Shades of Hope

Joey, Summer 2009

It's with such great happiness, relief, and joy to report that your 'Long and Short of it All' host Joey has pulled through his bilateral adrenalectomy surgery.  It has been a troubling day - his surgery didn't start until early afternoon.  Dad kept badgering the surgery team at the veterinary referral center for some sort of update all morning.  The anesthesia team finally started a little after noon, and we're not sure exactly what time his surgery began, but were told that we would be called if there were any complications.  Read:  we didn't want that phone to ring until he would be done with surgery at about 4:30 PM.
The call finally came.  Other than the complicated surgery itself, there were no complications.  The surgeon was worried about heavy blood loss, and there has been some - so he may still get a blood transfusion.  The good news is that the larger adrenal tumor was not adhered to the wall of the vena cava. 
The masterful surgeon also found a growth on Joey's spleen, which could possibly continue to grow and eventually burst, so his spleen was also removed. 
Joey isn't out of the water yet, there are still many complications which could occur in the next few hours.  But the skilled surgery team is working to monitor the incision, and the ingenious ICU team is keeping him stabilized.  The good doctor said that his coloring is good, and that his heart has good rhythm.  (Must be all that good music he listens to!)  He is on a fentanyl drip for pain, and receiving oxygen.  Labs look good.  Tomorrow the 3rd team moves in - the internal medicine specialists who will evaluate him as he moves forward without his adrenal glands, and to start all the necessary medications.  Hoping to be able to visit him tomorrow.
Best case scenario:  Joey may be ready to come home on Thursday afternoon.  We're not about to jump the gun here though, he won't be coming home until he's absolutely ready.
We can't thank everyone enough again for all the support, well-wishes and prayers for Joey (and Maggie and their Dad!) during this time.  We're honestly humbled by your kindness and love.