From:
TR1212@AOL.COM
Date: 2001-11-19 13:19:00 UTC
Subject: Insulinoma
Dear Friends,
I need to make some decisions but it seems to be very difficult for me right
now. Need to know I'm doing the very best for my little guy. Oscar, male,
about 4 (we're guessing, a rescue with no info). Six months ago had adrenal,
chordoma and stomach surgery. Had a hard time the first three days after,
from that point on has done very well. Was diagnosed with insulinoma approx
4-6 weeks before surgery from bloodwork. Has shown no signs. Eats, plays and
usually poops fine. Loose and seedy today. 10:30 am vet appt. tomorrow for
that. Pepto in the meantime. Our original vet took the wait and see approach
in regards to the insulinoma. No meds or surgery mentioned. I also think
something may be going on with his right adrenal. The area on his neck where
the vet shaved to do bloodwork has grown back very little hair. He's also a
little agressive to one of his sisters. Now, what I need to know is, would it
be best to put him on meds for a period of time and then at some point do the
surgery? Should I put him on meds at all at this time? I believe that this
kind of tumor "seeds". Are we taking a chance of it becoming alot worse by
not doing surgery now? We have found a vet who does cryo so when he does go
in for the insulinoma, the adrenal will be taken care of too. He's doing so
well right now and I know that both of these surgeries often times create
other problems. Addison's, high BG levels. I'm having such a hard time trying
to decide what to do. I know surgery is inevitable and don't have a problem
with it, I just can't make the decision if now is the right time. I think I'm
feeling that I'll be subjecting him to the high BG levels and addison's and
feeling crummy when at this time he's so bouncy and happy. Will I be creating
something at an earlier time in his life than necessary? Now, instead of
maybe a few months from now? Most decisions that I've read seem to be decided
because of age and other non-surgery issues or because the symptoms are so
bad that something needs to be done immediately.
So very sorry that this post is so long but I appreciate everyone's help more
than you can imagine.
Most Sincerely,
Tiffany, Oscar, Cindy and Slinky