Max’s GME Update: Distressing News

October 18, 2018 By Ann 18 Comments

Our dog, Max, suffers from GME – Granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis. He was diagnosed with this terrible disease in July 2014 and continues treatment to keep the symptoms at bay. GME is incurable, so managing the symptoms for a good quality of life is the best that can be done with the poor dogs with this disease.

For those of you unfamiliar with Granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis (GME), it is a canine disease where the white blood cells attack the central nervous system. Max is well past historic long-term prognosis for this terrible disease. When he was diagnosed we were told his chances were “not leaving the hospital” – to – “up to three years”.

We were back in Ithaca earlier this week for round 10 of Max’s chemo (2018). We walked in with Max having had a bug, or gallbladder issues, or something the last few weeks.

Hubby and I took a trip to Las Vegas late last month/early this month to go through his Mom’s house. Hubby’s Mom passed away in September, and as the executor of her will, he needed to deal with her possessions and house. We went out to take care of the personal possessions, and for Hubby to engage an estate liquidator and Real Estate agent.

While gone, Sonny-boy stayed at our home with Mr. Max.

Even though Sonny-boy is 30 years old, holds a number of degrees (including two masters), has been on his own for 10 years AND has a SO who is a NICU nurse (and she stayed over a number of days), Hubby still demanded proof-of-life photos and video daily.

SMH

Max did great with Sonny-boy, but Sonny-boy indicated Mr. Max was off his feed the day before we came home.

Max ate less and less the week after we got home, and he definitely was not feeling well.

We took Mr. Max to his regular vet who prescribed Cerenia, and wow did that help! He stopped throwing up and started to eat pretty regularly.

On the return check-up, he had his wellness exam. His blood test showed a very elevated white blood count, and that was a concern. Was it a bug? Was it the GME? (This was last Thursday.)

Max driving to Cornell.

We went back to Cornell earlier this week (Monday) – they used that blood test and started his chemo immediately. While there, he also had a sonogram (ultrasound) for his gallbladder, and an additional blood test to check his white blood cells and liver enzymes.

If you have been following along the last few years (particularly this year) you know Max’s gallbladder has sludge in it, and the doctors at Cornell were worried it would form a mucus seal. Those worries are coming to fruition.

Max has “tentacles” (we saw the sonogram, that is as good a word as any) that are now looking to form a plug. No one knows when that will happen. When (probably not “if”) the mucus seal (plug) develops, his gallbladder could (will) burst leading to a very painful death.

We now have a choice… to put Max down, or to have the surgeons at Cornell perform gallbladder removal surgery.

For myself, I always felt the mucus seal (plug) was the end-game. Hubby, however, feels differently.

And so, Max will be having surgery at the end of the month. There are many, many concerns all centered on his being immune-suppressed. Will he survive the surgery? Will he be able to heal? Will he develop an infection he cannot fight off (because he is immune-suppressed)?

Hubby’s thought process is surgery gives him a chance. My thought process is “is this humane”?

I will say that if Max survives the surgery, does heal well, and does not develop sepsis, he will probably feel a whole lot better. His gallbladder has definitely led to gastric distress and discomfort this year. He will still have GME, and that will continue to be treated, but his other issues will be (should be) gone.

Max in the Cornell waiting room.

The fact that he is the longest survivor with GME at Cornell actually plays in his favor – he has shown he can tolerate GME management longterm. No one knows how long he can continue to do so (we’ve been in undocumented territory for about a year now).

Please wish Mr. Max luck. This is the most dire things have been for him since he first came home after his first chemo treatment over four years ago. He may or may not survive his surgery, but I know this little guy is a fighter. If there is a chance, he will be fighting like crazy to get better.

Here is hoping things go well, and out little PITA will be with us for a longtime to come.

Previous Max posts (read in order from the bottom up to follow his whole story):

• Max’s GME Update: Chemo Round 9
• Chemo Round 8 for Max
• FOUR YEARS!!
• Chemo Round 6 For Max
• Chemo Round 5 For Max
• Chemo Round 4 For Max
• Chemo Round 2 For Max
• Max is Back to Chemo for His GME
• Max Had a Relapse
• Mr. Max April 2016 Update
• Max March 2016 Update
• Mr. Max Post Cornell Visit Information
• Max’s Latest GME Update
• Max’s GME Update, One Year Later
• Max’s GME Update, Month 11
• Max’s GME Update
• An Update on Mr Max, March 2015
• Updating Max’s GME
• An Update On Mr. Max
• Last 2014 Trip To Cornell For Max
• Back To Cornell
• Max’s First Cornell Follow-up Visit
• Max Exercises More Than I Do!
• Updating the Mr. Max Situation
• A Mr. Max Update
• Mr. Max, Mr. Max, Mr. Max
• It’s A Mr. Max Post!

• Disclosure the links in this post may be affiliate links.

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Filed Under: Ann's Life

Cranberry Holly Winter White Wreath DIY

October 17, 2018 By Ann Leave a Comment

This beautiful Cranberry Holly Winter White Wreath is a simple rustic wreath that appears time-consuming, but actually comes together in under 30 minutes! Follow these easy step by step directions to make your own lovely custom Christmas door hanger wreath.

Cranberry Holly Winter White Wreath DIY

While I wrote this up as a Christmas wreath for a door, it would also be fabulous over the fireplace. You may want to up the size of it thought – depending on the side of your fireplace mantel – to make it stand out.

The focal point of this wreath is the holiday sign. The cascade of berries is to offset the focal point making it less one-sided. This wreath aims for “snowiness” (yes, that is now a word), but it is not a snow-wreath.

Notes

• Make certain to match the size of your wreath to the door or area where it will be hung. A 36″ wreath on a 30″ door will not work. Likewise, a 24″ wreath over your fireplace mantel will probably be lost.

• Take a look at Halloween clearance sales too as many times you can find white wreaths there for 50-75% off!

• On that note, also take into account the sign to wreath ratio. You want something substantial, but not too overwhelming.

• This wreath uses a holiday sign as the focal point. You could also use a different object as your focal point: a stuffed reindeer or moose, a small birdcage, a Christmas tree topper, Santa or Mrs. Claus, a large partridge – anything that is holiday focused. In other words, you can gear this toward your holiday theme!

• If you plan on hanging this wreath from just after Thanksgiving through most of the winter, consider your focal point to be more generic… that is where a stuffed moose or moose sign would work very well!

• This wreath is frosted, not sparkly. If you choose to add sparkle, make it one or two touches of sparkle – such as the picks used. The sparkle on the picks will pick up the light. There will always be a small sparkle that is picked up from light (even if only streetlights).

• This is a door hanger wreath, it does not really lend itself to a ribbon for hanging. Since rustic does not always do ribbon “well” if you need a ribbon to hang, consider a red plaid one. No bow on this wreath either.

Cranberry Holly Winter White Wreath DIY Materials:

• 1 White Wreath
• 1 Holiday Sign (focal point)
• 2 Pick Floral Fruit
• 1 Geraniums Bush
• 3 picks Holly Berries
• Greenery
• Glue Gun
• Hot Glue Sticks
• Wire Cutters
• Floral Wire (optional)

Cranberry Holly Winter White Wreath DIY Directions:

• Position the sign (or whatever you are using as your focus) on the wreath. This is offset on the center, and “we” (the royal we because my niece had the idea, I’m just the running commentary and photographer) decided lower right. If you would like lower left because that works better for where you plan on hanging this finished wreath, that works too!

• Hot glue or wire in place. If you are going to wire, make sure you loop the floral wire through the hanger on the back of your sign, and through the wire on your wreath. Pretend you are weaving or sewing. Pull tight for less movement. You may also want to wire AND hot glue for stiffer placement, especially if your sign is heavy.

• The berries are being used to balance against the focal point you are creating. That sign (+ flowers you will be adding) is BIG. If you left it by itself on the wreath, it would be a lotta white, and a big old sign. You need something to break it up, hence the berry trail.

• Remember when hot gluing the berries in place that you are layering and adding leaves (intermingling greens) not lumping them together. Overlaying your berries, leaves, and picks will make the wreath look better.

• The reason geraniums were chosen as the flower for this wreath is because they are large. The sign is the focal point (I may have mentioned that before), and the geraniums are actually going to make that focal point a GIANT focal point that cannot be missed. Clip the geraniums, and place two large portions of the clippings (either one large, or two smaller) on either side of the focal point. Hot glue in place. Pull through some of the wreath into the geraniums for a slight break-up, and to show the wreath underneath.

• Two large flower features are set so as not to have 4-5 smaller features pulling your eyes in all directions. Breaking up the geraniums is key – this wreath needed color, but you don’t want it to be a big blob of color that slaps you in the er, eye.

• Once you have layered the berries (always do a dry run before hot gluing), and have added some greenery, use the picks to add some interest and conceal any holes which may show.

• Tuck away any wire you may have used, and move the wreath pines over bare spots.

• Things looked a little bare under the sign, so some greenery was added underneath and hot glued in place.

• Take a step back from the wreath. Make sure all the holes are covered either by twisting greenery over an open space or repositioning a white pine from the wreath.

• Give your wreath a light shake to make certain everything is well placed either via wire or hot glue.
That’s it. This is a super simple, but showy Christmas wreath. It looks simply fabulous!

If you enjoy making holiday wreaths, you may want to make one of these:

• Candy Cane Wreath DIY Tutorial – Make your own no-sew Candy Cane wreath using these easy step by step instructions. This cute holiday decor is perfect for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or any day! Simple and inexpensive to make, this easy Candy Cane Wreath DIY Tutorial will show you how to add a marvelous touch of whimsy to your holiday decor.

• The Grinch Inspired Wreath DIY Tutorial – A beautiful Mr. Grinch inspired wreath sure to make even the coldest heart burst! This step by step tutorial is complete with (free) pdfs for the hat and heart for you to print and make exact. This wreath will look great on your front door, over your mantel, or on a wall. Truly unique holiday decor!

• Snowflake Bead Wreath Craft DIY – This is a beautiful snowflake wreath that is perfect for door decor in the chilly winter months. You can fully customize this snowflake bead wreath for color, and ornaments. Simple to make, this lovely Snowflake Bead Wreath Craft is a real conversation piece.

• Disclosure: the links in this post may be affiliate links.

• For more Craft posts on Ann’s Entitled Life, click here.

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Filed Under: Christmas, Crafts, Winter

Golden Grahams® S’mores Brownies Recipe

October 15, 2018 By Ann Leave a Comment

Golden Grahams® S’mores Brownies Recipe

You do not need a campfire to get the great taste of S’mores. This updated twist on traditional s’mores is made with delicious, sweet golden Grahams cereal. Great for parties and snacks, this easy to make golden Grahams s’mores brownies recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

The etymology of a s’mores suggests it is a contraction of “some more” as in “give me some more of that delicious chocolate–marshmallow-campfire-goodness!!

Notes:

• Instead of returning the brownies to the oven (or under a broiler) after baking, try a culinary torch. Better control, faster melting!

Golden Grahams S’mores Brownies Ingredients:

• 10 TSBP Butter, melted
• 1¼ cups Sugar
• ¾ cup, plus 2 TBSP Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
• ½ tsp Salt
• ½ tsp Vanilla Extract
• 2 large Eggs
• ½ cup All-purpose Flour
• 1½ cups Golden Grahams Cereal, divided
• ½ cup semi-sweet Chocolate Chips
• 1½ cups Miniature Marshmallows, divided

Golden Grahams S’mores Brownies Mise en Place:

• Measuring Cup
• Large Bowl
• Spoon
• Spatula
• Measuring Spoons
• 8″x 8″ Baking Dish

Golden Grahams S’mores Brownies Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Spray an 8″x 8″ inch pan with cooking spray, set aside.

• In a large bowl mix together melted butter, 1¼ sugar, ¾ cup, plus 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder, and ½ teasponn of salt.
• Stir in ½ teaspoon of vanilla.

• Add 2 eggs one at a time, mixing well with each addition.

• Once batter is well combined, stir in ½ cup of flour, mixing for a minute or two, until it is well incorporated.

• Stir in ½ cup golden grahams, ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, and ½ cup marshmallows.

• Pour batter into prepared 8″x 8″ pan.

• Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes.

• Remove from the oven, top with remaining golden grahams, followed by remaining marshmallows.

• Broil the brownies in the oven for just a minute or two, watching carefully, until marshmallows are toasted on top.

• Let the brownies cool before slicing.

Yield: 12 servings

Golden Grahams® S'mores Brownies Recipe

You do not need a campfire to get the great taste of S'mores. This updated twist on traditional s'mores is made with delicious, sweet golden Grahams cereal. Great for parties and snacks, this easy to make golden Grahams s'mores brownies recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 27 minutes

Total Time 42 minutes

Ingredients

10 TSBP Butter, melted
1¼ cups Sugar
¾ cup, plus 2 TBSP Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
½ tsp Salt
½ tsp Vanilla Extract
2 large Eggs
½ cup All-purpose Flour
1½ cups Golden Grahams Cereal, divided
½ cup semi-sweet Chocolate Chips
1½ cups Miniature Marshmallows, divided

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F.

• Spray an 8"x8" inch pan with cooking spray, set aside.

• In a large bowl mix together melted butter, 1¼ sugar, ¾ cup, plus 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder, and ½ teasponn of salt.

• Stir in ½ teaspoon of vanilla.

• Add 2 eggs one at a time, mixing well with each addition.

• Once batter is well combined, stir in ½ cup of flour, mixing for a minute or two, until it is well incorporated.

• Stir in ½ cup golden grahams, ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, and ½ cup marshmallows.

• Pour batter into prepared 8"x8" pan.

• Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes.

• Remove from the oven, top with remaining golden grahams, followed by remaining marshmallows.

• Broil the brownies in the oven for just a minute or two, watching carefully, until marshmallows are toasted on top.

• Let the brownies cool before slicing.

Recommended Products

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If you enjoy s’mores, you are going to want to try these easy to make s’mores treats:

• Easy Halloween S’mores Recipe You do not need a campfire to get the great taste of S’mores. Make these delicious Halloween S’mores in your kitchen in about 10 minutes. Great for parties and snacks, these cute little Halloween s’mores are a simple sweet treat adults and children will love!

• Easy Candy Corn S’mores Recipe – These are one of the easiest treats you can make. You do not need a campfire to get the great taste of S’mores. Make these delicious candy corn S’mores in your kitchen in about 10 minutes. Great for parties and snacks, these cute little candy corn s’mores are a simple sweet treat adults and children will love!

• Easy S’mores Pops Recipe – You do not need a campfire to get the great taste of S’mores. Easy to make these delicious S’mores pops are made right in your kitchen in about 10 minutes. Great for parties and snacks, these fabulous S’mores Pops are a delightful treat the whole family will love!