Bassett's surgery...

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Originally posted by slick
It's a tough decision and I wish we could tell you what to do but your heart will let you know. Whatever you decide, we are behind you all the way and prayers are continuing for you and the furkids.

luv

Couldn't have said it better, Slick.

Kelly had some great questions, and unfortunately I can't add any of my own, except the biggest thing I would ask is if she can give you any indication of what Bassett's chances would be, based on her prior experience. The other cats she has operated on that made it, were their symptoms similar to Bassett's, more severe or less severe, and what was their personality. Bassett seems to be so easy going about the whole thing that it seems she would certainly be a good patient which could only help her recover more quickly. She might be vague, trying not to give you false hope, but she has to understand that it is a very difficult decision and Bassett's chances of survival and quality of life are the most important factors considering the amount of money involved.

Like others have said, we will support you no matter what your decision is, and only you can make that decision.

{{{Hugs}}} to both you and Bassett, and thoughts and prayers going out to you to help you make the right decision. One that you can live with no matter what the outcome ends up being.

[Nomilynn]

Thank you, everyone, for your words of support and good questions to ask. There are quite a few that I had not thought of, and so I've added them to my (LONG) list. I will call the surgeon today and find out if I can make an appointment with her. For many of these questions to be answered, I guess she has to meet Bassett, so I'm not sure how all this would work.

Bassett's breathing has stayed quite calm over the weekend, so I'm pleased about that. I know there is fluid in there, but it's not affecting her as badly as it has before, so I'm going to wait for a bit before taking her in again.

Thank you all so much. You are all the best

Naomi

[slick]

Naomi: I'm on holidays starting June 9th for two weeks and can easily make myself available for you if you need it while you are on this side of the water. Just call me.

[lynnestankard]

Naomie - I'm so sorry to hear of this dreadful decision you have to make. I think everyone's covered the questions I would have asked. You're in my thoughts and special {{{Hugs}}} coming across the miles to you and Bassett. xxx

Lynne

[ramanth]

*hugs to you and Bassett*

I don't have any question or advice to offer. Just my support.

[Nomilynn]

Well, a bit of an update. Bassett and I have a consultation on Friday at noon with the surgeon. I'm going to go in, ask all my questions and then go from there. I'm also waiting for a call back from the bank to see if I can get a loan. ARRGH I'm beginning to unravel. I've made this appointment and I have no way of getting there or getting home. I am gonna pop I swear!

Anyway, thank you all so much for everything. You are all the best.

[RICHARD]

here in CA we have some teaching schools
(the surgeons there are learning their craft...
they are not just practicing for the heck of it..
there are certified surgeons to guide the students.) they do major surgeries to get the
up and comers used to new techniques!

are there any vet schools in your area???

speak to the doctor about the possiblility of
maybe using this surgery as a teaching 'tool'.

i know that sounds too simple and risky.

you wouldn't want to put your pet into the hands of a rookie, but it may be a way to offset the cost. Again, there are qualified surgeons in the OR to make sure that nothing goes wrong.....

your heart is your guide, but you have to believe that what is in your heart is the best possible
answer to the problem...

thank you for giving us the skinny on Bassett!

[momoffuzzyfaces]

So sad! I wish you the very best what ever you decide.
One thing I would ask/consider: if you went a head with the surgery, would you still have to pay that huge amount if Bassett didn't make it? I had a dog that had surgery and didn't pull through and it took me forever to pay off the bill and it was nothing like this will be.

There's just so much to decide. I'm behind you and support you what ever you decide.
(((HUGS)))

[Catsnclay]

Another thought........is there someone who can go with you & Bassett to this appointment? Sometimes a third party who isn't emotional is really good. Even though you have your list of questions, this person may come up with a few more while listening.

Don't get me wrong, I know you too will be listening, but some times having someone there for YOU is very helpful.

[anna_66]

I'm sorry to hear about this Naomi, I can't imagine if I had to be the one making the decision.
I'm sorry I don't have any questions for you to ask, I think everyone else has covered any that I thought of.
All of us here are hoping for the best outcome for your apt. on Friday. Know we will be here for you no matter what you decide.
{{{{{Hugs from us to you & Bassett}}}}}

[TheAntiPam]

Originally posted by Catsnclay
...is there someone who can go with you & Bassett to this appointment? ...
some times having someone there for YOU is very helpful.

Very good idea, Catsnclay! I agree 100%. I helped a friend during her illness, and I saw how important it is to have someone who is a step back from the situation emotionally.

Naomi, you and Bassett remain in our prayers - and don't be ashamed to have a friend go along - you deserve the support during this tough time!!!

[Sudilar]

Oh Naomi, such hard decisions you have to make. Get all the information you need to make a knowledgeable decision. When it comes to Killian, I always ask his vet, " What would you do if it were YOUR dog." In fact, now I don't even have to say the words. She tells me what she would do automatically.

Don't forget that sometimes quality of life is more important than quantity of life. Whatever you decide, it will be the best thing that can be done for Bassett because you love Bassett with all your heart.

Sending you huge hugs, strength and courage to make that decision.

[shais_mom]

You are in my thoughts.

[Cheshirekatt]

Whatever decision you make we're here for you and Bassett.

[gini]

Dear Naomi,

I just sat down and read all of the posts about Bassett from beginning to end. I had tears in my eyes as you described Bassett and your love and concern for her. I have such compassion for you because I know first-hand how difficult it is to make these decisions.

I think you have had excellent advice from everyone here - and I am sure it has helped you.

I feel that my biggest question would be the quality of life for Bassett after this surgery. I am basing that on my own experiences. All of this is for her to have a happy, healthy long life..........what is the prognosis on that question?

I too feel helpless here, but one thing I know that I can do is say prayers for YOU AND BASSETT!

If I was with you, I would want to give you the biggest hug and let you cry out all of your frustrations.

All of us are here for you - and with much love!