Imminent Loss

[Hillscreek]

Hard to advise not being actually there and knowing Olie and your family and circumstances. If possible sit back and revue the whole picture. What can you afford? How much risk are you willing to take? How will he be cared for long term if that is needed? Do you trust your vet?etc etc.

Very best wishes and hugs from Angus and me 

[pkcrossley]

in a similar situation i chose the moral equivalent of the surgery. first, there was a good likelihood it would work. second, i didn't want to have to wonder later whether i should have done it. third, not doing it meant choosing death, which neither redmon nor i was ready for. redmon was in good shape and was clearly in favor of life. it was a gamble, but everything is. i don't regret the choice, in fact things were aligned so that there was only one choice possible for a willing dog and a loving owner. 

 

it all depends on how great the chance is of doing good, and how great is the chance of doing harm. if the worst case scenario for the surgery is that ollie remains as he is, or dies during the surgery without any worries or pain, then you know the balance. if there is a significant chance of a scary outcome --incapacitation, or pain-- then you know the balance is the other way. it is a blessing to have choices, even if ti doesn't feel like it at the time. 

[tlwtheq]

Our appointment is on Friday.

[pkcrossley]

all good luck. the more information you have, the better the decision you will make. 

[arseovrteakettl]

I think with what you know now, surgery is the way to go, unless it is financially impossible. I agree with Brad that better a month too soon than a day too late, but in your situation there is a good option, as long as he is feeling well otherwise and not suffering.

If it is going to cause great financial hardship then it is a much harder situation.

[tlwtheq]

We got Care Credit approval yesterday for surgery on Friday.

[Sam I Am]

Good luck ! I hope it gives Olie better quality of life and you Tara, peace of mind. We all love our animals deeply and want the best for them.

[pkcrossley]

way to go. if i'm understanding what you have written so far, there is no serious suspicion that the tumor is cancerous? if that is true, and surgery can be done successfully, this could be an intervention with some substantial long-term results. hoping the best for you both!

[Hillscreek]

We'll be thinking of you.

[Dempsy's Mom]

All positive thoughts for Olie - best of luck.

[tlwtheq]

Oh, the tumor is a sarcoma alright.  But Olie's skin is stretched so tightly with this tumor that is easily

larger than a softball, something must be done.  The surgeon's suggestion of "de-bulking" (which does

not mean total removal) is the best option for now.  It's just so frustrating, because other than that

Olie seems OK.  I am bracing myself for losing Olie on Friday morning.  This particular surgeon has

done (difficult) operations on both Sweet Pea and Ted.  So I'm maintaining a modicum of hope.

 

I love you my Cairn Talk Friends.  Thank you for your support.

 

T.

[hheldorfer]

Best wishes for a successful surgery.  We'll be thinking of you.

[arseovrteakettl]

Ditto.

[bradl]

Definitely holding good thoughts for a successful procedure with relief for Olie (and you).  It sounds like you have a reasonable basis for hoping for a good outcome. I definitely understand being  ready for anything when they get to be this age. While I do tend to prepare for the worst I still expect the best. Olie may feel positively svelte once that dang tumor is reduced. Hang in there and good luck.

[Tami]

I'll be thinking good thoughts for you and Olie that all goes well on Friday's surgery. Take care.

[Idaho Cairns]

Of course best wishes for a positive outcome and the real meaning to all of this is that at no time in the future do you have to look at your Ollie or remember him without knowing damn well you did everything possible to effect a good outcome for him and yourself--there is a grace in that no matter which way the ball bounces.
Please be kind enough to let us know as soon as you know--we are invested in Ollie as well, emotionally.

[beccadiane374]

Prayers for you both for tomorrow's procedure...keep us updated.

[Islander]

We will all be sending positive thoughts your way tomorrow.

[tomatosandwich]

I'm keeping you and Olie close to my heart.  What hard times and choices.

[Malcolm's Dad]

Keeping you and Olie in my thoughts tonight. Good luck for tomorrow.

[remltr]

Good luck today. I have a feeling that all will go well.

[Jack]

Good luck today Tara & Olie

[Dempsy's Mom]

Today's the day - Good Luck Little Olie!!

[mom42terrificgirls]

Thinking of you and Ollie now as it is Friday morning.

[tomatosandwich]

Waiting, wondering, and worrying.  Hope you and Olie are hanging in there today.