Maisie's Cancer Journey Update Nov. 2

Dear Maisie's friends,

I again want to say that I cannot thank each of you enough for your generosity and support toward Maisie and I. This support has been a true light for me during this time, and I can only hope that each of you realize the significance of your thoughtful support.

I have a major update following the scheduled CT scan and surgery this past Wednesday, Oct 29th.

The planned surgery could not move forward. The specialist performing the CT scan determined the cancer appeared to have already metastasized, meaning a major surgery would no longer be the most appropriate or beneficial path for Maisie. This was very discouraging news to me, and I wish to apologize for the time it has taken me to provide an update as a result.

Following the CT Scan, Maisie had some difficulty recovering from the anesthesia and required an overnight stay at the hospital. After bringing her home the next day, she unfortunately became severely dehydrated overnight. On Friday morning the 31st, I took her to her regular veterinary clinic for 24 hours of IV fluids, along with an additional lung X-ray and necessary blood work to ensure her symptoms were only a result of dehydration.

While the cause of the dehydration is unclear, I believe it was a frustrating consequence of the anesthesia and not being well hydrated with IV fluids throughout and afterwards (despite this being my request).

I am overjoyed to report that Maisie has been home since Saturday and is incredibly happy to be back. She is an absolute light, working hard to regain her strength, and is doing a lot of purring as well as enjoying time in the garden. This small return to normalcy is making me immensely happy.

I am now focused on a new path: Maisie has an appointment with an oncologist this Tuesday to discuss the start of treatment. I anticipate beginning low-dose metronomic chemotherapy. This treatment is generally known to have minimal side effects and works by starving the existing tumors of blood supply and nutrients, aiming to slow their progression.

While this setback has been very difficult to realize and accept, I remain hopeful for the next phase. Maisie is still such a cheerful and loving soul, and I am doing everything I can to provide her with the best possible quality of life and care, thanks to the support from all of you.

Thank you for making this journey possible. I deeply appreciate the impact each of you has had, and your support has meant a great deal to me. I will share another update again soon.

With deepest gratitude,

Elizabeth and Maisie

(The picture is from yesterday. She is ready to assist me with every task and acts like nothing has happened at all!)