Zoolady

Ben went in for his second round of chemo today. I was thinking maybe for the ones after today I would wait to make sure he's good to have it but was surprised because his white count which they said should be 3,000 was 2,000. We will try again next week. The oncologist said it wasn't anything to worry about and no antibiotic needed now. She said some dogs are good every three weeks and others every four. Ben is probably a four weeker. He has been feeling good and even tries to run which we discourage. I did speak with her about OSU and if we are lucky enough to be granted the chemo, she is willing to administer it for a fee which I think is what vets do. I'm not sure how to proceed though because they didn't answer my first email. I know they are doing wonderful things and are very busy. Do you think it would be okay to pursue it and if so, what do I do now? Is it too late because he's already being treated? The plan is to do six treatments.

Treatments are all day process here too. I wish good news for Gabe's kidneys and for Joe. I feel better knowing I'm not the only one that would cry when the collars come off. Hopefully I will do better next week and be braver for Ben.

Ben ahd his first dose of chemo today. His initial blood work was perfect so they were able to give the carboplatin. They said he was an ideal patient. The game plan is to give the pamidronate next Wednesday, have a week off and then do round two of the chemo. I was such a baby dropping him off. The hour's drive was stressful and I missed one turn but didn't go too far out of the way. He wasn't allowed to have any collars on so the i.d. collar that he's worn for so long even had to go along with the martingale. It just got to me he was naked and walking away to start the beginning of his fight. Hoping he will be okay at ten years old. They kept telling me we're doing the right thing. I guess they're used to people crying. I remembered what the vet said that if it was her, would she be willing to go through chemo if it could possibly extend her life. Looking at it from the perspective really helped. We are to continue the Rimadyl and Sentinel. No more raw feeding as his immunity may drop. He's used to kibble in the mornings so will either get that at dinner or we will cook his food without the bones or maybe cook a crock pot full for a few days. He is sleeping now and comfortable.

I did the consultation form about two weeks ago but haven't heard anything so far. I also made a contribution which I was very happy to do, even without the consultation request. At that point I just had questions and was unsure how to get the films to them. I think the doctors here are confident about what Ben has. Scott and I talked about the free chemo but we didn't feel right asking for it because we have insurance. We thought perhaps OSU could help someone without insurance. We are regular hard working people with not very deep pockets but I know the gift of free chemo would be a god send and make a difference in some lucky pup's life who isn't insured. Of course free chemo would be wonderful but it just doesn't somehow feel right to ask for and accept it.

We took Ben to the oncologist for his first consultation. She was very thorough and explained everything. She also showed us the x-rays and how much the bone is already destroyed. She talked about using carboplatin and alternating with pamidronate. We would continue using the rimadyl as it seems to be helping him. If we need it later, we can bring in the metacam or dermamax or tramadol. (please forgive my mis-spellings). We don't know if the cancer will try to spread away from the iliac to the leg or the spine. Hopefully we can at least slow it down and he have lots more pain free time. She also talked about something called palladia which stops the formation of blood vessels the cancer needs to grow and spread. I think this for after he finishes his treatments. We briefly spoke about surgery which isn't an option for Ben but she did tell us they use something that decreases post-op bleeding. I think it's ACA (aminocaproic acid). The animal hospital has some articles about bleeding by OSU which I thought was encouraging. The cost of doing the chemo, etc. is more than our wallet allows but thankfully because of the insurance, we could try. I've seen my GT family go through some awful things with chemo but also know the joy of when things go well. I haven't seen anybody say they wished they hadn't done it for amputation of a leg or chemo unless I missed it. Oh, we have to stop the raw feeding for dinner while he is going through treatment too. She said we could cook meat or give him kibble. She said the average survival is a year and a half but no guarantees. It could be two weeks or years. You never know. So, Ben's adventure will begin next Wednesday. I will drop him off for chemo between 7:30 and 8:30 and Scott will pick him up after he finishes work. Ben will also go the next Wednesday for the pamidronate. (I think that's what they said.) He's made friends with some of the staff already and we feel he is in good hands. I just hope we've made the right decision.

Thank you all for more information. It is extremely helpful. We took our cat, Jynx, in for his rabies shot yesterday. We found out our vet is a friend of the oncologist so she will call her Monday and ask that we be squeezed in Tuesday.

Is it typical that they all have problems and get icky towards the end of chemo and whatever chosen treatments they've had? Do you think Ben would have problems with chemo too at ten years old?

First I want to say I am so sorry about Lily. It always hurts so much when we lose a piece of our heart. Thank you everyone for more of your thoughts and advice for Ben. I thought I learned a lot when Wonder passed but it seems to be a whole new world when you're considering treating and hoping for remission. Dr. Moore said it wouldn't go away but can be slowed down. The good news is that even though the first visit for this was only January 7, Ben has met the insurance deductible and they are sending me 90% of the rest minus exam fees. Anything he needs from now on except exam fees will only cost us 10 percent and the animal hospital's office does all the paperwork. So far we haven't heard from OSU but we don't doubt the diagnosis. I called my vet to see if they do chemo and was told no. I asked if there was anyone nearer than Coral Springs and they were going to check. When they called back I was told my regular vet could do the chemo and an emergency vet in Deerfield could also do it. I'm thinking, no, we need an oncologist to be there that would recognize whatever might come up. I don't think we should trust the treatment to someone that would probably just have to call the oncologist. I need to word questions better. I called for a consultation appointment and was told the first available was the 25th. I left a voice mail with for the nurse asking to be squeezed in Tuesday when Scott could go. She told me they could squeeze us in if we needed to. They won't be back in the office until Tuesday so I won't know until then. They only work Tuesday through Friday. Today sucked. A coworker friend's dog died during a routine dental (posted in Off Topic). My dermatologist called and I have to go in for a second Moh's procedure on my nose in another place for basal skin cancer. I sort of expected it and had it on my nose before so am not upset. Kind of been there done that. The only difference is he wants me on antibiotic for a week because of my artificial hip. Got a feeling this one may go deeper. Outside of the above, everything is great. You'd never know Ben had anything. He is still acting his old self. Can't wait for tomorrow morning because that is when he can jump on the bed and cuddle. He either gets right next to me with his head on my shoulder or pillow. Whichever is closer to me.

Thank you jing. Your comments were very helpful and calming. Tomorrow I will definitely call and make an appointment for a consultation with the oncologist. He was so cute this morning standing at the sliding glass doors looking outside to the bird feeders. I had just fed the outside wild birds and he was watching them, tilting his head left and right as they flew around from feeder to feeder. He is eating well and getting up to greet us when we come home, plus standing at the kitchen at meal times which he hasn't done in a while. He has the chewable Rimadyl and thinks they are a treat.

They did chest and spine too. All clear.

I haven't actually had a conversation or appointment with the oncologist (see post 261) yet. My five questions have now become thirteen. Tomorrow I will call the surgeon's nurse and see what I should do as far as getting answers. Maybe if anyone has time, they can see if my questions are reasonable? Am I forgetting to ask something I should? If she has every treated a dog with iliac cancer? What is the timeline for this type of cancer based on her experience? Type of chemo typically used for this cancer? Does she alternate chemo types and use a bone builder? I'm concerned about how the appointments happen. Do I stay or drop him off. Time is important because it's an hour drive to get there. How much additional time for the blood work? Any typical side effects for greyhounds? Can treatment be stopped if the dog is reacting badly or once you start you must go back until finished? The cost estimates need to be told to us too. That's about all I have for now. I'm sure there must be more. Oh, some good news. Trupanion already approved the two claims, our deductible is met, and for anything related to Ben's cancer, it would only cost us ten percent. They are sending a check out for the 90% we already paid less the deductible. I just want to do the best for Ben. Do we do pallative care only and give him the best life we can while he's here or do we put him through chemo to try for remission when we know what the inevitable is? It's so hard to make a decision. It just breaks my heart to see them suffer. The surgeon did say though that he will not be in a lot of pain until the cancer reaches the lower leg. He could give no time line on how short or long that could take. It just depends on how fast or slow the cancer spreads. Okay, I'm rambling so will step away from the keyboard.

The only comment I have directly about your situation is don't hesitate to add the tramadol back at any signs of discomfort. I don't like the idea of "holding back" pain meds when dealing with a terminal disease. We do have a whole prescription of Tramadol so will give it at the first sign of pain. We did get a pleasant surprise today from Ben with the Rimadyl. He is like a younger dog. He is alert, came to the front door upon our arrival home and even was standing at the kitchen door like he used to (he's done neither in a while-just slept). This morning after he ate he actually started a little run (which of course I had to stop). He looked at me like, "What's the problem?" Actually has a sparkle in his eyes again. Thinking back, it's been a while since we've seen that. We'll take anything happy we can get. Didn't have much luck speaking to the oncologist. One of her nurses called me back and said I would have to come in with an appointment to ask questions and that the doctor doesn't consult over the phone. I mentioned we saw Dr. Moore yesterday and he offered to let us speak with her and our mindset wasn't allowing that part of the process to happen. Today, I had questions. They had an 8am or a 1pm appointment tomorrow and that was their only openings for several weeks unless they could squeeze me in. I told them it was an hour's drive each way for five questions? I would have gladly paid a consultation fee but she didn't ask for that. Frustrating. We just started our Spring semester at school and it's difficult to get time off right now. I did some of my own research and thought I'd ask the Osteo Club my questions when I get my thoughts combined. Has anyone had a pup with ilium (big flat hip bone) cancer?

Well, unfortunately I must renew my membership in this club. Ben was diagnosed today. I posted it on Heath and Medical but now I belong here. Here was the last post there. "Just got home. Dr. Moore was just as helpful, kind and considerate as he was with Wonder. I'm sorry to have to report that the diagnosis and options are not good. Osteosarcoma of the right hip, starting at the top going about half way down the ilium. The good news is that it's not the side of the hip that is more weight bearing. Apparently Tuesday when he was playing and collapsed, the bone got a tiny fracture and the bleeding showed up in his groin and legs which is what sent us to the emergency room Saturday. We discussed the possibility of infection and he asked if Ben ever raced in the Mississippi or Gulf Coast region and he did not. Apparently there is a fungus problem that can infect bones but we ruled that out. Then he asked if we needed a definite result and talked about the bone biopsy. Somewhat invasive and painful and could do more damage to the bone which we didn't want. He did not recommend FNA because you could hit an area where there is inflammation only and not pull any cancer cells out when indeed they are there. We said no to that. We reviewed him not being a good candidate for anesthesia and he was cautious about that. Next option was radiation to slow it down. Possible but could because of where the cancer is, the radiation could damage or inflame internal organs which would give us another not so good outcome. We went to the next option that is surgery. He could remove the area where it is but the problem would be if he doesn't get it all, it could grow back within a few weeks. There is also the possibility that he could damage nerves and Ben would lose the use of his legs. No to that too. Next option was chemo and he offered to let us talk with the oncologist. We talked about every 3 weeks he could have chemo and perhaps alternate with a bone builder. He would need blood work every time. This would not be a cure but perhaps give him more time here. The cost would be $600 to $800 a treatment. Thank God Ben has insurance and it would cost us only 10% after the deductible is met. The hospital takes care of all the paperwork but we have to pay them 25% up front and it all adjusts as the insurance company pays. It is an hour's drive one way and I know from the osteo thread that sometimes they can't do chemo and send you away to try another day. Scott and I both work but I work at the University and have vacation time I could use as long as the new boss would be understanding. Scott is his own boss and must work so I would be doing the appointments. Dr. Moore took Ben off of the Tramadol and put him on Rimadyl instead. He said he wants to save the Tamadol for when the Rimadyl isn't working as well. He also saw something at the top of the other hip but wasn't sure if it was an old injury or if the cancer had spread to that hip. He said to go home and think about it and then we will get back to him. So, sadly, I will rejoin the osteo thread. Thank you for all your help, suggestions and support. It's nice to know you are here and always willing to help." I will have to read what I've missed and prepare for another fight. This really sucks.

Just got home. Dr. Moore was just as helpful, kind and considerate as he was with Wonder. I'm sorry to have to report that the diagnosis and options are not good. Osteosarcoma of the right hip, starting at the top going about half way down the ilium. The good news is that it's not the side of the hip that is more weight bearing. Apparently Tuesday when he was playing and collapsed, the bone got a tiny fracture and the bleeding showed up in his groin and legs which is what sent us to the emergency room Saturday. We discussed the possibility of infection and he asked if Ben ever raced in the Mississippi or Gulf Coast region and he did not. Apparently there is a fungus problem that can infect bones but we ruled that out. Then he asked if we needed a definite result and talked about the bone biopsy. Somewhat invasive and painful and could do more damage to the bone which we didn't want. He did not recommend FNA because you could hit an area where there is inflammation only and not pull any cancer cells out when indeed they are there. We said no to that. We reviewed him not being a good candidate for anesthesia and he was cautious about that. Next option was radiation to slow it down. Possible but could because of where the cancer is, the radiation could damage or inflame internal organs which would give us another not so good outcome. We went to the next option that is surgery. He could remove the area where it is but the problem would be if he doesn't get it all, it could grow back within a few weeks. There is also the possibility that he could damage nerves and Ben would lose the use of his legs. No to that too. Next option was chemo and he offered to let us talk with the oncologist. We talked about every 3 weeks he could have chemo and perhaps alternate with a bone builder. He would need blood work every time. This would not be a cure but perhaps give him more time here. The cost would be $600 to $800 a treatment. Thank God Ben has insurance and it would cost us only 10% after the deductible is met. The hospital takes care of all the paperwork but we have to pay them 25% up front and it all adjusts as the insurance company pays. It is an hour's drive one way and I know from the osteo thread that sometimes they can't do chemo and send you away to try another day. Scott and I both work but I work at the University and have vacation time I could use as long as the new boss would be understanding. Scott is his own boss and must work so I would be doing the appointments. Dr. Moore took Ben off of the Tramadol and put him on Rimadyl instead. He said he wants to save the Tamadol for when the Rimadyl isn't working as well. He also saw something at the top of the other hip but wasn't sure if it was an old injury or if the cancer had spread to that hip. He said to go home and think about it and then we will get back to him. So, sadly, I will rejoin the osteo thread. Thank you for all your help, suggestions and support. It's nice to know you are here and always willing to help.

Unfortunately we were members of the osteo thread. I shared our beautiful fawn boy Wonder's osteo of the shoulder area until we gave him the final act of love. I'm still hoping we don't have to renew our membership. Don't worry about suggesting the osteo thread. It is very helpful and I know you are helping by suggesting it. Ben is on amoxicillian and the pain med is 50 mg Tramadol, twice a day. We went pallative with Wonder and had many changes in meds, dosages, bone support, etc. The vets were amazing and kept him comfortable for longer than we thought possible. To be continued for Ben .....

Got permission to leave work early tomorrow. Haven't heard from OSU Consultation Services yet but really didn't expect to hear anything so soon. I know also that Dr. Marin is very busy. I will call my vet tomorrow to see if we can get the full information on Ben's dental records. The girl I talked to today was new and a little dismissive but I can certainly overcome that. Never thought about pre-meds or induction meds. Thanks. About 5:30 this evening, Scott said Ben was laying on a thick orthopedic bed and let out one GSOD and continued laying down. He had his pain med at 7:30 this morning. He is sleeping now but if he wakes up soon may give him his medicine a little earlier tonight. Scott was able to rearrange his schedule so will be able to go with us tomorrow which is good. It's a long drive and I'm a cryer.

We have a 3:00 appointment with a specialist tomorrow. I called OSU to find out if I should have the xrays and tests sent now or wait until they respond. The operator had me leave a message for Dr. Marin which I did. Also asked current vet what anesthesia he had for his dental years ago and they said isoflorane. (not sure about the spelling). Will keep you updated.

Will definitely update as soon as we know anything. Thank you all for helping.

I did join and sent an inquiry to OSU. The cd with the pictures has many and I think too big for me to send, even if I knew how. I'm thinking to ask the vet to send them to OSU tomorrow too. The diagnostics done yesterday were a complete blood count, chemistry profile, tick diseases, coagulation tests and urinalysis. Everything came back fine. They also did 3 radiographs with results of: "normal thorax. Pelvis: agressive lytic and proliferative lesion cranial aspect right ilium." Will ask about the prior anesthesia and get things moving tomorrow morning. My signature is so old but Ben is in it on the right. His face is pretty much white now but he still loves to cuddle. On weekends he will get in the bed, lay as close to me as he can, and put his head either on my shoulder or share my pillow.

I am sorry to report we had to take our ten year old Ben to the hospital last evening. Around 2 pm I saw bruising in his belly area above his penis. By 4pm it had spread down his legs. By 5 pm it was turning black and spreading so off we went. Our vet is open 24 hours and some of the day staff was still there. We met the night doctor and she was very knowledgeable about greyhounds and we were comfortable. She said his gums were a little pale and he was dehydrated. Tuesday prior he was playing in the back yard with the others, turned, fell and yelled. She thought Tuesday to Saturday was quite a stretch to show bruising. They did all kinds of blood tests, chemistries, clotting tests, coagulation tests, urinalysis and xrays (chest, spine and pelvis. Everything they did came back okay and clear except for the pelvis. From the report: "Pelvis: aggressive lytic and proliferative lesion cranial aspect right ilium." Translated it's sort of the right hip bone. They told us we would need a specialist which would be another animal hospital in Coral Springs. We took our Wonder there when we discovered he had osteosarcoma and were very impressed. We didn't amputate but the pallative care went well until the tumor was bigger than a baseball and we had to let him go. On the osteo thread and other places during my years on GT, I was feeling that it's not a good thing to do because many times they come back inconclusive, it's painful and other things can happen because you've done it. Apparently though if it is an infection, they need to culture it to make sure they throw the right antibiotic at it because bone infections are supposed to be hard to get rid of. Tomorrow I will be asking the regular vet to send the xrays and reports to the specialist and see what he says. Has anyone ever had success with a bone biopsy? Ben cannot have anesthesia so they would have to do it with a local. He almost died during a dental with an elevated heart rate that almost killed him. He is now on 50mg of Tramadol twice a day and Amoxicilian. Anything positive to be said for a biopsy? Is the pelvis different from a leg biopsy? I just don't know what to think at this point. I am thankful that out of the four, Ben has insurance being the oldest. I will definitely update.

We put cat food in the master bathroom and a litter box in our bedroom. When we're not home we leave the bedroom door shut. Scott put a cat door in the bedroom door so the dogs can't get in and the cats have their own room and go in and out as desired. Scott did remove the flap so it's very easy for the cats.

Dude I've watched your recovery from the beginning. My heart is breaking. I'm so sorry.

We feed kibble in the morning and raw at night. Once in a while one of the four will get a grumbly tummy in the morning for which a Pepcid takes care of it. I saw on another board, ONE person gave routinely probiotics with no stomach issues at all. I was wondering if any GTers give them and if so, what kind and dosage do you give?

Congratulations Captain Dude. Keep up the good work.

I am so sorry too. Can't help but cry over another precious hound snatched away by that horrible monster. It's always too soon no matter when they go. I'm sure Phoenix had a lot of GT pups to greet him and now run with. Our Wonder would definitely be there because he loved to run too. :gh_runner