Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Jessi & Toqua - just wanted to share this

Hi all. I just wanted to share this. When Toq first got sick I was beside myself, and was completely lost. I am so glad to have found this forum, and the help and support that you all showed me, even when we got the news that Toq didn't have IMHA, but cancer. You continued to help me through a terrible time. Recently I have had some questions about Toq's cancer, so I thought I'd try and find a canine cancer forum. I thought hey, if everyone here is so knowledgeable with IMHA and so quick to respond, then I would find the same with regards to cancer, on a cancer forum. I found one and even found a couple of hemangiosarcoma cases. So, I started a thread, and figured that I would have plenty of responses waiting. Nothing! On this particular forum, there are people who have started threads, the usual - my dog is sick with cancer, please help us. Some of these threads were posted months ago, and don't have a single reply!! I can only imagine. On this forum it shows how many replies are waiting, and how many "views" your post has had. I was disgusted to see that some of these posts have had over one hundred "views" and not a single reply!! I am just baffled that these people seem so unwilling to respond to people who's worlds are spinning out of control, are looking for help and support, and no one can be bothered to offer anything! To not want to share stories and give people hope. My post has has 7 "views", no replies. I just don't understand. I even responded to a girl who lost her dog to hemangiosarcoma. Figured we could share our stories with one another. Nothing. I just hope that these people are not holding their breath waiting for responses they will never get. I hope they have all found other places where they get answers, and support. Like I have here. Basically I just want to send everyone here a HUGE THANK YOU!! The "family" that is here is so important. Sharing the knowledge, sharing the stories, the quick responses, and most importantly giving us all hope. It has meant so much to me finding this place, and the support and hope you have all shown me. This forum has saved me from my own negative thoughts, more than a few times. You guys are all great. You are special people, and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Toq and Fin are enjoying a beautiful morning, lying in the grass and playing musical bones. Three bones and two dogs. It's pretty funny to watch. Of course they always want the bone the other currently has. Thank you all! Jessi & Toqua

Jessi BC

Hi Jessi. Yes, I second what you've said about his forum. I remember the early days of Duck's illness. At times I was climbing the walls with panic. Being able to tune in here was a life saver for me and Duck. It was because of the support and advice of the people on this forum that I was able to calm down and become a much better advocate for my sweet boy. I'll always be deeply grateful to everyone here. deb and Duck

Debbie BC

Jessi, I'm glad you found support here even though Toqua doesn't have IMHA, and how sad that that other forum is so bad. When my cat was diagnosed with diabetes a couple years ago, I found a forum similar to this one (which led me to search for an IMHA forum when Riley was diagnosed). They helped me to get my cat into remission with diet changes and an alternative insulin dosing schedule. He is now a healthy and happy 15 year old cat who has no need for insulin anymore! These forums can work wonders! I'm drawn to check on this forum even though Riley is gone, just to see how the pups are doing. The power of community is something that can't be denied. Jennifer

Jennifer

Jessi, Firstly, I am so glad to hear Toqua is doing so well. :) I agree with your feelings on all the great folks here. I first came on the forum back in 2002. Although my boy was eventually diagnosed with imha, I was first told he had myelofibrosis and also myelodyplastic syndrome. He was low on his red and white cell lines and was non-regenerative. The people on here still gave me the same compassion during the process of finally being seen by a wonderful internal med doctor. She re-did the bm biopsy and all the other test. Since he was non-regenerative she still gave my boy a grave prognosis but also continued to say she sometimes sees an unexpected bm response in some dogs and they go on to recover (pcv was 9% at the time). By the grace of God, that is indeed what happened with my boy. He was then finally diagnosed with imha and he went on to beat this disease for 6 yrs and was still in remission at the time of his passing in January 2008. I found the strength to continue fighting because of this great forum. Had I listened to the first vet, Jacob would have been euthanized when he was diagnosed. I do not post as much as I used to but I still drop in often to read the post and check up on all the pups. We all become family on here. We cheer on the successes and grieve the ones that no longer have the strength to fight and take their journey to the Bridge. I loved your story about the "three bones and two dogs". I can so relate because both of my boys always wanted the other one's bone, like it was better or something. Too funny! Hi paws to Toqua and hugs to you for taking such good care of your sweet girl! Teresa

Teresa va

Jessi, That is indeed sad that the other forum doesn't have the support network that this one does. I am so thankful to Joanne for giving us all a place to learn and share. I not only received support and compassion from this board when I lost my Salome to AIHA but also when her sister Delilah was lost to Pancreatic Insulinoma 10 months later. There are so many wonderful people here. You can tell by the people that stay whether their dogs were fortunate enough to beat this awful disease or not. Very few of us will ever meet in person but there will always be a connection. I think it just comes down to everyone is here because of the love for their furbabies. I am glad Toqua is having such a fine time and hope for many more days of gnawing on bones. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Jessi, are you on Facebook? I'm a member of the " Canine Cancer Research USA" group and they always have tonnes of great advice and news. I often see people writing there so maybe it might be worth checking out. Hope this helps! :) Lots of thoughts and prayers for Toqua. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Hi Jessi Here is a link to a yahoo group I belonged to about 6 years ago, they were very helpful then. http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/CanineCancer/ So glad to read that Touqa is doing well. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

It is so true. The power of this community. I too found strength when I thought I had none because of you all. Everytime I come on and read that another beloved friend has passed, please know I cry tears of sorrow for you all. At times I feel bad posting that Toqua is doing so well, knowing the pain some of you are going through. Your advice, I am sure, saw that Toqua got the care she needed sooner. Had we been left alone during all of this, and taken the advice from Dr. worst-case, Toqua would have been put down the first week in March! Johnny - I am indeed on Facebook. I will definitely check that group out. THX! I have been back a couple times to check on my post at the cancer forum. Still nothing. I have started replying to others' posts. If for nothing else but to give my support, let them know that someone cares and is going through what they have - that they are not alone! That was huge for me. Knowing I wasn't the only one going through this. And to let them know that miracles do happen. Next Monday marks 10 years of having Toqua. When she was first diagnosed I was so scared that we wouldn't make this milestone, but it now seems within reach. And her dear friend Koda (I know Koda and Toqua, it's confusing) is going to be visting this weekend. While she has friends, I think Koda is her true love. He is the only dog she has ever let eat out of her bowl without a fight. When we worked together we took them out with us on field days timber crusing. They were so inseperable. My buddy got him at the age of three, and so didn't feel it was right to change his name. For the first few weeks he called Koda, Toqua. :) It's a tricky one. Happy healthy days to all the four-leggeds!! The tail's still wagging!! Jessi

Jessi BC

Awww, don't ever feel bad about posting that Toqua is doing so well! I am always happy to read your posts and hear what she's up to!

Jennifer

Jessi, this forum is not just to find help, support and sharing the sorrow, it is also for celebrating dogs doing well. everybody is happy about that, no matter what!!! Brigitte & the poodle boys

Brigitte BC Canada

I have only been on this site since the beginning of April. I agree, it has been a god-send for me as well. Just knowing there is someone out there, that has been through the same ordeal, is comforting. However, your willingness to share information with me, has gone way above and beyond, even my wildest expectations. Those of you who have taken the time to respond to my many questions(and there are many of you), have helped me in my understanding of this awful condition. That has allowed me to address many "medical" issues with my vet, and ask questions that I never would have thought to address before speaking with you. So "you" along with "I" have become Mercedes voice. I thank you for that from the bottom of my heart. Without your input, she probably would not be getting the "quality of care" that she currently is. My vet knows he needs to be on top of this. He knows I am talking with this group all the time and that you are "well informed and knowlegeable about treatment plans!" It keeps him on his toes! LOL! MERCEDES AND I ARE THANKFUL FOR ALL OF YOU!!! Maureen

Maureen BC CanadaI

Dear Jessi, How true your words are. The people on this forum are indeed amazing, caring people. Like you, I would have been lost without them. I am also glad to hear that Toqua is still doing well, and congratulations on the upcoming 10 year milestone. Best wishes, Sam & Millie.

Samantha Geelong Australia

Hi all. Our little family is doing great!! We had a great weekend. Toqua is doing so well, she is such a fighter!! She got to spend Saturday night with her special friend Koda. It has been almost a year since they have seen each other. They completely ignored Fin! We spent Sunday rototilling our yard, turf is coming this week. The dogs thought it was great. They were actually allowed to dig!! Toqua did get a little choked as the tiller kept popping up her buried bones!! She even had time for a visit with "Pony". There is this one property along the river we walk every day, that has a couple horses. Dixie is a very sweet little appaloosa horse, but we call her "Pony". She has obviously had a canine friend in the past. We first mmet Pony in 2005. For the longest time Toqua would just glance over at her and continue on her way. No interest in saying hi. But, on Friday night, when Pony saw us coming she came a running as she always does! She recognizes us! And Toqua was right there at the fence to give her licks. Toqua loves horses. She has never tried to herd them (as she has with cows!), just wants to lick thier noses, and Pony loves it. It was so sweet to see these two friends get reacquainted. Then Finley wanted to say hi. We have gotten him to not bark at the horses, but he is just such a spazz. I wasn't sure how Pony would react to him. It was hilarious. Fin was at the fence, not really sure what he should be doing. Pony put on a show for us!! She held up on of her front legs, and bowwed her head. Then she stood up on her hind legs, did a spin, and took off running and bucking through the paddock. Then she came back over to the fence, and galloped along as the dogs ran with her. Since Friday, when she greets Fin, she holds up one of her front legs and bows her head. It was so sweet to see two species interacting the way they were, and to see that Pony reacts differently to each of the dogs. Just one more sign that Toqua is still improving. Her and Fin have become completely inseperable over the last week. Toqua has begun to initiate play time again. I am so thrilled to see that they have become the inseperable friends they were before Toqua got sick. Jessi & Toqua

Jessi BC

Glad to read the update..Pony's antics made me smile. Congratulations on Toqua's 10-year anniversary with you!

Jennifer

Jessi, Awesome thread. So true about the people on this forum. And, I agree with Brigitte (she always says the exact right thing), this forum is also here to celebrate victories. Keep up the great work and thanks for sharing the great stories. -Darren

Darren Long Beach

That is just plain AWESOME Jessi!!! You are obviosly doing something right with Toqua and you are also right...she's a fighter! I LOVE HEARING THESE STORIES!!!! KEEP THEM COMING......PLEASE! My continued thoughts and prayers for Toqua. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Jessi, it makes me so happy to hear that Toqua has so much fun! it must make you so very happy too. she is living life to the fullest!! Best wishes, Brigitte & the poodle boys

Brigitte BC Canada

OMG. Thanks for the reminder, Jennifer. I am so busy with work. I can't believe it's already MAY!! Yes! Today is 10 years of me having Toqua. Must give her special lovin' and treats tonight!! Just checked the cancer forum. Still nothing!! But, 13 people have "viewed" my post. Jerks. Jennifer - any news on Vaga? Cheers all!! Jessi & Toqua

Jessi BC

Yes, give Toq lots of extra lovin' tonight to celebrate this special anniversary!! Pop the champagne if you have some! :) Thanks for asking about Vega & our adoption journey. We have FINALLY been approved to adopt through the rescue I told you all about. There was some delay first because the adoption coordinator was on vacation, then they wanted to verify Riley's vaccination/medical info with our vet and it turns out they DELETED him from their system (grrrr). But of course I have all his paperwork, I faxed it over to them and all is now well. I think they were pretty impressed with the recent care he received, lol. There were tons of CBC's for them to look over at least. SO, we are going for a visit to the rescue on Saturday; we will meet Vega and five other dogs. We are very excited!! There is a boy named Red at the rescue that we like the looks of a lot...I think in the end it will come down to a tough decision between him and Vega. We're hoping Riley will let us know which one is the right one, just as he led us to this rescue. Here's Red's listing - we just love the look in his eyes in his second picture. :) He looks like quite a smiley character. http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/15982166 I will post more after we've visited and let you know how it went!

Jennifer

Jennifer, I am sure Riley will be there with you, and he will let you know who you should choose. Good luck. We had a very nice evening. Our neighbour, who if you could ask Toq she would tell you comes over only to see her and play ball, came over to watch the hockey game. She was very happy. Took them out for the normal nightly walk, had a visit with Pony. Toqua spends the majority of the walks now running. Hey Jennifer - we wathced the fire fighters last night again practising!! :) She is definitely still getting stronger. Of course, some days she seems to have mmore energy than others. We also saw some ducks. You say "ducks" and Toq immediately looks to the water, so smart. They were on the far shore and with the water as high as it still is, she didn't try the swim, phew. Fin was clueless - good thing cause he'd go over if he saw them. She did get a little something special with dinner. I gave her some bacon, yum. Couldn't deny her on the special night. Lots of snuggles and massages. I was kind of worried. I know she is a dog, but Toqua is one of those dogs that when you talk to her her eyes tell you she understands. It is kind of spooky sometimes. When she was fresh out of surgery I told her that she had to stay with me until May 3rd (I was worried with the prognosis that I we wouldn't et there), at least, and that she couldn't go anywhere until her and Fin were back the way they used to be, inseperable. Well, she has met both of these "must-haves". I don't feel that she is going anywhere too soon, so we'll continue to live each day to the fullest, one day at a time. I can't beleive she has almost passed the 8 week prognosis! As my bro said, "she's a scrappy little b*&%^, she'll fight". She obviously hasn't finished the job she has here with us. So, I guess now she needs to stay here until all the hair grows back on her belly! Take care, Jessi & Toqua

Jessi BC

Jennifer, Red is gorgeous!! I love hounds!! The only thing is the noise! We have a few hunters in the valley that hunt with hounds. You can always tell when they are at the coffee house cause the hounds just bellow and bellow. Have fun with Red and Vega, good luck making the decision. I am sure you will be happy with which ever you decide to adopt!!

Jessi BC

Jessi, Sounds like you had a great night! Toqua sounds like one awesome dog. I'm glad she is doing so well and having lots of fun. I know what you mean about hound dogs making lots of noise! However, in my case I'm thinking it's not such a bad thing, as I am home alone a lot when my husband is away on business, and I like a dog to let me know when they hear something outside. Riley was really good at that and I need my next dog to be good at it too! I'm hoping the visit will make it crystal clear which dog to pick. My husband is terrified we're going to end up with two dogs as I'm obsessed with both Red and Vega. :)

Jennifer

Dear Jessi, Sounds like you guys are having a ball! Good girl Toqua - she sounds like she is thriving. I love hearing about your time together and the good news - never worry about sharing! Sam and Millie.

Samantha Geelong

Jennifer, Funny of you to say that. I was just going to say - maybe Riley will send both home with you! :) My guy would never let me go to a shelter alone - I'd come home with the whole lot! When I adopted Toq she was 2nd last to go, so I had to leave her identical sister (Toq had a white chin) in the kennel alone. I was crying, the puppies were whining through the fence, and at $16 a piece I would have quickly taken both home. The shelter manager told me litter mates are not good because they bond with each other instead of with the owner. Not sure if she was right or not, but knowing what I went through with one from that litter, two probably would have killed me!! Or at least my house. Had a bit of a scare yesterday. Toq has always (as long as I can remember) had this small, inconspicuous wart on her lower eyelid. It does get bigger and smaller, but no vets have ever been concerned about it. It has never bothered her. Well, it is on the side of slightly bigger right now. I am watching it, as I recall that before she fell ill it grew substantially (one of those possible symptoms you don't realize is a symptom until after-the-fact). It may tell me that something is going again if it grows real big real suddenly. So, at lunch it was fine. When I got home after work I looked again, and it was HUGE! Like, bigger than I have ever seen it!! And usually it is brown like her eyelids, but it was a creamy colour!! I was scared, but decided to ignore it so Toq wouldn't start stressing from me. Figured I'd watch it, and take her in if it was still bad the following day. About 5:30 last night I checked it again. Well, turns out she just had a huge clump of eye snot right there. The wart didn't grow at all.

Jessi BC

Haha, hubby and I were just discussing tonight what will happen tonight if we (I) fall in love with two dogs. The rescue we are going to is really great, no kill and all, so my husband reminded me that it's not like the dog we don't pick is missing out on its only chance for a home. Someone will come along and adopt that dog too! That does make it easier, but I do hope it will be very clear which one to pick. :) We have two elderly cats and I think two young dogs would be just too much for them. I have said when they go, I'd be open to getting a second dog. Jessi, you remind me of myself in looking for "signs". I'm glad it turned out just to be eye gook. :)

Jennifer

This thread was discussed between 24/04/2010 and 06/05/2010

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