Please pray for Josi

[Gruntsmom]

Warm thoughts going out to you and Josi today!

 

[msjosi]

So today was the day Josi was supposed to get her first round of chemo and to say Brian and I have been torn over the decision of whether to or not to would be an understatement. We have noticed somewhat of a decrease in Josi's walking since Sunday and her back feet have been knuckling more. She continued to be lethargic and yesterday we noticed her eyes do this odd thing of just kinda wondering up into her head to the left. When we got to the hospital this morning we discussed all these somewhat new issues since last week and they said they would check things out and let us know. Well the good news first: they said her bloodwork came back great, just like she was a teenager and the cardiologist didn't see any difference in her heart on the sotolal and since she is still having bouts of pale gums and it is not seeming to help, they have taken her off of it b/c it may actually be slowing her down. Now for the bad news: the neurologist did see a downturn in Josi's condition and is now questioning whether she in fact had a FCE since he said dog's don't generally get worse neurologically after the stroke especially three weeks after. Their thinking or now fear is that a hemangio tumor had lodged itself on her spinal cord which would be causing all of her central nervous system problems past and present. Due to this, the oncologist does not think Chemo is a viable option. While I am sad that I can't do anything anymore to help Josi, I do take comfort that she or her body was able to make this decision and not Brian or I. Josi just had spinal xrays two weeks ago and they showed nothing, but the dr. reminded me that would only show something on the bone. They said we could do an MRI to see what was actually going on, but they would have to put her to sleep and if the MRI confirms what they are thinking, there is nothing they can do. So based on that we did not opt to put her through the MRI. The oncologist put her on 15mg. of prednisone a day and they are hoping that will help her central nervous systems functions. She said that this is a maintenace dose (low) and while this steriod does cause long term effects, we are not dealing with that reality so lets just hope for the immediate. She said if we don't see a change in a week then we will wean her off of it. Anyone have experience with this dosage of Pred.? Well this is obviously not the news that I had wanted to post, but atleast we have some more answers. The doctor couldn't really give me a estimated time but says generally when the tumor is on the spinal cord, it is generally less than the mean we were given of 2-3months. She said they do fear for this to possibly cause a seizure, but to just take it day by day and love on her every minute. She said she does not appear to be in any pain now and is still eating like there is no tomorrow which is a good sign she still has life to live. Distraught is probably a good word to describe how I'm feeling, but I guess I was prepared since I have been going through this now for the past three weeks. A day has not passed that I am not drowning in tears and as much as I tell myself to hold it together for her, I just can't seem to muster up the strength. For now my prayers will turn to Josi's condition remaining atleast stable but ofcourse I will take improvement until Brian and I get back from our wedding on Jan. 21. I am already dreading the goodbye next Friday morning and truthfully don't know how I will do it and then try to put on a happy face for our guests for the next 4 days. Atleast I will have Brian by my side who knows what I am going through and feels the same as I do:(

 

[dafzichu]

Oh Staci, I am so sorry that you didn't get better news. I know I don't have to tell you to love her like every day is the last because I know you have been doing that for the past few weeks!

Mindy took 30mg of Pred when she was first sick. I am sure the docs when over the side effects with you and those are pretty accurate. Mindy actually wore a diaper because she became unable to control her bladder at all at that dose. I had to make sure no food was ever left laying around and that the garbage was secure b/c of the extra hungriness she experienced. My fur-brother Brutis was also on 30mg of Pred when he was sick and it caused very significant swelling in him, his legs, chest, and face. Hopefully at 15mg, Josi will experience little or no side effects.

I think of you, Brian and Josi everyday and you are always in my prayers. It is hard when there is nothing more you can do to help your baby. I hope every single day that you get to spend with Josi is the most wonderful day ever. Take care.

 

[dbetz]

Our Rocky was on Prednisone for 2+ months when he had cancer. It really seemed to help him quite a bit and think it prolonged his life. It's heartbreaking when our dogs are sick - I am crying just thinking about Rocky and what you are going through with Josi and now my new little Rudy has issues as well. These Boxers are just the most lovable creatures on this earth - but they don't seem to be built to last.

You are in my thoughts. Best of luck and hugs to Josi from Duke and Rudy.

 

[Austin's Mom]

I, too, am sorry you didn't get better news. You wanted Josi to give you a sign of what to do, and she did. Keeping Josi, you and Brian in my prayers that she will have many, many good days to come.

 

[crowpete]

My heart brakes of you... I get on this thread everyday and I am always so happy to see you saying that Josi is doing ok. Today my heart brakes for you and Brian. This should he a happy month for all of you. I wish I could snap my fingers and may this all go away for Josi, you and Brian. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers and we will all be here for you! HUGS

 

[Bulba]

Very sorry to hear the latest news regarding Josi, wishing you all the best in the coming days and weeks.

Cane, Tara, Mike

 

[HeatherLynnG]

I'm sorry to hear the latest on your baby. I hope you are enjoying every minute with her, as I'm sure you are.

Gentle hugs from myself and the "kids".

 

[Murp.mm]

I'm very saddened to hear the latest news about Ms. Josi. It is quite understandable that you cry everyday. I'm in tears as I read this. Hugs to you and Josi. I'm keeping you both in my prayers. God Bless.

 

[Gruntsmom]

Sending warm and gentle hugs for Josi, and hopes that she is always comfortable and surrounded by loving hearts. I am so sad for you and Brian, my heart aches for you. You are all in my thoughts. I come here every day to see how Josi is.