Saturday, June 30, 2012

And So, It Has Come to This....

I never did get the definite answers I was hoping for from anyone at MedVet today, but here's the current situation/plan:  Lexie is stable and doing well.  She's eating and drinking (a lot, from what I'm told), and she's calm.  Her blood work so far has all come back normal, but Dr. Corbett said that whenever a dog receives a blood transfusion it's important to keep monitoring their blood counts.  Lou's incisions look pretty good, although there has been a little oozing from each eye.  Both Dr. Corbett and Dr. Miller acted like that was pretty normal, though.

The big issue, of course, is the fact that the gauze that is currently packed in Lexie's wounds needs to come out, but the question is when?  Dr. Corbett said that the gauze may actually be helping her blood clot right now, so they're afraid to take them out right away.  Her recommendation was to leave Lexie there at MedVet over the weekend so that they could continue to monitor her blood counts and keep her wounds clean, as well as watch for signs of infection in case her body starts to reject the gauze.  Then, they'd like to schedule her for surgery to remove the gauze on Monday, which is when all the other specialists will be on site, just in case any complications arise.  

I loved the sound of this plan, of course, but I was nervous to ask her how much it would cost.  (Keep in mind, at this point I have spent over $2,200 on Lexie's medical care, some of which has either been borrowed or generously donated by family.)  Dr. Corbett estimated that the surgery to remove Lexie's gauze is going to cost anywhere from $1200 to $2000.

I was immediately in tears.  I can't believe I've spent over $2,200 to get Lou ALL the way to this point, and yet she still needs one FINAL surgery.  Dr. Corbett sounded confident that, with all the specialists on site, Lexie has a good chance of making it through her surgery, and then she should be fine, but it's going to cost me up to another $2000, which may as well be $2 million at this point because I have NO idea how I'm going to come up with it!  Regardless, I told Dr. Corbett that I would leave Lexie in their care over the weekend and just somehow "figure out a way" to come up with the money to pay for her surgery.

So, my friends, it has come to this:  I am now accepting donations to help pay for Lexie's surgery, which is supposed to be scheduled for Monday, July 2, 2012.  Please understand how much I HATE asking anyone for help financially, but I've reached the point of desperation.  I cannot begin to tell you how much I will appreciate any amount you are able/willing to contribute, even if it's $5.  If you aren't able to help financially, I will equally appreciate all the prayers, good vibes, etc. that you can send our way.   In either case, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

 

11 comments:

  1. My husband and I dealt with unexpected glaucoma and the subsequent removal of both of our baby june's eyes several years ago. We were also sent to MedVet and spent almost $5000 on her surgeries as well. I understand your pain and sadness. If you ever need to talk or need advice on living with a blind dog, we're here for you. Our June is the greatest and does wonderfully without sight.

    Well wishes for you and your Lexie Lou,
    Jess and Nick McCormick

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    1. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment. It gives me great hope to hear that your June has adjusted so well to her blindness. I greatly appreciate your offer to give me some advice. I will probably be in touch after my Lexie comes home.

      :)

      Courtney

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  2. I gave a small bit. I am sorry it cannot be more.

    I have been in your situation. Seven years ago, my best friend Meap was suffering from liver failure. There were treatments that could help her but I did not have the money - my parents had just gone on disability and my funds, while paying my tuition, room and board, and other life needs, were going towards keeping them in their house.

    There was no charity. It was Christmas and the recession was ramping up and no one had anything to spare. Meap died December 26th, just after 11 AM. Because of the holiday, the only place that could euthanize her wanted $100. But she passed rather peacefully - liver failure shuts down the brain and the body.

    And so I give now, whether I can or cannot. If I can give a lot, I do so. If it is only a small amount, I do so. And I hope and pray for the parents and the furry children. I wish you and your Lexie Lou peace.

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    1. Birdy,

      I am so touched and saddened by your story. Thank you for sharing. It means so much to me that you have donated to help save Lexie. I only wish I could have been there for you in your time of need, as well. Lexie and I appreciate your support more than I can tell you.

      Best wishes,

      Courtney

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  3. Birdy, I too want to thank you for sharing your story and I sincerely hope that this exchange of heart-felt sentiments touch other pet owners' hearts. Even the smallest contibution that the owner receives is really needed and she knows that you contributed from the heart - how good did that make you both feel?
    Birdy, I am so sorry that you didn't have a "Birdy". I only hope that there is an honest website out there where stories like this can be shared so that everyone knows and everyone can help each other

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    1. To be honest? My heart is healed a little more every time I give! I love seeing the stories of love. I love hearing of the successes. I don't exactly love having to offer words of comfort... but, at the same time, I am happy to be there. Happy to see a love so strong.

      The Rainbow Bridge was a short bit of prose that became a dream for me. I am crying now as I recall it - quite a bit actually. So many years have passed and yet I still expect to see her sitting in the window sill...

      I also found a great deal of healing in spreading love in my immediate vicinity. I have four loves now - each unwanted and unloved originally. They came from the city streets, from abusive homes, and from the jaws of coyotes. They arrived afraid and distrustful. Right now, I can honestly say they are amongst the most spoiled rotten and pampered creatures I have met. XD

      For anyone out there who has loved and loss, I find the absolute best medicine is to spread the memory by giving of the heart!

      Thank you so much for your words. Also, I am SO sorry this is long-winded! I was just literally... overwhelmed. For some reason, Lexie's story struck such a strong chord with me. I half think a trip to West Virginia is needed to give both her and her mom a hug! XD

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    2. No need to apologize for being long-winded, Birdy. My heart aches for you, but I really appreciate you taking the time to share your story. I started this blog because talking about things always makes me feel better, so I completely understand your need to talk about it. Your message is one of giving and kindness and appreciate you sharing that message with others. The world could use a few more "birdies." :)

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  4. I'm on medical leave from work and barely making rent between myself and my boyfriend. I'm trying to spread the word because I can't donate. It's driving me crazy! I want to help pay! X.x

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    1. Believe me, I totally understand!!! Just the fact that you want to help and are spreading the word means so much. Thank you. :)

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  5. I too could only donate a little. Please give Lexie and your other furbabies some loves from us! They become our children, don't they?

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    1. There is no such thing as a "small donation," as far as I'm concerned, because I mean it when I say that every little bit helps. Thank you so much for your generosity and kindness. :)

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