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Kramer....(posting for Jean)

76K views 778 replies 144 participants last post by  Kayos and Havoc  
#1 ·
Not sure where to post this. I know where I am refusing to post this. Jean will likely not be online this evening. I am posting this with her permission, and I know this family's show of support fo JeanPakistan will help her through this.
Kramer has acted a little lame the past few days, which Jean chalked up to the cold, ice, snow, hard to get around in/on. Gave him Metacam, seemed ok.
Today he was full of malarky at 7, enjoying Mariele chasing him around. (Only dog to get away with that it her- the dog with a screw loose and "drain bamage." LOL) By 9-ish, he was stumbling. Went to vet. "His" vet on vacation, saw other vet. Anemic, and something else. Got a shot of something, I forget what Jean said. Had abdominal ultrasound late afternoon. (Done at another vet entirely.)

It kills me to write this. Kramer has a liver tumor. Due to location it is inoperable. It is one of 3 things- spawn of the liver tumor he already beat, or hemangiosarcoma, or another type altogether.
She did go back to the other vet, and talked. She had a list of questions, but forgot to bring them in. Vet knows/understands that alot has been thrown at Jean, and is calling her tomorrow to talk more. It could be a day, a month, who knows.
Jean is re-grouping, and will post tomorrow after she speaks with the vet.
Basic plan is, manage any symptoms, and maximize his quality while maintaining his dignity, and position as supreme ruler of JeanPakistan. All plans will be centered around making his time count. Spaghetti and pizza, trips to the cemetary.
 
#503 ·
Re: Kramer...Tuesday

Thanks, Barb! I am grateful that you actually have to say "don't post often" in this section, ya know?

Last time Ilsa stayed at the vet was after her FHO. She was on a fentanyl patch and they thought she was wonderful, and that I was crazy to tell them that she an odd temperament. Apparently morphine is a good mood regulator for her! She's just growling and being weird in her kennel, pretty stressed out when people come near her, but I told them to continue giving her treats when she's not growling and eventually that will make her like them a little more. I feel bad for her-things are very difficult for Ilsa. I am very black and white with her, and that calms her, the receptionist took that attitude with her and she did much better.

Ilsa-when I got her as a foster and brought her in, I told Kramer to go say hello to her, because he always tested the dogs I fostered. He didn't want to go near her, even though she was a puppy. But I said, Oh, go say hello, and he walked up-she growled and peed at the same time and he squinted his eyes up at me like yikes, I told you so. His avoidance WAS the temperament test. But she was assimilated...
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I can't wait to go home-I won't be able to pick the vet office gang up until Saturday-I probably won't get home until after 9:30 tonight if my car is done at 5. Kramer has an appt on Saturday at 11:20 so I will go over with him, and bring him and Ilsa home, then go back and get the other two.

Also hoping for a quiet day today and an uneventful trip home to the pack.

PS-in my doggy withdrawal I almost was a very bad person...I saw a lady in the hotel with a black lab service dog and had to restrain myself from running over and hugging it.
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But so cuddly looking! If it had been a GSD...I would probably be telling you about my arrest...
 
#504 ·
Re: Kramer...Tuesday

Jean, here's wishing you a smooth re-intergration with the pack at home,
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a happy car, a comfortable Kramer, and I hope the bill for all the toys from the pet supply catalogs that Ilsa made them order won't be too high!

Grimmi sends wags and grinning slurps of buffoonery.
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I send hugs to both you and Kramer-- I just know in a day or so everything will feel "normal" for the Jeanspackistanis again!

Sending prayers for your state of mind.
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I know how much you worry about Kramer. LOTS of prayers being sent that you can feel some of his humor, some of his joy, and relax a bit to enjoy life as much as he is doing right now, even with everything that you are keeping in your thoughts.

Prayers being sent for Kramer to feel well and do well-- prayers being sent for you to feel and do well, too.
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#505 ·
Re: Kramer...Tuesday

<span style="color: #3333FF">Hi Jean
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I haven't had time to post,(I've been busy with Kramer's youngest subject) but I am glad everything is going well.

Your Mom rocks!
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It's nice when you have someone you trust to take care of your babies. I hope you relaxed, even if just alittle bit.
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</span>
 
#506 ·
Re: Kramer...Tuesday

Jean I so understand the whole "doggie withdrawal" issues. I have HORRIBLE separation anxiety. That is probably why I hate work so much....
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as it means 8 hours of separation anxiety. The dogs are fine but me not so much. I couldn't imagine 3 days......

Just keep repeating your mantra..... this too shall pass and the Packistanies will be united again!
 
#507 ·
Re: Kramer...Tuesday

that's great: "doggie withdrawal" In the four months after my husband's dog died and before Wolf came home with us, I fondled strange dogs on the street in Manhattan. Any of you would have protected your dogs. I'd see some nice dog with a person attached, walk sideways to the pair, and secretly stroke the innocent dog.

So Jean, in about 12 hours you and some of the pack will reunite (knock wood). It sounds like Kramer is exhibiting regal poise, even under these trying conditions. I am confident that you accomplished what you wanted in this trip and am counting on your car to do its job and get you home.

Once the family is made whole again, I imagine Ilsa will bounce back-routine is truly reassuring.

Drive safely,
Mary Jane
 
#508 ·
Re: Kramer...Tuesday

Originally Posted By: JeanKBBMMMAANPS-in my doggy withdrawal I almost was a very bad person...I saw a lady in the hotel with a black lab service dog and had to restrain myself from running over and hugging it.
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But so cuddly looking! If it had been a GSD...I would probably be telling you about my arrest...
LOL, Jean. I would personally like to tell all that are concerned with Jean's wellbeing, she is doing wonderfully. Jean, kathyb and I went to Grandma's (a restaurant in Albany), last night. Kathy brought Zoe and thankfully Jean did get kisses from her, otherwise we would have been bailing her out of jail. She also told me prior to picking her up at her hotel, that she gets car sick. I told her she could hang her head out the window for the 5 minute trip
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I think she's been hanging out with Mario too long.

We had a wonderful dinner, enjoying it without begging eyes watching us or the extra ruffage of fur in our food. Needless to say we only talked of dogs and I'm sure the people behind us were wondering about these three crazy ladies near them
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It was great seeing you again Jean, as it always is. Don't forget to give Kramer a hug and pat from me when you pick him up
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. My pack and I are continuing to send good vibes his way. Kathy, what more can I see, it's always wonderful to see you.
 
#510 ·
Re: Kramer...Friday/going to vet

Originally Posted By: Melinda&JayText from Jean- Mom taking Kramer to vet. Jean still in Albany. No further details available at this time.
OHHHH....fingers and paws crossed here. Lots of hugs, ear scritchies and good vibes coming from NJ. I wish I were closer!!!
 
#511 ·
Re: Kramer...Friday/going to vet

Spoke with Jean for 45minutes on my way home. She actually just had to hang up 'cuz the vets' office was calling.
Kramer was just laying or standing, unsure which, but not "doing" anything, when he cried out, 3times. Jean's mom had to lift him/help him into vehicle, and at vet they carried him in on gurney. (Unsure whether he could've made it on his own, but no chances were taken.)
At start of our talk, he was sleeping on floor in office, in no active distress, Jean's mom still with him, and will be with him until whatever happens, happens.
Jean's car is fixed, to the tune of $1600. She is on thruway headed home. She and I were trying to come up with scenarios, for her to come up with plans, when the call waiting beeped.
Will post as soon as I know more.
 
#512 ·
Re: Kramer...Friday/going to vet

Oh, no. Well I hope whatever happens, happens after Jean is able to get there.
 
#514 ·
Kramer...winding down...

"His" vet isn't there, but his tech is.
Hct dropped, to 15. Sleeping, but lifts head when his favorite receptionist comes into room. Gets up and moves around from time to time. Heartrate is normal.
PLAN: Wait for Jean. Vet, mom, and tech will wait with him. IF anything changes and he becomes distressed, or shows any signs of pain/suffering, they will send him to the bridge before she gets there.
Jean is sad, crying off and on, but is more at peace that it's a "no decision" situation, and that there is a solid plan.

I am leaving the house, and am unsure if I can get onto here to post on my phone. I can get on this site to view, and can sign in, but haven't tried to post. If anyone is going to be around, can anyone PM me a cell and I can text any updates in case I cannot post from my phone?
 
#517 ·
Re: Kramer...winding down...

Praying hard.. beaming positive thoughts that Jean can get there soon. Wishing for whatever is comfortable & best for Kramer. Wishing that I were able to be there for Jean. (((Hugs)))
 
#518 ·
Re: Kramer...winding down...

Kramer had a great rally going on and a huge fan base. I hope he and Jean feel us all lifting them up.

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We are thinking of you Jean and wishing a quiet, peaceful journey for Kramer.
 
#521 ·
Re: Kramer...winding down...

Originally Posted By: Jake's MomOh dear, I've prayed so hard for a miracle for them. Now my prayer is that Jean will get there in time.
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That's all I am thinking about now. Hold on, Kramer, Mom is coming for you.
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#523 ·
Re: Kramer...winding down...

Originally Posted By: DianaM
Originally Posted By: Jake's MomOh dear, I've prayed so hard for a miracle for them. Now my prayer is that Jean will get there in time.
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That's all I am thinking about now. Hold on, Kramer, Mom is coming for you.
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That is all I am thinking about too... Hang on Kramer..
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Hang in there Jean...We are all praying hard for the both of you...