New Member....Hello everyone

[Rosie's_Dad]

:confused:
Hello everyone just found this site and I want to say first to the person that made this site Thank You and God Bless you for that.
I have been trying to take in so much information and if it wasn't for my niece helping me since I got Rosie's diagnosis I would be lost.
I dont know where to begin. The love of my life one week ago was told she has a tumor on her adrenal gland.:(
It all started about 3 weeks ago when I went to my everyday Vet and he said Rosie (9 yrs 10 month) had just a UTI and ignored everything else I told them about how she was acting. Back legs shaking, peeing in the house, heavy panting, sleeping on my bathroom floor pretty much everything on the symptom list other than a seizure she did. The very next day I went for a 2nd opinion and the Dr said after blood work and new UA test he felt a ultrasound should be done. Well thats a no brainer how soon can he do it and they had someone come to there clinic to do the test. Two days later after her test was over I was put into a room with the door closed and no Rosie. I got the news and didn't see it coming my heart was crushed. She gave me all my options but needed to get xrays to see more about it. Please understand I am not very smart and have dyslexia so I don't understand technical medical words and get confused very easy so any help anyone can give me(with answers you need from me) please be understanding. The Dr said that she would send Rosie's tests and xrays to OSU Vet hospital and see if they would operate and take the tumor out. She called the next day and said OSU could do the surgery but it would be very expensive. I am not rich but my baby is worth it and I somehow I would pay for it. So the next day Rosie spent the whole day at the clinic for tests. Thank God she is scheduled for pre-opt on 9/24/14 at OSU and she has been taking this medicine dibenzyline 10 mg 2 times a day until her surgery. A little over 2 1/2 hrs after taking this medication the 1st time Rosie was 60% her old self :) and I don't know what I am expecting or going to endure for my best friend, but she is worth it and I am here looking for any help or support you can give me. Thanks again for hearing me and thanks in advance for any help I get.

Rosie and Earnie

Rosie's Meds she is taking now...
She just ended her antibiotics last night. from reg Vet (1st appointment) (Urinary Tract Infection)
Dibenzyline 10 MG 2 X day- **Blood pressure
Tramadol 50 MG 1 Tab 2 X day- **Arthritis
Hep-Forte 1 Tab 2 X day - **elevated liver

[Trish]

Hi Earnie

Welcome to you and Rosie, you are most definitely in the right place to get some support! We have a few members who have undergone adrenalectomy with their dogs, me being one of them. Flynn had his surgery nearly two years ago now.

Have they told you what type of tumour they are suspecting, I am wondering if it is pheochromocytomas as they Dibenzyline they have put Rosie on is commonly given prior to the surgery. Has she had high BP? Glad she is feeling OK on it, it did drop my dogs BP pretty fast and he felt a bit funky when he started that.

We do like details, so if you have copies of her blood tests (just post abnormal values with laboratory reference ranges) and also the ultrasound report would be great. Be interesting to hear how big it is etc.

We usually post you a list of questions to ask the surgeon, but sounds like the decision has already been made to proceed. If you would like to read over the list let me know and I can post it.

My dog only needed to be in hospital overnight, then back out again the next day but he did go back in a couple of days later with a bit of nausea. Is the hospital close to you or are you going to stay nearby or stay at home and wait for news?

It is a scary time, but we are well used to going through this surgery and will be here to hold your hand along the way!

Trish :)

[Trish]

Here is a pic of Flynn 22hrs after his adrenalectomy so you can see what to expect! Don't worry its not gory :D:p

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/album.php?albumid=559&pictureid=4381

[Rosie's_Dad]

I do know it is pheochromocytomas... to be honest I have been on a roller coaster of emotions and all the test results and talking to the Dr thank God my niece has been helping me. After the ultrasound and x rays the Dr was talking to me about the quality of time I had left with her and even though I am not a rich person Rosie is my everything.....all my dogs are so the only thing I can process in my mind now is her surgery date and its a 3 hr drive from here and I will be staying with her while she recovers there for 4 days. To far my new Vet said for me to bring her home after surgery. The Dr said she would rather this surgery be done at the University hospital than here locally because of there surgeons and after care is much better at OSU. I will find the blood work numbers and post them and thank you for your post. I have my baby girl right under me and hearing from people that have gone through this surgery does makes me feel better.

[Trish]

Which side is the tumour on? I totally agree with having it done at the big pet hospital place, you definitely want a top-notch board certified surgeon for this. Adrenalectomy can be tricky, so it is best done by surgeons that are very well experienced with it.

Pleased your niece has been there to support you to get through this, nothing like having family to help out :)

If it was me, I would also be checking they had an experienced specialist anaesthetist. One of the problems with the pheo's are that they can cause BP spikes and you want someone very experienced to deal with that if they occur. They didn't with Flynn's surgery. His tumour was into the vena cava have they mentioned if there is any sign of spread to you? Sorry if I am asking too many questions. :rolleyes:

[Rosie's_Dad]

Trish......I found the blood work and here is the abnormals

Glucose.......73 (80-130) low
Protein........4.8 (5.1-7.7) low

ALT.............241 (0-83) high
AST.............78 (15-50) high
LYMPH.........32 (12-30) high
RBC'S...........1 (<1) high

I dont have the ultrasound results what should I ask for and I will call the vet and post it. If there is anything I forgot please let me know. Is there anything I can give Rosie Trish before her surgery that will help her and get her stronger than she is now for surgery? Thanks for any help my way......Me and Rosie thanks you

[Trish]

Hey, can you put the normal values in brackets alongside of those? Then we can make sense of them, some labs have different values so we need the normal!

[Trish]

Before surgery I would give her what she is eating now, not a good time to change diet just before surgery as you do not want to upset Rosie's tummy. Same with supplements, I would not add any now either. Just a good nutritious diet would be good. She might need some easily digestible foods afterwards, I gave my boy some chicken initially. I would be taking her for walks, to keep her fitness up... perhaps not letting her run 100 miles/hr but a nice walk will be good.

But most importantly of all give her all the loving and fun, that's what she will love the most!! Does your heart good too, I always think it is nice they do not know what is in store for them and we get to shoulder that burden, just think this time next week it will be done and she will be on her way back to good health! That is what I hope for Rosie!! :)

I know its not cheap, unfortunately surgery is never cheap. Wish I had thought about insurance way back when he was a pup!! Not doing it because of money worries was not a consideration for me, I just extended my visa and overdraft and sucked it up! A lot of us have struggled to get vet bills paid, there are options out there and a link on our resources page that might give you some ideas. http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=212

Just ask the vets to email you the ultrasound report.

I have to head out for a bit but will check in later tonight, again welcome to you and Rosie!! :)

[molly muffin]

Hi Earnie and Rosie and welcome to the forum.

Trish is really our go to person for pheo surgeries as she has been there, done that.

I agree that staying in the hospital after surgery is a good thing. You want to be there for after care. I think Trish stayed in a hotel with Flynn for a few days afterwards.

It is very scary, because we do love them so much. We all understand that around here. That is very nice of your niece to help you out. It can be so overwhelming when hit with this diagnosis.

Welcome again.
Sharlene and molly muffin

[Dixie'sMom]

I'd also like to welcome you and Rosie to the forum. I am new to having a cushings pup myself so I can't offer any advice but the others are very knowledgeable and experienced so you are in very good hands. I'm just here to cheer you on and pray for the best of outcomes for Rosie and pray for the most knowledgeable doctors to be put in her path... and of course for a speedy recovery. I have a dyslexic son so I understand that as well. Keep a pad and pen with you at all times thru this and jot down anything you hear that sounds like it may be important in Rosie's case. Spell it like it sounds if you need to and come back and post and someone will help you understand whats going on. I'm also so glad to hear that your niece is helping you. So take a big deep breath now and relax. You are not alone.

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi and welcome to you and Rosie! :)

Oh my YES have this done in the hospital setting where she will have the best care available 24/7. The recovery period is crucial so she will need that setting. ;) You will get to play nurse soon enough! :)

This is a scary time, I know, but you and Rosie now have a stupendous family at your side - US! :D Several here have been through adrenalectomies for both pheos and cortisol secreting adrenal tumors. Tough surgery, terrifying time for parents, but the best chance for the pups to live out a normal life...and we will be right by your side the whole way.

Keep your chin up and keep in close touch.
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[Rosie's_Dad]

To everyone thank you from the bottom of my heart welcoming me and Rosie to this site.....My niece said for me to find a forum to get information and get support from others going through the same thing that Rosie has.....I ran around with some tough characters in my early years of life and after a back injury and then taking care of my 87 year old Dad with dementia and being a Dad to the 3 best fur-kids that are my everything. I never thought I would cry like a baby when any of these 3 are given the news I got when I heard Rosie had this tumor on her gland. I don't get along well with people that say such stupid things as its just a dog or I cant afford that but take expensive trips my heart breaks for there pets. I am with you'all that know I would do anything for my baby girl I would do it for any of my babies. I would rather eat beans and rice every night with Rosie than eat out... and stay home and play with Rosie than go on vacation without her..... and you all get that..... THANK YOU

Earnie

[molly muffin]

We're very happy you found us too. We worry for each and every one of our members furbabies. We consider ourselves to be the k9cushings family.

If you take a peek at our administrators, they have all been down this road for many many years and they stay and keep this place going so that the experiences they had and of other members can help those who come after. It is really a labor of love.

Sharlene and molly muffin

[Rosie's_Dad]

:confused: Can someone tell me what I will be doing to help Rosie when I get home after her surgery and 4 days after care? Is there anything I can get ahead of time before I leave to be prepared once I get home, because I still care for my Dad and my niece will be here taking care of the house and my other 2 fur-kids. I just am trying to get ahead of the game so when I come home from OSU hospital (3 hrs away) I don't have to be away from Rosie but shortly and my Dad cant drive its just me him and the puppies here. Thanks for any tips so I am ready once I get home.

Earnie :)

[molly muffin]

When Trish gets back. She is away this weekend I am sure she can give you plenty of pointers having been through a pheo surgery and a couple liver surgeries. She's an pro at this point in after care. She will likely be around sometime Sunday our time. I'll let her know to pop in and give you some pointers. Others might be by too.

Sharlene and Molly muffin.

[Rosie's_Dad]

:( Long Long night for Rosie and me and I think its my fault .... Since Rosie arthritis has gotten bad the last 2 years long walks and running for her are pretty much no no's so after hearing I should get Rosie ready for surgery and she was doing better after taking the blood pressure meds I have been taking her with me everywhere I can for exercise(she loves to go for rides) Yesterday for the first time in a long time I had her out all day and went to grocery store late and she wanted to go when I came out to the car she wasn't her regular self and didn't want her treat for going with me :( So I just didn't make anything (inside I was upset with myself) of it and when I got home Rosie couldn't get out of the car and her back legs where shaking the worst I have ever seen. Rosie is 75 lbs and I have had 2 back surgeries but I picked my baby up and took her to the door and she hobbled to my bedroom and went down next to my bed. After getting my other 2 puppies ready for bed I laid down next to Rosie as she panted till 1 or 2 am I rubbed her tummy and massaged her back legs telling her how sorry I was for working her all day. I stayed up all night just holding her and brushing her. How stupid I am. I wanted to help her get stronger and I made her hurt. She didn't eat today until 10:30am and she never eats that late. I had to make her take the blood pressure meds because she wouldn't take any of her supplements or medicines. She finally has eaten her second meal and gone to the potty with horrible diarrhea. I want my old Rosie back... I thought I was helping her...I just lost the love of my life...she was my biggest baby Abby on 3/31/14 ......I don't understand why is happening to me....I am trying so hard to be strong for my babies and when I get in the shower or bathroom and the fan or water is running I fall to pieces. I haven't gotten over Abby and Rosie is my everything.....I thought I was helping Rosie and what a loser I am I hurt her.....Sorry everyone I haven't even got over Abby and to see Rosie hurting and not herself brings back over all the pain of when I lost my Abby...

[labblab]

Dear Earnie,

I am just now getting caught up on your thread and I am so sorry that you and Rosie are having such a rough time. My heart goes out to you because I know how worried and upset you are. And I do understand about the self-blaming because I do that all the time, especially when I fear I've made a mistake with my dogs. :o

But the truth is, sometimes we really can't know what's best until after we've given things a try. There was reason for you to think that offering Rosie some activity could be a good thing. But now you know it didn't work out that way so it is a lesson learned and you'll do things differently tomorrow. I hope you will not be too hard on yourself because you were only trying to help Rosie, and there is no shame or blame in that.

I'm afraid I don't know much about pheos at all, so I can't offer much help in that department. But based on Rosie's experience today, maybe we now know that she cannot tolerate too much activity due to blood pressure or heart rate or release of hormones or whatever. So as I say, now you'll do things differently.

I am so sorry this has been such a sad year for you. One loss is hard enough; layering on more worry makes everything so much harder. But it is clear what a loving and caring father (and son) you are. Please know we are here to walk alongside you in the coming days, no matter what challenges you must face.

Sending many healing thoughts your way, and hopes for a much more restful night for you both.
Marianne

[Rosie's_Dad]

Thank you Marianne,
It seems for me that at my time of just wanting someone sit next to me and really not say anything, but be there for me those people (excluding my niece Melissa) always have a reason why they cant be there. I dont want to lean to much on Melissa because without her I don't know if I could make it through these very hard times. I am there for all my friends through thick and thin but most of mine are great friends during happy times only I guess. Thanks Marianne sometimes just having somebody say I am here makes the downward spiral stop and I cant say thanks enough for just being there.:)
Earnie

[Dixie'sMom]

I'm here too Earnie, sending prayers up for you and Rosie. Marianne is right -- don't be too hard on yourself. Since our babies can't talk to us, it is a guessing game at times. And your grief over Abby is so fresh, that you want to give Rosie your all. And I believe you are giving her your all. So take a deep breath and you and your girlie get some rest. I hope you both will have a better day tomorrow.

[Trish]

Hi Earnie

I think a lot of us have come across insensitive friends or family. So irritating and upsetting at times, they just do not understand the love we can have for animals and ah well their loss!! Keep with the ones that do understand and hey you got all of us now and we most definitely know where you are coming from with the love you feel for these pups!!

Now, re her feeling bad the other day. Hopefully it was just a long day out for her and she is feeling a lot better know, if she wasn't I would be taking her back to the vets to check BP as it could have dropped quite low on her medications and be making her feel yuck. Or it could be the pheo secreting as they tend to do intermittently. So if she keeps that up I would get her in for a checkup.

Re getting ready for afterwards, I would have nice nice tasty food that is easy for her to digest. See how she is but I think I would get a bit of chicken in the freezer to have on hand to have with a bit of mushy rice if she was feeling a bit finicky. Although if she was tolerating it I would still give her normal food. I was absolutely stunned when I went to visit Flynn 2 hrs after his surgery and they put a plate of food in front of him. He wasn't that interested but they said they like to get them eating asap to get the gut working.

The pet hospital will supply you with her meds like pain relief to give so no need to worry about that.

She is going to have to keep quiet with no jumping for a couple of weeks so think about where you are going to locate her bed so that she won't be tempted to jump, some of us have put barriers up if they tend to jump on the couch. The vet will give you instructions on how much she can do, I had to just do very short leash walks for a bit, slowly extending things. They should also show you how to pick her up without hurting her.

Nice to have her regular stuff around her so maybe take a small blanket or one of your tshirts with the smells of home to have in her bed at the pet hospital, even though she is going to be quite dozy for a bit if she can smell that I think it is comforting.

My dog did not bother his sutures but some do, so see how she is and it might pay to have a collar of shame on hand just in case, or maybe a tshirt would do the same thing.

I had a few sterile plain gauzes, in case I had to give the wound a wipe. Talk to your vet about that, they may give you some cleaning solution appropriate for her or just recommend saline solution. They also gave me a few sticky dressings to apply as needed but they were not needed for long and I think bothered him more than the actual sutures.

Get ready for poop patrol as you want to see what is happening there postop. I did put some think towels in his bed intitially in case of any accidents, but he did not have any.

Hmmm that is all I can think of for now, if anything else pops in my head I will post it!!

This is such a stressful time, I am pleased to read if you are needing to take a moment you are doing it in the shower, I really think it important to keep things as normal as possible around Rosie so you do not inadvertently increase her stress levels!! We need positive thoughts for Rosie so even though I know all too hard it is try hold it together for your girl!! You have a great team of vets about to do their stuff so all going well this time next week you are going to have her home and recovering!! :)

[Rosie's_Dad]

:) Thank you Trish....
Rosie spent half the night in my bedroom next to my bed. I have taken my bed frame off the bed when Rosie's arthritis got real bad so she has a comfy bed on the side of me and one at the end of the bed that I am only a arm and head reach away. Her diarrhea stopped this morning WooHoo I know thats stupid but I am a worry wart about things and when any of a fur-kids have that I worry big time. I do think I am going to take her Monday morning to have her blood pressure checked just to make sure that new med is working for her and give me peace of mind. The puppy Chico is being very good staying out of her way and she lets me know when he needs to be outside playing or in his kennel. How I wish I could endure this surgery for her...She came to me this morning with her head in my lap letting me know I was the one that needed the love. I had so many things I needed to get done around here before Rosie and I leave Tuesday afternoon but today I decided to make it a relaxing day with the kids and right now I have two under my feet and Rosie looking at me on my office floor....
Thanks again Trish and everyone for being there for me....
Earnie

[Rosie's_Dad]

:confused:
Trish on 9/24/2014 Rosie has her pre-opt I may have said that was the day of surgery?? I was just reading over some things and yes I would love for you to give me anything and everything you think I should ask the surgeons on Wednesday of her appointment I have a copy of what they sent me from OSU small animal hospital on what will be going on for that appointment so anyone please give me anything I should ask, say, suggest, or tell the team of Vets during her pre-surgery appointment and I will post the answer to those the night before surgery so I don't leave anything out. I will be staying there less than a mile from the hospital until Rosie comes home. I elected for her to stay for after care 4 days because better safe than sorry my new Vet said.
Earnie
below is the email I got from OSU small animal hospital...
Thank you for scheduling an appointment with Oregon State University’s Lois Bates Acheson Veterinary Teaching Hospital. We have Rosie on our Small Animal SA Surgery schedule for Wednesday, September 24 at 10:00 AM.
In order to prepare for the appointment, please fast Rosie for 12-hours prior to the appointment; it is ok to leave the water down, just remove the food. Also, continue any previously prescribed medications as directed until you have seen our doctors.
Attached, you will find directions to the hospital and some information about what to expect during your visit. Please be aware that for many complex medical or surgical problems, exams and diagnostics may take most of the day. If you desire more detail on what to expect during your visit, including an approximate estimate of expenses, we would be happy to put you in touch with a Patient Services Technician who can answer your questions.

[Trish]

Sure, here is the list we have put together. You already have the answers to some of them so you can just pick and choose which questions are pertinent to Rosie's situation. So if she checks out OK on the day will they proceed with her surgery then and there or are you expecting to come home and get the surgery done at a later date?

Part I - Questions to ask when considering if surgery is an option for your dog’s adrenal tumour:
1. What type of tumour do you suspect, ?functional, ?non-functional, pheochromocytoma, benign, metastatic
2. Expected life span for my dog in a normal situation. If your dog is close to, at or past his expected lifespan for his breed is surgery going to be of any benefit?
3. Prognosis for my dog if we treated medically i.e. with Cushings medications. AND if we do not proceed with surgery how long do you think it would be before the tumour started adversely affecting his quality of life?
4. If he is miserable now, does the benefit of potentially risky surgery outweigh his current quality of life?
5. Are there any other health problems that could impact on a positive surgical outcome, for example: if your dog is overweight or has heart, BP, liver, kidney or lung conditions
6. Is there any sign of tumour spread – imaging should be done, including ultrasound and on advice of specialists either CT or MRI to check whether there is local invasion around the tumour, into blood vessels including vena cava or spread further away in the body to lungs etc
7. Surgeon recommendations – would he/she do it for their own dog?
8. Psychological impact for the owner: It is important to understand this is risky surgery, sadly current guidelines indicate 1:5 dogs do not make it, and some recommendations are not even that high. Can you accept it if your dogs dies during or in the postoperative recovery period surgery? This is where it is important to weigh up whether the benefit of your dog being fully cured is worth the risk of possibly losing him.
9. Financially – can you afford it? Find out estimate of costs.
10. Hopefully this will not happen, but if your dog collapses, e.g his heart stops either during his surgery or afterwards what emergency measures should be undertaken, do you want your dog to have CPR, how far are you (the owner) willing to go for your dog to be saved in such circumstances

Part II - Surgery has been recommended as treatment for your dogs adrenal tumour, here are a few suggestions on what questions you should ask your surgeon:
1. Are you board certified? How many operations of this type have you done? What complications have you experienced? What were the outcomes?
2. Please explain to me how you will do the surgery, which part would likely give you the most trouble? Will you be doing the actual surgery or a resident in a teaching situation? If so, is their close supervision?
3. Will there be a specialist anaesthetist available for the surgery?
4. If it hasn’t been done, do we need a CT/MRI scan to look at the tumour more closely to check for vena cava involvement or any other tumour spread?
5. What are the risks associated with this surgery, including
• Bleeding (including trauma to blood vessels or other organs during surgery)
• clots
• Blood pressure or heart problems such as arrhythmias
• pancreatitis
• pneumonia
• kidney failure
• infection
• wound problems
• bowel problems
• anaesthetic risks
• adrenal insufficiency or electrolyte abnormalities
• death (sorry but you have to ask that risk too)
6. If we proceed with surgery does my dog need preoperative treatment with Cushing’s meds, antihypertensive if high blood pressure is a problem – phenoxybenzamine recommended preoperatively for dogs with pheochromocytoma, anticoagulants or anything else?
7. How will you treat to prevent clots postoperatively?
8. What would you do if you found anything else during the surgery i.e. nodules in other organs e.g. spleen, opposite adrenal, liver, kidney. Would you remove them and what are the risks associated when doing additional abdominal surgery together with adrenalectomy
9. How long will it take and when will you contact me so I know all is OK, when can I visit after surgery?
10. How will the postoperative period go, how long would you anticipate he would need to stay in hospital? How will we manage pain?
11. What monitoring would be needed, e.g. heart monitoring, oxygen levels in the postoperative period
12. If your dog has an adrenocortical tumour affecting cortisol production will he need to be on steroids following surgery and for how long?
13. If there are problems when I take him home, who do I contact? Hopefully the surgical team until all is stable.

Hope this helps
Trish :)

[Rosie's_Dad]

Yes my new Vet was a student under the head surgeon of the oncology dept at OSU and she said but not to quote her that Rosie is will most likely have all tests done again at the OSU along with a CT scan and new ultrasound. Rosie is scheduled for surgery the following day unless for some reason the surgical team after the pre-op examination cancels it.
I want to say sorry for all the holes and not having the most information thru this last week Trish. Had I not just lost Abby in March I would have had my head more in the game with this whole thing. I might have noticed Rosie's symptoms much earlier this house is still in mourning so when I got the news that Rose had the tumor I absolutely fell to pieces in the Dr office. I do know that Rosie has a tumor(dont know size) and its cancer on her adrenal gland and the Dr did say that if OSU could do the surgery that would be Rosie's best chance for many years of quality of healthy life. After reading how much everyone knows about there loved ones issues and tests and etc it makes me feel like I am a terrible Dad not being able to handle all this for my baby.
I want to share with you Trish and everyone what I went through the last week of March....
I took Abby to the 3 different Vets in 2 weeks she wasn't acting right but each one examined her did blood work and couldn't find anything. 15 hrs from having a 2 hr examination and blood work. The next morning my Abby couldn't move her back legs and after xrays she had mass trauma earlier in her life (she was a rescue) the Vet discovered 3 breaks in her spine and 2 days later I held her in my arms as she passed away. It was so fast and I cant tell you how hearing Rosies diagnosis I re-lived those 3 days over and over again. Its easy for people to say get your head in the game now but Abby was not just my baby she was my fathers extension to me. Sorry I didnt mean to get away from the subject just wanted you to know what I have still going on in my head. Lately I wonder if me not being as smart as others is not good for my babies.

Trish thanks for everything and I am going to print all that up right now.

Earnie

[Squirt's Mom]

Ya know, Earnie, "smarts" doesn't really have all that much to do with it. The "smarts" you need, you already have and those smarts come from your love of Rosie and knowledge of HER. You already know how she acts when she feels good and how she acts when she doesn't. You know when she if off even if no one else can tell. We call this kind of smarts - your gut. You will hear us say, "Listen to your gut" because we all have that ability but especially so when we love someone so very much as you do Rosie. And most of the time our gut will tell us true.

Most of us came here like you - not knowing it was a good idea to get copies of test results, not knowing we even had the right to question our vets but simply trusting them....so many things we didn't know but we have learned just as you will. Pretty soon all these Greek terms will be part of your everyday language and you will be explaining these complex issues to someone else. ;)

You're doing a good job under tremendous pressure so don't get discouraged.
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[labblab]

Oh Earnie, there's all different kinds of "smart" and sometimes the people who did the best in school don't have any common sense at all!! My dad was dyslexic, too, and always struggled a bit with having to read more slowly and take more time to organize his thoughts. But his mind was very, very sharp in other ways. Mechanically, he could figure out things that nobody else in the family possibly could, for instance. But far more than what is in your head, it is what is in your heart that is the most important gift you are giving your family.

I think you are doing a terrific job of gathering information to help Rosie. And more important than anything else is how much you love her and how motivated you are to help her. I know lots of "booksmart" people who would never go to the same effort as you are going to take care of your dogs.

You are doing a really good job, Earnie. And especially so soon after losing Abby. That kind of shock and sadness definitely takes a toll, and I am not at all surprised that you are still having flashbacks from that time.

I am so glad Trish is able to help guide you a bit with all this useful surgical information. And once again, many others of us are right here to help with the worry. But bottom line, I think you are a tremendous dad and your furkids are so lucky to live with you!

Marianne

[Rosie's_Dad]

Leslie and Marianne.....

Thank you so much for your support. I never thought about it that way... being smart has nothing to do with loving your furkids because I love them and there is nothing I wouldn't do for them.

I dont want this to sound the wrong way(I do that alot) but I keep praying that just until I get Rosie thru this surgery and back home my mind would stop re-playing those 3 days they were the hardest days of my life. I dont ever want to forget it but how do I do that? Just till Rosie gets thru this operation and recovery can anyone help me on that one please. I feel like I just zone out and I want to be 100% focused on this and only this.
Thank you so much..

** I have pictures of all my kids I don't know how to link it here but I made a photo album so you all can put a face to the names.....

Earnie

[Dixie'sMom]

I agree with the others Earnie. You do have what it takes to get through this. The only thing you are lacking is self confidence. And you've got to get rid of that guilt. All of this is completely foreign ground to you so how could you have known any more than you did? You couldn't possibly have predicted the future. So out with the guilt and low self confidence and in with faith and the knowledge that you have lots of people around you who can help you get thru this. I have no experience or advice to offer you or anyone else on this forum, but I have elected myself to be a "cheerleader". And I'm here to cheer you and Rosie on! Look up! Look to the future where your little love will feel better and be healthier and you will be more experienced and you can be a cheerleader too. You'll also be in Trish's group of the very few with experience with this type of surgery and the pheo's. So as the "pack leader" for your family, stay strong and confident, have faith and pray. We're all cheering for you and Rosie.

[labblab]

Earnie, I love your photos!!! :) :) :) :)

As for how to stop dwelling on the bad time with Abby, that is really the million dollar question! I am one who gets stuck in my own head, worrying about the same thing over and over and over. It is really exhausting, and as you say, kept me from being able to focus my attention on other things.

I went through so much guilt and sadness when my own Cushpup died, now ten years ago. Out of the blue, my mind would get stuck on thinking about what had happened to him and me feeling awful and thinking about what I "should" have done. Here's a little trick that I tried and it actually helped me. It sounds really simple and kind of silly, but as I say, it did help me turn my thoughts elsewhere. I made up a little three-sentence saying: "We loved him dearly. He had a wonderful life. We didn't let him suffer." And whenever my mind would start getting stuck on the bad images and memories, I'd repeat those same three sentences over and over and picture my boy at his happiest and best (he's the yellow Lab you see here on my post). And after a few minutes, that would help me let loose of the bad thoughts and move my mind on to something else. I probably repeated that phrase about a thousand times during those first few months, every time I'd feel myself getting stuck again (which happened so often!). But finally, over time, the bad thoughts shifted away mostly for good. So maybe you can make up some sentences of your own, whatever can help you feel more at peace about Abby and shift your focus to Rosie.

As I say, this probably sounds kind of silly :o :o, but it helped me refocus. So maybe there are some simple sentences that you could make up that would make you feel better, too. Just a little suggestion from one worrier to another...!

Marianne

[jas77450]

Just saying hi, I am new here too,
I'm with you on the focusing, we just have to take one day at a time.

[molly muffin]

What wonderful pictures. You are treasure, rescuing these babies and giving them a wonderful home and life and purpose. :) It is awful that we ever have to lose even one of them, it just hurts. We all understand that.

Now though, you just have to find the thing that lets you refocus on Rosie and getting her through this surgery so she will be with you for many more wonderful years.

Believe me, when I heard the word cushings and tumors, it felt like being overwhelmed with panic and how was I going to help my furbaby when I knew nothing about this or even what it was. We all came into this in the exact same way. We didn't Know what something meant or what to do or even what the best way was to advocate for our voiceless furkids.

But you learn. It takes time, it doesn't happen over night, but you read something or hear something or think about something and it sticks with you. When it is all put together, then you feel more confident in going toe to toe with any vet or person on the subject.

Confidence is one of the gifts of the forum. You have so many people right here with you, ever step of the way that it is like having your own personal support group. I take my smart phone or ipad with me to every vet visit, specialist visit and have been known to text questions from the Vet ER, because I know that here, there will be someone who knows the answers or has a suggestion on the question to ask to help us on this journey.

You ARE the best dad to your furkids and the best thing in their lives. Remember that, hold it close, because it is not a one way relationship by an means.

Sharlene and molly muffin

[Dixie'sMom]

Wonderful pictures and beautiful kids! I'm so sorry about Abby. It's so hard to lose them.

[Mackenzie]

Earnie, I am new to Cushing's too, so I thought I'd just chime in as one of your cheerleaders. Sending you and Rosie many positive vibes!

[Trish]

Lovely pictures for sure!! I bet the dog food bill is not cheap at your house :D:D

Ya know Earnie, I think you are doing great with all these curve balls you have been thrown. You have already gone the extra mile and found all of us :) we are all pretty good at deciphering test results so you ever need any help at all you get your butt in here and ask!! There are no stupid questions on K9C, god knows I have asked enough of them :rolleyes: everyone learns the ropes in their own time so you just give yourself a giant pat on the back for researching what is the matter with Rosie and getting a plan in place!! I think Rosie, Bella and Chico are all tall enough to give you their own pat on your back for being a super Dad from all of us here!! :)

[Rosie's_Dad]

Thanks everyone so much.....
I am getting so nervous tomorrow Rosie and I make our 3 hour drive to OSU (her pre-opt 9/24) and you just don't know how much your support, kindness, help, and just being there for me has calmed my stress and anxiety. I got a Dr appointment for Rosie today at 3:30 pm so I (for my own sanity) can see how this blood pressure medicine has done and for me to tell them about the episode that happened this weekend with her not being able to get out of the car. I want everything documented for her surgery Dr and praying this medicine is helping her before surgery. I will let everyone know how her appointment went and think I can get more info about the tumor and other details about her stim tests results.

To everyone again God Bless you and thank you for your support. I want to thank you the most for helping me get it together for my baby girl Rosie..... She is my everything...I see the sun rise and sunset in her eyes thank everyone of you from the bottom of my heart.

Earnie

[Trish]

Well good luck for today Earnie and Rosie and you know we won't be far away when you are at the specialists tomorrow, heck last time I went for Flynny's checkup they got posts and pics from the waiting room :D:D so if you need some moral support through the day you just check in here as there is usually someone around to hold your hand!!

[Rosie's_Dad]

:D
Well I will be leaving for OSU tomorrow afternoon and Rosie's Dr appointment went very good today. They checked her Blood Pressure 2 times in a hour and my new Vet that found this tumor came back after the tests and examine was over and I thought because the Vet Tech said her blood pressure was 140(both times) that wasn't going to be good news but the Dr said it hasn't changed and he would rather see it that way than it to be low before this up coming surgery. I am leaving on my way with a good Dr visit and all of your support for Rosie and me I feel so much better right now.

I will keep everyone posted on our trip there and how her pre-op appointment goes thanks again everyone.....

Earnie

[My sweet Ginger]

Hi Earnie,

My belated welcome to you and Rosie. Both my laptop and iPad weren't working for many days until today.
You are an amazing dad to Rosie, Bella and Chico. They all look so sweet.
I'm glad today's visit to the vet went well for Rosie and you.
We will pray for Rosie's successful surgery and smooth post op recovery.
You are going to stay strong for your girl. That's your only option k, Earnie?
Hugs. Song.

[mcdavis]

A belated welcome from me too.
I've just been reading your thread and wanted to say that I think you are doing a wonderful job. It's so hard to see our pups suffer and even harder to say goodbye, but somehow we have the strength and courage to put their needs first.
Thinking of you and your (canine) family

[Trish]

Pleased to hear that good update from the vet and 140 is a pretty OK BP!! Especially when you take the dogs anxiety into account, they call it "white coat syndrome" some dogs just being at the vets can put their BP up!

All the best for the appointment today with the specialist :)

[Squirt's Mom]

Let us know what you learn as soon as you can, Earnie. We are all riding shotgun, keeping you company, so if you think you see movement out of the corner of your eye, that's just one of us fluttering near.

Hang in there, Dad!

[Trish]

Just checking in to see if there was any news yet, hope all going well :)

[Rosie's_Dad]

:) Hi everyone I got here last night long trip up and Oregon rain is here. Rosie wanted to stop and pee so I stopped every time this trip is for her and we got here later than I expected but we are here and just got online the Motel had some issues until this morning. Rosie is giving me her " I want to eat look" so we are going for a walk and last potty run.
Trish I have my questions and all documents in my folder and will have my pen and pencil and note book with me at all times until I put her in the car home.......
To everyone that has helped me. Last night I prayed and made a personal promise to God and myself I will for Rosie's life keep my emotions out of this situation and be the strongest for Rosie to know I am 100% there for her.
***Please say prayers for Rosie and for Melissa she is taking care of my Pops and Bella and Chico and she is going to need them too.

Thanks will be back with how the appointment went later...


Earnie :-)

[Dixie'sMom]

Hey Earnie! Its good to hear from you. It sounds like you've pulled it together and are ready to tackle this. I'm so proud of you. (And yes, you can have those moments to fall apart later.) I'm sending prayers your way for Melissa and the pups and for you and Rosie. And praying for wisdom and skill for Rosie's doctors. Keep us posted on how things are going. ((((Earnie))) HUGS!

[molly muffin]

Just he king in. Good to see you are settled and ready to go at it

Sharlene and Molly muffin

[Rosie's_Dad]

To everyone,
CT scan showed the tumor has gone into the artery and all the way to her heart......They would operate but all others that have gone forward with the same as Rosie or less died on operating table. My world at this time is about nothing but making Rosie happy and peaceful for what time I have with her. There will be plenty of time for tears when all is said and done.
I don't think without coming here I could have been as brave and in touch with Rosies needs to have me there for her and not falling apart when she needs me most.

I am going to just spend everyday like xmas and new years with her and surround her with love, love, love, and more love. I forget who said it but someone on here had to remind me that I don't have to be smart to love my babies and that is so much the truth and I love all of them and smart has nothing to do with it. Rosie is next to me and I will be strong because she is my baby and she needs her Dad and she has never turned her back on me.

I will check in later when I get time thanks again everyone for everything.

Earnie and my baby girl Rosie...

[molly muffin]

Earnie

My heart breaks for you and Rosie.
I think they are right and the risk is too great. As it is I hope you have a long time still to enjoy each other and every single day will be treasured.

Sending all my support to you. Others too have walked this path and we will always be here for both of you when you need us. We aren't going anywhere.

Big hugs
Sharlene and Molly muffin

[Dixie'sMom]

Oh Earnie. That is not the news I wanted to hear. I'm so sorry.

Sometimes we have to find the blessing in things that don't appear to be a blessing. In this case, it is really a good thing that they found out this was going on before attempting surgery. At least now you can take your baby girl home and love her and enjoy her. All your pups are very lucky to have a Dad that is so loving and caring and that would go to the ends of the earth for them. So go home and enjoy your furbabies and keep us posted on how Rosie is feeling. HUGS!

[Trish]

Hi Earnie

Well that definitely is not the news we all wanted to hear. It sucks in fact. So sorry to hear that about the tumour thrombus. I totally agree that is not a good idea to operate when it has got to that stage. Are you back home? I hope you are back in your own comfy house or soon will be. Again the good thing here is Rosie has no clue about whats going on, only that she is with your and her pack! Sounds look you already give them loads of love, so she is certainly not short of that. Gawd cancer can be a sneaky bugger, but I hope you have lots of good quality time left with Rosie. Yes, you must stay here and we will help as much as we can. None of us know how long we are here for, so who knows with Rosie. I hope both of you get some sleep tonight to regather your thoughts as your poor head must be whirling. Big hugs to you all

[My sweet Ginger]

Earnie, you are so right. There will be plenty of time for tears later tho in the meantime we will shed all the tears for you and Rosie.
We are all so heartbroken and devastated over this terrible news and we are crying.
As sad as it is she really has no idea as to what's going on with her. With proper medications and your incredible love for her she will be able to live many happy days with you. It's all about quality of life now and not quantity from here on. Make everyday so special for Rosie and you for the happy memories that will last your lifetime.
This news is so very devastating but you are going to stay strong and brave for Rosie as long as she needs you, dad, and she really needs you now more than ever. I'm so sorry, Earnie. Big hugs, Song.

[labblab]

Earnie, huge hugs coming from me, too. I hope you and Rosie travel home swiftly and safely. I know you will shower her with love and attention, and we will be here to hold you up no matter what each new day brings. You and all your babies are our family, too, now and forever.

Marianne

[Squirt's Mom]

Aww Earnie, not what any of us wanted to hear, ever. I can imagine how your heart feels today. Please try to hold onto the fact that your sweet Princess has no idea what this means. All she knows is that her loving dad is by her side and that is all that matters, the only thing that matters to her. Tomorrow doesn't mean a thing to Princess, only this moment with your hand on her head matters to her.

Know we are here any time you need to talk.
Hugs and gentle belly rubs for all the babies,
Leslie and the gang

[SusanB]

Hi Earnie,

So sorry for Rosie's diagnosis. She has a great dad in you that you are doing everything you can for her. I will keep both of you in my prayers.

[Rosie's_Dad]

To every member, Moderator,

I got home a few hours ago and made every rest stop and then some so Rosie could get out of the back seat (big bed I made for her) and get fresh air and stretch her legs. She is still beat from the CT scan but was so Happy to see her Mom when we got home. That put a big smile on her face when she saw Melissa. How blessed I am to have the greatest furkids in the world but have Melissa in my life (my kids and my guardian angel is what she is).
Rosie is now resting and Melissa went to Petco to get her favorite canned food and she is going to stay here with us for a couple of days and I cant even tell everyone how much that helps me keep my happy face on and stay strong for my pack. :-)
I know I have said this already a hundred times and I am going to say it again I dont think I could have made that trip all the way up there and back and been strong and show nothing but love and strencth to Rosie in her time of need and I have each one of you that has helped me. This journey is far from over yet, but thanks again for giveing me the strenth and support my baby girl so rightfully deserves ahe never let me down not once since she came into my life.

God Bless each of you

Love Earnie, Rosie, Bella and baby Chico

[Rosie's_Dad]

I wanted to share Rosie's discharge papers with the Forum and everyone that has helped me. Hopefully this will help others help others if that makes any sense. I have it in a jpeg image and will make a new photo album with both jpegs and I will leave it there and hopefully a Mod or the Admin could get it right on my Post.
God Bless and love your furkids extra for me tonight.....I am taking Rosie and Bella and Chico on one last trip to the beach and Melissa is coming with us... She is having a great last two days( she had a real hard 2 days after her CT scan and examination on Wednesday. I am going to make every last day with Rosie the best she ever had. The sun rise's and the sun sets for me through her eyes.........The Dr's said they have never seen a dog have such a large tumor and still have such a fight to live I really got blessed having her in my life. I will send some pictures from the beach...
God Bless please say a prayer for Rosie.

Earnie and Rosie, Bella, and Chico

[Rosie's_Dad]

Here is the links to her discharge papers there are two pages...

Earnie

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/album.php?albumid=929&pictureid=7115

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/album.php?albumid=929&pictureid=7116

[Dixie'sMom]

Earnie, I hope you all have a peaceful time at the beach. I think all of you could benefit from a little rest and relaxation. You've all been thru quite an ordeal. I'm glad Melissa is going with you. She sounds like such a blessing to you. I have been, and will continue to pray for Rosie and for comfort and peace for all of you. Please do post pictures if you can. I'll be with all of you in spirit, and of course, right here when you return.

P.S. Buttons and Dixie are jealous. They've never been to the beach. :)

[Trish]

Hi Earnie

I read the reports, it sounds like they were very thorough and above all else, very kind. That last bit where they said for her to chase seagulls, eat ice cream and enjoy her life speaks volumes for their caring nature. I am so sorry it was not operable, but glad you are keeping things together for her and spoiling her rotten. She is one lucky pup that Rosie. Keep in touch. Big hugs :)

[Rosie's_Dad]

:D
Trish I am considering moving up to Corvallis.....I cant even tell you how awesome the entire OSU Vet hospital staff and Volunteers were to me from when I first walked through the door to being outside after CT scan and making the dreadful call to Melissa after the appointment. The resident surgeon Dr (Dr Ree) came out to let me know that Rosie reminded her of her best friends rotty and she had tears building up. She and the other staff had never seen a tumor that was that high up in the artery (so close to her heart) and she never had a seizure, throwing up, fatigue she pretty much said that Rosie was well taken care of and had a reason to live and she told me she could see how close and how much I love Rosie. I have never in my almost 50 years living ever seen a Vet have tears in there eyes she is a very special Dr and at anytime I question or something really questionable about my babies health care I have a surgeon and a friend at OSU. They asked to use her records and charts for study they have never seen a adrenal gland tumor that size and she is so strong. You know Rosie has taught me so many life lessons and one is never give up on yourself....

The Dodge is packed and dogs are ready to go on our final family vacation with everyone.....We are just waiting on the puppies Mom and she is on her way.....I will upload pics tonight if we ever get off the beach......

Peace and Love,

Earnie Bernie.......Rosie Pose, Bella Donna, Chico da Man ;)

[flynnandian]

enjoy the beach!
my dogs love it very much too.
clears your mind i think.

[Mackenzie]

Earnie, you are the best and each post I read makes me want to give you a big hug! Rosie is so very lucky. Hope you and the family had great fun at the beach :)

[mcdavis]

I'm so sorry to read the diagnosis, but what lovely kind caring people at OSU. I hope you all have a wonderful time at the beach and make many happy memories whilst enjoying the ice cream. Take lots of pictures too....

[Rosie's_Dad]

To my K9cushings family

We just got home and I have plenty of pictures and short recordings of Rosie, Bella, and Chico and of coarse my rock and Rosie's Mom Melissa. Rosie loved every min of the trip (minus the drive there & back) she tires easy now. When we got there our reservation had been changed? to a upgraded room (from a companion lover like us) who I made the reservation with the front desk booking agent. I told why we where making this short trip there and Rosie's story of her last 2 weeks of tests and going to OSU and then her diagnosis. She even came out to the car and wanted to meet Rosie she was touched. This morning when I went to check out I find out that she gave us the best suite the hotel has and only charged me for one night stay in the least expensive room the hotel has (Monica thank you) We were there 2 days... and to Best Western Beachside Inn in Brookings, Oregon...... They love dogs and they made Rosie's last trip to beach awesome for us all thank you... and everyone that worked at the hotel knew about Rosie and Bella and Chico and made me feel like I was at home. They loved all my pack even me :-)..........

Let me tell you....Melissa is a God send....Every time she suggests to me to live for every sec with Rosie I see how awesome she is for not letting my mind wonder and to make wonderful memories while giving Rosie back what she has done for me since she was 8 weeks old. I would have lost out not making the best of every min and sec I have with my baby girl and so would of Bella and Chico. They had a blast too and thats very important for all of us in this pack. Well I am going to get Rosie's meds food and make her comfortable and then look at all the wonderful pictures of the trip to the beach :-) and I might just put the small movies on youtube so I will be back...........

Please stayed tuned.

Rosie is tired but she just ate some soft food...this is what my baby girl had this morning for breakfast before we left...
She started off with biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, cream cheese danish's, poppy seed muffins, and 6 pieces of crisp bacon...hahaha wonder if she has any room left for her small lunch......hhhhhmmm I think maybe tonight she will have chocolate cake with haagen-daz ice cream that she has requested and loves.
Be back soon my wonderful K9cushings family & thanks to all that replied since she isn't having the surgery... you are so awesome for hanging in there with me even though this site is for people getting advice and help to get rid of the many sides and disease cushings has....You dont even know how much it means to me to take a sec away from my baby girl and see your support for us it really touches me THANK YOU everyone......

Pictures and movies later k

Peace and Love,

Earnie, Rosie, Bella, and Chico da Man

[molly muffin]

This sounds like a wonderful trip. What a great person at the hotel. Dog lovers just stick together through the good and the bad. We come in all shapes and sizes and can be found in every location in the world.

I think this is just what the Rosie and you and Melissa and the rest of the gang needed right now. It doesn't hurt at all to reaffirm that this is what it is all about.

Looking forward to seeing the photos and vids.

Hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin

[Dixie'sMom]

What a wonderful vacation for all of you. The motel management went above and beyond to insure you had a good stay. It was so nice of them. I'm sure all of you are tired from the trip, but happy. I can't wait to see pictures! Hugs!

[Rosie's_Dad]

Sorry me and Rosie had a relax and chill day since my last post. I will be uploading more pictures soon but for now here are the first ones for everyone to see. My baby girl ate all her food and still loves to eat her haggen-daz.. I know my days with her each day is a gift I thank God for it. Well here is the first of may pics of my baby girl Rosie and her last trip to the beach..........
enjoy....
thanks for the support and hugs....

Earnie & Rosie, Bella, and Chico daMan......

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/album.php?albumid=932&pictureid=7137

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/album.php?albumid=932&pictureid=7136

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/album.php?albumid=932&pictureid=7135

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/album.php?albumid=932&pictureid=7134

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/album.php?albumid=932&pictureid=7133

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/album.php?albumid=932&pictureid=7132

[Squirt's Mom]

My heart is with you and Rosie, as well as the rest of your family, as you walk this final portion of your sweet girl's Journey. If we can be still for just a little bit and let the beauty of this time seep in, those last days and weeks we spend with our babies can leave us with some of the most treasured memories of all. There is a special sweetness to these days, a Sacredness that surrounds all we do together. I pray the Light will shine on you and Rosie each and every day, leading you forward, faithful in the deep love you share.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[molly muffin]

Wonderful pictures. I think Rosie and the whole gang really enjoyed themselves. Every pictures looks so happy. Even the, long day at the beach one. :) A good time leads to good naps. :)

hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin

[Trish]

Yes, they are fantastic photos, showing the love they all have for each other and their humans!! Lots to love about the beach trip, what a fantastic room opening right onto the beach. so pleased you all had a happy if tiring time away. I don't need to mention to enjoy the day, as it is obvious you are making the most of each and every minute you all have together. Big hugs!

[Katie's Mom]

Brand new here, myself.

I've been reading the advice here, and it seems really priceless. Great Vets even, are over worked, and sometimes forget to go the whole nine yards with you when you're going through this scary diagnosis with your beloved pet.

My Katie was diagnosed officially 5 days ago. She's on a medication which usually has a good response. I'm praying that she will be one of them.

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone here trying to keep their beloved doggies with a good quality of life, despite their illnesses.

[Dixie'sMom]

What beautiful pictures of your family, Earnie. They will always be a reminder of the love and devotion you have for your furbabies. Melissa is so pretty! I understand why you call her your angel. I hope you and the furbabies are having a good day. Rosie is always in my thoughts and prayers. Enjoy every moment.

Squirt's Mom -- What beautiful sentiments! It's obvious you have walked that walk and come out on the other side wiser and with a new appreciation of life. I have faith we will see our lost babies again and I know you do too!

[Rosie's_Dad]

Today is Rosie's 10th Birthday and I dont want to be away from her long so I will make this short. This morning for the first time in 2 months Rosie woke me up with the look I haven't seen in over 2 months. From 7:30 am till 2:00 pm I had the healthy, funny, and most loveable girl in the world and I cant tell you how awesome it was. A few days before today Rosie has been having "good" days and thank you Lord I will take every last one you will let me have with her. Rosie had her favorite chicken and rice for dinner and strawberry ice cream and her birthday cake is tonight outside around the firepit. To everyone that gives me support thank you I am trying to keep strong for my baby girl. Tomorrow I take her to Dr just to make sure I am not making any mistakes on how she is doing at this point.

Peace and Love to all,

Earnie Rosie, Bella, and Chico

[Budsters Mom]

happy birthday Rosie!!!!!:p:p:p:p

I am thrilled that you both had such a awesome day!:D

[Dixie'sMom]

☻ღ˚ •。* ♥ ˚ ˚✰˚ ˛★* 。 ღ˛° 。* °♥ ˚ •
Happy Birthday ROSIE!
☻ღ˚ • ღ。* ˛˚ ♥ 。✰˚* ˚ ★ღ ˚ 。✰ •* ˚ ♥


i WISH i COULD BE AT YOUR PARTY! I love chicken and rice and fire pits and strawberry ice cream!

[doxiesrock912]

We know our dogs better than anyone. If you see improvement, then there is!
Happy Birthday Rosie!!!

[Trish]

Hi Earnie

Checking in to see how you are all doing... ohhh and I missed her birthday!! I am sure you had a lovely, if a little sad day. Her favourite snacks!! Yum!! Big hugs to you all x


HAPPY 10TH BIRTHDAY ROSIE GIRL!!!!

[molly muffin]

Happy Belated Birthday Rosie! I'm so glad she and you had a good day.

How did the vet think she is doing?

hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin

[Rosie's_Dad]

I need help from anyone that knows about the pharmaceutical drug I am using for Rosie.....ASAP please....

Rosie is taking DIBENZYLINE 10 MG and she is doing awesome I don't want to stop her from taking this MED...Here is my problem I went to get her 10 day supply yesterday and they raised the price to $2,558.00 and No everyone that is not a typo I thought the gal at Costco was playing a mean trick on me and it isn't. Rosie has been doing awesome since her B-Day and I dont want to change her meds at all. Do any of you all know of a comparable, one that would work the same but not cost as much substitue for this I paid last night for 2 days worth and every pharmacy here wont carry that because if the cost.........I have my old Rosie back and I dont want to change a thing....
I take Rosie to UC Davis next week to see there Oncology department Lord willing they can do something she has lost her big belly, stopped drinking massive amount of water(drinking normal water)and wont stop playing and back off the bathroom floor and sleeping in my bed....Any help my way I would greatly appreciate.


Earnie, Rosie, Bella, and Chico

[Squirt's Mom]

OMG! Earnie! That is awful! I don't know of anything right off hand but will do a bit of research, as I'm sure others will as well. And contact UC Davis asap and explain what has happened. If there is a comparable substitute they will know. I am so sorry! This is rotten and the drug company should be ashamed! :mad:

[Squirt's Mom]

I would also start searching online for someone who may still have this drug at the old price. ;)

[molly muffin]

Phenoxybenzamine is the proper name and it is marketed under DIBENZYLINE. There are a generic option: Fenoxene There are two other generic inject able, but I think you are on the capsules.

Diamondback drugs (1-866-646-2223) carries it under phenoxybenzamine, and you can call them to find out their pricing. They ship pretty quick and your specialist can send them the prescription

Also as Leslie said, call the hospital and find out if they have an alternative, and tell them about the pricing.

Sharlene and molly muffin

[Rosie's_Dad]

Thank you Molly Muffin I am calling them right now ......THANK YOU SO MUCH.......I didnt want to change anything for Rosie she is doing so awesome......THANK YOU

:confused:I have called every pharmacy around me in a 50 mile radius and will keep trying and trying. I have a call out to OSU Dr's and I am waiting for UC Davis to call me back.......

Could I see a pharmaceutical company raise prices on personal preference drugs (viagra, celias, botox) YES I could..... but to put such a increase on price of a life saving drug for blood pressure, breathing, etc and they wonder why people snap. Anyway I will check back and thanks for the help......Rosie is looking at me saying I thought we were playing today.....hahaha

[Squirt's Mom]

Sharlene beat me to it! There seem to be several alternatives as well so hopefully her docs can find a way out of this pickle.

[Squirt's Mom]

Click the following link and at the top of the page are drugs in the same class. There is an arrow to your right for more names.

https://www.google.com/search?q=DIBENZYLINE&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&channel=sb#rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=sb&q=phenoxybenzamine+other+drugs+in+same+class&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAGOovnz8BQMDgx4HnxCnfq6-gYWhWZWllnx2spV-bmpKZnJmXqp-SlFpulVyTmJxsUJuam5SalEx6-O2hTUPWIpMUs4_ZjfPqBdeuEEcAANtXfJLAAAA

[molly muffin]

Dibenzyline is made by Wellspring, is this what the bottle looks like?

http://wellspringpharm.com/products-us-product1.html

This is Wellspring contact information. I'd call and ask them what is up with the huge price increase. (use the toll free number)

Just a note, don't forget to try pharmacies like Walmart, Kmart, CVS, Target, etc. They all list as carrying Phenoxybenzamine/Dibenzyline. (these are the same exact drug, marketed under different name, only Wellspring uses the Dibenzyline name)

WellSpring Pharmaceutical Corporation
5911 North Honore Avenue
Suite 211
Sarasota, FL 34243
Toll Free: 1-866-337-4500
T: 941-312-4727
F: 941-312-4738
email: info@wellspringpharm.com

Sharlene and molly muffin

[Rosie's_Dad]

Well I will not be buying from Costco anything ever again I just shredded the card.......

The same prescription at where I called sorry so frustrated right now is $31.95 please dont get me wrong everybody but the old me only a few years back would be back in there giving them a piece of my mind and I wont say what else Grrrrr .....

Rosie comes first, Rosie comes first, Rosies comes first,....sorry ya'll

I paid the $35.00 overnight shipping so I don't miss a day.......Thank you Molly Muffin I have been very very on time for her meds and have not changed a thing since she has been doing good. Her Vet wanted to try another drug and I was so against it. I am old school if something works don't tweak or fix it.

Thank you Thank you Thank you.......

My Cushings Family

Earnie, Rosie, Bella, Chico da man

[Squirt's Mom]

~~whew~~ So glad to hear it worked out! :cool::cool::cool:

[Dixie'sMom]

I am SO relieved you found a solution. Good work Ladies. Earnie, I think you are very gracious for NOT blessing out Costo, but honestly, this needs to be reported to someone. I have no clue who to report it to though. They could have cost you the life of your pet. I wonder how many other people they have done this to.

I'm SO glad you got this worked out and the medicine is working so well for Rosie. What a blessing!

[molly muffin]

I would report it to the company that makes the drug. :) Contact information above post.

Glad you were able to get it at a decent price Earnie! whoo hooo. Rosie comes FIRST!!! :) :) :)

Sharlene and molly muffin

[Rosie's_Dad]

Dixie's Mom & Molly Muffin......

I just did that and called Wellspring and there representative called me back and the distributer of that drug now is COVISPHARMA and like I would expect.... They tell me to take it up with them in really BIG words I didn't understand anything she was saying and had to ask her to Forest Gump it to me. I am not a Dr or that smart......

How sad that Wellspring can develope a lifesaving drug and it now is in the hands of a MONEY MONGOL........we live in a sad sad world......

I would never sell one of my home protection guns to anyone that I even thought would possibly use it to hurt a animal NEVER EVER!!!

Sorry to say its part Wellspring's fault they sold it.......

Now I am off to contact the company Covispharma.....

To everyone (sorry if I left anyone out of any of my thank you posts been crazy around here peps) on helping me get Rosie's meds.....

My Thank Yous dont even say what my heart is filled with from your fast action on getting this taken care of making sure my baby girl had her meds that we know work and it wasn't in hours and days... it was done in minutes.....

Rosie, Bella, Chico and me most of all thank you for coming to my time of need.....:)

God Bless each one of you........

******The very nice person from (sorry forgot the name) new company just called and Rosie's meds are in route from Arizona and will be here tomorrow before noon....I have 3 pills left so she wont miss one dose.....WooHoo......Going to take Rosie out for a play date with Bella and Chico at the park.......

[flynnandian]

http://www.rxpharmacycoupons.com/dibenzyline-coupon.html

[molly muffin]

Diamondback? :) Many on here use them for their pet medications with good results.

Drat, they sold eh. Did they by any chance mention when they did that? Let us know what COVISPHARMA has to say. I wonder if they are responsible for the outrageous price hike. When you called other place in the 50 mile radius, did they not have the medication or were their prices high too?

It must have been recent as they don't list it Yet on their product page. They only have 8 products, but I'm guessing will be buying the rights to other drugs and hiking up the prices.

If this is their strategy, is it legal to do so in the US? are their any policies in place to prevent this kind of thing? Are they doing it with human as well as pet medications.

Many questions to be answered and the best way to deal with something like this is to get the word out to media both regular and social once we know the facts. :)

Sharlene and molly muffin

[Dixie'sMom]

Earnie, just an FYI - Diamondback is very good with their regular shipping. Even without paying extra, my order was here 2 cays after I ordered it. Excellent, Excellent service. I wonder if its possible for you to stockpile some (with your vets permission and rx) in case the new company goes up on Diamondback's prices and they have to pass the price increase along to you. I realize it would be difficult to predict how much you will need. Maybe the vets office would be interested in ordering a quantity at Diamondback's prices to pass along to their patients. Just a thought.

What about a letter to the editor of your newspaper, or heads up to the local news like Sharlene said? This is just outrageous. I hate "price gouging", especially when it comes to healthcare. grrrrrr

[Rosie's_Dad]

Wanted to give everyone a update on Rosie and I made her appointment with internal medicine at UC Davis for Wed Oct 22 @ 12 noon......woo hoo Go UC Davis........(Rosie was born in California)

This girl is her old self and I am not giving up on her at all. I have been praying and asking the Lord for help to show me what to do....even if I didn't like what the sign was I needed to know now with no regrets....
She has had only 3 bad days since coming home from OSU and they said she would be gone within 2 weeks....Rosie has gotten stronger and been back to her old self thats my sign my baby wants to live and its not her time yet. I have Colorado State on back up if I don't like what UC Davis has to offer Rose........I am sorry for not sharing my change of heart on decision for Rosie but I felt I needed to make this one final decision on her medical direction solely on my own. I didn't even tell Melissa until yesterday.

If I would have given up on Rosie when they said she got a bad break this girl might have curled up and faded away. I gave her what everyone told me here to do and I did it!!! She had xmas and new years everyday and responded to that with "I want more" so I do owe everyone here many many thanks in that. We have a long road ahead of us and I know and realize now this could go either way but until Rosie suffers or shows me this life here with me is too hard on her were going to find someone to make her better and well.

Please keep Rosie in your prayers....10/22 12 noon I hope this time we get the news I was praying for at OSU

Earnie, Rosie, Bella, Chico

[molly muffin]

Sending you tons of support Earnie. You know Rosie best of all and you do what you need to do for her. We will support you through it all, no worries there. :)

I have to tell you University of Davis is one of the best all around. If there is anything at all that can be done to help Rosie, they are the ones to see. They are leaders in the field with research and procedures. We have quite a few members who have ended up going to them.

hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin

[Rosie's_Dad]

:) Just wanted to throw out to Trish and anyone else that there kids had the same adrenal tumor (not same size) Rosie has and have went through the surgery.......
My question is (and to anyone else please share) am I being to over protected by saying what UC Davis Dr's can and can not do during this examination on 10/22 would you do the same??
Would I be wrong for telling them this...???

I do not want any tests done to her without me being present in the room and ok all tests done to her. I dont not want any repeated test that made her sick and made her stomach become larger (OSU) **no taking fluids or putting fluids in her if there will not be a surgery or already discussed with me in full on what will be the reasoning and will it make her better not for your own tests because of size of mass.

I know I am not very smart but I do know that if she is going to have surgery 100% for sure I will most likely do that type of test, but if you are going to make her sick and ill and not well because you want for future documentation and case study and has nothing to do with Rosie's wellness and upcoming procedure then I will not allow anything of the sort.

Am I being to over protective? What do you think about my thoughts at this time on this? I really need help because I am 100% more protective than I was before OSU. When I went there I was doing everything and anything for the surgery then they say no surgery and Rosie was a very sick girl those 3 days following that examination.

Earnie :)

[Trish]

Hi Earnie

So pleased to read that Rosie is doing her best to prove those Dr's wrong!! I always say that those estimations are an educated guess, Rosie is not a number!! I bet the dibenzyline is really helping with keeping her BP under control and helping her feel better. :)

My Flynn had tumour into his vena cava like Rosie has. Difference was his was only in there a cm or so. His Dr's were confident they could get it out. I am pretty gung ho when it comes to surgery and recommend it. From what you have said though and that last report where it said the thrombus went to the heart, I have to say is worrying. Funnily enough I have just had the opportunity to speak to a surgeon (human) a couple of weeks back about similar cases... well it was in renal cancer, but they often have a thrombus like we see in adrenal tumours.

When the thrombus is reasonably small as in Flynn's case, to get it out they have to clamp the vena cava above it so when they are removing it and if a bit breaks off it is caught before it can travel throughout the body. The surgeon I spoke to operates on patients with more extensive thrombus some extending up to the heart like Rosie's. But to get a clamp above that size thrombus is a tricky surgical process as you cannot just clamp the heart. They have to involve cardiovascular surgeons and work as a team to put the heart/lungs on bypass so they can safely try and remove the thrombus. You do not want it breaking off and travelling further into the heart and then the lungs as it would be curtains. It is very difficult surgery but it can be done. Now I am not so sure about doing this on pets, but I think by going to UC Davis they will be able to give you a second opinion about whether there is the possibility they could operate on Rosie.

I certainly understand the reasoning behind your first vets assessment, maybe veterinary skills do not extend to such complicated cases just yet. But I do think you are going to find out one way or another from getting a second opinion.

Re the tests, I would get a copy of the CT she just had and take it with you. Or even better see if they can send it electronically, I know my vets here have that capability with digital radiological equipment. You might be able to save Rosie more testing and the UC vets can get the information they need. You have paid for that test, so they should have no problem giving you a copy of it, not just the written report either but the actual scan.

I think most vets would be happy to have the owner present for most tests, but in the case where they have to sedate her then I can also understand they might just want to get in there and do their work and discuss things as they are happening. I know you seem fairly sensible but there are owners who might not react well if good things are not seen, the vets need to be able to concentrate on the animals in those instances and I can see why we cannot always go in. I have never been in when radiology is done and I accept that. But that is my personal opinion you are allowed to differ :):D

Like Sharlene said we are going to support you no matter what and I wish you all the best for the appointment!

[Rosie's_Dad]

Thanks Trish for all the information.....And there is a surgeon at Colorado State University hospital that does exactly the surgery you described using stints and a bypass machine while taking the largest part of the cavea(sp) with the tumor in it cutting that part out and then joining the two parts (above and below) adjoining them together. Taking their time while using the heart bypass machine. This is a very risky operation and it is my final option(right now) if I do not hear a better one for Rosie at UC Davis 10/22.
UC Davis now has all of Rosie's records, tests and the Dr seeing her has spoken to the OSU Dr. after I pleaded with Dr Townsend(OSU) with emails and messages for one week to help me find a way to save Rosie.

After Davis got her records it went back and forth from oncology department to internal medicine department back and forth for a full day before they agreed on her appointment being with internal medicine. (I called Davis after they received her records, but I couldn't make appointment because they were still deciding which department would take it)

Trish Rosie is her old self (I don't want to jinx myself or Rose) She sleeps back on my bed or on the floor in my bedroom (not on bathroom floor) Rosie doesn't drink massive amounts of water. Her appreciate is back to normal. She is with Bella and Chico everyday and lets them know she is back on her job (Queen of the Roost) My girl is back and she has a lot of Life left in her. I know this could go either way.....But I couldn't live with myself not giving this girl a chance to get better. I would rather kiss my baby girl good-bye before surgery knowing I had a chance to make her better than to watch her die without trying something. I have freed up money and even had some of the people that told me she was a pet... offer me thousands of dollars after seeing her and the love she has for everyone. If you ever saw the look she has for women and kids in her eyes it would put the biggest smile on your face.

Rosie teaches me what life is really about....She even teaches those that did not believe in her at first.... and that is touching..

Whatever the outcome is I will have tried everything for my girl and with no regrets at all. The smile on her face and her tummy back to normal she is so happy right now and I have to keep her settled down because she wants to run and keep up with Chico and I don't want that tumor to break at any part and go into her lungs or heart.

The head surgeon at Colorado State is in San Diego this week for some lecture or convention for surgeons I was told by Rosie Dr at OSU. I will be hearing from him when he gets back from San Diego next week about the surgery there. Anyway thanks Trish and Rosie wants to live and I will do anything I can to help her.

Earnie, Rosie, Bella, and Chico :)

[Trish]

But I couldn't live with myself not giving this girl a chance to get better. I would rather kiss my baby girl good-bye before surgery knowing I had a chance to make her better than to watch her die without trying something. :)

You know Earnie, I thought the exact same thing which is why I proceeded with the surgery even when it involved his vena cava and was given lots of doom and gloom about that. But we are still here, so its not over until the fat lady sings eh!! Good luck with your appointment!

[Dixie'sMom]

Earnie, you also have my support in whatever decision you make. I think you and Rosie have touched everyone's heart and if anyone deserves a miracle, it's Rosie. The tricky part in all of this where Rosie is concerned is the surgery itself and the possibility of a difficult recovery if she survives. The tricky part for you as her Dad is making a decision based on facts and logic instead of emotion. And when you love her so much, its impossible to take the emotion out of the equation. If UC Davis says the surgery is possible and you go that route, you must be certain that you can put her in the surgeon's and God's hands without reservation or regrets no matter what the outcome. If things don't go as you hope, you have to be able to live with your decision or it will haunt you forever. I am hearing you say that you believe that you can do that.

Whatever you decide, I'm a huge Earnie and Rosie fan and I will continue to be your cheerleader and support you all the way. I'm keeping you both in my prayers today and always.

[Rosie's_Dad]

:) To my cushings family,

Its the evening before the day I take Rosie to UC Davis to see if one of their brilliant Doctors there that can help my baby girl Rosie. I got a really good memory foam liner (for on top of a bed) and cut it perfectly for the back seat for Rosie so now she will be super comfortable on those leather seats. I had blankets and beach towels back there for OSU but she never really got comfortable so hoping this trip she enjoys and can relax and rest more. I am so nervous right now I cant even think about sleeping she is at my feet and my knees are almost worn out and bleeding I have been praying so much. The good part about this trip to Davis is I am not expecting surgery and am very open minded and more understanding to what would need to be done to save Rosie but very open to hear all or any options Davis Dr's think are in Rosie's best chances to beat this..

Thanks again everyone for your support and I will post as soon as I can how the appointment went.

[labblab]

Oh Earnie, good luck to you and Rosie!! All fingers and paws crossed here that you learn some good news!

Marianne

[addy]

We will all be thinking of you and dear Rosie. Have a safe trip and check in when you can.

Paws up Rosie

[Squirt's Mom]

Let us know how it goes and what they have to say. I bet Rosie will really appreciate your efforts to give her a comfy ride, too. :)

[mytil]

We will all be thinking of you two!!! And hoping for some positive news. You are such a wonderful Dad!

Terry

[merry2day]

Dear Earnie and family,

I just spotted your thread and read the whole thing with tears in my eyes. I’ll be thinking of you and Rosie in the days to come. You are definitely in the right place here; there is so much caring and support on this board.

Our Jack (age 8) recently had a large pheochromocytoma removed at Tufts in Massachusetts, and he has recovered beautifully. We were very lucky because it was adhered to, but did not invade, the caudal vena cava. He did lose his right adrenal gland and right kidney. So easily things could have gone another way, and I feel for you. Best wishes to you and Rosie as you seek the best care for her.

Mary

[Dixie'sMom]

Best of luck tomorrow for you and Rosie. I'll be with you in spirit and waiting to hear what they have to say about your sweet girl. Hugs and prayers coming your way.

[My sweet Ginger]

Prayers for you and Rosie for tomorrow. Many hugs. Song.

[labblab]

Earnie, thinking of you and Rosie this morning and hoping that all is well.

Marianne

[Rosie's_Dad]

:)
Rosie and I arrived in Davis last night and the memory foam worked GREAT for her and it was awesome to look in the back seat and see my baby sleeping :) Me and my number 1 girl were able to take in some of the wonderful UC Davis campus(at night) and Rosie is watching me drink my coffee ;) and wants to know where home cooked breakfast is.

Rosie just thinks we are on another little mini vacation and I gave here a bath in the hotels big bath tub and she got a nice blow dry with there blow dryer thanks Hyatt Hotels... I pray the next time you hear from me I have good news but we will cross that bridge when we get to it....

To my cushings family, I don't know what this day will bring me but after I send this message me and my favorite gal are going to go see Davis now with the lights on....

Thanks everyone for your support it means more to me than you will ever know........ :)

[Squirt's Mom]

You've got a whole crowd roaming along beside you and Rosie, Earnie. We will be right by your side the whole way.

[Budsters Mom]

Ernie,

You are Rosie's biggest blessing and cheerleader. :D We are all cheering and praying for you both on the sidelines. ;)

Go Rosie!!!!

[molly muffin]

Hoping for some positive news!

Sharlene and molly muffin

[doxiesrock912]

Crossing my fingers that Rosie acting more like herself is a great sign and that you get even better news!

[molly muffin]

Hi Earnie, checking in on your and Rosie.

hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin

[Dixie'sMom]

Hey Earnie. Hoping you and Rosie are ok. I'm getting worried about y'all. Please check in as soon as you can.

[Squirt's Mom]

Still with you, Earnie. Anxious to hear from you when you can.
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[Dixie'sMom]

Bumping this up so Earnie can find it when he checks in. I'm getting really nervous about him and Rosie being away so long...

[molly muffin]

Yes. I know the feeling Suzie. Me too.

Earnie hoping to hear from you soon. You know we are all behind you and Rosie

Hugs

[Mackenzie]

I'm here with you also, Earnie. Looking forward to your next update.

[molly muffin]

Hi Earnie, I know, being a pest, but here I am again, checking in and hoping that you and Rosie are okay and that you made it home safe, or are at a hotel somewhere doing okay.
You know we worry when we don't hear from you.

hugs

[Dixie'sMom]

I'm here to pester you too Earnie. Tomorrow will be a week since you and Rosie set off on your road trip. Please let us know at least that you are safe somewhere.

Continuing to send prayers your way.

[Squirt's Mom]

They're pests, I'm just worried.

[Trish]

Hi Earnie

Popping in to see what is up with you and Rosie, I guess everyone is wondering what happened at the specialists the other day. We do all kinds of news here good and bad so when you feel up to it do pop in. Sending a big hug to you and all the fur babies :)