Hi Guys,
First I'd like to apologize for not keeping up with the list and
offering support as usual. Life has been quite hectic/draining around
here as you can imagine and I just haven't been able to. I appreciate
your allowing me to be selfish in leaning on you when I'm not
reciprocating. Maybe some of what we're going through will help others too.
Here's the latest on Spencer... I talked to my beloved Dr. Ortega this
morning. She understood why I am reluctant to put Spencer through more
vet visits and further testing. She did suggest that Spencer be pts,
but understood and respected that I felt Spencer was not ready for help
in crossing over. She wanted me to understand that even with the most
aggressive treatment we'd only be buying him weeks or possibly months,
(as if I'm not aware of the usual scenario). I told her I did not want
to bring him in and begged her to use her intuition and expertise to
help me find a way to possibly put him in remission, or at least make
him more comfortable, (without bringing him in). I asked her about
injections of dexamethasone, depomedrol and about using Prednisone,
(thank you Michelle!). She prescribed the dexamethasone, to give him
once daily. She thought the other steroids were not necessary and would
be redundant. She also advised me to bring him in to drain whatever
fluid might have built up since Monday night. (I'm not bringing him in
if I can possibly help it). Her logic was, if the dex helps stop the
progression of the cancer, it will also stop the fluid build up and
he'll be better off if he starts treatment with it already drained. I
asked her about a diuretic and she didn't think it was appropriate in
this case and would probably only serve to dehydrate him. She also said
that it's possible, if things go very well, the fluid that's built up
now could be absorbed on it's own. His breathing is not labored, it's
shallow and rapid, but not labored. If he begins to have trouble
breathing, I'll figure out what to do then.
So, that's where we stand. I gave him his first shot about an hour
ago. He asked to be released from the bathroom, so I let him out,
(shutting the back door this time). He's only had a handful of Wiskas
treats, a tiny bite of salmon and a tablespoon of cream with BioPlasma
in it. As far as I know he didn't eat anything else since Wed morning,
and only a touch of baby food then.
I did talk to a couple of ACs this morning and they confirmed that he
came back for me. Jasmine said he had a "near death" experience and
came back because we have "unfinished business". The other AC said that
he asked that I spend designated quiet time alone with him in
meditation, that he wants to share his experience with me. They also
said that he wanted me to know how much he appreciates everything I've
done for him. His coming back to me is sure an indication of that!
Keep those prayers coming!
Nina
