She's Got This

Tomorrow marks Millie's suture removal & first day of chemotherapy.  She has really come a long way since her amputation.  She is getting better and better on three legs!

She's still a little clingy, but I can't really blame her.  We've all had a rough couple of weeks.  She's getting up on her own to get a drink when the mood strikes, has jumped on the couch unassisted (AKA:  I didn't want her doing this & she was too fast for me to stop her), is barking at the mail person again (I'm sure she appreciates this just as much as she used to), etc.

She almost 100% off of her pain meds.  I'm still giving her some Tramadol as needed (maybe once or twice a day -- when I feel like she's uncomfortable).  She's got a pretty incredible pain tolerance, but I can't imagine she'd be healed a week and a half after amputation.  It just doesn't sound plausible.  So, really...I'm giving her pain meds because I feel like she probably wouldn't mind having some.  Eh, it is a learning process I guess.

As Millie heals, I am getting better about leaving her.  I've gone to the store & actually shopped rather than grabbing one item, impatiently waiting in line, and speeding home.  I've gone out to a movie, met my parents for breakfast, and even taken a nap at Evan's house once.

This past Friday Millie's surgeon called to let me know that leg biopsy results.  When they amputated her leg, they sent the whole darn thing to pathology.  The tumor site came back positive for osteosarcoma.  Shocker.  Okay, I realize this is a bit bratty, but what the heck did they expect?  I mean,  on one hand, it's nice to have a second positive biopsy result, but...  I guess they just need to give the whole report.  Anyway, the lymph  node/s closest to the site of the tumor were free of cancer.  I took this as a plus.  The surgeon said the same thing, but she also said that I need to remember that the cancer usually spreads to the lungs before it spreads to the lymphatic system.  So, it isn't a giant plus, but it certainly isn't a bad thing.  I'll take it!  The cancer originated under her TPLO plate.  There are two ways to look at this -- 1.  The implant caused the cancer.  Implants have been shown to be associated with the start of cancer.  2.  It is complete coincidence that the cancer started under the plate.  Osteosarcoma is most often found in the tibia, in the hock (wrist), or shoulder.  Honestly, I don't really care which is which.  There is no way to prove either, and I don't think I'd care to know.  She has cancer - no matter how she got it, she has it.  Also, I would never not do the TPLO.  If Sugar needed it tomorrow, I would do it.  Millie's two TPLOs gave her a life she never would have had without them.  Until, if there ever is, a different way to fix a torn cruciate ligament (without using an implant) - I'll be the biggest TPLO fan out there.

Now a few pictures....

I love how her extra skin puddles.

 Breakfast in bed!

"Really?  This has gone a touch too far don't ya think?"

Auntie Kolleen came for a visit & some snuggles.

 Pretty pretty Piper.

Incision as of 2/12/12 -- getting furry!

Clingy Puppy

She isn't lightening fast yet, but she is doing quite well.

Today started off just like yesterday.  We did our morning routine -- potty walk, pills, food, massage, heat pack, massage, etc.  My mom (Nana to the girlies) came around noon to hang with them while I worked a half day.  Trying to cram 8 hours of work into 4-4.5 makes for a busy day.  I spoke to my boss about the rest of the week & she approved half days through Friday.  After work, I took care of some dogsitting, picked up dinner for Nana & I, and came back home.  As expected, the day had gone well.  Millie relaxed next to Nana & took it easy (as she should).  Nana left & our day continued with the normal routine -- potty walks, pills, food, massage, etc.  

A few hours later Mil got up to re-position herself.  She's quite good at getting herself up, and I've been letting her do it on her own so she can continue to build up her muscles in her right rear.  She stood up, started to adjust & her right leg got really shaky all of the sudden.  She didn't fall, but was clearly unsteady.  A look of panic flashed in her face.  I steadied her & helped her lay down.  I brushed it off quicker than she did.  She stuck to me like glue for the next several hours.  

On our next potty walk she was rocking & rolling.  She can really get moving if she wants to.  I am still using a sling for her (and will likely continue this for quite some time) when we go out, but I was the one holding her back.  She wasn't phased by the earlier stumble in confidence at all.

I guess I need to remember that this cycle will likely continue over and over again...for weeks...the rest of her life?  I am so lucky that I not only can spend half the day with her, but that I also have Nana willing to puppysit for the hours I need to be gone.  I know I can't take half days forever, but I'm so happy that we can be here for her as she continues to build her confidence as a three legged puppy.  I can't believe it's already been a week since her surgery.  

A gift from auntie MK (thank you!!).  Go tripawds!  This will go right next to my "Got Drool" Mastiff decal on my car.  So cute -- almost looks like a Millie/Sugar combo, right?

 Bruising is almost gone!

Better & Better Each Day

Millie continues to improve each day.  I spent the first part of the day home with her, but went in for a half day of work in the afternoon.  Nana graciously offered to stay with her while I was gone.  All of the girls love Nana time.  In the 4.5 hours I was gone, nobody moved from the cuddle pile in the bed.  We are all lucky to have Nana so close.  

Walking is becoming easier & easier.  She still hasn't mastered squatting, but that seems to be expected.  She also basically poops standing up.  Hey, whatever works.  It will be a week tomorrow since her surgery.  She certainly is not as sore and continues to build muscle in her right rear leg.  

I called U of I to schedule her suture removal & 1st chemo treatment (to be done on the same day).  Her appointment is for 8am on 2/13/12.  I was told to expect to wait around so that I could answer some questions they may have, but that for future appointments, it will basically be a drop off.  Pick up time is around 1:30pm, unless they go through the day quicker.  After each chemo round...something like 10-14 days later?? (honestly I can't remember the date range)...she'll have to go to her regular vet for bloodwork to make sure her white cell count isn't too low.  It is my understanding that chemo will reduce white blood cells, but that it can't get *too* low.  I guess I'll figure that stuff out when the time comes.  I tell you, I have so many words in my vocabulary that I didn't two weeks ago.  

Donna (yes, lifesaver...super fantastic veterinarian friend Donna) came to visit today.  Millie & Sugar were pumped to see her.  She wanted to see how Mil was getting around & also brought some snacks - raw marrow bones.  My girls have never had them before...and...holy mother were they a HUGE hit.  

Hallie is coming to check out why everyone is so excited. 

Look how great her incision looks!

Baby Steps

Millie and I both had big milestones this weekend.  She is gaining confidence on three legs & I...wait for it...actually left her for a bit.  Since she has had her surgery, I basically have refused to leave her.  The one time I did, for 10 minutes to run Evan to work, we both freaked.  Millie was whining & panting in the crate & I was basically doing the same in the car.  Millie has never had any separation anxiety, so her freak out was totally new territory.  I suspect she is still just unsure of herself & not a fan of the e-collar.  She is getting stronger in her right rear & her gate is more fluid, but she still has trouble sitting, squatting, or laying down exactly how she wants to.  She can't really do these things in an open room, let alone in a crate with a giant e-collar on.  

I hate the thought of leaving her in a panic state for a second, but I also don't want to encourage separation anxiety.  Baby steps.  Friends of Evan & mine invited us to a game night.  It sounded like fun, but I still was unsure about leaving Mil.  Evan very kindly pointed my laptop towards Millie's crate & we Skyped called her.  We muted the microphone so Millie couldn't hear us, but I was able to keep an eye on her while we played Catch Phrase.  She sat up & panted the entire time, but both of us lived (me - just barely).  I only lasted three rounds & needed to go back home.  Poor Millie was exhausted.  Her e-collar was full of drool drips.  After a potty break, she settled in next to me & passed out.  

Today was a beautifully sunny day.  Hallie found the sun spot in the living room & settled in to soak up the heat.  

Millie is still on basically bed rest.  She will be on pretty strict rest until 2 weeks after the date of surgery.  Over the next few weeks, I'll be able to increase her activity somewhat.  I need to remember to keep in mind that she'll wear out quickly (not from chemo, but from her body getting used to only using three legs), and that uneven ground will be difficult to navigate.  I've been told that it could take up to 4 weeks before she will be really comfortable on three legs.  The biggest thing now is to support her when she squats, goes up the one stair in/out of the apartment, starts to get tired, etc.  I should be extra careful & not let her fall for two reasons -- 1.  Clearly, it will hurt.  2.  It will bruise her confidence & set her back mentally.  So far, so good.

The bruising around her incision has faded considerably.  She still has some deep coloration in spots, but overall - the difference is incredible.  She still has quite a bit of fluid along her abdomen, but I expect that will continue to be slowly reabsorbed.  We've been doing warm compresses & keeping her inactive, so I expect she'll look as good as new shortly.

Sugar has been a great sport about Millie's extra attention, but she's about over it.  She is very kind to Millie & very careful not to lay on or near Millie's incision.  However, this amputation business is old news to her.  She's ready to go on long walks & get her spot back on the bed.  She snagged Millie's "get well soon" bone & couldn't be happier.  

It Takes A Village

They say it takes a village to raise a child.  I'm beginning to think that while I don't have a child, I have one hell of a village surrounding me.  The past two weeks have been an emotional roller coaster for me, and I couldn't have done it without my family, boyfriend, co-workers & friends.  

Yesterday (2/3/12) was a big turning point.  Millie's appetite returned.  She ate two normal meals of dog food, and subsequently had a normal sized bowel movement. Hooray for poop!  She clearly feels better, is more stable on her feet & the bruising around the incision is fading.  

This is how we spend most of the day...

That face!  Look at that face!  Who wouldn't want to kiss that jowl?

Taken on 2/3/12

BIG kiss!

Piper next to the walking aides.  

A surprise gift basket from her aunties (Ashley, Kristin, Christina & Angelina).  Not pictured -- gift cards for  food, coffee, comfort snacks for mom & a gift certificate for a massage.  Masssssage!!!!

Taken 2/04/12 -- Bruising is fading!  Rice bag heating pack made my Nana :)

Millie showing she can do it on her own.  She's rocking a the Get-A-Grip purchased by my co-workers (Margaret & Dennis, Cindy, Justin, Kate, Mary Kay, Alex, Val, Nicole & another Margaret).

Also from my co-workers.  So pretty.

From my parents, brother, sister-in-law & niece.  Gorgeous color.

We are so lucky to have so many people supporting us.  Each day I have at least one friend & a family member call for Millie updates - and not to forget my veterinarian friends want to make sure she's coping okay & that her pain meds are appropriate.

So, a BIG, big thank you to everyone who is rooting for my baby girl.  We love you & I hope that one day I can re-pay all of your for your kindness.

Groundhog Day

As predicted, last night wasn't an easy one...but it wasn't too bad either.  Just before bed Millie realized she was a little hungry after all.  Evan hand fed her some dry food & treats.  She didn't eat much, but it was something.

At 1am, we were finally set for bed.  The cats were locked out of the bedroom, Millie was positioned on her side so I could spoon her, Evan on the other side & Sugar at the end of the bed.  I made Mil wear her e-collar just in case I slept soundly & she got the urge to pester the incision.  However, sleeping with a dog who has an e-collar the size of a satellite dish is no easy task.

 At 2:30 she needed to pee.  At 4:30 she needed to pee again.  She doesn't give much warning & because it takes her a decent amount of time to make the journey outside, every second counts.  The earlier trip I wasn't able to put shoes on.  It was all I could do to get pants on before heading out.  At 4:30 I was able to put tennis shoes on, but apparently stepped in dog poop during this trip (didn't realize it till this morning when I saw Hallie trying to bury the shoe).

Millie is still getting the hang of walking on three legs.  My body (shoulders especially) are super sore from supporting her.  I can't even imagine how sore she is.  Her chest, back and legs must be on fire.  Part of her physical therapy is massage, and now I can see why.  She loves the rub down & I hope it is doing her some good.  At this point, she is positioning her right rear leg under her belly so that her ankle is pointing in & her foot is pointed out.  She still gets tired very quickly, but I can't blame her.  She's been through a lot.

Today was truly a groundhog day for us.  I rotated through the same few things over and over again.  Walk Millie, attempt to feed Millie, medicate, ice pack, massage, range of motion, rest, give her a drink, walk her, attempt to feed, etc.  Her appetite still isn't great, but that is also improving.  She ate two chicken breasts, about 1/2 cup of dry food, and 5 or 6 treats.  She is still drinking a ton of water, which I suspect is due to a combination of exhaustion & maybe side effects of her meds.

All in all, she is doing very well.  She is the perfect patient.  She might lay down in a way that isn't very comfortable & just give me a look.  I gently pick up her booty & rotate her body.  Once she's comfy, I always get a tail wag & kiss as my payment.  She is great for her icing & loves to be right next to me.  Even though she doesn't have the best appetite, I can tell she wants to eat that last bite just to make me happy.  My little stink is such a good girl.

Day After Amputation - Millie Comes HOME!

My morning started off on a great note.  Our student called around 7:30 to let me know Millie was doing much better than they had expected.  She eagerly ventured outside the evening before at 8pm & 2am - peeing with some help from a sling each time.  She was doing very well on three legs & wanted to do it on her own.  She hadn't eaten yet, but this wasn't a huge surprise.  Our student said most dogs will not eat for them, but will chow down for their owners.  Millie's bloodwork looked normal this morning, but because of some significant bruising (which is expected), they wanted the staff surgeon to examine her before anyone agreed to discharge her.  I was told to come before 5:00.  At the very least I could visit with her, but I might get to take her home!!

My day got better & better.  My awesome co-workers had pitched in & collected money to pay me back for the purchase of Millie's special harness (which arrived today thanks to suuuper fast shipping!).  It is so nice to have so many supportive people surrounding us!  Also, my family surprised me with flowers (lilac roses) delivered to my desk at work.  

At 4:30 I left work & made my way over towards Evan's office to pick him up.  Together we went to U of I.  I was beyond excited & Evan was trying to stay cautious.  I know he didn't want to be disappointed, or have me be disappointed.

Our student gave us the great news -- Millie was released to come home!!!  She had done well all afternoon.  They continued to say that she "just wants to get up and go."  Discharge instructions were discussed, I paid the bill & Evan brought the car around.  They took the harness & went to go get my girl.  Both the student and surgeon are tiny, and the poor things were huffing and puffing by the time they got Mil to our room.  Poor Millie was exhausted too.  Her upper body and right rear leg are working overtime trying to balance out the extra weight.  We let her have a breather & then headed out to the car.  The moment she got up I knew why everyone kept saying that she "just wants to go."  Mil was on the move & not slowing down to wait for us.  She somewhat awkwardly hobbled to the car, but for an awkward hobble, this girl can move.  The harness was perfect for loading her into the car.  

A few minutes later & we were home.  She peed on the way in & seemed thrilled to finally be back at home.    Sugar & Hallie greeted her & Millie let them give her the once over sniff down.  Sugar knew something was going on, so she gave Millie some space by hopping on the couch & watching from a distance.  Hallie, on the other hand, was true to form.  She showed zero concern for Millie & instead was wondering why nobody had picked her up yet.  Ahh, cats.  :)

Mil was super tired & sore from her journey home.  She settled on her bed, but was restless & giving some faint whines.  Evan left to go pick up dinner & Millie's discomfort escalated.  She wanted to get up.  For a few minutes I held her in place & tried to soothe her.  She wouldn't let up.  Finally I let her get up & show me what she wanted.  My perfect girl awkwardly hobbled to the front door (with the help of a sling).  She had to go potty.  I swear she peed 3 gallons.  I let her back in, gave her a drink & let her guide me again.  Mil hobbled to my room & got on my bed (which is now on the ground).  She was 1,000 times more comfortable & immediately fell asleep.  

It's been a few hours & she seems to be doing quite well.  She is super thirsty, but not very hungry.  I got her to eat some canned food, one barbecue chip (that was actually Evan) & one dog treat.  She's given kisses & is wagging her tail a lot.  I've got some chicken breasts thawing in the fridge with her name on them for tomorrow.  For now I'm thrilled that she is comfortable & able to get around as well as she is.  I'm sure tonight will be a long one, but I'm so, SO happy to have her back home. 

One day post amputation -- ouch!

Taking it easy on the bed (that black blob on the pillow is Hallie)