal." I questioned her on it and her reply was, "minimal."

You and Java will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Ken

[Cyn719]

Roo - I will be praying for Java everynite and especially on the 25th! The doctor feels very confident so I would of made the same choice especially since he said Java would only get worse -- as of the last ultra sound ( awhile ago) there was no tumor in Pennys gland so that means one in her pit gland -- the IMS today said I wish it was in her adrenal gland and she could of had it removed - so it seems like when they do see it in the adrenal gland depending on size etc they do like to remove them SENDING YOU ALL THE LOVE HUGS SUPPORT STRENGTH PRAYERS THAT YOU WILL NEED TO GET THROUGH THIS!!!!! GIVE JAVA A BIG HUG AND KISS!!! ADORABLE PICTURE - I see you are from NY - I think you are the closest neighbor to me - I am in RI

[Roo]

Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers, it really does help. Dr. Bookbinder did not over-promise, but does feel that based on where her tumor is located and the size, that there is a good chance that she will benefit from this surgery. At the time of the ultrasound, there appeared to be no vascular involvement, though there were some white spots that showed up which may indicate that the tumor is cancerous. If that is the case we can only hope that it has not spread and is still contained within the tumor. I guess we will really not know until the doctor gets in there, I know the waiting is going to be agony. I will be working that day so hopefully I will be able keep my mind occupied for a little while until I get the news (though highly unlikely...I am going to be very distracted. The good news is I don't operate heavy machinery at my job, the worst that will happen is that I will make a mistake on a spreadsheet).

[frijole]

Please know we will all be with you and Java through the whole thing. Sending strength and love, Kim

[Cyn719]

Roo -

You and Roo are in my thoughts and prayers every day!!! I am sending you LOVE STRENGTH HUGS PRAYERS SUPPORT POSITIVE THOUGHTS to help you through each day - please keep us posted and remember we are here for you - Give Roo a kiss and hug! xo

[Squirt's Mom]

Mornin', Roo,

Well, my hat's off to you! There is NO WAY I could sit at work and do anything other than cry, call the hospital, pace, fret, cry, wring my hands, cry, call the hospital, pace, cry...until someone took mercy on my and konked me over the head to put me out of their misery. (Actually, I'd be standing outside the surgery unit if they let me. ) Tell you what, since you'll be at work and I won't, I'll go ahead and do all that for you tomorrow, 'k?

Our thoughts and prayers remain with you both.
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[Jenny & Judi in MN]

Adding my good thoughts to you and Roo tomorrow. Judi