Brooke - not good news

Sharon, there is no such thing here as too many posts. I log in every day looking for Brooke updates, and I'm sure others do too. We've done the same with other members who are at your point...most of us have been where you are and completely understand. I remember days with Pixie wondering if today was The Day. It's a real tightrope and there is no good answer. Your gut and your heart will tell you when it's time. And you will probably second-guess yourself then too; I know I did. Trust your instincts. We are all here for you. Sending hugs and love.....
 
Sharon, most of us here have been where you are now and know how important it is to be able to reach out to others who understand what you are going through. And as Ann said, "There is no such thing here as too many posts." We are all praying for Brooke and for you as you travel this tough journey.
Sending many hugs, Trini
 
Sharon7 said:
Another rough night. The bleeds seem to be about every 3 days now. The red "emergency" pill has been working but seems to give her bad diarrhea the next day. Well, this time it was 4:30 AM. Went to check on her and smelled the tell tale sign. She had also vomited. Her abdomen is distended from the tumor and probably some blood from oozing. Got her cleaned up and put her on the bed between us where she rested quietly, and I laid there crying.

Got some anti nausea meds into her, then tried a bit of food a few hours later, she only wanted a few Cheerios and Charlie bears. No to cottage cheese and dog food. I will try to scramble an egg later. I am not so concerned about her missing a meal or two, she is in decent weight still. My biggest indicators that it's serious is if her heart rate skyrockets (I have a stethoscope from my nursing career) or she is retracting her abdomen - those are the bad signs and she's not doing that. She is resting nearby me right now.

I hope I am not wearing everyone out with my posts. It just helps to get it out a bit. Pretty isolated just staying home all the time with her, but my girlfriends are dropping by to visit while hubby is at work. It's all worth it. I will do whatever I can to have her extend her time with us IF it is quality time. No real suffering is allowed. Thanks to you all for listening.
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Please Sharon, no apologies need be given at such a tender time with you and your dear Brooke. My heart just aches recognizing the discomfort you both find yourselves in. Ann said it best as we all have been where you now find yourself. Trust your gut is certainly all you can do. Knowing that you are her sole comfort now is helping to ease Brooke but tears flow knowing time is grown shorter. I know I have said it before, but what any of us would not give for another month, week, day, minute, or second more with our beloved shelties! We just could not love them any more. Our needs are secondary... they give us their life and their love... what more can we ask! Loving prayers to you and Brooke during this extremely difficult time... our hearts are with you. Virtual hugs.
 
Sharon totally agree with Ann and Trini, no "too much" posts

I follow you and Brookes ups and downs

Although I find it really hard to read English - i spell myself through every one of your posts :wink2:

I need to know how it goes Brooke :hugs - so happy every single time she has had a good day
 
I do know what you mean, when Deska was dying I too felt like I was posting too much. But you have such big decisions, you're tired and in shock and 'talking' on SF is a way to cope. Remember you're not just talking to friends, but to others that have been through the same thing and fully understand the depth of your grief. Like others on this forum, I'm quite happy to read any little thing you want to share.
 
Sharon7 said:
Another rough night. The bleeds seem to be about every 3 days now. The red "emergency" pill has been working but seems to give her bad diarrhea the next day. Well, this time it was 4:30 AM. Went to check on her and smelled the tell tale sign. She had also vomited. Her abdomen is distended from the tumor and probably some blood from oozing. Got her cleaned up and put her on the bed between us where she rested quietly, and I laid there crying.

Got some anti nausea meds into her, then tried a bit of food a few hours later, she only wanted a few Cheerios and Charlie bears. No to cottage cheese and dog food. I will try to scramble an egg later. I am not so concerned about her missing a meal or two, she is in decent weight still. My biggest indicators that it's serious is if her heart rate skyrockets (I have a stethoscope from my nursing career) or she is retracting her abdomen - those are the bad signs and she's not doing that. She is resting nearby me right now.

I hope I am not wearing everyone out with my posts. It just helps to get it out a bit. Pretty isolated just staying home all the time with her, but my girlfriends are dropping by to visit while hubby is at work. It's all worth it. I will do whatever I can to have her extend her time with us IF it is quality time. No real suffering is allowed. Thanks to you all for listening.
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Don't ever worry about wearing us down, that's why we are here ❤️
 
OK well you guys brought me to thankful tears. My family was pretty insular and we weren't encouraged to share feelings and problems with others, although I have gotten better over the years.

Brooke had a couple of rough nights, then a good day yesterday. We did a little Nosework practice and she did OK, ate all the treats. Food is the big, big issue right now. Only a few bites here and there, we tried white rice, canned dog food, plain chicken, eggs, oatmeal (all one at a time). Only a few nibbles. Just no real appetite, until I got out the last-ditch baby food jar. She ate a whole turkey jar and licked the bottle. Unfortunately it's only 80 calories. I will go buy more and see if 3 or 4 a day spaced out will entice her. I know she is winding down, I just expected a very sudden event, from what everyone told me, vets, other people who have gone through this. "She will be fine until she's not" was what I heard.

Then we got hit last night with both Faith and Eli having bad diarrhea. We had let them eat whatever Brooke refused, and although none of it was greasy or bad, I think it was just too much stuff. Now I will just throw away what Brooke doesn't eat.

She slept well last night, hubby got up to get her out at 5:30 for a potty so no events in the house overnight. Then she came back on the bed and snuggled until 7:00.

Still affectionate. Both of us got a good face wash this morning when she decided it was time to get up. She is such a tough stoic little dog. Besides her diarrhea and no appetite, she seems OK, not in distress or pain. Gums are pink although that can change quickly.
 
Thank You for the Brooke update :) Love hearing about her being such a sweet baby and licking your face!

I remember feeding baby food to one of my pets at one point (not sure which one). Good thing those little bottles go on sale. I know garlic is a concern long term, but obviously that is completely irrelevant here. Guess you will find out what meat varieties come in baby food nowadays :)
 
Good to know Brooke is eating something at least. I remember well the rollercoaster ride when they do not have an appetite. Don't remember if I mentioned it before... But, my vet had me give Mr. Chance and appetite stimulant which did work rather well to my surprise.

I too can identify with being brought up not to show your feelings... thank goodness everyone here listens and is non-judgemental and really tries to offer help when we can, even if that means an open ear to listen and provide support. God knows you need that now!

Virtual hugs to you and soft pats to Brooke!
 
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