Update on CJ

The last word we got from our neurologist was to watch for any changes in his clinical signs. CJ started to 'knuckle' and cross his back left leg/foot a lot. After asking the neurologist if this was something to be concerned about and not getting any answer I decided to pursue this issue further. Keep in mind, we hadn't been given any diagnosis based on positive test results up to this point.

Feeling frustrated with the lack of response and answers I decided to begin exploring other doctors. With the help of a good friend that suggested a clinic in Arizona and the Washington State University Veterinary College Hospital - we got some answers.

The clinic in Arizona was not able to give us much information, but they did mention there were several fungal infections that are specific to AZ. The neurologist from WA State Univ. reviewed all of CJ's records and one of her first questions was to ask if CJ had been down South. Since he was raised in Arizona (and she recently had a similar case that resulted in a fungal infection) she quickly suggested we have his blood tested for fungi.

The results are in - he tested positive for the fungus that causes Valley Fever. Since VF is not in his lungs or respiratory system, this indicates he has disseminated VF. It's a tough disease to get rid of, as with any fungal infection. It's even tougher to defeat since it is in his spine. The good news is, we more than likely can treat this with medications even if he does have to be on them for the rest of his life. The medications can be tough on the organs, specifically liver, so please keep us in your thoughts as we step into this next stage of the 'healing CJ' journey.

Because of the information we had been given early on and the costs involved, we had considered the option of making him comfortable until he couldn't go on any longer and/or having to put him to sleep. We sure are relieved we didn't choose either of those options.

I cannot stress enough that advocating is important when it comes to our pets; it's not just for human medicine. I feel strongly that we now have a positive test result, and finally some answers, because I started to stomp my feet and demand more. I moved on when I didn't feel our current resource was working for us. Hopefully our experience will help save the life of some other beloved pet down the road.

Thank you to all of our friends and family for the support and prayers! We appreciate you!!!

Back to School

I'm going to be spending a lot more time at school campuses in the very near future; Elementary, Middle and High School. I've signed on to the Marysville School District substitute system where I can accept jobs as Secretarial, Food Services and Para-Educator. I'm most excited about the Para jobs as my ultimate goal is to get permanant work in a classroom - but I'll go wherever they need people!

In order to qualify as a Para-Educator I had to pass a state level exam to prove my skills in reading, math and writing, as well as the ability to bring those skills to classroom instruction. After a few weeks with my nose buried in the study guides, I passed the exam yesterday!

A hunting we will go....

Ok, so it's not quite hunting - we didn't bring weapons... unless you call a camera a weapon? We were in search of the grand and beautiful bald eagle. Every winter they come in the hundreds to feed on the salmon that have spawned in the rivers. They tend to congregate for this months long feeding about 1-1.5 hours from our house. While we only saw a few eagles, too far away to get good photos, we did spot a heron close enough to have some fun with.

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday...

...said in the football announcers voice. Sunday was the big game, Superbowl! Since we moved to WA from Arizona we of course had to celebrate the Cardinal's making it. We hosted a SW themed event and everyone brought foods relating to that region. I made chili, spicy chicken soup, fiesta pinwheels and spicy chex mix. We had the neighbors over for a good ole-fashioned football fiesta! Daryl pulled the TV from our bedroom and set it up in the dining nook so we'd have plenty of places for people to gather 'round the game. CJ even found himself a spot on the couch for the big event. Thank goodness our friends love him as much as we do! Congrats to the grid winners!!