BuffyTheDane

25/1/2013

Back from oncologist with all questions answered but more questions created because they discovered that Buffy has cardiomyopathy. The oncologist said that if the heart was 100% Buffy is a perfect candidate for amputation if another chest X-ray is clear. Now the heart has put a question mark on that. Next week I take her back for the chest X-ray & an ultrasound. What happens next depends on the results. If all good we’re probably off to the heart ‘specialist’ who will also take over on the osteosarcoma. If not, we’ll have to reassess options. The oncologist was extremely happy with Buffy’s health other than that & thought she was a perfect weight for her build at around 45kg (bugger wouldn’t stay still on the scale but that is the weight she generally hovers around). Fingers crossed that the new X-ray (last was taken 2 weeks ago) has no change.

31/1/2013

Buffy had her chest X-rays and an abdomen scan today and all came back clear. The anesthetist was impressed how she handled the anesthetic and after a team meeting they don’t believe there is any reason to worry about her heart (the oncologist is going to discuss with the vet who specialises in heart disease) but they’re starting to think it is a quirk she has that when she gets anxious her heartbeat goes a bit funny but when she’s calm it’s normal. Just more proof of how ‘special’ she is. I should find out tomorrow if she has surgery next week.

1/2/2013

Just spoke to the oncologist who has spoken to the heart ‘specialist’. They have decided to do a heart scan on Monday to ensure her heart is ok and she is booked in for her amputation on Tuesday. She’ll spend the night at Roseworthy and I’ll pick her up on Wednesday (at this stage).

Now I wait for a call from the Adelaide Specialist Centre for confirmation of Monday and cost and also a call from the surgeon to discuss Tuesday and the cost.

4/2/2013

Buffy had an ultrasound on her heart this morning and there appeared to be no physical issues which is good but they’re not sure if medication can be used later on for her heart problem (apparently in humans meds don’t work and a pacemaker is needed) but further investigation would have to be done requiring her to wear a heart monitor for 24 hours. She’s done that before but we have to get over the bigger hurdle of the leg before that’s even looked at and the ultrasound today was more for the surgical team so they know what they may be up against. She’s been given a slow release pain med patch which they hope will have her nice and chilled by the time I drop her off for surgery tomorrow. That’s the next step – amputation for our poor baby.