Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Bernice update

A few days ago, I mentioned that Bernice is having some health issues. Well, things are going pretty well. The veterinarians think the lump on her chest is something called a hemangiopericytoma. The bad part is that it seems that it's a type of cancer, but the good news is that it doesn't have quite the danger factor of what we usually think of when someone says "cancer." It doesn't usually metastasize. Instead, it tends to remain in its original site and grow there. The downside is that it not only grabs the tissue behind it, but these things often recur after they're removed.

Now, the really good news is that today's x-rays showed what they expected. It hasn't spread. In fact, the vet who met with us today (this is a multi-vet practice) thinks the surgeon may be able to get every bit of it out. We sure hope so!

Tomorrow she goes back in (and, believe me, she's not liking all of these trips to the vet!), and they'll do an echocardiogram, in order to get a better handle on the heart murmur they're hearing. Apparently, it's a slight murmur, so they think it's just a matter of seeing if there's something cardiac developing. If there is, they can medicate her to minimize issues in future. Not a big deal, and her heart looked good on the x-rays (no enlargement).

We expect her to have her surgery next week. And then Marc and I move into a cardboard box, because we'll have to sell everything to pay for Bernice's care! ;) Okay, maybe not, but this is costing a lot of money! This girl is getting better medical care than most people get!

Now, for no other reason than that this is a Bernice post, here's one of my favorite photos of her...



Isn't she pretty? :)

12 comments:

Pua; Bakin' and Tendin' Bar said...

She's beautiful. And you're right; I wish I was getting the quality of care Bernice is getting. My sister and I always joke that in our next lives we want to come back as our own furry children.

I'm so glad there's more on the good news side than on the bad news side with your baby. Oh, and Charlie and I want to know where your cardboard box will be because we'll be joining you in that neighborhood once all the bills come in for my surgery and multiple hospital trips!

Greg said...

At least the news is good. And yes, she's a beauty.

Footed Pjs said...

Nice looking pooch. I wish you all the best. I know its hard dealing with that sort of thing with your children.

MzOuiser said...

What a little trooper she is! I hope everything is smooth and clear after the surgery!

Joey said...

Very pretty!

Patrick said...

My folks are in their 70s, but thanks to medicare and/or a good pension (I'm unclear on the specifics), they spend more moolah on vet bills than they do on their own healthcare. Funny how that works. I'm glad the news on Bernice is mostly good, and hey, at least you'll have three healthy dogs to keep you warm in your cardboard box. Must come to see the children soon...

Jess said...

Pua: The trick for a dog is ending up with the right people. Some get royal treatment, but, for others, the world can be quite cruel. Oh, and since you and Charlie will be heading our way, we'll see if we can get the duplex cardboard box. BTW, when you guys move in, Bryson will come visit, right? He can stay over in our room! ;) (I kid! I kid! Sort of. *snicker*)

Greg: Thanks! And unlike Mandy, it doesn't seem to have gone to her head.

Footed: I do think it's easier to be sick myself than to deal with any loved one, human or canine, being sick. Thanks for the good wishes!

Ouiser: The pre-surgical tests have all looked good, so it should be okay.

Joey: Thanks! She's also a sweetie. Just wants to share love with everyone.

Patrick: That's a good point! Now, I noticed you want to visit the kids. No mention of their dads. Hmmm. ;)

A DC said...

That is a lovely picture of her.

I know the cost is overwhelming (cat you say kitty paws?), but it is great news that they feel confident they can get all of it out of her.

I'll be sending good healing vibes Bernice's way.

A DC said...

Oh and cardboard boxes have come a long way. It's not your grandfather's cardboard box...

;D

CoffeeDog said...

Aw, she is so pretty

Patrick said...

I had thought it was a given that visiting the kids meant visiting the dads as well. Unless they've learned to use the LIRR on their own since I last saw them. Maybe Dodger could manage that.

Ya big goober.

Jess said...

ATG & CD: Thanks! And ATG, good to know about the progress in cardboard box design. :)

Patrick: Sometimes I do wonder how much Dodger can pull off, but I think we'll plan on him being a homebody. That seems best! :) And I'm glad we're included in the visit! The dogs seem to have some kind of canine-jedi powers and can steer things their way! ;)

Oh, by the way, I haven't been called a "big goober" in ages! Not sure what it says about me, but I find that charming!