Chummie Update: More Uncertainty
Last week, I grew concerned because her back legs have always been stiff and slightly painful and one of her legs was starting to look shaky like the diseased front leg. Today, we met with the orthapedic surgeon and he shared my concerns. He said amputation is an option when the cancer cells have not spread beyond the affected limb but there were several things in Chummie's chart, history and presentation that suggest that it may have already occurred and that cancer may have already reached her spinal column. He was concerned that if we remove the one leg and the other one starts to show more signs of disease, then the surgery may not have been worthwhile. He was very sensitive in delivering this unhappy news and told me repeatedly not to beat myself up about the timing because these things are very slow growing, very much one cell at a time and they can travel before they are ever detected. He was very nice. He asked neurology to take a second look and she was examined by three more docs of different specialities. They were all also concerned about various results from her back leg (pain on extension in both hips and over-reactive reflexes in the shaky rear leg). So they have all agreed the next step is for the orthapedic guy to follow up with the neurologist who had been handling Chummie's case but who is at a conference this week. He wants to review more carefully the MRI results. He said they will come to some recommendation regarding next steps next week, but as for now, amputation appears to be off the table. . . On a happier note, they all were so warm and friendly and gushed about what a sweetie Chum is and how after all the poking and prodding, she still greeted everyone cheerfully and wanted to be petted. The 4th year student said she specifically asked to get assigned to her today because she remembered how sweet she was on prior visits. They said she has made lots of friends at the hospital and it was very easy to care about what happens to her. I asked if they said that about all the patients and she said they always try to say something positive but that Chummie is really a standout. That felt nice. Also, because it was deemed to be a followup visit, I was not charged for this 4 hour consultation with 4 different doctors. I thought that was nice too. So more waiting and wondering for now.  |
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It just keeps on getting cloudier all the time... 
Assuming the worst for the moment, will you increase the prednisone again to allow you guys some more good time together? |
| I am very impressed with the care Chummie is receiving there and the professional caring way they are treating you. I'm really glad you went there.
But, I'm still very concerned about that sweet girl. She is so precious. Thank you for keeping us up to date, Val. |
| Oh, poor Chum. I know I've said it before, but I'm so sorry, Val. I hope the neurologist comes back with more positive news. I know there won't be a miracle cure but perhaps something manageable while still giving Chum good quality of life.
Hugs from all of us, Jill |
| With respect to the uncertainty, I should clarify that there appears to be general agreement about the cause (nerve sheath tumor cells) and the current debate is simply about how far it has progressed.
The good news is that in tapering off the prednisone and adding pain killers, Chum was actually quite happy and active. So I think the goal will be to find the levels that gives her the best quality of life for however long she can sustain it. I have no idea how long that is. Based on the rapid progression of symptoms, my guess is not very. . . I agree that the doctors have been really great -- they are clearly spending alot of time considering her issues and talking to each other and to me. And they have done a great job mixing medical information with support and compassion. She is a dear and I will do whatever I can to help her, including make the hard decisions when the time comes. Until then, I will enjoy every smile, every pet, and every silly antic.  |
| Sorry the news isn't better... your heart must be breaking....
Chummie is such a trooper... please give her, and yourself, a hug from me. |
I'm so sorry to hear this, but I'm always happy to hear that she seems to be feeling okay...Give her a kiss from Barney (he likes older women) |
| I'm sorry to hear more uncertain news. I'll keep you and Chummie in my prayers. |
barney1 wrote: Give her a kiss from Barney (he likes older women)
LOL. Thanks. I would . . . but Chummie would smack me/him. . . She hates younger boys! LOL. |
| I'm so glad to hear that Chum got the best possible care, with genuine love. She certainly deserves it! |
| Oh, Val, I'm so sorry. Just when you wrap your mind around something, it changes. I can only imagine how hard this is on you.
And through it all, there sits smiling Chummie! She's the greatest! Hugs to everyone, including Maggie! |
| Im sorry that the news isnt what you wanted to hear...My heart goes out to you. She is always on my mind and I will continue to think positive thoughts...give her a kiss from me and a light tug on her ear from panda! |
| (((BIG HUGS FOR YOU AND CHUM)))) |
| I am so sorry to hear this latest. Enjoy your baby as long as you can.
Hugs to both you and Chummie! |
| So sorry you and Chummie are going through such uncertainty. Hope you get answers soon.
Take comfort in having a caring and capable vet staff. Sounds like they really love her and that means so much! {{{{HUGS}}}} |
| I've been following this saga and am sad to see the latest news. You have my sympathy..... |
| I'm so sorry, Val. Chummie is a wonderful and brave girl. Love from us! |
| I am saddened to hear this latest update. I know you will do what's best for her.
hugs..  |
| I am so sorry to hear the latest update, whatever the outcome the most important thing is she is loved and cared for by a very special devoted mom
We are still keeping all crossed for you both (((Hugs))) |
| I am sorry, too. It seems like you are surrounded by people that care about Chummie as well as your feelings. One bit of brightness in the fog. |
| Poor Chum. It never seems to end.
At least there is a well trained and caring entourage working for her!! It sounds like you can be confident that all avenues were covered no matter what the decision. Hopefully one of the docs has an epiphany and everything turns out with the Disney ending! |
| Big hugs to Chum... |
| I'm so sorry to hear this latest news Val
{{{{HUGS}}}} To you and Chummie |
| Val,
I am so sorry to hear about Chumley!
My thoughts and prayers are with you and Chum. Hopefully they will be able to find the right medication for her to keep her as comfortable as possible, so she can continue to be happy and enjoy her life for as long as possible. (((((Hugs))))) |
OH CHUMMIE, my favorite fat bottom girl!!!!!!!!!! It just seems so hard to comprehend. Hugs to you all Val.  |
| Sending my good vibe your way this afternoon~
xoxo |
| Willoughby and I send hugs and kisses to you and Chummie. |
| Val, I am so sorry to hear the latest news about Chum. I want you to know that you are both in my thoughts and prayers. And just remember miracles do happen. Keep the faith and give Chumley a hug from me, Fred and all of my crew. She has alot of people pulling for her. Take good care and please keep us posted. Jack |
| Love the new avatar, Val!! It's so appropriate!! (((Hugs for your girl!! ))) |
| More and More hugs to Chum and mommy!!! I know it must be hard to stay brave. |
Beaureguard's Mom wrote: Love the new avatar, Val!! It's so appropriate!! (((Hugs for your girl!! )))
Thank you! All the hugs she's been getting made me think of this photo (taken at the Philly picnic). As a treat tonight, I took her to the park without Maggie. We sat outside of the dog park so Chummie could greet all the people walking by. She looked very happy. Someone thought she was a puppy. Another woman cried when she heard about the cancer. Big huge tears. I was very touched, as I am by all of your kind, heartfelt messages of warmth and support. |
| I am typing through my tears, Val. I am so sorry to hear that things are not as you had hoped, as we had ALL hoped. I am praying for Chum, Maggie and You. Big Hugs from Alabama and Pud sends his sheepie kisses too. |
| I am so sorry. I was also wondering about you and Chummie and kept checking the posts. We will continue to keep you two in our prayers. You are a good mom to take her to the park and do the things for her that make her so happy. |
| May you both have many happy days at the park......Kathy & Chauncey |
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Enjoy every moment and just take things as they come. You will get through this. Hugs to you! I wish this wasn't happening to you guys!!! |
| oh poor poor girl i was hoping that it would have been better news than that sending huge huge hugs for you and your girls |
| Any new news, Val? |
| Sir Guinness, Murphy and I are sending puppy prayers for Chummie (and for you). |
| I've been thinking about Chum a lot too... I hope she is doing well. |
| Awww you guys are so nice (including all that have PM'd me too)
No news. Chum's doctor was back from her conference this week but I wanted to give her some time to catch up. We just bided our time. Chummie has been in very good spirits this week, coming to the dogpark every day and very happy to greet people and be petted. And everyone is treating her like visiting royalty. Chum looks so happy -- like the best kind of guilty pleasure -- as she leans into people to be petted.
And Maggie has actually been a doll. If CHum barks at a dog (her "go away" bark) Maggie comes over and inserts herself between Chum and the other dog. It is so cute to see her body blocking to keep the dogs away. She is very protective and licks Chummie's chin alot. So I will make sure to talk to the docs next week. |
| Kisses and thoughts are still always with you and your girls!! |
| I'm so glad you and Chummie are sharing such special times. I love those Sheepie hugs where they lean into you the best. What could be more loving than that? And go Maggie for looking out for her sister. She's soooo smart, what an awesome girl.
I hope you continue to have many more happy enjoyable times together! May we all be so lucky to savor every moment. |
| I love your Avatar, just perfect, of two very special girls with their mom, just melts my heart.
Been thinking about you all while we were away. Lovely to hear how maggie is protecting her big Sis and the lean onto people for that pat, yep chummie has got the sheepie lean perfected. 
HUGS to the pooches and one for mom too  |
| I'm so glad you posted again. I was about to email you. Thinking of you...as always |
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