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Things are getting worse

66K views 644 replies 93 participants last post by  Sweet Girl 
#1 ·
Poor Ella is now peeing in her sleep. This is new for her and she looks totally humiliated when she has to be helped up in the morning and she has been lying in her own urine all night. Oh this breaks my heart. Last night it sounded like there was fluid in her lungs so we stayed up all night listening to her breath. Today we made an appointment to see the vet. Our vet is on vacation so we took her in to the person who was substituting for him. What a jerk. My god. First he couldnt take blood from her leg. wanted to try her jugular vein. We stopped him and suggested he try the other leg first. He did and was able to get some blood. He promptly dropped the vials of blood, but was able to save enuf to have tested supposedly. He listened to her lungs, but said he couldnt tell because of the fat around her chest. he heard fluid in the abdomen and wanted to puncture her stomach to try to get the fluiid out. i couldnt let him do it. We got no answers from him. Hopefully she'll last until our vet comes back. I don't want to do anything to stress her or make her more uncomfortable than she already is. She is such a good sport. Even though her legs are so weak she trips and falls and then is stuck where she falls. She looks so shocked when that happpens, it is just heart wrenching. She drinks tons of water, her lymph nodes are huge and it looks like something else neurological happened. Now her tail is drooping and she keeps it curled under her.
 
#29 ·
SO glad that you'll get her started on insulin today. For those dependent on it ( like my husband), it's a necessity and a death sentence without it. I'm hoping that your sweet girl will feel immensely better once you get her started and regulated. It may take some blood tests to see how much she needs but that's very important too... don't skimp there. I hope you see her feeling better quickly and that it gives you more quality time together.
 
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#32 ·
Started insulin today

Thanks to all of you for convincing me to start on the insulin even though her overall prognosis is not good. Vet visit today was with the second substitute vet. He was much more helpful than the first one. This vet explained everything without the hysterics. I understand that she probably has less than a month but that the insulin and painkillers will make this month more tolerable for her and that's all that matters to me. We gave the injection and the painkiller and she is resting comfortably right now.
 
#33 ·
Just wanted to thank Buddy's Mom for posting the link on how to post pictures. Would just love to see pictures of Ella when you have time. Really sending thoughts and prayers that you are able to get her discomfort under control so that you have more time with you girl that is free of pain!
 
#34 ·
I'm glad to hear Ella is doing better and resting comfortably.

It's very sad and difficult to see them when they get like this, but making her comfortable and making the most of each and every day you have with her is what is most important right now.

I hope you have more time than what you anticipate. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Ella.
 
#39 ·
So glad you got her to a vet. The insulin will help her feel a lot better. Cherish the time you have with your sweet girl! Please keep us updated on her condition.
 
#40 ·
Oh my, Ella you are a doll! What a precious picture. I hope she feels better and that you have more time than expected. Like others have said, cherish each and every moment. Take pictures, study her every feature, every hair, what her paws smell like ( seriously!), look deep in her eyes and tell her how you feel and what she means to you. Believe me, she'll understand. Hugs to you both.
 
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#43 ·
The first vet I took Chance to told me I needed to prepare to put him down. Obviously I needed another opinion. Once he started his treatment for lymphoma I couldn't imagine if I would have listened to my first vet. Getting the right meds that will make Ella be able to enjoy the rest of her time with you is crucial. She is soo adorable!! Enjoy all your time together....that's exactly what Chance and I do everyday.
 
#45 ·
I have been following this post and wanted to say how sorry I am for your pain. Like everyone on here, I have been through the sadness and sorrow that you are feeling.

I guess the only thing I want to say is this. Follow your heart. You will know when the right time is. I am praying for you.

Pat
 
#49 ·
thanks for asking.. She seems less restless. She is drinking less water. I don't know if that is the insulin kicking in or whether that is the acute lymphocytic leukemia. The pain killer is helping her the most right now. she seems more willing to try to get up on her own. one day at a time, right? it just seems impossible that this disease could take her so quickly. She is still so connected. Ella has never barked. She always communicated by either a little wag of the tail meaning that she is in agreement or a certain look. We always know what she is trying to tell us. so i guess we will know when she wants us to help her this last time.
 
#50 ·
Jude

JUDE

SO very sorry for what you and Ella are going through-praying for her and you.

If she starts to have trouble breathing, make sure you get her to an emergency vet right away.
 
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#52 ·
Been following this thread, I am very glad the meds are making her comfy and feeling a bit better. We are praying you have more time that you expect, and praying for Ella and you that everyday gets better.
 
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#53 ·
quick update.. Ella had a pretty good day today. The weather was beautiful and she sat outside and actually played with her favorite stuffed animal, tossing it up in the air and rolling in the grass. The painkillers are really helping her alot I think. Days like this make me think that maybe the bloods were wrong, that she couldnt have this horrible bone marrow cancer lurking waiting to get her. Then I catch myself and remind myself that in a few weeks I could be looking at a much different picture. I'm going to post some pictures on my page. I still dont know how to move them to this page, but I wanted to show you all what a beauty she is when she is feeling like herself.
 
#57 ·
quick update.. Ella had a pretty good day today. The weather was beautiful and she sat outside and actually played with her favorite stuffed animal, tossing it up in the air and rolling in the grass. The painkillers are really helping her alot I think. Days like this make me think that maybe the bloods were wrong, that she couldnt have this horrible bone marrow cancer lurking waiting to get her. Then I catch myself and remind myself that in a few weeks I could be looking at a much different picture. I'm going to post some pictures on my page. I still dont know how to move them to this page, but I wanted to show you all what a beauty she is when she is feeling like herself.
I'm so happy she had a good day. And I bet it's the insulin and the balancing of the blood sugars that really has her feeling better. Enjoy every moment with her - try not to think beyond each day. I'm going to check out your page because I'd love to see more of her...
 
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