I have posted some information on Instagrams and Facebook about Smokey’s current issue of cancerous cells and egg production. I am sorry for this bad new. Too soon since Koolaid just passed in July :( Fundraiser:
Her last checkup mid October 2019 was actually pretty good. But xrays haven’t been done since 2017, so this cancer could have been going on for the past year. However, no reason to do xrays of course if you don’t see any serious issues. Her breathing became quite laboured and I noticed her abdomen swelling just over the weekend before I had to leave on a work trip for a few days. I swear she knows when she needs to stay at the vet. It was actually good timing overall, although this week really tested me with extreme stress. I’m just grateful she’s been around the last few years, and that’s because of everyone’s help. If I didn’t have the fundraiser both times, she would not be here. And she is a happy bird. So all external judgments aside from strangers.
despite my own issues and stress, I see her well being has been good, and if I can afford this, I made the decision to keep her with us until it’s time for her to go. Thank you for your support, messages, and donations. I think this is all just amazing overall. I always will try to see the positive in every situation. There is always one available❤️🙏
Updates Nov 22- Nov 17, 2019:
Nov 22, 2019:
Tonight 2nd ultrasound showed cancer mass in ovaries, in addition to egg follicle. Egg production may have just aggravated development of cancerous cells. I wanted the additional X-ray dye done to see where or what the obstruction was so they can treat her condition more effectively, and so we all know where things stand with how she is.
Nov 21, 2019:
I just got back from work travel, visiting Smokey and picking up Bowie. Still not sure how much longer to keep Smokey here—at least another day or two for a certain test and another ultrasound to see exactly what the obstruction is in her abdomen. They’re not able to drain any more fluid, although there is still some inside her. She is doing a little better since Nov 17th in my opinion, although her insides aren’t.
Before I left on Sunday the estimate was $1,000 up to tomorrow, not including boarding. So the donations from Smokey’s fundraiser and positive messages everyone have contributed have been extremely helpful to say the least. I can get these extra tests done without breaking me, and keeping Smokey comfortable. Truly heartbreaking to know she has cancerous cells, but we will see what we can do in the meantime depending on her well being..which seems to be ok. I honestly don’t know how she is still alive and hungry and such a rock. I think she knew I was going to board her and Bowie for my work trip, and knew she would be safe at the bird hospital!!
Nov 18, 2019:
Summary of diagnostics from Smokey’s vet:
“Smokey was still having trouble breathing despite treatment Sunday evening and the abdomen seemed larger.
An ultrasound was done and could not clearly see an egg but occasion glimpses of what could be a follicle..the abdomen seemed full and one structure seemed to run into another.
Her breathing was getting worse, so I decided to try to remove as much fluid as I could. 2 ml of fluid drained out and for 1 hour afterward she continue with marked breathing effort and then settled down. She was much better, and had a good day.
We have kept her on the concentrator all the time. Today she may be a little more fragile. I gave her Lupron (hormone shot) on Sunday.
I sent the fluid from her abdomen yesterday morning for cytology and a bacterial culture.
The fluid has come back with cancerous cells. May be reproductive in origin and am concerned that metastasis may have already occurred.
Hping that the Lupron will help to decrease the reproductive tract to give her more room to breath and use of an anti-inflammatory may decrease blood flow to cancerous tissues and slow growth.”
Nov 17, 2019:
Dropped Bowie and Smokey off on Sunday for boarding to travel for work this week. I was informed she may not make it, so trying to prepare. Again...hoping she will hang in there at least until I get back from my work travel, and I will go see her and decide what next steps to take. Either way, this is the reality of a pet owner’s responsibility, costly or not. I will do the best for her and for what I can handle looking forward.
Thank you everyone, very much ❤️
H
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