James: Day 4 in the ICU

James was admitted to the ICU on Wednesday morning (the day before Thanksgiving).  He has both an infection and severe pancreatitis.  On Wed. they gave him a plasma transfusion which perked him up a lot.  He is getting 24-hr care, fluids by IV, two antibiotics, pepcid, and pain meds.  His personal nurse, Ingrid, takes care of him by day, taking his temp and blood pressure and giving him baths.  He is eating small bites of cottage cheese.  Another crew tends to him at night.

I visit in the mornings and evenings.  Last night (Fri night/SAT am) he took a turn for the worse.  His WBC count is through the roof and his RBC count is dropping.  He does not look good.   I drove his blood sample up to Phoenix Labs in Lynnwood today as there was no pickup.  We talked to his oncologist on the phone.  We are still fighting this but everyone is very concerned.

Nancy

27 thoughts on “James: Day 4 in the ICU

  1. etgayle

    james our prayers and best juju are coming your way!!! try to keep eating little bites to get your strength back!!! you’re in good hands, and everyone loves you.

    gayle & charon

    Reply
  2. Helga Cancil

    Dear James, Nancy & the poodle pals,

    You hang in there James! We’re pulling for you and wishing you well.

    Helga, Toss, Kimber, Skeeters & Murphy

    Reply
  3. fortisdad

    I’m so sorry Nancy. You know I will be keeping you and James in my thoughts and prayers. Please keep us updated. We’re pulling for you James.

    Brett and Fortis

    Reply
  4. fortisdad

    I’m so sorry Nancy. We will be keeping James and you in our thoughts and prayers. We’re pulling for you James.

    Brett and Fortis

    Reply
  5. Candace Hume

    James, you have always been a tough dog. Well, other than that time you hit a jump in the agility ring and everyone thought you broke your leg. I knew you were okay…everyone thought I was just a meanie.
    James, you come from tough stock. You can make it past this hurdle, just like always. All the Tanzen dogs are pulling for you.

    Reply
  6. anyemery

    Oh, James! We are so sorry to read this latest. We will keep all fingers, paws, eyes and ears crossed in our house that you get better soon. You know that cheese is one of Holly’s favorite treats, so please eat enough cottage cheese to keep your strength up! We are pulling for you! Fight, James, fight!!!
    Sending huge hugs, and lots of healing and pawsitive thoughts your way,
    Holly, Zuzu and Susan

    Reply
  7. Mackenzie's Mom

    Oh James!! We are praying for you and hope that you get through this ok. We all love you and will be keeping our paws, fingers and toes crossed that you pull through this with flying colors. Please know that you and your Mom are in our thoughts and prayers.

    Sending lots of golden hugs and healing thoughts your way.
    Kami, Mackenzie & Kobe

    Reply
  8. Honeygurl

    James, we are so sorry that you are not feeling well right now.

    We are praying for you and hope that you can fight your way back, brave boy.

    Nancy, we know how hard a time like this can be. Our Honey was in ICU for an entire week and it was so unsettling and stressful. Your James is certainly fortunate that you are on his team fighting for him.

    Hoping for a quick recovery for your precious James.

    Sending hugs from
    Angel Honeygurl’s pack

    Reply
  9. christiana

    Nancy you know how I love James and how much I admire how you’ve been there for/with him since he was small. He is one of the most adorable and alluring dogs in the universe. It doesn’t good and he’s been such a great warrior. I call Jake my warrior, so that’s the highest praise I can accord. You have my love and hugs. If there’s anything I can do, ask, I will do it if I can. My love to you my dear friend and companion. Christiana

    Reply
  10. jack crowder

    James, you have a tough row to hoe. Know that people are praying for you and your family.

    Rest when you can and fight as hard as you know how.

    Paws are crossed, take care.

    Your friend, Shelby, the P.P.

    Reply
  11. jerry

    James, please, please get better. The entire Tripawds community is rooting for you and wants you to get better. You are our HERO, darnit, you need to be back in full Tripawd regalia. Get better James!!! xoxo

    Reply
  12. fightingforsammy

    Oh Nancy,
    I am sorry you guys are under this stress. James is a fighter, look how amazing he is after all he has been through, he will fight this too.
    I would be glad to keep you company today (Sunday) while visiting James. PM me if you would like. I love little James, even though the other mommy’s wouldn’t put him down and give me a chance to hold him. I think he has a wonderful trust in you and in life.
    You are in my prayers and James too today,
    many hugs,
    Elizabeth

    Reply
  13. Fortis'dad

    Nancy, I’m so sorry. I tried posting yesterday but for whatever reason it was deleted. My prayers are with you both. I hope this is just a bump in the road for James and that he is back to feeling better soon. We’re pulling for you James.

    My thoughts and prayers,

    Brett

    Reply
  14. fortisdad

    Nancy, I’m so sorry to hear about James. My prayers are with you both. I hope this is just a bump in the road for James and that he is back to feeling better soon. We’re pulling for you James.

    My thoughts and prayers,

    Brett

    Reply
  15. tazziedog

    James you are a very tough little dude so please get better! The plasma transfusion was a great idea and it sounds like James is well-attended to. We all hope he rebounds soon.

    Pam

    Reply
  16. Shirley

    Hey James, you are the most amazing dog I know. Always ready for another fight. I know it’s much harder this time as you are fighting two battles here, the cancer and infection. You do the best you can and know that we are praying for you. You have the best Mom around and know she will be there for you as well as all your doctors, techs and friends. Hugs to you and Nancy!

    –Shirley

    Reply
  17. credocanis

    Oh Nancy, I’m so sorry. I’m thinking of both you and James and praying for the best. Please let us know if we can do anything at all for you.

    Give James and extra scratch for me.

    Rhonda

    Reply
  18. Ginger

    Oh no, Nancy and James. We are praying that James has rallied by the time I am posting this. James, you are a fighter, and we just know you are fighting your hardest. Our hopes and prayers are with you.

    Reply
  19. jdsmom

    Dear Nancy,
    I am so sorry to hear about my friend James! I have been away from my computer for a few days and was not aware he had take a turn.
    You know he has a very special place in my heart. I am sending you and all of the pack my best wishes and please whisper to James that I am pulling for him.

    Deborah
    Spirit JD’s mom

    Reply
  20. Carmen (Catie's Mom)

    Nancy, I too have been otherwise occupied the last couple of days. So sorry to hear James is so ill.

    Thinking of you and James.

    Reply
  21. kenmoresmom

    wishing you both strength and to feel all the love & support you have here…take care & God bless,
    mandy & Kenmore

    Reply
  22. fightingforsammy

    Nancy,
    How is he doing? James has been on my mind all morning. I actually got a little teary eyed when I got in from my first part of the morning shift. He is in my prayers,
    Elizabeth

    Reply
  23. Cherie & Riley

    James and you are in my prayers. My heart goes out to the both of you. James is certainly a fighter, I wish I could of seen him run agility. I hope the very best for you guys.
    Cherie & Riley

    Reply
  24. Shirley

    Any more news on James today? Nancy, you must be exhausted. If there is something I can do, please let me know. My heart goes out to you both and I will continue to pray for strength for you and James during this very emotional and difficult time.

    Reply

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