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Darcy has lymphoma
#468
06/09/02 02:54 PM
06/09/02 02:54 PM
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It started over a month ago, when I tossed a cricket across the tent, and Darcy chased it but didn't eat it. Odd, but I dismissed it. Later that day he hardly ate, became listless and didn't want to move. I rushed him to the vet. She diagnosed pneumonia, and put him on B vitamins, baytril and aminophylline (an oral bronchodilator.) After four weeks, including two harrowing nights in an incubator at the vet's, Dr. Tracy said she could no longer hear any crackle or wheeze. Then I discovered a small tumor on his abdomen, inside his right hind leg. Back to the vet, who said to watch it but if it didn't get bigger he might be better off with it than undergoing surgery, especially only recently recovered as he was. The tumor actually flattened and got smaller, and Darcy was acting better and better. His near brush with death made me want to get him a girlfriend, as a reward for him for surviving and a chance for babies. Cindi had an elfin little girl looking for a home and a mate, and even drove four hours to bring her right to my house! Darcy and Elva absolutely love each other. BUT the day after Elva arrived, Darcy quit eating again. Frantic, we raced back to the vet for more xrays and blood tests. The next day Dr. Tracy called, she had conferred with Cornell first, and they confirmed her diagnosis: the pneumonia was just the first symptom of lymphosarcoma. She put Darcy on prednisone, and said to continue the B vitamins, and that he has anywhere from a few weeks to a few months--to keep track of his weight (his appetite is way down) and to keep his quality of life good, until he "starts to deteriorate" . . . She said Cornell told her lymphosarcoma is common in the sugar gliders they have seen. Darcy is four years old, he is sweet and gentle, has not an aggressive atom in him, and I freely admit I love him more than anything in the world. So far he is active, alert, playful, affectionate both to me and to Elva, and seems to be happy. Unlike human cancer patients, he has no idea what's going on or what's going to happen; he just isn't hungry. Dr. Tracy told me to feed him anything he wants. Handfeeding him his favorites, he is more or less maintaining his weight at 115-120gms (he was 189 two months ago, but Dr. Tracy said that was "kind of pudgy.") If anyone has any ideas or opinions on how to increase his odds or his happiness, please feel free to share them. Getting little Elva is the best thing I could have done for him--and for me. I love her dearly for herself and for the joy she brings Darcy. (The vet assured me lymphoma is not contagious, nor was it something I had done wrong.) They share a pouch all day with me, and Elva is rapidly gaining weight on Darcy's snacks; when she sees him get something she wants some too, and I can't bear to refuse her. Sorry this is so sad. Glider hugs, Darcy & Elva (and Donna)
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Re: Darcy has lymphoma
[Re: ]
#469
06/09/02 03:13 PM
06/09/02 03:13 PM
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I am so sorry that you and Darcy have to go through this! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="images/icons/frown.gif" /> I am hoping he recovers...please know I am here if you need to talk.
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Re: Darcy has lymphoma
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#471
06/09/02 04:07 PM
06/09/02 04:07 PM
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I'm so sorry to hear about Darcy. A neighbor of mine had lymphoma and sadly lost the fight as it's very difficult to treat. It is a blessing that he does not realize what's going on and can live life as always... spoil him and love him and I do hope that you will have a namesake of his to always remember him by.
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Re: Darcy has lymphoma
[Re: ]
#472
06/09/02 04:22 PM
06/09/02 04:22 PM
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Thank you, Joanna, Judie and Toni. This is the most devastating experience I have ever endured. Darcy is such a huge part of my life, I have known lots of animals, "normal" and exotic, and none, none, has ever touched me as he has. From his little hands to his wise, dark eyes to the tip of his blacksilk tail which I love to kiss, his playful antics and his heartmelting affection, his inquisitive need to explore anything new, I love him as I have never loved any living creature. Elvie and I will love him as much as we can for as long as we have him. She is a precious little girl whom I love dearly, second only to Darcy. Glider hugs, Darcy & Elva (and Donna) <small>[ 06-09-2002, 04:25 PM: Message edited by: saharanfox ]</small>
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Re: Darcy has lymphoma
[Re: ]
#473
06/09/02 04:38 PM
06/09/02 04:38 PM
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Hi Donna,Darcy & Elva. I just read your email and went to this site. You see everyone, I had the privlege of meeting Donna,her beloved Darcy and several other animals because I drove my little sweetheart to her about ten days ago. My little colony just wouldn't accept her and I had posted all over the internet looking for a home for her. I was just about ready to give up hope, when I saw Donna's email. I miss her VERY much, but am honored that she has such a fantastic home.Donna will take such good care of her and I think it will give Darcy more happiness and a will to fight for as long as he can.I was so very SAD when Donna told me about his condition, I knew that she was meant to have Elva. I not only found the perfect home for my little sweetheart, but also met a great person!! I pray for Darcy everyday. Cindi & the menagerie
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Re: Darcy has lymphoma
[Re: ]
#474
06/09/02 05:06 PM
06/09/02 05:06 PM
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Donna, You and Darcy are in my prayers.....I know that you are a wonderful glider mommy and will take wonderful care of Darcy through these hard times.........
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Re: Darcy has lymphoma
[Re: ]
#476
06/09/02 11:37 PM
06/09/02 11:37 PM
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 131 Spring Hill, FL
jediRYE
Joey Member
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Joey Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 131
Spring Hill, FL
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Don't ask God to heal him... Ask that His will be done. People can lose faith because God didn't "fix" this or that...
I'll pray for Darcy though.
Glider: Jack Hero
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Re: Darcy has lymphoma
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#477
06/09/02 11:45 PM
06/09/02 11:45 PM
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What a difficult time for you. I hope she is active and happy and painfree and still has lots of time left, and that the treatments prolong good life for her. Keep us posted regarding treatment and how she responds to the treatments -- it may be helpful for other vets and owners.
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Re: Darcy has lymphoma
[Re: Anonymous]
#478
06/10/02 12:45 AM
06/10/02 12:45 AM
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I'm so sorry about Darcy. Your love for him is so clear and strong in your message. My prayers are with you.
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Re: Darcy has lymphoma
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#479
06/10/02 01:56 AM
06/10/02 01:56 AM
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<img border="0" alt="[crying]" title="" src="graemlins/crying.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[crying]" title="" src="graemlins/crying.gif" /> Donna, I sit here typing thru tears, it's so obvious how much you love little Darcy and Elva. I don't know what I'd do if something happened to Gizmo or Latte', or any of my babies for that matter. You and your little ones are in my prayers. That God's will be done, whether that be to heal Darcy or that Darcy have a wonderful time of what is left to him and possibly he and Elva have a little one together. It sounds like his end time will be wonderful and filled with love and lot's of spoiling! We should all be so lucky. And I pray for grace and healing for you. And that Elva and maybe a little one would help fill the void to come. I wish there was something I could do, but as I am learning so harshly, there is a circle of life, no matter how hard we try to fight it. take care Chey <img border="0" alt="[crying]" title="" src="graemlins/crying.gif" />
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Re: Darcy has lymphoma
[Re: ]
#480
06/10/02 03:16 PM
06/10/02 03:16 PM
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I am so sorry for you and little Darcy. I have seen your posts and know how much you love him. I hope you have lots of time left to spoil and love on him, create memories. He will cross knowing he had the best life could offer him, the love of his human and his mate.
Melissa 'n The Critters
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Re: Darcy has lymphoma
[Re: ]
#481
06/10/02 06:18 PM
06/10/02 06:18 PM
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Despite his lack of appetite, Darcy is maintaining his weight around 117gm and continues to act nearly normal, jumping and climbing and playing and peeing everywhere Elva has been . . . he loves her so much, she has probably extended his life and without doubt his happiness. (Cindi, I can never thank you enough for her!) They sleep together in their pouch during the day with me, getting the occasional snack, and I often hear Darcy clicking quietly in contentment. AND, on a brighter note, I discovered why Elva has been eating so much--she has a peanut in the pouch! This is a gift from Cindi's Max, who apparently snuck away from his Cecilia for a night of illicit bliss with Elva. Darcy might still get Elva pregnant too, and I'm hoping he will, but meanwhile I am excited by the prospect of Elva's little baby (and kind of scared!) Thank you, everyone, for your prayers and suggestions and sympathy. Darcy survived who knows how long on a horrific diet before I got him, then pulled through pneumonia, so he's obviously a fighter; I'm hoping and praying for a long remission of the cancer, 'anshallah. Darcy & Elva (and baby!) and Donna
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Re: Darcy has lymphoma
[Re: ]
#482
06/10/02 11:20 PM
06/10/02 11:20 PM
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Sending heartfelt wishes of happiness to you Darcy, Elva and baby. It is so sad that he is sick. Spend as much time with him as you can. Hopefully the love he receives from you and Elva will give him the strength to enjoy the time he has, and make it last as long as possible.
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Re: Darcy has lymphoma
[Re: ]
#483
06/10/02 11:49 PM
06/10/02 11:49 PM
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 11,583 Sycamore Illinois
Karin
Glideritis Anonymous
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Glideritis Anonymous
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 11,583
Sycamore Illinois
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Donna,
Lord Darcy is absolutely an angel boy, and my heart just breaks to hear this. That picture of him...well, no words can explain! I am so happy to hear of the new joey's in pouch, as I know of her hardship as well. You are a very very special lady with two such beautiful suggies, and I will say many glider prayers for all of you.
Hugs....Karin and Tira/Misu'
Miss Lily and Bud Prada and Armani Tessa, Deuce and Cami Tira and Misu Deja and Vu Glider Daydreams
"Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass...It is about learning to dance in the rain!"
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Re: Darcy has lymphoma
[Re: ]
#484
06/11/02 12:05 AM
06/11/02 12:05 AM
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I am so sorry to hear about your glider. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="images/icons/frown.gif" /> He sounds quite content with his new girlfriend and I also believe that you getting her is the best medicine you could have given him. May he live in happiness the rest of his days (which hopefully is more than what his disease wants to allow). My heart goes out to you and your glider, You are in our thoughts and we pray that he gets better..My gliders send their face hugs and tender kisses your way <img border="0" alt=" " title="" src="graemlins/littleglider.gif" /> <img border="0" alt=" " title="" src="graemlins/heartpump.gif" />
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Re: Darcy has lymphoma
[Re: ]
#485
07/29/02 10:21 AM
07/29/02 10:21 AM
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 11,583 Sycamore Illinois
Karin
Glideritis Anonymous
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Glideritis Anonymous
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 11,583
Sycamore Illinois
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Donna,
How is Lord Darcy doing? Thinking of you both every day...
Karin and Tira/Misu'
Miss Lily and Bud Prada and Armani Tessa, Deuce and Cami Tira and Misu Deja and Vu Glider Daydreams
"Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass...It is about learning to dance in the rain!"
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Re: Darcy has lymphoma
[Re: ]
#486
07/29/02 10:01 PM
07/29/02 10:01 PM
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Saharanfox, Our Sugar Glider, "Sugar", has a tumor that possibly is cancer, but has not been confirmed. He is not eating, or acting the same. We went to see three different vets in upstate N.Y., and I was wondering where your vet Dr. Tracy is located. She seems very knowledgeable. We also had one of the vets send a sample to be analyzed at Cornell, but, there was no conclusive evidence of cancer cells. I hope Darcy gets better soon. Thanks for any help you can provide.
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Re: Darcy has lymphoma
[Re: ]
#487
07/31/02 07:21 PM
07/31/02 07:21 PM
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Darcy Update: In mid-July Darcy had dropped to an alarming 86 grams (in March he was 189) but has started gaining weight back, he is now 93. He has remained very active, alert, and affectionate (he really really LOVES Elva!) He gets .05cc of Prednisone every other night, he hates it but Dr. Tracy says it's to keep down any inflammation from the lymphoma. He also gets 2.5cc of VAL syrup, which is B-vitamins and amino acids. He is eating entirely on his own, but rather fussier than he used to be. Still, he's doing a pretty convincing impression of a healthy glider, and is thoroughly enjoying life. He runs on the new Flex Wheel and climbs and bounces around, you'd never know he's sick, except that he's very thin. The tumor I had found on his abdomen is either gone or so small I can't find it. Odd but I've felt and poked and prodded (Darcy is remarkably tolerant!) and it's gone. Yay! Not only has precious Elva herself been the best tonic in the world for him, but also since Elva's arrival, he's been drinking Nekton for Sugar Gliders because that's what Cindi had Elva on, and now Darcy's coat too is buttery soft and his tail fluffier than it was. So, all the prayers helped, please keep them coming! Bugga, I'm very sorry to read about Sugar. Dr. Tracy Durham works for the Vestal Veterinary Hospital at 2316 Vestal Parkway East, in Vestal, NY (near Binghamton.) The telephone number is (607) 754-3933. She works 9-5 M-W-F, 12-8 Tuesdays and Thursdays, and occasional Saturdays. She is the exotic vet for the Ross Park Zoo, including their sugar glider, and yes, very knowledgeable and very very good with small exotics. Please let me know how Sugar makes out. Glider hugs to all, Darcy & Elva & Hotspur (and Donna)
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