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Barnyard Buddies: Update on "Holly Bush" Ultrasound  |
EnchantedWoodsGirl
True Blue Farmgirl
    
959 Posts
Kathy
New Jersey
USA
959 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2007 : 09:14:56 AM
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Holly had her ultrasound and she does have cancer. It is in her intestines and in her lymph nodes. Dr. said we can buy her some quality time with steroids and she is on something to increase her appetite. She is a brave little soldier - her little belly is all shaved and vet sounded broken up on the phone and said she was very good. I had a sinking feeling it was something serious- if you will excuse my language, sh**..... I know that surgery is not an option and I want her to have quality time left with me - will know more when the lab results come in and we can pinpoint what type of cancer it is. Thank you all so much for your prayers, I still need them and so does Holly- I do believe in miracles - they do happen you know. Hugs
Kathy of the Enchanted Wood http://enchantedwoodmusings.blogspot.com/
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Miss Bee Haven
True Blue Farmgirl
    
4331 Posts
Janice
Louisville/Irvington
Kentucky
USA
4331 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2007 : 09:24:20 AM
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Kathy, I am so sorry about this. I know that feeling of your heart sinking below the floor. I'll pray for a miracle for you both. My Kate was only given 6 months to live, but she lived with an excellent quality of life for three more years. She had chemo and I researched her cancer and tried to boost her system with special foods. I'll keep you both in my thoughts.
"If you think you've got it nailed down, then what's all that around it?" - 'Brother Dave' Gardner |
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Nancy Gartenman
True Blue Farmgirl
    
9094 Posts
Nancy
West Seneca
New York
USA
9094 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2007 : 09:26:41 AM
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kATHY, So sorry about Holly, you sure have been having a rough time of it. Better days ahead for sure. NANCY JO
www.Nancy-Jo.blogspot.com |
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EnchantedWoodsGirl
True Blue Farmgirl
    
959 Posts
Kathy
New Jersey
USA
959 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2007 : 09:52:25 AM
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Janice, I want to be well prepared for what is ahead, please tell me about chemo and your dog and things you did that could help me with Holly. Thanks Nancy Jo - I have something for you too, don't let me forget. Hugs!
Kathy of the Enchanted Wood http://enchantedwoodmusings.blogspot.com/
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Miss Bee Haven
True Blue Farmgirl
    
4331 Posts
Janice
Louisville/Irvington
Kentucky
USA
4331 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2007 : 10:46:27 AM
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Kathy, Kate was my 10 year old cat. She was sort of 'me in a cat suit'. She was 10 when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer(we had her spayed then, but the cancer had already spread). She had surgery, then regular chemo(the chemo didn't cause her any hair loss and she had no ill effects afterwards, she just wanted to eat when she got home) and was okay for quite a while. During this time, I went online and found a lot of resources for feline cancer holistic treatments. I was mixing things up myself to boost her immune system(lots of cold water fish, greens including kale and sea weed and even a spice(cumin?). I also used supplements(vitamins and a product called 'Missing Link' for animals). Instead of losing weight, she began to gain weight. She was operated on another time and did well after that again for a long time. Eventually, we took her to the University of Missouri(at Columbus) Veterinary Teaching Hospital for a cutting edge radiation treatment. They have a website and they really seemed to deal mostly with canine cancer. I know this all sounds complicated and involved, but I guess the point is that when you know the type of cancer, you can find lots of info online(I was searching four years ago, so I'm sure there's more out there by now). For such a tiny animal, Kate had an enormous will to live. As long as she was strong and fighting, we just kept on trying. At the time we were going to Columbus, MO, the university vets were trying to raise funds to build an on campus house for people to stay in while their pets were being treated there(they had a steady stream of people from all over the US). Feel free to ask me anything, email me if you want.
"If you think you've got it nailed down, then what's all that around it?" - 'Brother Dave' Gardner |
Edited by - Miss Bee Haven on Jan 30 2007 1:12:06 PM |
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lilpunkin
True Blue Farmgirl
   
368 Posts
Texas
USA
368 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2007 : 1:34:57 PM
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I believe in miracles too Kathy, I do, I do.
I am so sorry that your little Holly is sick. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Life isn't measured by how many breaths you take, but by how many moments take your breath away. |
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lambgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
  
93 Posts
Heidi
Ellensburg
wa
USA
93 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2007 : 5:25:37 PM
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Kathy, I am so sad for you and Holly. I agree with Janice you can get so much info online by going to the veterinary university websites. We send all of our special need patients to WSU in Pullman Wa. Good luck and I will be praying for both of you.
Heidi |
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EnchantedWoodsGirl
True Blue Farmgirl
    
959 Posts
Kathy
New Jersey
USA
959 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2007 : 6:59:24 PM
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Lots of decisions to be made. I have been researching chemo and new treatments for cancer. I know they will only be buying her time and I want to be sure it is quality time. She is weak tonight, I know she had a very trying day. Got her to eat some sugar wafers, lick some peanut butter and eat a few dog treats. I think I will probably try steroids first before chemo - I had a cat with nasal cancer and he went into remission on steroids and we did have some quality time together. She looks so sad tonight......
Kathy of the Enchanted Wood http://enchantedwoodmusings.blogspot.com/
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Phils Ann
True Blue Farmgirl
    
1095 Posts
Ann
Parsonsburg
Maryland
USA
1095 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2007 : 08:41:53 AM
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Kathy, I'm so sorry. I'm praying for you and your sweet dog as you make decisions. Ann
There is a Redeemer. |
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EnchantedWoodsGirl
True Blue Farmgirl
    
959 Posts
Kathy
New Jersey
USA
959 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2007 : 09:41:48 AM
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Holly looked very uncomfortable last night, she was in pain, her breathing became more labored - Today her gums were white and her belly distended. I chose to put her to sleep. She knew, and she licked my face - it was a hard decision but I did not want to see her in pain for the sake of a few weeks or months with me, it would have been selfish on my part. My vet agreed with me and said she was bleeding inside. They had a hard time getting a vein to put the tranquilizer in first before the euth injection. They made a paw print for me to keep on some plaster and I took some of her hair and cut some of mine off to keep together. She is being cremated and will come home to me where she belongs. Very hard day, very sad  Thank you for all of your concern and kind and encouraging words for me and my Holly Bush.
Kathy of the Enchanted Wood http://enchantedwoodmusings.blogspot.com/
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Miss Bee Haven
True Blue Farmgirl
    
4331 Posts
Janice
Louisville/Irvington
Kentucky
USA
4331 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2007 : 09:55:04 AM
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Many, many condolences, Kathy. I wish we could be there just to let you cry on our shoulders. You did the best thing for her. Farmgirl love, hugs and sympathy.
"If you think you've got it nailed down, then what's all that around it?" - 'Brother Dave' Gardner |
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lilpunkin
True Blue Farmgirl
   
368 Posts
Texas
USA
368 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2007 : 10:00:19 AM
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I am sorry for your loss Kathy. I know losing a loved one is never easy. I believe you did what was right for her. And I am sure that she knew that and loved you all the more.
HUGS
Life isn't measured by how many breaths you take, but by how many moments take your breath away. |
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Tracey
True Blue Farmgirl
    
766 Posts
Tracey
State of Confusion
USA
766 Posts |
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LizDarnell
True Blue Farmgirl
  
102 Posts
Liz
Gulfport
MS
USA
102 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2007 : 10:17:12 AM
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I am so sorry for such a hard loss. You made the right decision, not only would it have been hard on poor little Holly but unbearable for you to watch and deal with also. I will pray for an ease to your pain and a fast healing heart. |
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peapodjane
True Blue Farmgirl
  
127 Posts
127 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2007 : 10:48:57 AM
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Dear Kathy, I feel so sad for you, and yet you had the strength in your sorrow to put Holly first, to ease her suffering. I have my little fur-girl cremated in November, and it is a comfort to have her here with me. May you find comfort in the messages posted here for you. Blessings to all of your household. peapodjane |
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Tina Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
    
6948 Posts
Tina
sunshine state
FL
USA
6948 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2007 : 10:53:52 AM
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Kathy, so very sorry that you had to do this. Hugs to you. Wish I was nearby, we'd go for a walk and I'd lend you my shoulder. hugs to you.
~Seize the Day! Live, Love, Laugh~ |
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doglady
True Blue Farmgirl
   
435 Posts
Tina
Howard
Ohio
USA
435 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2007 : 4:11:00 PM
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Kathy, I'm really sorry that you lost your little buddy. I always recommend to those that call me about losing their buddy to make a scapbook in their memory as it does really help the greiving process. Be assured that when your little girl stopped enjoying life, it was time to let her go. Even though it was hard, you did the best thing for her. Hang in there.
Tina
The dogs own the house but the people pay the mortgage! www.kennelcreations.com |
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EnchantedWoodsGirl
True Blue Farmgirl
    
959 Posts
Kathy
New Jersey
USA
959 Posts |
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lambgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
  
93 Posts
Heidi
Ellensburg
wa
USA
93 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2007 : 9:48:28 PM
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Kathy, I hope you can find some peace with Holly's passing. She was very lucky to have such wonderful and caring friend.
Heidi |
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Ronna
True Blue Farmgirl
    
1891 Posts
Ronna
Fernley
NV
USA
1891 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2007 : 10:23:04 PM
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Kathy, My heart goes out to you, losing two furry kids in such a short time. Maybe Petey needed Holly to help him find the Rainbow Bridge? Know that we are greiving along with you. That bridge is mighty crowded right now, so many losses in just the past couple of weeks. Ronna |
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shelle
True Blue Farmgirl
   
404 Posts
Shelle
oklahoma
USA
404 Posts |
Posted - Feb 02 2007 : 9:09:21 PM
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I am so sorry for your loss Kathy. I think you did the best thing for her even though it must have been very hard for you to do.
God Bless You
Shelle |
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katie-ell
True Blue Farmgirl
    
1818 Posts
Katie
Illinois
1818 Posts |
Posted - Feb 03 2007 : 06:40:44 AM
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Kathy -- You are so brave to allow your beloved Holly to pass into the next realm -- I can hear the peace in your 'voice' at making that decision. How wonderful that you two souls knew each other in this life, and may you find each other again in the next. KL |
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mommom
True Blue Farmgirl
    
854 Posts
Susan
Lancaster
Pennsylvania
USA
854 Posts |
Posted - Feb 03 2007 : 07:00:31 AM
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Your little Holly Bush is at peace now running around in heaven with the other pups who have gone before her. You loved her a lot to give her the peace she needed. You are precious. Love and Hugs, Susan |
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EnchantedWoodsGirl
True Blue Farmgirl
    
959 Posts
Kathy
New Jersey
USA
959 Posts |
Posted - Feb 03 2007 : 07:01:11 AM
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This has been an exceptionally hard week for me - I was not ready to lose a dog. I can understand when they are old and have lived a full life, but this seemed so unfair. I found myself questioning my decision at her having a dental done but vet did geriatric bloodwork and said it was okay to do - even though her blood count was down and her liver function was slightly off - I feel responsible somewhat - I knew something was wrong I could feel it in my bones but I kept thinking she got thin from bad teeth - I wish I had caught this all earlier but I guess with it being in her intestine and then traveling to lymph nodes there was not much I could do. I loved her so much and she was so wise a dog - I don't want to go to people heaven when I die, send me to animal heaven - all I care about is there......
Kathy of the Enchanted Wood http://enchantedwoodmusings.blogspot.com/
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Nancy Gartenman
True Blue Farmgirl
    
9094 Posts
Nancy
West Seneca
New York
USA
9094 Posts |
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oceanfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
   
231 Posts
Rachel
A Little Closer to Heaven
Oregon Coast
USA
231 Posts |
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Barnyard Buddies: Update on "Holly Bush" Ultrasound  |
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