EPI * Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

Hi All

Claire went in for her pre surgical blood work and exam in preperation for the cataract surgery.  She has had a lump on her stomach since the day I brought her home, initially with everything else she had going on, the vet wasn't too concerned.  This time however after examing it, she felt the need to do a fine needle aspirate. 

She called this afternoon, it seems as if Claire may have a mast cell tumor.  The slide was full of mast cells, both she and one of the other vets who looked at it are reasonably certain.  So.............tomorrow she will under go surgery to remove the tumur.  They will send in out to MSU for pathology, and the waiting will begin. 

Needless to say, the cataract surgery has been put on hold.  We're certainly hoping this will be benign and things will go back to normal.  Please pray for her safety during surgery and for a positive outcome.  This little one has been through a lot.....................

I think of you often, I'm sorry I can't find the time to become more involved, maybe someday things will slow down a little.

Love

Sue and Claire

Hi Sue,

Oh my, you must be worried sick...All the prayers I have our going out to you and Claire...The dogs all have their paws crossed too... Yes, poor Claire has fought through so much in her short life. She deserves a break...

Prayers being sent from over here in Oz. too Sue, for your sweet little Claire. 

I am so sorry she (& you) are having to go through this.  

Lots of love to you all. 

Hello Sue and Claire,

I am new to the group so not aware of your past struggles, but wanted to wish you the best of luck with this one.  It is not fair that one little pupper has to deal with more than her fair share of problems

Again, Best Wishes,

Becky

Sue:

Claire is such a special little girl, who all of us have fallen in love with.  Please know that you are in my prayers and I'm sending love and good thoughts. 

Sue,

I am so sorry to hear about Claire. She has gone through more than most and has always come out on top. Praying that this time will be no different.

Oh no !!! Sue I am so SO sorry to be reading this this morning. Poor little Claire, she has been through so much. I will say a prayer right now for her.    PLease know that we are thinking of you and her and write us as soon as you can to let us know how she is doing. She is such a special little girl and has been such an inspiration to so many. 

Becky, a brief summary with pictures of Claire's battle and remarkable recovery are on the home page of http://www.epi4dogs.com/

You would not believe how many people i have heard from that have written me privately thanking me for the epi4dogs website and  the story of the little dog named Claire ...I have been repeatedly told that because of Claire's story, someone else's dog was finally properly diagnosed.

Sue, I will be checking in frequently today to hear of Claire's progress... Again, saying prayers for little Claire!

Oh Sue - I am so sorry to hear this...I will be sending prayers to you and Claire.  Please do keep us posted and just know everything good in us is with you...Much love,  Michele and Jackie

just checking in..... for news on Claire.

Hi Guys

We just got home a short time ago.  Claire did well during the surgery.  The tumor was removed, along with several small ones that became visible when they shaved her tummy.  She has a pretty long incision.  They didn't have to cut any muscle, and the vet said from outward appearance it doesn't look as if it's been invasive.  I could sense her concern even though she tried to remain optimistic.  One comment she did make was, of all the tumors she could have, why does it have to me MCT.  This is one time she hopes she's wrong.

Claire seems to be resting pretty comfortably, she's doing a fair amount of whining, but they assured me she is feeling no pain.  When I hold her, she's much happier, so my evening will be spent comforting Claire.

The waiting will be difficult and I'm having a hard time not being angry about this.  She was doing so well, and I was so excited about the cataract surgery.  I do believe that everything happens for a reason and that God has a plan for our furbabies as well.  I just wish he would have planned this one a little different.

It will take about a week for results.  I'll keep you guys posted on how she does over the next couple days.

Sue,

Sending lots of prayers and well wishes for Claire.  Thanks for keeping us updated.

I can't say I blame you for being angry...This girl has fought so hard for her life, she really deserves a break...

Sue,

I am glad to hear the surgery went well.  Surgery is always so scary, even for routine things, let alone something like this with a pup that has already had so many health problems.  I hope that while you comfort Claire tonight that she also brings you some comfort.  Try to remain positive...  furbabies can sense emotions and you don't want her worrying about you.

Becky

Thankyou so much Sue for letting us know.  Please know that we all love little Claire so much & that she is a huge part of our forum.  Hugs are being sent to you & prayers for Claire.  They will continue until we hear good news. 

Lynn & girls.

Hi Sue,

Thank goodness that Claire made it through surgery okay and is now back home with you!  And i just know Claire feels better being held in your arms!!!

Sue, Ittle Claire has been through SO much and she is extra-special to this EPI family. If there ever was a time for the power of prayer to work, let it be now.... As we will all pull together and say our prayers ....from all over the world......for a good prognosis for Claire.   Please know that you are in our thoughts. Keep us posted on how Claire does throughout the week.

Sue:

Thank you so much for letting us know, I've checked the forum several times today to see if you had posted.  I'm glad that the surgery went well.  Poor baby is probably a bit confused and senses your worry...just give her lots of loves.  Would you mind if I add Claire to a pet prayer chain?  I didn't want to do it without asking and I certainly don't want to step on anyone's toes.  I know we've all told you the same thing, but we all love Claire...she's a very special little girl and has been through so much already.  

You're all in my prayers... 

Thank you so much for the update Sue - you are the best mommy and just holding her and being with her is the best medicine.  I will pray that she comes home to you soon and the healing has begun and there is good news in your future.  Much love,  Michele and Jackie

When you can / have time,..... as i am sure you are straight-out taking care of Claire and the others...  but when time permits, post a line or two about Claire and how she is doing,. We are all routing for her and just want to keep in touch!

Hello All

Claire is doing great...............Aside from the 3in incision on her little belly, one would never know she had surgery.  She woke me up at 5am this morning, as is usual for her, whining for her breakfast.  I didn't sleep very good last night, was very tuned into her, but she never made a peep.  She was up and around today, had to crate her several times just so she would rest.  She's all tucked in now and resting comfortably.

I'm not exactly sure where her strength comes from, but she continues to amaze me.  Claire has been such a blessing, I feel fortunate that she was placed in my care.  I can't help but fear we may lose her to this, and while the pain of that will be heart wrenching, I would do it all over again.

I wrote Claire's story up a couple weeks ago, this was prior to any concern about the tumor.  One of the members of New Rattitude entered it in a "most inspiring rescue story" contest.  This is put on by an author who is going to donate 15% of her profit from a book to the winning rescue or shelter.  The only thing she needs is comments, the story with the most comments after two rounds is the winner.

I'm not sure if it's ok to post the link here.  Olesia, let me know if that would be acceptable, or email me in private and I'll send you the link, that way you can check it out before giving the ok.

I hope everyone is doing well, and your furbabies are thriving.

Sending all our love.............

Sue and Claire

P.S.  Linda, please do add Claire to your prayer chain.  It is my belief, and I too don't want to offend anyone, but without prayers this little one could be in big trouble.  Thanks for asking.

Hi Sue,

There is not a day that goes by that I do not say a prayer for Claire...I'll check back here often for the  link because I simply cannot think of a more inspirational story than Claire's story...