Saturday, May 31, 2008
I could tell he was very excited as we neared town. I know he has some smell because he was sniffing out the window and got excited about ten miles out. I just know he was smelling home. First place we went was UPCO which is his favorite place to shop for treats. He usually goes down the treat aisle and sticks his head in every basket and sniffs untile he finds what he wants. I know he can smell because he went for those dang pig ears. Stinky things! He also lost control of his bladder in there. Was just walking and urinating as he walked. That was definitely a new one. The only time I ever saw him do that was when they put him on prednisone once. That lasted two days and I took him off. It took him nearly three weeks to regain bladder control. We don't do steroids anymore.
Tonight he was kind of funny and then all of a sudden about midnight, he got hungry, ate some steamed hamburger, a Beneful meal and a piece of American cheese. Geez I never feed him like that, but I was shoveling whatever he took an interest in right into his bowl. He even ate some of his dry food with the moist. Then he drank a lot of water and went back to the bedroom and fell sound asleep. His nose seems to have stopped the drainage and is looking more normal. He also let me clean his blowhole really well. He just loves for me to scratch on either side of it. I have found if I do that for a while pretty soon, I can scratch with the gauze and then get into the blowhole and he doesn't mind. If I try to clean first, he balks.
Right now he is snoring. He still sounds like a cartoon character when he snores. Anyway I have got to get to bed. I am exhausted and tomorrow I have to go and clean the barn for Sassy. I wish he would bring her home already. This is getting old and the gas is killing me. I will have to find someone to leave Jack with. It is just too hot to take him for that long a time. My mom is in Lawrence, so I have no idea who I can leave him with. I may end up taking him if I have to, I will just have to cut my time at the barn short.
Love you all, sorry this was so late. I know how you all worry.
Love and big Husky hugs,
Debbie and Jack
- *****
Debbie and Jack said...Well we made it home despite the stormy weather off and on. the weather is just miserably hot and humid for this time of year. Jack was sick in the car so the trip had to be lengthened. We spent about an hour at a beautiful little roadside park outside of Brookfield and that seemed to lift his spirits. At least we made it home with no more illness.
This morning before I left I took him to the hospital to get some treats. He refused to eat anything I offered him this morning, but when we got to the hospital, he ate several biscuits which Coral offered him. I have the same ones at home but no go. Coral suggested that I bring his food and see if he would eat it there at the hospital, so I ran home and got it. When Coral offered him the food, he ate practically all of it.. I suggested she come to St. Joe for the weekend since Jack will only eat with her. She thought her kids might object. I was just glad he ate, however it does seem weird he would eat at the hospital. Whenever he has been there he is usually fasting. Go figure!
Tonight he refused to eat again, until about midnight when he all of a sudden got hungry. I shoveled dog food, cheese, steamed hamburger down his throat. Now he is sawing logs. I am seeing constant improvement in his attitude this evening. I think he is glad to be home. Me, too, although I do miss Amy and Paul. Will see them soon enough again. And tomorrow my son Ryan is coming here to see us, so that will be special.
Can't begin to tell you how much this chance for Jack means to both of us. We are just like peanut butter and jelly, we belong together. Thanks to you we have gotten a chance to stay that way.
Love and big Husky hugs,
Debbie and Jack
Friday, May 30, 2008
- Debbie and Jack said...
This morning still sees no movement on either end if you know what I mean. However, he is looking at me with open eyes and following me around. Still looks exhausted. I know I would be after a week of no eating. He is still drinking like a fish, so that is good. I have cooked him his boiled beef, brown rice, broccoli and carrots, which he has loved whenever he has been ill. When it cools I guess we will find out. I still think the congestion is affecting his chewing. It is much better, a thinner mucus now so that is a good sign I think .
Planning on going home for a few days. The gas prices need to go down please. I just think it may help him to get home for awhile and see his siblings and sleep on his green velvet chair. I say green, but actually it is more white these days. He has claimed if for his own,so while I keep it covered for him, it needs a good sweeping often.
Thanks again everyone for giving my Jack a chance to beat this cancer. I know in my heart that he has, now if he will just heal. The radiation has slowed that process inside his nose, but I am hoping the left side which was not irradiated will heal more quickly and give him some respite from this discomfort.
Love and Husky hugs,
Debbie and Jack
ps He chased the kitties this morning. That is a good sign!
- Debbie and Jack said...
Well, Amy and I made the decision to take the pain patch off early. I am so glad I did. It took a few hours for it to dissipate, but he is already more alert. Of course he may have to wear the e-collar now, but I am just hoping it will help his eating. Fentanil is a pretty heavy duty opiate, so it is very suppressing. I will see in the morning if he gets the appetite back. I am concerned he has not moved his bowels since Saturday afternoon, but that opiate can affect that also. I am almost certain he is having no pain, so I am looking forward to having a little bit of spunk back. I think he is very itchy where they have shaved his hair and so he is actively trying to scratch. I have to watch the blowhole carefully, if he got his claw in there, he could do some damage. He does seem to be breathing better.
Although the recovery sems to be slower than I would have hoped, it is a miracle that we are at this point at all. You all are responsible for that.
Thanks Debbie. Give Jake and Riley big hugs from us. You get one too.
Love and big Husky hugs,
Debbie and Jack
Thursday, May 29, 2008
-
Debby (Jake & Riley's Mom) said... Hey Debbie, I'm so glad that Jack is doing so much better. He is such a character, trying to give the vet a hard time. He just loves him mom's gentle touch.
I'm thinking of you guys all the time, been crazy at work, ask Joanna I've hardly got to talk to her this afternoon.
Big hugs to you and Jack and all of my love too of course- Debbie and Jack said...
Well we ended up in the clinic again this morning. His blowhole was very congested with something which looked as if it might have been infection. So better safe than sorry, I went early this morning to have it checked. Luckily, they were so nice as to clean it again for me and let me know it was not infection and it was complimentary, which was so nice. Everytime I hit the clinic it is $100, so this was really nice.
He put up a big fight this morning even mouthing David's hands as he was trying to clean. I was afraid he might bite,which he has NEVER offered to do to anyone, but David said "not Jack. If he wanted to bite he would have already." He was just putting on for the vet. He sits quietly at home for me to clean it, but my cleanings aren't quite so thorough. I am so afraid to hurt him. Now of course after his big show he is absolutely exhausted again. Sleeping like a baby. His congestion is so much better. He is finally clearing that mucus out of his blowhole.And he has learned to exhale thru the blowhole which means the sutures they put in the other day are really helping. I still think the pain patch is making him a little too sedated, so I may remove it tonight. They gave me that option.. I would like to see him a little more lively, a little less sleepy.
I can't tell you how much you all mean to me. I am thinking of all of you and blessing you every day for helping me. I don't know what I would have done without Jack. He is heart of my heart.
Love and big Husky hugs,
Debbie and Jack
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
- Debbie and Jack said...
Well, sorry this is so tardy this morning. I am glad Joanna let you know what was going on. She is a dear dear friend. Jack slept soundly until nearly 9 pm. In fact so soundly that he lost control of his bladder and didn't even wake up, so we had a little mess to clean up. So he went outside then moved to bed and fell right asleep. This morning he is a little more congested, so I have been cleaning the blowhole with saline and gauze. He is still really exhausted and sedated looking. If this continues, I am to remove his pain patch since it may be too heavy for him. He slept until nearly noon even though I was up early. He moved in with Paul, who is ill, too, and the boys took a much needed rest together, when Paul got up, I think he would have stayed in bed, but he came in to lay down by my feet. I am hoping to get him to outside. The sunshine has finally made an appearance for the first time since Saturday and I think it will do us all good to get out and move a little.
Hoping this day finds all of you well and happy. God bless you all
Love and Husky hugs,
Debbie and Jack
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Debbie called me from the car and was so excited... Jack was sleeping soundly... even snoring... with his mouth closed. This is something he hasn't been able to do since his surgery, so it's been very difficult for him to get the rest he needs. Thank goodness he's able to rest now.
She said he was going to have to go back at least twice in the next week and a half to have the staples taken out (he has staples on both sides of his nose from above the eyes down his nose and on both sides of his neck from them having to clamp off the carotid arteries during surgery as well as the sutures they just put around the blow hole). It's going to be a lot of driving and a lot of stress on both of them. Debbie had thought (briefly) about leaving Jack in Columbia with Amy and Paul when she went home to St. Joe, but that thought dissipated soon. Other than the fact that Amy and Paul are gone so much.... we know that Jack just wouldn't have it... he's a real Mama's Boy. She will more than likely (I think) stay in Columbia until Jack is back to 100%. I believe her wonderful Mom and a friend have been taking care of all her other animals and house, so we'll send blessings out to all of them too.
Oh.. before I forget... this is cute. After being lethargic all day, Debbie said when Jack got to the hospital, he perked up and was so excited to be there that he jumped up on the counter looking for his treats... they're always there for him, and he was more than ready for them. Thank God he's not afraid of the vet like Mike (my handsome Westie) is.
If I hear anything else before she posts, I'll keep you informed. Thank you all so very much for everything you've done for Debbie and Jack... you are all true blessings to this wonderful pair.
- Debbie and Jack said...
When I was talking to Joanna this morning, I mentioned my computer was frozen and had been for awhile. Well there was a reason for that. Jack has made a great improvement in the last hour. He has eaten a little prepared meal and is lying beside me and taking a nap, which while fitful is the best I have seen him do for a couple of days. While we still have the doctor at 2. Maybe he will have a bit more spring in his step. Hopefully a feeding tube now is out of the picture. And when we get the pain patch we should be good to go for an uneventful recovery from here on out. Hopefully they will have learned the value of a pain patch over oral meds for dogs with facial surgeries.
Will update more after the doctor. Without all of you we could never have come this far.
Love and big Husky hugs,
Debbie and Jack
I just got off the phone with Debbie. She is taking Jack to the vet today. He's not doing very well. He's been drinking plenty of water but not eating anything and is quite lethargic. Please keep this big boy in your prayers. Here is what she posted last night:
- Debbie and Jack said...
Just a short note tonight. Jack is having some trouble with congestion, but we are trying to wait until tomorrow to take him in, saving that emergency fee. His student David spoke to the surgeon and let me know that she wants to see him tomorrow. So now I am wondering if I will get home tomorrow or whether it will get late. I am pretty tired since he has been so restless. That is the hardest part, he just cannot get comfortable enough to sleep. Poor baby. I will be glad to get to the doctor tomorrow, they are going to give him a pain patch which will be much better since he has had no pain meds since Sunday morning.
Thanks for all you prayers and support for Jack and me.
Love and big Husky hugs,
Debbie and Jack
Monday, May 26, 2008
- Debbie and Jack said...
Today has been a crazy morning. You know how you get started on one thing and keep getting interrupted so after awhile you have been working all morning and have nothing done. That is me this morning. Jack had a very bad night with lots of blood, clots. He is having a hard time breathing and doing a lot of blowing and snorting. Still no eating. I made bacon, thinking that would have stimulated his appetite, but he ate maybe one piece. I am wondering if his taste as well as his smell is off. He did eat a little milk out of my cereal bowl, not something I would normally give him, but I hated to take it away when it was the first thing in which he had shown an interest.
He is trying to sleep but can't seem to get comfortable. If he is still like this tomorrow, I will stop by the hospital and let them take a look at him. I was planning on going home tomorrow, but I hate to get that far away from his doctor. So I will have him checked out really well before we take off.
I guess it is going to be two steps forward and one step back. At least the cancer is gone and now it is just the healing with which we are dealing.
That's all because of you and all the help you have given to Jack and me
Love and Husky hugs,
Debbie and Jack
- Debbie and Jack said...
We had lots of storms tonight so Mollydog spent the evening in the closet under a pile of clothes. Jack never has minded storms. He is getting more comfortable b y the minute. He just went downstairs and put himself to bed. It is good to see that happen.
Love to you all and see you in the morning,
Husky hugs,
Debbie and Jack
Sunday, May 25, 2008
- Debbie and Jack said...
Melody is a doll. She is the tech who was in the kennel with Jack the night of his surgery when Amy called. So nice of her to offer to come when she was home with bronchitis. Now that is dedication!
Jack did well on his walk. Took the lead several times and was the first to the front door. Onl went about 1/4 mile. Very thirsty and tired so took a nap downstairs by himself, which I take as a good sign. Now that he is awake, he is a bit clingy. It is just miserably hot here and that is not helping how he feels.
I can see him getting better hour by hour. I wish I could send a picture I am working on that. Thanks so much for caring about my boy Jack
Love and Husky hugs,
Debbie and Jack
An update from Debbie and Jack:
- Debbie and Jack said...
We had a very restless night. Mostly the drainage from his nose is dilute blood. His breathing was very congested for most of the night. Lots of panting. He seemed to want to sleep close to me all night, so I kept a hand on him as we dozed. Never could get the pain meds down him even with help. He was completely disinterested in any kind of food. I even waved a square of chocolate under his nose and got no reaction. That' s when I knew he was not going to eat last night. He stalks people who have anything sweet on them. He has always been like that, even as a puppy. So we finally gave up and went to bed.
Sometime after 7 this morning I noticed I could not hear that congested breathing. It scared me for a minute, thinking he wasn't breathing, but he was sleeping soundly and air was whistling through the blow hole they made on the top of his head. That is a good sign as they were concerned it was closing too fast and was not going to help him breathe. This morning we laid on the bed for a long time getting a nice doggie massage. Mollydog (Amy's lab mix) jumped up and laid behind him resting her head on his back. Kaya (Paul's malemute mix)came in and sat at the end of the bed with her chin resting close to Jack's feet. It was so adorable. I wish I had a camera. It was just at that moment that Jack turned to me and gave me a sweet kiss on the nose. He is a very stingy kisser, only I get them regularly, Amy sometimes and Ryan once in his life. That let me know that he forgives me and he is feeling glad to be home.
I got him upstairs and he ate some canned food, just a bit because I worry about bloat. So now I think I can get the meds into his food. Just tried that and he took one lick and I just know by the look on his face that he can taste the meds in his food. I honestly don't think he is in pain though. He is responding to "walk" "ride" and "go" his three favorite words and we are just about to leave and take a little jaunt up the street. Just the four of us, Molly, Kaya, Jack and me. I think there is a picture of us walking in front of Amy's house below on the blog somewhere. So just imagine us on a hot humid spring day in MO taking a short walk up the tree lined street. I will let Jack set the pace and determine the length.
Thanks again for making all this possible.
Love and Husky hugs,
Debbie and Jack
- Debbie and Jack said...
Boy I wish I was a vet tech. Jack has very labored breathing as can be expected with lots of clotting in the tissues of his nose. He tries to sleep and closes his mouth and then wakes with a start because he can't catch his breath. At first, I was not sure he knew me, but after about 2 hours, he began to follow me around and laid out in the grass beside me while I gardened. I took the E-collar off as soon as we got home. He is too ill to care about much and he was running into everything and couldn't drink with it on. As soon as I got that thing off, he began to perk up. I am sure when he feels better, he will need the collar, but right now what he needs is comfort and rest. I am so grateful to you all and I know you are still behind Jack as he recovers.
Love and big Husky hugs,
Debbie and Jack
I will post more if I talk with Debbie and update you on how they are doing.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
- Debby (Debs) said...
HI Debbie and Jack. I'm so glad that Jack is finally home with you. I hope the trip went well and Jack is eating and drinking and getting his rest.
I know with you by his side he will be fine.
Loads of love and hugs to you both.
Jack is pretty out of it yet.. Debbie's worried that he's mad at her... but I'm sure he's not. She said they had to cut away from BOTH sides of his nose... not just the one side she thought they were going to do. They said the had to do this to make sure they got rid of all the affected tissue. This may mean that Jack may have lost his sense of smell due to the intensity of the surgery. I just pray this isn't the case.
She also said that the "blow hole" (as the surgeon's call it) above his eyes and between his nose, isn't doing what it's suppose to be doing (I'm not sure what that is though). They said it could affect his breathing until it closes up. Debbie... if any of this is wrong, please correct me when you post. So for now, she has to watch his breathing along with everything else.
He hasn't eaten anything or drank any water, so hopefully now that he's going home with Debbie, he'll be able to at least eat something soft and drink some water. With the incisions the way they are, Debbie is concerned as to his ability to eat. If he isn't drinking by tomorrow, she will have to bring him back to have his fluids replaced so he doesn't dehydrate.
Also, he didn't sleep all night... stayed up howling as much as he could get out all night. Hopefully, now that he's with his Mom, he will be able to rest a bit.
She said that they shaved him so much and so close that he looks not like Jack but rather like a wolf. I know she'll be happy when that beautiful fur grows back, but in the meantime... he's still her sweet big boy.
That's about all I can report right now. I know she's wishing Amy was there... I'm sure she's kind of scared in the fact that this is such a major thing and Jack is relying solely on her... but I also know that she will be fine... her love and caring for Jack can overcome even this.
Debbie and Jack said...Still waiting. They had an emergency that delayed his release. Can't wait to see the big guy. Hope he isn't mad at me.
Love and Husky hugs,
Debbie and Jack
- Debbie and Jack said...
Just got the call that I can pick Jack up at 1 today. He evidently has been howling nonstop since yesterday. Probably since he saw Amy. They think he is still in pain, but the only choice they have is heavy sedation and they don't want to do that.
So Jack is coming home and we shall see how he does. This is all because all of you opened your hearts to Jack and I. And Jack's special Angel Aunties, esp. dear Joanna who made this blog. I can never repay any of you for all you've done. You have saved Jack's life and mine.
Love and big Husky hugs,
Debbie and Jack
Note: We Love You Jack, and we're all sending huge hugs to both you and your Mom. We're sure you'll be back to 100% when you are together again.
- Debbie and Jack said...
Just checked in on Jack by phone and he is sleeping peacefully. Each and every time someone walks by his kennel, he begins to howl. So they are all trying to give him a wide berth and tiptoe by his door. One of the vets said it was the most pitiful sound they had ever heard and another said he sounded like a dying goose. I have no idea what that wounds like but it doesn't sound good. When Amy snuck into see him today, he saw her and s he said the noises he was making were pretty extreme even for him. Love that Husky talking. I miss him a lot, but I know that the longer he stays in the hospital, the stronger he will come home. Amy and Paul left for the weekend to go home, so I am holding down the fort in Columbia. She was so sweet to leave Mollydog and Kaya with me to keep me company. Here's hoping Jack comes home tomorrow.
Love each and everyone of you for all you have done for Jack and me
Husky hugs,
Debbie and Jack
Friday, May 23, 2008
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Jack Is Our Favorite StarHis Name Is Synonymous With Life
It Just Seems Right
That He Would Be On The Cover
Wow... the donations are still coming in. We just received another donation for $25. Thank you wonderful Donor!! Since Jack's surgery and aftercare are now covered, all donations that continue to come in will be allocated toward his follow up Cat Scans that will be necessary every six months for the rest of his life. We want to thank each and every one of you who have been so loving and kind to make this all possible.
I want to wish Debbie and Jack a quiet, peaceful and healthy night... and I want to wish all of you a very Happy Memorial Day weekend.
Well I talked to Jack's student this morning and they will be giving him oral pain meds with his IV, WAITING two hours for it to kick in, turn off the IV pain meds and see if the orals work That will let them know if he is ready to come home. How could he be? He is one very stoic dog, I hope he doesn't hide his pain. so it may be tonight or tomorrow, God knows the plan.
Well guys doctor just called again. They cannot tell if he is in pain or not. He is in a really large kennel which is padded and has a clear plexi glass door and is soundproof so he can rest. He is very quiet unless he notices someone and then he begins to cry. I must admit even I am not s ure if that is pain or anxiety or loneliness. Neither one of us do much alone time. Any Dr. Luther his surgeon wants to give him the benefit of the doubt and is not even going to take him off his IV meds today at all now. She will reevaluate this evening and again in the morning. It could be Sunday. She will not discharge a dog if she is unsure his pain is controlled. So I will stay at Amy's while Amy and Paul go home to visit me at my house. Great planning. It was supposed to be to help me care for Jack this weekend that they were going home.
Paul signed up to play in his alumni basketball tournament this weekend since she was coming home to help me. Now she wants to stay here. I will urge her to go though, she needs a real break and with Jack and me down here, she will finally get one.
I wish you could have seen her yesterday running back and forth between classes to see what was going on. Then she would sneak back to see if he was still in surgery. What a peach of a gal she is.
Ryan was getting on a plane yesterday afternoon to go to a bachelor party with fourteen friends. He must have called fifteen times since yesterday so worried about Jack. It was a bummer he had to go, but his dad bought him the plane ticket and he would have had to eat it to stay with me. Anyway, he is my bounding off the walls child. He would never have made it sitting at the hospital yesterday. He barely made it thru my surgery. He is a sweetheart too. I am so fortunate in my children. They both give me a reason to get up and get going, always have.
Oh I know I forgot to tell you that Jack has a slow drip from his nose which of course is expected, but it is quite a bit less than they have expected. So in the event it would be low blood volume after surgery maybe a transfusion in the making. However they think he is just responding to the surgery so much better than the three previous dogs did. Yay!
Amy just called on a break and she is heading to the small animal critical care unit after class to see if she can see Jack. However, like me, she will not let him see her. What a sweetie she is.
- We just got another $10 donation!!! Thank you sweet Donor!!! Our beautiful Jack has brought so many wonderful people to our attention... it's absolutely amazing! Thank you... thank all of you!!
Debbie posted this comment:
- Debbie and Jack said...
Sorry this is such a late post, but Amy has a surgery test tomorrow and needed the computer all night. Never heard from the surgeon, but Amy did call ICU and talk to a friend who was in the kennel with Jack at the time. Melody is a great tech and in charge of Jack, so he is in good hands tonight. He is on a morphine-lidocaine constant rate infusione for his pain. They have upped the dosage since he seems anxious. Missing me I think, but it will be harder if I go to see him and then leave again. It is an outside shot to get him home tomorrow. Melody said were it her dog, she would let him stay another night at least IV happy meds are a good thing with such an invasive surgery. The last thing I want is for pain to overcome Jack. If it were up to me I would take a pillow and blanket and curl up next to him in the kennel. Since that is not possible, I will leave him in good hands and pray that the next few days pass quickly.
Love to you all,
Debbie and Jack
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Debbie is waiting to hear from the surgeon and learning more specifics about the surgery and what to expect. She will either place a comment here or e-mail me with all the details, and I will post it here as soon as I receive it.
Jack may have to stay there until Saturday depending on the decision made by the surgeon. Since Debbie and Jack have never been separated, this is going to be very difficult for both of them. I'm sure their reunion will be unmatched in joy and happiness.
Again, I want to thank all of you for making this possible.
- Debbie said...
Jack is recovering quietly. Usually howls his way out of anesthetic, but this time due to his "happy neds" he is resting calmly and quietly. He has an incision between and about an inch above the eyes down to just beyond the planum of his nose. Also in his throat for the carotid ligations. They removed as much of the tissue as possible so hopefully all those nasty little c cells are gone. They noticed that his nasal architecture was much more intact than they usually expect after radiation so we are hopeful that means less compromised healing. Will know more after the surgeon calls later, she went right into another surgery after Jack's.
Thanks again to all of you who helped. Don't what I would do without my dear sweet Jack.
Love and Husky hugs,
Debbie and Jack
I just talked to Debbie. She's still waiting. She said to tell you all that she can feel the love in the room and all of you there with her. She will call me as soon as she hears anything. Following are the comments that have come across since I posted last.
- Debbie and Jack said...
Jack has been in surgery for about thirty minutes. Went thru the s urgery step by step. Too much information and I probably would have chickened out had they toepld me earlier. Probably why they waited. Carotid artery ligations, pretty risky, but I know with all your prayers, he will be fine. Will keep you updated. Love you all
Husky hugs,
Debbie nad Jack
- Debby said...
Debbie, all my thoughts and prayers are with you and Jack. Remember I'm holding your hand. Can you feel it?
- Debbie said...
Still waiting Time is crawling. The waiting room is filled with lots of pets here for cancer, many the first time. Spending time talking to them really helps and I hope Jack's story gives them some hope. So many nasal carcinomas, too. Wonder why. Anyway just got word still in surgery, going on two hours. Love you all
Debbie and Jack
In the meantime, we got this post from Debbie:
- Debbie and Jack said...
Had a wonderful dream that when I got to the hospital this morning, they said that the cancer was not there anymore. I could believe that with all the prayers that have gone up for my sweet boy. Heading to the hospital momentarily and just wanted to thank you all again for being there for me.
Love and Husky hugs,
Debbie and Jack
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
I spoke to Debbie earlier. She was on her way to Amy's house (Amy is her loving daughter who lives in Columbia and is a vet student... making her Mommy proud). She and Jack were extremely tired and are both hoping to get a good night's rest tonight so they can be fresh and ready for surgery tomorrow morning.
Get a good night's rest you two... you certainly deserve it.
- Debbie and Jack said...
Oh my, I was just reading through the blog and s aw the donation from Jack's special guardian angels who have gone to the Bridge. I know that each and everyone of your wonderful angels is watching out for Jack. Sweet angels that they are. I am touched deeply by this and I know Jack felt better when I told him.
Sending love to all the bridge kids who have been such a large part of all our lives.
love and Husky hugs,
Debbie and Jack
- Debbie and Jack said...
Well talk about an emotional roller coaster for all of us today. Jack surgery is now going to be the first in the morning instead of this afternoon the last. Of course Jack does not mind a bit since he has been off food since midnight. When he heard the news that he could eat until midnight tonight, he headed straight for the treat jar at the hospital and now he has gotten catering service from the receptionist. His very own food and water bowl has been placed in front of him apologetically. So now we will wait one more night and gear up for tomorrow morning. We are still in awe of the wonderful support and donations we have received from so many people we have never met. Thank you so much again and I will keep you all posted.
Love and big Husky hugs,
Debbie and Jack
4:18 p.m.
Debbie just called. It seems they re-scheduled Jack's surgery for the first thing in the morning (she didn't give me an exact time). Apparently there was a schedule conflict. Poor Jack had to go all day without eating, and now he'll have to do it again. Luckily, as soon as they changed the surgery time, someone came out with a big bowl of dog food and water for him... sweet boy should have gotten a steak for this one.
I'll keep you all informed. Thanks for checking on him and watching with us.
When I heard that Jack was a good candidate for this surgery that could literally save his life, I was ecstatic. However, my heart dropped when the funds were not available for him to go through it. How could he be so close to a cure and not be able to reach out for it? I knew that with all the people whose hearts have been touched by this dynamic duo that somehow we could all band together and save this beautiful boy's life. Little did I know what an outpouring of love we would find upon starting this blog.
For those of you who don't know much about them other than what you've read here... Debbie and Jack have supported so many pet parents with love, concern, prayers, laughter and tears during their times of crisis with their pets of all kinds. I can probably count at least fifty people she is in constant touch with that truly depend on her upbeat personality and honest affection to keep them going. I am one of those pet parents.
My Westie, Mike, has bladder cancer. Debbie and I both found out our best friends had cancer around the same time. Even though she had so much going on in her life with Jack's illness... she never skipped a beat in lifting my spirits and contacting me almost every day to let me know she cared. What a wonderful friend she has become. Even though Mike's days are limited, I know when the time comes for him to go to the Rainbow Bridge, I will have Debbie by my side... even though we live four states away... she is my comfort and has been many times in the past eight months that I have known her.
Debbie just called (2:19 EST and 1:19 CST)... she made it to Columbia and is on the way to the hospital... only ten minutes away.
Anyway... when I started this blog... I said a prayer. I had never done anything like this before, and outside of the blog I created for Mike... I had no experience on what to do or how to do it... but I said a little prayer that God would bring the right people at the right time to Jack's blog and maybe help save his life. Well... my prayers were more than answered.
You all, each and every one of you, have filled my heart with such joy these past few days. At the time of this writing, Jack's blog has received 434 hits. How amazing is that? This is Wednesday afternoon. I put the blog up on Friday night. If all of those hits don't show pure love... I don't know what does. All of the donors have given with warm hearts and loving wishes... all those who commented showed never ending support of Debbie and Jack... and each and every one of you who came to the blog to read about them... well... my heart is just bursting with gratefulness... for all of you.
You have not only afforded Debbie and the surgeons the opportunity to save Jack's life, but you have also shown her that the love she shows toward others can (and has) come back to her ten-fold. I guess it just goes to prove that old saying it true... that you reap what you sow... and you can never give out more than you will get in return.
So, for now, for all of you... each an every one of you... who has shown Debbie and Jack so much love... please accept my deepest appreciation and the blessings that you will receive for giving so much love and concern to a dog and his Mom... to strangers you have never met but who will be eternally grateful for you. We received donations and e-mails from all over the country... it's absolutely amazing how you all have pulled together in a time of need.
Myself... well... personally, this blog and the excitement it has created, has offered me a purpose I haven't felt in years. The rush of adrenaline and the anticipation of actually being able to do something for Jack is probably one of the most satisfying things I've ever done in my life. I have gone to bed each night and thanked the Lord for giving me this opportunity and thanked Him for each and every one of you. Now that we've more than reached our goal... perhaps I'll find some other way to reach out and help someone... maybe not... no one knows what the next day will bring.... but, whatever the future holds, I want to thank Debbie and Jack for allowing me the friendship they have offered and giving me a new purpose in life. I told you, Debbie and Jack have touched and changed lives... as you can tell... they certainly changed mine.
Thank you all so much... from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for responding to a dog named Jack.
We also got this comment:
- Anonymous said...
Dearest Patrons,
You have all contributed from your hearts and resources, there are no adequate words to describe how much this means to everyone involved... Except to state that you have saved Jack's life and contributed to the best of humanity!!!
I just got off the phone with Debbie. She's ok. I can't tell you how worried I was. Here's what happened.
She had just gotten off the exit in Macon where she usually stops for gas on the way down. A truck driver at the gas station called over to her a couple of times and said, "Your tire is almost flat... almost to the rim". The mechanic at the gas station took it off and said she must have gone over something metal on the highway, because it tore a good size hole in it. He wasn't sure he could fix it but said he would try. All she had was $50 left for the trip (and the gas to go home), and she prayed it could be fixed or at least if she needed a new tire it wouldn't be more than $50.
Thank God the mechanic fixed it for only $12!!!! He fixed it and checked her other tires... and THANK GOD FOR THE TRUCKER!!!! If he hadn't seen it, she may have gone back on the road and gotten in trouble on the freeway.
And THANK GOD FOR HIS ANGELS WHO WERE WATCHING OUT FOR HER.... I know now... for 100% sure that God is behind all of this... He kept her safe on the highway until she got to the gas station, when by all rights... it should have blown out long before she stopped. Some may say this was "pure luck"... but... I don't think luck has much to do with that's happening for her right now. She's been through so much hardship and heartache, that it's about time she has some "good luck" (or rather... special blessings ;-).
She promised to call when she gets to her destination, so I'll update this then. She's about an hour from Columbia right now. Thank you all for checking on her and Jack, and thank you all for the love, prayers, donations and e-mails you have sent to support them.
I have to tell you all... I called Debbie.. couldn't give her the good news yet though because SHE JUST HAD A FLAT TIRE!!! We only talked for a split second, so I didn't get much information as to where she was or how far she has to go. She said something about a tire store being about an hour away... that's frightening. At this point, I have no idea how she's getting to the store or even if she has enough money for a new tire (she had to scrounge around for gas money to get there).
It's now 11:15 Central time (in Missouri), and the surgery is at 1:40. When she left this morning, she figured she'd be in Columbia around 11. Let's hope she closer to Columbia than an hour away.
I'll keep you informed as I hear anything.
Please keep her in your prayers.
JACK IS TOTALLY FUNDED!!!!!!!!
Thank you wonderful Donors for donating $5 and $150!!! WHAT A BLESSING!!! Jack is now $70 over our targeted amount. His surgery and aftercare are paid for!!!! OH HOW I WISH THERE WERE ICONS ON HERE SO I COULD SHOW HOW EXCITED I AM RIGHT NOW!!!
Any funds over and above the surgery and aftercare will be allocated to Jack's follow-up CT that will be necessary in six months (costs $600).
This is sooooo very wonderful, unbelievable, fabulous, incomprehensible, outrageous... what other words could I come up with... thousands I'm sure.
I will update this post in a little while... I HAVE TO CALL DEBBIE AND GIVE HER THE GOOD NEWS!!!
*****
Anonymous said...
Dear Patrons,
Just like Jack has the opportunity to beat cancer we all have been given a chance to help with donations. Look how far we have come from $2,300 to $85 needed to meet our goal!!! We can surely raise the rest easily today. Please donate any amount every cent counts. $85 is only needed to meet our goal today of Jack being fully funded!!!
10:45 a.m.ANOTHER DONATION OF $50!!! This takes us down to the needed amount to complete funding to only $85!!!! THANK YOU SOOOOOOOO MUCH DEAR DONOR!!!
8:55 a.m.
YES!!! ANOTHER $100 DONATION!!! Thank you so much sweet Donor and Brittany, Mollie, Jenna, Simone, Ella, M A N N Y and Tyson!!! Beautiful lady you have been such a wonderful friend, and it is such an honor to have the Bridge Kids be a part of Jack's surgery and cure.
Ok everyone.. this is the time... we're down to needing $135 to reach our goal. My gosh... this is so incredible. Who would ever have thought that in four days we could have come so far?
$135... it seems like nothing after all you have accomplished so far... BUT... that "nothing" means so very much in getting this boy taken care of. Right now, I want to thank everyone who has donated and, in advance, thank everyone who will donate to bring us to our goal.
Debbie and Jack should be on their way right now. I'm going to try to call them in a little while and let them know we're all thinking of them and praying for them.
God Bless You All.
7:53 a.m.
- Anonymous said...
Jack became a PIN on my birthday so he has always been my kindred spirit.
This donation is made in honor of Brittany, Mollie, Jenna, Simone, Ella, M A N N Y, Tyson, as I know they are watching over Jack from The Bridge.
Jack- Go BEAT THIS CANCER once and for ALL!
- Debby said...
Debbie and Jack,
All my thoughts and prayers are with you today. Just imagine me sitting there holding your hand cause I will be sitting here imagining You are holding mine.
It makes my heart feel so good to know that there are complete strangers out there, caring enough to help you and Jack. We need more people like these people.
I just want to say to everyone who has donated, Thank you and God Bless you and your family. You have certainly made a woman and her dog very happy.
Keep them donations coming!!!!!!
6:30 a.m.
Well... today's the day. Debbie and Big Jack will be on their way to Columbia about now. We only need $235. Anyone out there.. Please... help us take the amount we need down to zero. Drive safely you two.... we're with you all the way!
Our prayers are going out to you big boy. Your Mom loves you so very much and so do we. You have so many friends who are pulling for you that it's absolutely phenomenal.
We only need another $235. How amazing is this??? When we started, we needed $2300... and you all came through for Jack. God truly has blessed us with friends such as all of you.
I don't want to go to bed, but like a child on Christmas... Santa may not come if I'm awake... so I'm setting my alarm early to get up and check for the wondrous gift he will bring for Jack. I will post as soon as I can in the morning. I just know by that time all of you wonderful Santa's will fill all four of Jack's stockings with your love.
God Bless You All... Each And Every One Who Has Donated, Posted, Visited Jack's Blog And Said Even One Prayer.... God Bless You
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
- Anonymous said...
Dear Angels,
As I finished writing my last posting more donations have already been given. Now we only need $235 more to go. We are almost there!!!
11:32 p.m.
Update: And another $5 donation!!! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU DEAR DONOR.... Only $235 and dropping.... I feel like Christmas right now!!!
Update: Another $50 donation!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH SWEET DONOR!!! Only $240 to go. I just can't go to bed tonight... this is just tooooooo exciting!!!
This comment just came in:
- Anonymous said...
Congratulations angels for sending in the donations!!! We only have $290 more to go. We can finish what we started. At the time Joanna started this blog, the total amount needed was $2,300 and all of you have raised $2,010 so far. As of tonight, only $290 is left to raise... We can make the miracle happen. Please donate any amount of money towards Jack's surgery!!! Thank you so much for all your support...
OMG... As I was posting below.. another donation came in for $200!!! THANK YOU PRECIOUS DONOR!!! We only need another $290.... Yep.. we're looking at a miracle!!!
She wanted me to let you all know that his surgery is scheduled for 1:40 tomorrow and will be the last surgery of the day. Of course, being the last surgery of the day may mean he won't get in on time, so she doesn't want us to worry if we haven't heard from her until later. I will keep you all informed the minute I hear anything.
We still need $490, but I have so much faith that by the time Jack goes in to surgery, Debbie won't have to worry about it at all. Thank you all so very much for all of your love and prayers.
9:01 p.m
Total update: Another $20!!! THANK YOU WONDERFUL DONOR!! This brings us down to $490 and dropping. LET'S DO THIS!!!
8:36 p.m.
Total update: Another $20!!! THANK YOU SWEET DONOR!! This brings us down to $510 to go. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!
I talked to Debbie earlier, and she's as nervous as a cat (I think we all are), but she's trying to stay calm so Jack doesn't pick up on her feelings. She'll be driving to Columbia tonight to make sure to be there in time for the surgery (didn't want to take the chance of her car breaking down on the way tomorrow). She is so extremely grateful for all of you who have been with her through all of this. The activity on this blog shows and the large number of hits (people checking on them) and the wonderful donations have really made her at a loss for words (and trust me.. that's harder to come by than fundraising for Jack).
Debbie and Jack... I know I speak for all of us when I say we will all be with you tomorrow. Drive safely and EXPECT A MIRACLE. We Love You.
- Ibojka Toth said...
Dear Contrail art bidders,
Thank you for the last bidder offering $300.00 However, keep the bidding going for the beautiful, photo realist Contrail drawing in honor of Jack. Not only is the art work an investment that increases in value but it gives life to Jack. How much better can it get than receive a breathtaking artwork in honor of Jack becoming a cancer survivor!!!
- Ibojka Toth said...
If you are interested in more information about Bill Radawec who donated his Contrail drawing to raise funding for Jack's cure please go to his website at www.billradawec.com or his blog at www.billradawec.com/blog
We just got this post from Debbie:
- Debbie said...
Jack and I are getting ready for out miraculous trip tomorrow which has been made possible by so many of you and your generous donations. I am really nervous but trying desperately not to let Jack feel that. I just can't thank you all enough. Jack means the world to me. He is heart of my heart. God bless each and every one of you.
I just got home and found a sweet angel donated another $5.75!!! Thank you so very much!!! Ok everyone... we still need $634.00 to get Jack's surgery completed tomorrow. WE NEED YOUR HELP... PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE help us help this big boy to be cancer free!!
Just to let you know... even though this surgery is experimental and is still in research... there has been a 100% success rate! This is wonderful.. it doesn't get any better than that....... AND... IT CAN ALSO BE HELPFUL IN RESEARCH FOR HUMANS TOO!!! So if any of you have been touched in anyway, either yourself or someone you know and love, by cancer like I have... THIS IS A BIG THING! Please donate to help out in anyway you possibly can. I will update again later in hopes of being closer to being funded. God Bless You All.
OH BY THE WAY... IF ANYONE HAS CONTACTED THE HOSPITAL AND MADE A DONATION AND HAVEN'T YET CONTACTED ME, PLEASE E-MAIL ME AT JOANNA_NASO@YAHOO.COM SO I CAN ADD IT INTO THE TOTAL AND KNOW EXACTLY WHERE WE ARE IN FUNDING. YOUR INFORMATION WILL BE KEPT ANONYMOUS UNLESS YOU GIVE PERMISSION TO ANNOUNCE IT. THANK YOU.
ONE MORE DAY TO RAISE $639.75. Please.. everyone... send Jack's link to everyone you know... ask around... tell Jack's story to strangers on the street... anything. Jack needs that surgery tomorrow. I am so very grateful to all of you for caring about and loving Jack... and of course, extremely grateful for all the donors who have helped finance this life-saving surgery. However we still need funding.
I am going to be gone this morning from 9:15 until around 2:00, so I won't be able to update during those times. I'm praying that by the time I get back to do an update, I will be able to post the best news ever.
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE... THIS IS THE LAST DAY WE HAVE TO RAISE THE FUNDS FOR SURGERY... I know we won't let this beautiful boy and his Mom down.
God Bless All of You. Thank you so much for checking on Jack and spreading the word.
Peace
Monday, May 19, 2008
Just got this post from Debbie... - Debbie said...
Gosh I can't keep up with this. You all are incredible. I keep thinking that I am going to wake up from this amazing dream and still be in the soup pot. Someone pinch me please. Deb, I love you and all the other donors, thanks so much. I only wish you could have seen Jack running up and down the fence today trying to get over and play with ten 7-wk old English setter puppies. I am humbled by the support I have received here. And although it is never enough, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Love and big Husky hugs,
Debbie and jack
OH HOW I LOVE POSTING THIS!!! Since my last post... We've got THREE MORE DONATIONS... one each for $10, $25 and $50.... That brings the total we have raised so far to $815!! How incredible you all are.
The amount needed now is only $639.75... I just know we're gonna do it!! We got a comment from Deb (Jake and Riley's Mom).. I'm posting it here. Her donation has already been added to the amounts I've mentioned (she told me about it yesterday :-D Thank you all, wonderful donors for helping our boy live!!
- Debby said...
Joanna, you are doing an awesome Job. Thank you and thanks to all the doners. There is nothing better than giving the gift of life and that is what you are doing when you donate to Jack. You are giving him life. [b]Thank you so much to everyone who has and will donate to this beautiful boy[/b]
I am sending in my donation of $100. Debbie and Jack all my thoughts and prayers are with you both on Wednesday. Just think of us holding your hand Debbie and you will be okay.
Love and hugs to you both
Debs
Well last night turned out to be a great adventure for me. I decided to stay at my mom's to care for her cats and also she has AC which I thought would make Jack more comfortable. I decided to take a shower after posting last night and ended up getting stuck in the shower. The door dropped and would not open. I was in the shower really cold (I am not used to AC) and in my birthday suit not less (how else do you take a shower) Finally bent a ledge at the bottom by pounding it with a shampoo bottle which allowed me to squeeze in two fingers and lift the door over the ledge. Freedom, but it came more than two hours later. It was funny to try and think if I could be in there until my mom came home on Monday. I had a water supply. Jack ladi outside the door and probably wondered what in the world was his crazy MOM doing now.
This morning we ended up back at the vet, being sedated AGAIN and having the granulated tissue and scabbing removed from the blowhole. it made not one wit of difference, it is closed from the inside. It has healed. Jack is ready for the healing. His drainage on his nose has lessened so I think the inside is healing. This week will be staple and suture removal and then pure healing after that. I have promised him no more anesthetic. He was so wobbly when he came home I had to carry him up 15 stairs into the house, but the vet closed at noon today, so it was either take him that way or leave him until Monday. That was not an option after all he has been through. So we got home somehow and he has been recuping ever since. What a doll and a trooper.
He is really sawing those logs right now but is careful to keep my feet covered. I can't sneak away that way. I did leave him for an hour and met my son and his girlfriend. I thought he could rest while I was gone, but I don't think that happened. By the way he is sleeping now, he probably paced the whole time I was gone. When he awakens, he should be back to normal.
Everyday I am so grateful for all of you who have helped and supported us and gotten us this far. I am anxious/nervous for that first recheck CT scan in three months which will tell us how successful this surgery has been. So keep those prayers going. He has been such a trooper, he deserves to be cancer-free.
Love and big Husky hugs,
Debbie and Jack
May 31, 2008 4:36:00 PM EDT