Callie and I left the ranch early this morning and headed to Pullman, Washington, to see specialists at the WSU veterinary teaching hospital for her brain tumor. In the photo above, veterinary oncologist Dr. Janean Fidel is listening to Callie's heart during the initial exam, along with 4th year vet student Jen K. Dr. Fidel later brought in Dr. Annie Chen, a neurologist, for Callie's consultation.
Callie will have an MRI tomorrow morning, along with a spinal tap, to give Dr. Fidel and Dr. Chen a better idea of the precise location and size of the growth. The MRI gives them a three-dimensional view, while the original CT scan is only two-dimensional, so the image will provide a lot more information about the nature of what's growing in her brain. Dr. Fidel said that although it may well be a tumor, it could also be a non-infectious inflammation of some sort, or even an infectious bacteria causing the growth.
Depending on what we find out tomorrow, Callie may also be a candidate for a clinical trial that Dr. Chen is leading for a minimally invasive way to take a biopsy of brain tumors to get a definitive diagnosis.
Watching Callie mill around on the floor of the exam room, you'd never have any idea anything was wrong with her. At one point she found the trash can under the sink and tried to knock it over to see if there was anything edible inside. <sigh> In the truck today, she did sleep on a Miss Piggy fleece blanket for the entire ride, which seemed appropriate.
I'll post an update tomorrow on Callie's second day at the teaching hospital. Until then, another huge "thank you!" to everyone who made gifts for Callie's medical fund!
Wow.....that sounds like some positive news for Miss Callie. I have had to cut way back on my charitable donations this year but I would not be able to forgive myself if I didn't donate to keep my fave RDR in the blog news for years to come. Fight the good fight Callie!
Posted by: Marla | April 14, 2009 at 05:48 PM
Callie girl you will do great! Keep up that positive additude and keep rolling over for those belly rubs and kisses. Your dogs pals in Jacksonville, FL have been praying for you.
Posted by: Debbie Balevre | April 14, 2009 at 03:09 PM
Sending thoughts and prayers for Callie,and also for you Steve and Alayne. I'm sure it will be hard having Callie away, but we are all pulling for her safe return home. With many days ahead of her.
Posted by: Kathy and Harley | April 14, 2009 at 12:10 PM
Just like Colleen and Erin, we mentioned Callie in our morning prayer. We thank St Francis for a new day every morning and have for over 12 years.
Glad y'all had a safe trip and Callie is feeling well as she begins her treatment.
Posted by: Lynn | April 14, 2009 at 11:38 AM
Hang in there Callie girl! When you are all done there and feeling better, there are some really good fields nearby to chase some rabbits!
The rabbithound gang is with you:
Cedar, Odo, Diamond, Dexter and Igor.
Posted by: Amy A | April 14, 2009 at 11:33 AM
Go Callie. And go Cougs! (I RARELY say that, so you are most special Callie). We're thrilled your appetite and nose for adventure are carrying you through. Let's pick a fight with this tumor! Go Girl!
Posted by: Margaret | April 14, 2009 at 11:08 AM
You are such a trooper, Callie! Way to go on sniffing out the garbage can for goodies. Hee Hee. I'm waaay jealous you have a pink piggy fleece to sleep on. I have a pink fleece bed with dancing kittie's on it in different colored dresses. Oh brother! Hang in there, Callie! My mom and I are thinking of you all the time!
Your wiener dog cyber pal,
Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog
www.frankiethewalknrolldog.blogspot.com
Posted by: Barbara Techel | April 14, 2009 at 10:33 AM
You never know what's in a stranger's trash can, right?
Alllll the best for her and you two, I hope that this story will have a happy end!
Posted by: Jessica, NL | April 14, 2009 at 03:49 AM
Thanks for the update, Steve, and I look forward to reading another one tomorrow.
In the meantime, I'll be keeping Callie in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | April 14, 2009 at 02:58 AM
Hang in there, Callie! We're all pulling for you & sending you all best thoughts! I'm sure you'll make sure they get some laughs.
Sending you healing hugs,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
P.S.
Sending "we know you're missing Callie hugs" to Steve & Alayne as well.
Posted by: ginger & Tobias (the greythound) | April 14, 2009 at 12:00 AM
Oh, good luck! I hope you get good news!!
Posted by: Kristen D. | April 14, 2009 at 12:00 AM
Oh sweet Callie! When I got up this morning I realized the date & said an extra special prayer. It sounds like you are in really good hands & many prayers & love are being sent your way from Erin & me. I'm glad to know your appetite hasn't decreased & keep up the inspections of all trash cans you never know what "prize" you might find!
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | April 13, 2009 at 11:40 PM
Glad there was no sugarless gum in the trash! I'm keeping Callie in my thoughts.
Posted by: Lynne Parker | April 13, 2009 at 09:22 PM
Regardless of the outcome, this must be a huge treat for Callie to have your undivided attention for so many days at once. She probably thinks this is heaven already.
Posted by: lisa james | April 13, 2009 at 09:05 PM