3.27.2013

March 27, 2013

White Dog again insisted on riding with Steve to take Nuka back to Dr. Julia's for treatment of her continuing acute pancreatitis. Quinn had spent the night at Nuka's side and was reluctant to let Steve pick her up to carry her out.

At mid-day (the office closes early on Wednesdays) Cindy, Dr. Julia's Number One, called to let Steve know he could bring Nuka home early and to discuss the case.

Both she and Dr. Julia were getting concerned at Nuka's lack of improvement, she was still not eating anything and drinking only sips. Nuka's total lack of energy ("she's just like a lump") greatly concerned them. She quietly suggested that if we did not see improvement within the next 24-hours that we might consider an ultrasound of the pancreas and perhaps an appointment with a specialist. My heart sank. I am involved enough with the c monster that I feared what she was suggesting. I asked her straight out and she drew a breath. "An ultrasound would quickly tell us if there is a tumor," she responded honestly. "And then what?" I asked. "Let's not get too far ahead of ourselves," Cindy cautioned. Nuka is twelve, not in perfect health, and pancreatic cancer is a painful killer...then what does not carry too many options and none are "she lives happily for a long long time.

She and I agreed that we would bring Nuka in for continued IV treatment on Thursday and while she was there they would do an ultrasound. I hung up, my mind racing four billion miles a second, and looked at the White Dog Army gathered around me. Can you have a prayer circle with your four-leggeds? Because we did; right there, we huddled together and asked the Universe to protect and heal our wiggy-waggy girl.

Steve came back with Nuka, some Ensure and baby food. Dr. Julia had suggested that we try to "jump start" her pancreas by trying to force-feed small amounts. I held my baby as I told Steve about my conversation; "I know I was in the office for part of your conversation with her. Cindy was surprised at how much Nuka was walking around when they brought her out. I truly believe Nuka is just slow responding and does not have cancer; don't lose hope." The WDA wagged their agreement.

Nuka seemed determined to give the White Dog Army and I a message of encouragement, too. First thing she did when I set her down was take a long drink of water and then headed out of the dog door into the yard. Steve followed her out and when she came back in reported that she had urinated.  I held her again while Steve gave her a syringe of Ensure; she fought the tool but licked her lips at the liquid. "Let's see if that stays down and in another hour we will try some more," I suggested.

When the WDA assembled for duck jerky Nuka walked over to sit with the waiting pups. She did not take a strip but her efforts made me smile. She DID swallow another syringe of Ensure but turned her head when Steve offered a bit in a tiny sauce bowl for her to feed herself. She mingled with every one as Steve and I lunched and he dressed for work. She is more lively then she has been in days, although now she is sleeping (once again with Quinn and Oso as protectors). She has not vomited, which is a good sign.

There is a HUGE part of me holding my breath ready to spin off into panic but I am trying VERY hard to follow the advice of White Dog and the Others, "Be here, now; worrying about what is not yet known doesn't change anything and if you are wrong is wasted energy." But it is not so easy when you are the momma.

15 comments:

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

You are so right you are a mum and you will worry no matter what. We have started the purr motor and are praying that it is not the dreaded c and that your sweet girl will start to feel so much better soon. We keep you in our thoughts. Power of the paws.. Hugs GJ x

Random Felines said...

Those 4 legged prayer circles are VERY important.... we are continuing to send purrs and hope her new behavior is a good sign.....

Brian's Home Blog said...

We are all taking turns sending purrs and prayers around the clock to dear Nuka.

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

We can't do much about the worrying, but we can definitely keep our crossed paws and prayers working on doubletime.
Woos - Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning and Mom

Kari in Alaska said...

We are keeping our paws crossed!

Stop on by for a visit
Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com

Dachshund Nola said...

Paws crossed!
Nola

bbes tribe said...

It is a very hard time going thru something like this with our furkids. But know you are all in our prayers and thoughts. We continue to send POTP YOUR WAY. Also keeping paws crossed
Wags
Ernie,Sasha!Chica,Lucas, Rosie and our foster girl Sammy

Tweedles -- that's me said...

My paws are still crossed and asking the universe for celestial blessings
love
tweedles

Jo's World said...

To Nuka:

Nuka, dear girl, we are wishing and praying for your healing from the illness that is hurting you.

We have 10 paws crossed(1 cat, 1 dog, 1 human) and we are hoping that things are going to start working and tomorrow is the beginning of healing day! We are glad you ate a little and would wish you would try more tomorrow.

Your brothers and sisters are protecting you, many, many people are praying and doing POP!

Love and healing hugs,

Jo, Stella and Zkhat

rottrover said...

Paws crossed here, as well.

Bart, Ruby and Otto

24 Paws of Love said...

So sorry to hear about Nuka as I'm just catching up with her story. Sounds like she is feeling better and we will keep 24 Paws crossed for her and your family.

meowmeowmans said...

We know that the reason you are so concerned because you all love Nuka so much. We love you all, and are purring and praying right with you. Hugs!

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TwoSpecialWires said...

Oh how I wish we could be there to spell you and give you a chance to breathe deeply some fresh air full of positive energy and healing spirit. And then I realize you don't need us there to do that ... you can simply close your eyes and take it in from where you sit. Still ... know that we are sending love and hope and confidence your way ... so wishing that the day has been a better one. Most importantly, be together, and remember that even those of us that are miles away are with you in this journey.

Thinking of you ... always.
xx