Surgery

Jake made it through surgery like a champ.  Dr. Pluhar was very happy with the surgery and went over the follow up MRI results with us.  While unfortunately he has a higher grade tumor than we hoped, the surgery itself was a success.  Almost all, if not all, of the tumor was removed.  He was then given the gene therapy which should help take care of any that is left.  We will find out in a few days the specific type of high grade tumor he does have.  Some are worse than others.  Hopefully he'll finally have a little luck on his side and have the lower of the high grade tumors.
With the higher grade tumors they have seen the tumors start to return around 6 months out.  This hasn't happened in all cases though. He will have follow up MRIs at 2, 6 and 12 month time frames.  If anyone wants to come to Minnesota let me know.  He has woken up from the anesthesia and as is expected is still tired and drugged up.  We did get to see him during his move from the MRI area to the ICU.  He was sleepy but did make some noises when he saw us.  Ideally he'll have a nice easy night and we'll be visiting the little guy tomorrow during 10 - 12.  Thanks again for all the well wishes.  Will update tomorrow.

Trying to Escape the Waiting Area 

Heading Off with the Anesthesiologist

In the Waiting Area

The Big Day

After a good nights sleep the big day is here.  We'll be headed over in about an hour to meet with the anesthesiologist first.  There is wifi at the hospital so I will try to update while I can.  I know everyone will be thinking and praying for him today.

Wondering why he's waking up at 6am

The Meeting with Dr. Pluhar

Our meeting went well.  Jake impressed with his good looks as usual and then greeted her with a smelly gift.  I blame it on the many dogs we saw in the waiting room.  Dr. Pluhar was very nice and very thorough.  She went over the various possible treatments which will depend on the grade of his tumor.  We won't know the grade until she does the surgery tomorrow.  Hopefully it will be a low grade tumor.  When we first saw the MRI results we were taken aback by the size of the tumor.  After speaking with the doctor though she said its just the size and spot that she has the most experience working on so that made us feel better.  We have to bring him at 7am central time and his surgery is scheduled for 9:30 but that could always get pushed back.  For now we'll be relaxing in the room and trying to get a good nights sleep.

We're Here!

A day and a half later and we've finally arrived.  We just checked into the hotel and Jake is sniffing God knows what around the room.  I'd probably rather not know.  So we're leaving in a little while to go meet Dr. Pluhar for the first time and get prepped for the big surgery tomorrow.  I'll check back in later with more details.

A long trip for all of us.

First Leg Complete

15 hours later and we've arrived at our pit stop in Madison, WI.  It was a long and boring ride but we made it.  Jake was great and pretty much slept most of the way here.  Now it's 11:20pm local time and he's wide awake as I write this.  Lets hope he lets us get some well needed rest because we still have another 4 hours to go tomorrow.

Finally in Wisconsin

Locked in and ready to go

Logistics

Got the confirmation from Dr. Pluhar tonight and booked our hotels.  We're planning to leave early Sunday morning and drive through the day until we arrive in Madison, Wisconsin.  We'll sleep there and continue our journey in the morning.  That should get us to the University at our scheduled 2 - 3pm appointment.  It will be a long trip but well worth it.

Both Jenn and I would like to thank everyone for all their support and well wishes during this time.  We couldn't have done it without you.  I've been amazed with all the positive responses I've received from both people we know and complete strangers.  Jake says thank you as well.

A special thank you to all our Mediavest friends who's generosity as helped fund our road trip.  Thank you so much.  Jake was ready to eat the money when we showed it to him.

And so it begins.....

Tonight we received some great news.  Jake has been accepted into the clinical trial and will be heading to Minnesota for surgery on Tuesday, 2/15.  For those not familiar with it, check it out here.  Our 20 hour trek begins Sunday morning and we hope to arrive at the University of Minnesota on Monday afternoon.  From there Jake will see Dr. Pluhar and be prepped for his surgery the next day.  I set up this blog to keep our friends and family informed because I know there a lot of people worried about Jake and this will be the easiest way to keep everyone informed.  I got the idea from another dog who is currently going through the clinical trial as well.  His blog was very informational and helped provided us with hope for Jake.  Let's all keep Riley the Beagle in our prayers as well.  He is doing well and is 3 months out from his surgery.