Guest KRKWMU Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 I'm so terribly sorry that you have to go through this. Cancer is such a terrible monster. Our thoughts are with you. Enjoy the days and spoil your girl rotten! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retiredracers Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 I don't have any advice but I just wanted to say that I'm sorry that Asia has this horrible disease and I'll be keeping her and you in my thoughts. Quote Elphie, Kulee, Amanda, Harmony, Alex (hound mix), Phantom, Norbet, Willis (dsh), Autumn (Siamese) & Max (OSH) & mama rat, LaLa & baby Poppy! My bridge kids: Crooke & Mouse (always in my heart), Flake, Buzz, Snake, Prince (GSD), Justin & Gentry (Siamese), Belle (Aussie/Dalmatian mix), Rupert (amstaff) and Fred, Sirius, Severus, Albus, George, Hagrid, Hermione, Minerva, Marilyn, Wren, Molly, Luna, Tonks, Fleur, Ginny, Neville, Bill, Percy, Rose & Charlie (rats) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rascalsmom Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 Oh, Audrey, I am so sorry. This is so NOT RIGHT, so soon after you losing Darius. My heart breaks for you. My best friend lost both of her greyhounds within one month...her boy died very suddenly (hours, really), they found out he'd had an enlarged heart. Then her girl, who was battling a TBD and seemingly doing well, died 28 days later, also suddenly and violently. Both deaths being unexpected and SUDDEN took a huge toll on my friend, so I can understand how you are feeling. I will keep you and Bob in my prayers. You will do what is right for Asia, I know that. And we'll all be here for you. Quote Phoebe (Belle's Sweetpea) adopted 9/2/13. Jack (BTR Captain Jack) 9/28/05--11/2/12Always missing Buddy, Ruby, and Rascal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Madeara Posted July 15, 2008 Author Share Posted July 15, 2008 I am reading this >> http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1035 Following Bone Sparing,which just isn't an option, maybe Radiotherapy for Pain Control is to be taken for consideration? Quote "To err is human, to forgive, canine" Audrey, Nova, Cosmo and Holden in NY - Darius and Asia you are both irreplaceable and will be forever in my heart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MomoftheFuzzy Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 Audrey, I am so sorry. Just seeing this now and sending you, Asia, and the rest of the family support. Kudos to you for exploring all the options and being so on top of things for your special girl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jettcricket Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 I am reading this >> http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1035 Following Bone Sparing,which just isn't an option, maybe Radiotherapy for Pain Control is to be taken for consideration? That's what I opted for in my girl, Cricket. She goes for her second radiation treatment tomorrow. The Oncologist did tell that it may take a few weeks if she responds. I sure hope so...seeing her like this is killing me. She's always been such an active dog even at 11. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carronstar Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 Sending prayers and hugs to you both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MorganKonaAlex Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 I'm sorry to hear about Asia's diagnosis. Pain control is key. As others have mentioned, the need to increase meds always seems to come at night and week-ends. With Alex, we started on Rimadyl, then added Tramadol (in increasing dosages and # times per day) and then added Neurotin when more control was needed. Find out in advance the maximum dosage for each drug and get them on hand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest SilverCrow Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 I'm very new...just signed on. I'm so sorry for you. Please know how many good thoughts reach out to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krissn333 Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 Oh Audrey, I'm so sorry to hear about Asia. I would email Dr. Couto and get some advice from him, and definitely join Circle of Grey. I do not know much about osteo and treatment myself, but I did read an article about Artemisinin and slowing the growth of the tumor that way. It was in CG some time ago, maybe someone at Circle of Grey has it? There's also chemo and/or radiation therapy, which might be an option you might like to pursue if her lungs are clear. You're doing right by her by getting all of the information you can. And yes, for pete's sake, take that girl to Grapehounds if she's not feeling any pain - have fun, take lots of pictures, bring your video camera! Hugs to you, Bob, Asia, and Cosmo too Quote Kristin in Moline, IL USA with Ozzie (MRL Crusin Clem), Clarice (Clarice McBones), Latte and Sage the IGs, and the kitties: Violet and Rose Lovingly Remembered: Sutra (Fliowa Sutra) 12/02/97-10/12/10, Pinky (Pick Me) 04/20/03-11/19/12, Fritz (Fritz Fire) 02/05/01 - 05/20/13, Ace (Fantastic Ace) 02/05/01 - 07/05/13, and Carrie (Takin the Crumbs) 05/08/99 - 09/04/13. A cure for cancer can't come soon enough.-- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jettcricket Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 (edited) I would email Dr. Couto and get some advice from him, and definitely join Circle of Grey. I do not know much about osteo and treatment myself, but I did read an article about Artemisinin and slowing the growth of the tumor that way. It was in CG some time ago, maybe someone at Circle of Grey has it? A friend of mine who lost her greyhound to osteo gave me what she had left of Artemisinin for Jett. Jett had mast cell tumor cancer so I don't how effective it was for him, but I just started giving it to my girl. Just make sure if you do order it (go on line) to order it from Holley Pharmaceuticals. I hear that they are very reputable with their products. I hear that they are using it for woman with breast cancer. I just goggled it...here's the link. You can read about it. http://www.illnessisoptional.com/ace/produ...CFQQbFQodCmrpGQ Edited July 15, 2008 by jettcricket Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
queenwinniesmom Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 (edited) Oh, I'm so sorry. Each time we read this devastating news (and it's happening far too often) our hearts break with yours. How old is Asia? To me, that would influence the decision. But you said she is a drama queen at best, and since you obviously love her deeply and understand her well, only you could truly know how she would deal with amputation and life as a tripod. What the amp does is take away that severe pain of osteo, and eliminate the possibility of that leg breaking. Also, someone had asked if the vet took chest X-rays---I'm not sure if I saw an answer. If the cancer has spread to her lungs, amputation would not buy her that much time. If her lungs are clear, her chances are better. If it hasn't spread, there are simple things you might try as well as pain management, things to boost her immune system, and perhaps fight the cancer cells. Artemisinin is worth trying---many good results from it. And anything that keeps her strong---fish oil, and a high protein, low carb diet. But the only thing we know for sure---cancer is a crapshoot. What works for one dog may not work for another one. Oh, God, I hate this monster! Even though my Winnie beat the monster, I realize how lucky we were. We had 3 1/2 years. But would 3 glorious days together, knowing she was safe within the circle of her family's love been less meaningful than those years? They live in the moment, and unlike us humans, don't cry for any future sadness. Your love shines through in every word---this girl knows that she is loved! And any decision you make will be made out of that love. Trust your heart, and cherish each day. ETA Ditto what Jettcricket said about the artemisinin. Winnie was on it for 3 years! Holley is a reputable source, as is Nutricology (that's where I ordered mine) Edited July 15, 2008 by queenwinniesmom Quote Nancy, Mom to Evangelina and Kiva Missing Lacey, Patsy, Buster, my heart dog Nick, Winnie, Pollyanna, Tess, my precious Lydia, Calvin Lee, my angel butterfly Laila, and kitties Lily, Sam and Simon My Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Catsburgandhoundtown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShantisMom Posted July 16, 2008 Share Posted July 16, 2008 I have no advice. I will keep you both in our prayers. More and more often, it seems life is not fair. I will hope for lots of quality time left for you two together. Quote The Girls Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Madeara Posted July 16, 2008 Author Share Posted July 16, 2008 (edited) Did you have chemo? I am contemplating doing the amp for the eventual pain she will have and not the chemo. Chemo is so expensive for "maybe" more time. I have a vet tech friend who is coaching me. she sees many cancer clients in the practice where she works, they do not do radiation just the chemo. what the cancer takes next will decide when it is time to let her go. Oh, I'm so sorry. Each time we read this devastating news (and it's happening far too often) our hearts break with yours. How old is Asia? To me, that would influence the decision. But you said she is a drama queen at best, and since you obviously love her deeply and understand her well, only you could truly know how she would deal with amputation and life as a tripod. What the amp does is take away that severe pain of osteo, and eliminate the possibility of that leg breaking. Also, someone had asked if the vet took chest X-rays---I'm not sure if I saw an answer. If the cancer has spread to her lungs, amputation would not buy her that much time. If her lungs are clear, her chances are better. If it hasn't spread, there are simple things you might try as well as pain management, things to boost her immune system, and perhaps fight the cancer cells. Artemisinin is worth trying---many good results from it. And anything that keeps her strong---fish oil, and a high protein, low carb diet. But the only thing we know for sure---cancer is a crapshoot. What works for one dog may not work for another one. Oh, God, I hate this monster! Even though my Winnie beat the monster, I realize how lucky we were. We had 3 1/2 years. But would 3 glorious days together, knowing she was safe within the circle of her family's love been less meaningful than those years? They live in the moment, and unlike us humans, don't cry for any future sadness. Your love shines through in every word---this girl knows that she is loved! And any decision you make will be made out of that love. Trust your heart, and cherish each day. ETA Ditto what Jettcricket said about the artemisinin. Winnie was on it for 3 years! Holley is a reputable source, as is Nutricology (that's where I ordered mine) Edited July 16, 2008 by Madeara Quote "To err is human, to forgive, canine" Audrey, Nova, Cosmo and Holden in NY - Darius and Asia you are both irreplaceable and will be forever in my heart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracey Posted July 16, 2008 Share Posted July 16, 2008 I have no advice, Audrey, but am sending hugs and prayers to you and Asia. My heart hurts for you both. Quote ...............Chase (FTH Smooth Talker), Morgan (Cata), Reggie (Gable Caney), Rufus (Reward RJ). Fosters check in, but they don't check out. Forever loved -- Cosmo (System Br Mynoel), March 11, 2002 - October 8, 2009.Miss Cosmo was a lady. And a lady always knows when to leave. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest VelvetEars Posted July 16, 2008 Share Posted July 16, 2008 I just read this, and I am so so sorry. No matter what you decide, don't let the cancer define her remaining time with you. Love her, create memories, take lots of pictures, and do what you need to do to keep her comfortable. And we will be here for you, just as you are there for her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
queenwinniesmom Posted July 16, 2008 Share Posted July 16, 2008 Audrey, no, we didn't do chemo. A few reasons. We tried it with our Patsy (who had lymphoma, which supposedly responds well), with no success. Though I realize that results are so varied and individual, I saw so many dogs who didn't get appreciably more time even with the chemo. Winnie's lungs were nice and clear, so we decided to just go with the artemisinin and lots of immune system boosters. And for whatever reason, it worked. We lost her last Oct. to kidney failure. She was 8 when we did the amp and was 1 month shy of her 12th birthday when we put her to sleep. I think about her every day, and think about what I would do if any of my girls got that dreaded diagnosis. Scares me to death. And I honestly don't know what I would do. Sending prayers and white light to you and Asia. Quote Nancy, Mom to Evangelina and Kiva Missing Lacey, Patsy, Buster, my heart dog Nick, Winnie, Pollyanna, Tess, my precious Lydia, Calvin Lee, my angel butterfly Laila, and kitties Lily, Sam and Simon My Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Catsburgandhoundtown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest gottaluvgreysindy Posted July 16, 2008 Share Posted July 16, 2008 (edited) Oh, I'm so sorry. Each time we read this devastating news (and it's happening far too often) our hearts break with yours. How old is Asia? To me, that would influence the decision. But you said she is a drama queen at best, and since you obviously love her deeply and understand her well, only you could truly know how she would deal with amputation and life as a tripod. What the amp does is take away that severe pain of osteo, and eliminate the possibility of that leg breaking. Also, someone had asked if the vet took chest X-rays---I'm not sure if I saw an answer. If the cancer has spread to her lungs, amputation would not buy her that much time. If her lungs are clear, her chances are better. If it hasn't spread, there are simple things you might try as well as pain management, things to boost her immune system, and perhaps fight the cancer cells. Artemisinin is worth trying---many good results from it. And anything that keeps her strong---fish oil, and a high protein, low carb diet. But the only thing we know for sure---cancer is a crapshoot. What works for one dog may not work for another one. Oh, God, I hate this monster! Even though my Winnie beat the monster, I realize how lucky we were. We had 3 1/2 years. But would 3 glorious days together, knowing she was safe within the circle of her family's love been less meaningful than those years? They live in the moment, and unlike us humans, don't cry for any future sadness. Your love shines through in every word---this girl knows that she is loved! And any decision you make will be made out of that love. Trust your heart, and cherish each day. ETA Ditto what Jettcricket said about the artemisinin. Winnie was on it for 3 years! Holley is a reputable source, as is Nutricology (that's where I ordered mine) queenwinniesmom has such a way with words, I just love her. I have learned a lot from her. Her girl Winnie was my boy Deuce's role model. Deuce is now going strong and it will be two YEARS post diagnosis/amputation next month. We too do artemisinin and believe in it. We celebrate everyday that he is still here with us through the grace of God. Never give up hope because God heals and He is good all the time. Edited July 16, 2008 by gottaluvgreysindy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VinnieAndRexsMom Posted July 16, 2008 Share Posted July 16, 2008 I'm so so sorry, Audrey. Quote Tonya, mom to May, and my angels Vinnie, Rex, Red, Chase, and Jake. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krissn333 Posted July 16, 2008 Share Posted July 16, 2008 Re: the high protein/low carb diet, I hear many good things about Solid Gold's Barking at the Moon. It's made with ocean fish too so that'll improve the Omega 3's Quote Kristin in Moline, IL USA with Ozzie (MRL Crusin Clem), Clarice (Clarice McBones), Latte and Sage the IGs, and the kitties: Violet and Rose Lovingly Remembered: Sutra (Fliowa Sutra) 12/02/97-10/12/10, Pinky (Pick Me) 04/20/03-11/19/12, Fritz (Fritz Fire) 02/05/01 - 05/20/13, Ace (Fantastic Ace) 02/05/01 - 07/05/13, and Carrie (Takin the Crumbs) 05/08/99 - 09/04/13. A cure for cancer can't come soon enough.-- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HJsM Posted July 16, 2008 Share Posted July 16, 2008 All prayers and good thoughts to Asia. I have no advice having not dealt with this...yet. Just sending best wishes. Quote ATASCOSITA DIAZ - MY WONDER DOG!Missing our Raisin: 9/9/94 - 7/20/08, our Super Bea: 2003 - 12/16/09, our Howie: 9/17/97 - 4/9/11, our Bull: 8/7/00 - 1/17/13, our Wyatt Earp: 11/22/06 - 12/16/15, and our Cyclone 8/26/05 - 9/12/16 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreytNut Posted July 16, 2008 Share Posted July 16, 2008 You never really know how long you have. The vet told us 4 months, but Argus was gone in just over 2 weeks. Wendy's Snowman lived for several months. It just seems to be a crap shoot. The most important thing is to aggressively manage her pain. When you can't keep the pain down, it's time. When that will be, nobody knows. Spoil her rotten and enjoy each day with her. I'm sorry. Quote Kristen with Penguin (L the Penguin) Flying Penske x L Alysana Costarring The Fabulous Felines: Squeak, Merlin, Bailey & Mystic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamngrey Posted July 16, 2008 Share Posted July 16, 2008 I am sorry you are having to go thru this. My beloved Snowman was also not a candidate for amp. I got to spend a wonderfull 2 1/2 months post dx. I chose the 3 things that he loved more than anything. 1) playing with his ball 2) getting loves from me...even if it ment he had to get up to get them 3) meal time when he would chatter like a mad man and prance around till I put his food down. These 3 things I did to an abundance and took the time to really enjoy them with him. As long as he could do these things and I could controll his pain I knew he still wanted to be here. We were lucky he did all 3 with his usual gusto and only slowed down (but still enjoyed them) up to the last week. During this last week he slowly took no intrest in any of them. I made the appt for a mobil vet to come to my house 2 days later. The last night I was up with him cause he could not get comfie no matter how much meds he had. I am glad I had my list of 3 things so when it was time I didnt have the "what ifs" I will in the future do the same. I can only give your hugs via the cyber and tell you to enjoy your time and create memories Quote Cassie: Pikes Clara Bell Swoop: My Man Swoop BRIDGE ANGELS Psi:WD'S Aleford 3/17/00-4/25/10 Snowman: Gable Snowman 1/9/96-2/14/08 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Madeara Posted July 16, 2008 Author Share Posted July 16, 2008 Ok At the present time Asia's lungs are clear but that is only one xray. If I did the amp I am sure they will xray again and many views, right? Now how many have had the amp and not the chemo? How long did your dog live? that is the way I think I should go. It is not the amptation I should be worried about. 10 days tops for recouping her. If I spent 10K for chemo and I was guarenteed 5 years I would spend it, but I dont' feel that is is going to help. Will OSU send the free chemo to me here in NY? Quote "To err is human, to forgive, canine" Audrey, Nova, Cosmo and Holden in NY - Darius and Asia you are both irreplaceable and will be forever in my heart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
galgrey Posted July 16, 2008 Share Posted July 16, 2008 I've no advice for you, but want you to know you and your sweet girl are in my thoughts. Quote Cynthia, & Cristiano, galgoAlways in my heart: Frostman Newdawn Frost, Keno Jet Action & Chloe (NGA racing name unknown), Irys (galgo), Hannah (weim), Cruz (galgo), & Carly CW Your Charming Princess http://www.greyhound-data.com/d?i=1018857 "It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life, gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are." -- Unknown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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