Brain Surgery for our 3yr old pup.
Donation protected
Our little girl Lucy came to our lives at a time when my wife and I were still trying to heal and recover from the loss of our Boxer (Benjamin) to hemagiosarcoma.
Benjamin was a special spirit in which we often referred to as our first born. After amputation of one of Benjamins legs that helped to extend his life an additional year before he succumbed to his cancer, we decided to attempt healing through incorporating a new addition to the family. One that was still young but still needed rescuing and love.
We found Lucy through the MidAmerica Boston Terrier Rescue and at first meeting she melted our hearts. She is always following us, checking on us, and staying close. We love her personality, her quirks, and by far is one of the single greatest cuddlers. Lucy is a constant ray of sunshine in our lives. My wife deals with challenges of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Lucy and her sister Joon are often the only two who really sees how much pain and exhaustion she experiences daily outside of myself. They help give her hope and strength.
We noticed through time that Lucy possibly had some developmental issues but nothing that seemed to be concerning. We make regular visits to the vet and everything has always checked out. She's just always been our special dog who needed us just as much as we needed her. We would do anything for her just to have another chance at a good life, and that's why I'm here now.
My wife and I just recently lost a close family member and barely 4 days after the burial, we had noticed Lucy having significant difficulties eating. Not that she was refusing or did not want to eat but that she could not utilize her tongue and jaw muscles to adequately retrieve the food.
After being seen by her regular veterinarian that same day, we were referred to neurology to discuss having an MRI done. That night Lucy experienced an event that can only be construed as something resembling a stroke. She was admitted Tuesday November 6th to Veterinary Specialty Services in Manchester, MO. The next day we found out she had a significantly large dermoid cyst at the rear of her brain which is in charge of her cognitive functions.
Despite relatively difficult odds, we chose to try and help her as we were faced with either simply letting her go or trying to remove the cyst. If all went well, she could possibly recover to a quality of life she's never known. At this current moment, she has already undergone the surgical procedure to remove the cyst but during the course of its removal she stopped breathing on her own. Approximately 80-90% of the cysts was removed with its capsule remaining so not to cause further damage.
Over the night of 11/8, she remained on a ventilator to help her breath but the next day we received news that systemically she is responding well.
I have never done this before but I was given some advice that I should probably include the expenses.
Lucy's stay and subsequent diagnosis could not have happened without an MRI. We were told that with the MRI, surgery and hospitalization needs that it would cost approximately $4800.
Post operation with her breathing in question and to not recover her too soon, we had to place her on a ventilator for 24hrs at an additional $1500. On the advice of her respiratory team we have decided one more night on ventilation for an addition $700 to give her the best possible opportunity for recovery.
The veterinary team has been so good to us and our babies. They are doing everything they can with optimism and care. We were willing to fight as long as Lucy is willing to fight. This particular procedure is largely unknown after a certain point because people usually can't afford to keep it going. We want to give this dog as many chances as we can while helping further the research and experience for the vets but we can only afford so much.
Any contributions will go to her continued care and management. We're not asking for everything to be covered, but any assistance that can be provided to help ensure she gets the best care possible would be appreciated beyond any words I could express.
**UPDATE 11/9 9:00PM CST**
We were able to visit Lucy tonight. Her prognosis may be getting a little better as she's starting to show sign of breathing on her own. Right now it's just not quite enough though. We have opted to give her another night on the ventilator to see if there will be some more progress before we attempt her recovery on her own. We should know more tomorrow afternoon/evening.
***UPDATE 11/10 2:30PM CST***
We were notified today that the doctors and staff have done all that they can for Lucy. Though she could have continued on indefinitely with the assistance of a ventilator, the official diagnosis was that her brain would never recover for her to regain consciousness. We were faced with a heart shattering decision to continue to let her live on life support or let her go. We made the decision to not have her hang in the balance. Sometimes life is not fair, and though our hearts are broken, we want to thank each and every one of you who sent us your love and continued support. Monday I will be visiting the doctor to discuss the final expenses. Lucy will be cremated and brought home to be with our beloved Benjamin.
Thank you so much for your contributions.
With great sadness and love,
Bill and Tracy
***UPDATE 11/13 4:45PM CST***
We have been notified the final expense of Lucy's care. The doctor was able to work with us and the final bill will be $6000. As heartbreaking as it all is, and as much as I wish the outcome had been different, giving our girl a chance was worth every penny. We know we did the right thing from start to finish and that's all anyone can really ask for.
Thank you to everyone who helped contribute to trying to save Lucy with us. Your generosity and continued support means more than words can express. We're planning on leaving this gofundme open for a while longer.
Thank you all so very very much!
With love,
Bill
Benjamin was a special spirit in which we often referred to as our first born. After amputation of one of Benjamins legs that helped to extend his life an additional year before he succumbed to his cancer, we decided to attempt healing through incorporating a new addition to the family. One that was still young but still needed rescuing and love.
We found Lucy through the MidAmerica Boston Terrier Rescue and at first meeting she melted our hearts. She is always following us, checking on us, and staying close. We love her personality, her quirks, and by far is one of the single greatest cuddlers. Lucy is a constant ray of sunshine in our lives. My wife deals with challenges of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Lucy and her sister Joon are often the only two who really sees how much pain and exhaustion she experiences daily outside of myself. They help give her hope and strength.
We noticed through time that Lucy possibly had some developmental issues but nothing that seemed to be concerning. We make regular visits to the vet and everything has always checked out. She's just always been our special dog who needed us just as much as we needed her. We would do anything for her just to have another chance at a good life, and that's why I'm here now.
My wife and I just recently lost a close family member and barely 4 days after the burial, we had noticed Lucy having significant difficulties eating. Not that she was refusing or did not want to eat but that she could not utilize her tongue and jaw muscles to adequately retrieve the food.
After being seen by her regular veterinarian that same day, we were referred to neurology to discuss having an MRI done. That night Lucy experienced an event that can only be construed as something resembling a stroke. She was admitted Tuesday November 6th to Veterinary Specialty Services in Manchester, MO. The next day we found out she had a significantly large dermoid cyst at the rear of her brain which is in charge of her cognitive functions.
Despite relatively difficult odds, we chose to try and help her as we were faced with either simply letting her go or trying to remove the cyst. If all went well, she could possibly recover to a quality of life she's never known. At this current moment, she has already undergone the surgical procedure to remove the cyst but during the course of its removal she stopped breathing on her own. Approximately 80-90% of the cysts was removed with its capsule remaining so not to cause further damage.
Over the night of 11/8, she remained on a ventilator to help her breath but the next day we received news that systemically she is responding well.
I have never done this before but I was given some advice that I should probably include the expenses.
Lucy's stay and subsequent diagnosis could not have happened without an MRI. We were told that with the MRI, surgery and hospitalization needs that it would cost approximately $4800.
Post operation with her breathing in question and to not recover her too soon, we had to place her on a ventilator for 24hrs at an additional $1500. On the advice of her respiratory team we have decided one more night on ventilation for an addition $700 to give her the best possible opportunity for recovery.
The veterinary team has been so good to us and our babies. They are doing everything they can with optimism and care. We were willing to fight as long as Lucy is willing to fight. This particular procedure is largely unknown after a certain point because people usually can't afford to keep it going. We want to give this dog as many chances as we can while helping further the research and experience for the vets but we can only afford so much.
Any contributions will go to her continued care and management. We're not asking for everything to be covered, but any assistance that can be provided to help ensure she gets the best care possible would be appreciated beyond any words I could express.
**UPDATE 11/9 9:00PM CST**
We were able to visit Lucy tonight. Her prognosis may be getting a little better as she's starting to show sign of breathing on her own. Right now it's just not quite enough though. We have opted to give her another night on the ventilator to see if there will be some more progress before we attempt her recovery on her own. We should know more tomorrow afternoon/evening.
***UPDATE 11/10 2:30PM CST***
We were notified today that the doctors and staff have done all that they can for Lucy. Though she could have continued on indefinitely with the assistance of a ventilator, the official diagnosis was that her brain would never recover for her to regain consciousness. We were faced with a heart shattering decision to continue to let her live on life support or let her go. We made the decision to not have her hang in the balance. Sometimes life is not fair, and though our hearts are broken, we want to thank each and every one of you who sent us your love and continued support. Monday I will be visiting the doctor to discuss the final expenses. Lucy will be cremated and brought home to be with our beloved Benjamin.
Thank you so much for your contributions.
With great sadness and love,
Bill and Tracy
***UPDATE 11/13 4:45PM CST***
We have been notified the final expense of Lucy's care. The doctor was able to work with us and the final bill will be $6000. As heartbreaking as it all is, and as much as I wish the outcome had been different, giving our girl a chance was worth every penny. We know we did the right thing from start to finish and that's all anyone can really ask for.
Thank you to everyone who helped contribute to trying to save Lucy with us. Your generosity and continued support means more than words can express. We're planning on leaving this gofundme open for a while longer.
Thank you all so very very much!
With love,
Bill
Organizer
William Ficor
Organizer
City of Saint Peters, MO
