gracegirl
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Big day today. Chemo #2 and Torigen #2 were both administered today. She did great and the oncology staff love her. We go back next week for Torigen #3 (a quick appt) and the week after that for bloodwork (a super speedy appt). And then the following week (Sept 2) we have Chemo #3. That’s another big appointment as we’ll take another set of chest rads that day. It will also be her gotcha day #5.
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Big hugs for Sherlock and his people. It’s a devastating disease and I hate it so much.
Question for those who have been through chemo with carboplatin. ‘My looking for more information on 4 vs 5 vs 6 sounds. Tessie did well with her first round at a moderate dose, so for her second round we are going to increase the dose. The plan right now is for four doses, but the oncologist is open to another dose or two.
She says a lot has to do with where you went to school. Some schools teach four, other more. She said because dog how aggressive and terminal this is, there’s not enough data to say that (for example) five is the magic number. She also said a lot comes down to costs.
We have excellent insurance so cost isn’t a factor. If she continues to tolerate chemo well, should we go for five or even six rounds? I’m asking here first before I reach out to Dr C, but will likely send this question over to him eventually.
In other completely unrelated news, I could some extra positive thoughts. We raise service dogs for a local non-profit and our current pupper, Revna, has to go back for “finishing school” on Saturday. We adore her and I’m so sad to see her go. 💔 She’s Tessie’s favorite of the three we have raised. #blackdogclub
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You guys. We raise service dogs for a local non-profit and had three of our lab buddies over last night. Tessie ran with them a bit and took her usual spot on the couch with the humans. She made friends with 12 year old Rylan. 💞 My heart is so happy to see her like this.
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Thanks for celebrating with me. I just fed her dinner and she ate an entire regular serving mixed with yogurt. It’s a huge relief to see her eating again.
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See that??? It’s Tessie standing up to eat her food on her own, the first time since July 3rd she hasn’t been spoon or hand fed. Yahoooooo.
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Chemo #1 went well. Bloodwork shows high red cell count, but they’re going to send a copy to me next week. I’m curious if it’s high for a GH. She felt like poo Thursday after chemo, and rested the rest of the day. But no GI upset and she had a pep in her step Friday morning. She’s back on 100mg of Gabapentin 3x/day and she’s getting mirtazipine for her appetite. She’s still being a picky princess but I’m getting her to eat maybe 2/3 of her regular calories by spoon feeding her.
We’ll go back two weeks after the first chemo for more blood work and hopefully we’ll get the first Torigen injection that day. They’ll keep her for a few hours after the injection for observation.
She’s talking whatever length walks she chooses and she’s getting back on the furniture again. I’m keeping her muzzled because she was licking at her amp site and opened it up a bit. Just hoping it doesn’t get infected so she’s back in the muzz 24/7. Right now it’s red and inflamed so I’m keeping a close eye on it.
would a warm compress be a good idea?
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1000%. And is also agree that the first five days with your dog at home are some of the most terrifying, heartbreaking, and absolutely awful days you’ll have as a dog owner.
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Staples are out! She’s cleared by the surgery department to start chemo on Thursday. She’s also cleared to get back on the couch. She’s very happy in her Tess nest.
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Can you get a CT scan and have Dr. C look at that? Not sure if you have insurance, we do, so a CT would be next and then I’d have the X-rays read first by a radiologist and then by Dr C.
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This place near me is super cool. Large pool for swimming that our airedale loves, underwater treadmills for rehab, and a whole host of rehab options (e-stim, acupuncture, massage, etc.)
https://dog-swim.com/services/clinical/
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How soon after the amp did you start with acupuncture? We have plenty of great places around here, including a specific canine rehabilitation center around the corner from our specialist who offers a whole host of things.
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I hate when people ask this question but I can confirm that as of June 2022, his fee is $150 payable with PayPal.
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She’s on carprofen and Gabapentin I stagger so that they wear off at different times. I wonder if her remaining back leg is sore from carrying all the weight now. I did buy some canned tripe today so hoping that helps with the appetite.
Did anyone do PT to help them strengthen as they adjust to life on three legs? Underwater treadmill? Acupuncture? Chiropractor?
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1 hour ago, Beachbum1 said:
Taylor stayed on his appetite stimulent, Mirtazapine, till he went to the bridge 2 years later. His vet there was no "downside" to taking it daily, and he always had a great appetitte.
That’s good to know. Thank you. I’ll ask about this next week.
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Is it normal for her stump to be a little bit twitch?
Today is the first day without an appetite stimulant. She hasn’t wanted to eat much. She’s been a bit whiny and acting like she’s sore. Maybe her other legs are sore or stiff as she’s adjusting to using them differently.
She let out a couple of good screams today too, including a nice series with good range outside so now the neighbors have proof that I torture my dogs. 😝
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I think the licky mat helps calm some anxiety in dogs as well, so some brain work plus anxiety relief is a good combo. Keep it up pal. Learning stairs is next.
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Your house cat looks weird. What kind is he? 🤣🤣🤣
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I absolutely will! The Torigen vaccine has already made it back to my oncologist. We are starting with chemo next week, followed by the first Torigen shot a week later.
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I can’t thank Rachel and Sweep (RIP) enough for all of their support through this. Not sure what I would have done without texting Rachel though the lead up to amp and especially post amp. This community is incredible. I know I’ll need more support as we go through chemo and the Torigen vaccine, so I’m very thankful for everyone here. Truly. 💞
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One week post amp. What a difference 36 hours makes. She’s getting up on her own, eating, drinking, peeing and pooping all by herself. I no longer feel like the worse person on the planet.
We even had a visit from Tessie’s bestie today. My four year old niece.
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The vet removed her bandage today and her incision looks great. She is night and day difference from Saturday. It’s truly shocking how much better she is.
She jumped right up without screaming dramatically when I asked her if she wanted to go for a ride in the car. She’s also been cleared for short walks, so far we have gone four houses up the street a couple of times today. She’s drinking a ton and peeing a ton which I’m sure is good for the edema.
And she just had her first unassisted poo without poofoot. Yahoo! -
Had another poo today but this time we were tired, stared screaming, screamed louder when mom assisted with the harness, lost balance, stepped in poo, then screamed again when cleaning the poo foot. If the neighbors don’t already think we are nuts, they definitely do now.
Osteo Thread Part 9
in Health and Medical discussion
Posted
Torigen injections are now behind us! As least until we decide if we need a booster in the future. She’s recovering in her Tess nest.
Sept 2nd is looming as a big day. I’m super anxious for her chest rads.