From Cheyenne's Foster Mom - Surgery Date!

The internist called today after carefully reviewing all her films and charts. She feels the most likely cause of her lung issues is due to her past heartworm (you cannot get a definitive diagnosis without a lung biopsy which is too invasive..but this is the most likely cause). She said the biggest concern for Cheyenne will be going in and out of the anesthesia. During surgery..it is a very controlled situation..so no worries during the surgery itself. She said she will have a critical care team present and that she too will be present (the internist). She gives her a good chance of survival. She said that due to the fact that this tumor will probably rupture causing mass infection and psepsis...and that she is at a great risk for pyrometria...she highly recommends going forward. She said...if it were MY DOG...I would do it. I have to put faith in that statement. I won't lie...I am terrified.

SO Surgery Date is Tuesday, February 8th. 

We are just trying to get the rest of the Chip In donated if we can! 


Thank you for any help you can give.

And we wait...

Cheyenne was seen by the internist last week. She had an echocardiogram which showed she had a normally functioning heart and...hurray...not a heartworm to be found!

She had more x-rays and an oxygen test....both showing lung issues.  Now we wait while the internist reviews all of her old films...old charts...and pieces everything together to get to the bottom of her breathing issues..and make her recommendations. Will keep you posted as news comes in. Thank you for your patience...this has been such a long road with many twists and turns. Please keep Cheyenne in your thoughts and prayers.

Cheyenne Updates

First the financial update - amazingly we are only $250 from meeting the estimate! This has been a huge success thanks to all of you and it is greatly appreciated. Look at this - wow - truly amazing. This girl has gone from almost not making it out of a shelter to now, having all these friends who think of her, forward and post her, and donate to help her.

At this upcoming appointment the surgeon will assess and decide on a new surgery date. Here is Cheyenne's update.

Hello!
I'm starting to feel like my old glamorous self again! I've finished my antibiotics and rarely cough at all anymore. My breathing is improving...and I'm feeling really good. I went for a walk at this beautiful park today with my family...played in the snow with my sister Ava...and just had such a wonderful time. I hear I have an appointment on Friday to see that really nice Dr. again. Wait until he sees how well I'm doing! Now.... to decide what to wear.......
Love,
Cheyenne

Cheyenne sending Thank You's!

Hi Everyone...just checking in to let you know..I'm taking all my meds, eating my chicken soup and mommy is keeping me nice and warm. I'm starting to feel better...and not coughing anymore. Thank you for thinking of me!
Love,
Cheyenne

Surgery Date Delayed!

UPDATE FROM MARY ANN - We will keep everyone posted!

Over the weekend...Cheyenne developed coughing and labored breathing. She was immediately put on antibiotics which has helped with the cough...but by Wednesday she still had a wheezy breathing. It was decided that a meeting with the surgeon prior to surgery was in order. So..a meeting with the surgeon on Thursday morning was arranged. He thoroughly examined her........

...looked at me...and said...Nope...not happening today. "I hear distinct wheezing and am not comfortable with her undergoing surgery". He likened it to someone with asthma...although she doesn't have that. He said he is not worried about the surgery part of this at all...that it will be easy and fast...but he worries about her health being kicked over the edge due to going through surgery in this condition. He said....I always tell people that bring in animals who are sick...I can easily fix that fracture...but do you want your animal to die because of that surgery? He has put her on a bronchodilator...and she is to stay on all the other meds she is currently on. He wants to re-eval her in one week (our appt. is Friday of next week at 10:30). If he feels that she is on the right path due to this treatment plan...he will have us continue for one more week...then operate.

Cheyenne was so relieved...and dragged me out the door (I had to drag her IN the door). I have to say...so was I...my gut told me there was reason for concern...and I am so grateful to have such an excellent surgeon...who was on the same page!!!!

The Big Day

Tomorrow is the big day for Cheyenne, her foster family, and her whole extended family of Southern Cross and friends and supporters - you.

We still have $555 to meet the estimate - and if it happens, that is wonderful. But we have far more than we ever would have without each and every person who helped in every way.

We would like to ask that you hold Cheyenne in your heart tomorrow and we will update the blog in the afternoon.

Thank you.

Snow in the NE GA Mountains!

I know it doesn't look like much snow to those of you up North but believe me for those of us here in the NE GA Mountains this is a major snowstorm! The temperature is 25 degrees and falling and will only be in the single digits in the next few nights. The snow that you see is turning to ice. We haven't had mail for three days because our mountain road has not been plowed! If you have sent a check for Cheyenne's surgery please let us know - we need every dollar for her care because we are also trying to supply local folks with cedar chip bedding and dog houses for those that don't have any! NE Georgia has not seen anything like this winter for many, many years.

As we get closer to Cheyenne's surgery this week please send all of your prayers and healing wishes to her and the wonderful family that has kept her safe for us so far. I think we sometimes forget to think of the people behind the rescue dogs and I know how much Cheyenne's family loves her - from seeing her crate waiting for her with the welcome drawings on Cheyenne's arrival to her being in bed with the covers under her chin when she felt under the weather to celebrating the New Year - Cheyenne's Foster Folks have enveloped her with love and care. All of the Dogs and Volunteers at Southern Cross GSD Rescue send heartfelt Thanks to those that have donated to Cheyenne AND may we all raise a toast to her family this week in gratefulness for their love of her - and send our prayers to Cheyenne for a chance to live out her life with grace, happiness and the knowledge that she is, and has been truly loved.

Molly....and the Dogs!

Southern Cross GSD Rescue