Guest bigorangedog Posted September 21, 2009 Share Posted September 21, 2009 I can't figure out how to add the little "update in post #whatever" to the title of this topic, so if anyone can tell me.... I didn't want to start a new topic and have to go through all this history again. Anyway. A bad update. Crisco had been doing mostly okay, occasional limping but not bad. Taking 75 of Deramaxx plus the Artemisinin every day. He seemed increasingly achey in his back end, like arthritis, and we actually took him in a couple weeks ago for some acupuncture. We'd been planning to do it every week or two, but the acupuncture vet went on vacation so we'd only done it once. Thursday night, over night, he started panting and seemed to be in some distress. He tummy was upset and he couldn't get comfy. We gave him an antacid, thinking maybe he just ate something he shouldn't have. But it didn't get better. When he got up and tried to walk, he limped on his right rear leg and was very unsteady, breathing hard. He eventually settled down a little near morning. As soon as the vet opened, we took him in. I had been running a million scenarios in my head. Sure that the lump in his armpit was cancer and had metastasized into his lungs, into his right knee, etc. And that was the first thing the vet thought as well. So we x-rayed both back legs -- clear! Then his lungs -- clear! I was thrilled, and we were talking about maybe a soft-tissue injury to the knee. Then I mentioned his upset tummy, and the vet decided to x-ray his stomach/abdomen as well. And on that x-ray we saw it. The cancer is in his spine. Two of his vertebrae are affected so far. There's going to be nothing we can do for him. I don't know what to do with myself. This is our 4th dog with cancer since February. Tanner was my heart, he was the first one to leave us. And Crisco is my soul. He has been my best friend for 7 years. This really will be losing a child for me. The vet thinks maybe 2 months at most, if we can keep him out of pain. We're not quite there yet. We've added Tramadol, Metronidazole for his tummy, Doxycycline which supposedly has anti-tumor properties, and on Monday we're getting some human med that they give to women with osteoporosis (can't remember the name). He's able to rest comfortably now most of the time, although if he lays in one position too long he'll start to hurt and need to get up and move. He can't get on/off the couch without help, which has always been his spot. I'm afraid to leave him home alone because I don't want him falling while I'm not here. Plus I don't want to miss a minute of the time I still have with him. (This is proving difficult, since we have a 4-yr-old child in preschool and after-school activities.) I just want him to feel better. Any advice is welcome. Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burpdog Posted September 21, 2009 Share Posted September 21, 2009 Better get him on some stomach meds like pepcid or zantac and carafate with all the meds you are putting into him. Sending prayers. Quote Diane & The Senior Gang Burpdog Biscuits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2hounds Posted September 21, 2009 Share Posted September 21, 2009 Jen, I am so sorry. I wish I could offer something besides support and hugs. Quote 2 Hounds Design Martingale Collars | 2 Hounds Design Facebook PageAlisha, Bob, Livvie (the 2.5 year old!) plus Mia Bella, Tippy, + Wahoo and Diesel the crazy kitties (and missing sweet Iceman, Paradise, Bandit, Cujo & Sebastian) in Indian Trail, NC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HopeForHounds Posted September 21, 2009 Share Posted September 21, 2009 Jen I am so sorry. Cancer in the spine is terribly painful..I fear you are going to have to make a decsion far sooner than you want. My heart hurts for you, I know how hard this is. All I can add is spend as much time with him as you can. We are here anytime you need us. Quote Casual Bling & Hope for HoundsJanet & the hounds Maggie and Allen Missing my baby girl Peanut, old soul Jake, quirky Jet, Mama Grandy and my old Diva Miz Foxy; my angel, my inspiration. You all brought so much into my light, and taught me so much about the power of love, you are with me always.If you get the chance to sit it out or dance.......... I hope you dance! Missing our littlest girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seeh2o Posted September 21, 2009 Share Posted September 21, 2009 I just caught up on this thread, I am so very sorry. You've had such a terrible heartbreaking year. Gentle hugs for you and Cisco. Quote Sunsands Doodles: Doodles aka Claire, Bella Run Softly: Softy aka Bowie (the Diamond Dog) Missing my beautiful boy Sunsands Carl 2.25.2003 - 4.1.2014 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patricia Posted September 21, 2009 Share Posted September 21, 2009 I am so sorry. My heart and prayers are with you. Quote Patti-Mommy of Lady Sophia 7-28-92 - 8-3-04... LaceyLaine 8-2-94-12-5-07... Flash Gordon 7-14-99 - 8-29-09... BrookLynne...Pavé Maria... and 18 Bridge Kids. WATCHING OVER US~SOPHIA~QUEENIE~LACEY LAINE~ CODY ANGELO~FLASH GORDON. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest PhillyPups Posted September 21, 2009 Share Posted September 21, 2009 Jen I am so very sorry and will keep you and Sweet Crisco in my prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Capslock Posted September 21, 2009 Share Posted September 21, 2009 Major sympathies to you. But I have to tell you - looking at the age of your dogs, you're obviously doing something very right! They are obviously thriving in your care. I hope that Crisco defies the predictions and is with you a lot more time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MandysMom Posted September 21, 2009 Share Posted September 21, 2009 I will keep Cisco in my prayers. Quote Beverly. Missing my happy toy-flinging boy Sammy (Where's Mandrill), (8/12/2009-9/30-2021) Desperately missing my angel Mandy (BB's Luv) [7/1/2000 - 9/18/2012]. Always missing Meg the Dalmatian and Ralph Malph the Pekeapoo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iluvgreys Posted September 21, 2009 Share Posted September 21, 2009 I'm very sorry to hear your latest news. Agree with Burpdog. Get good meds on board to protect his tummy. Holding your sweet boy in my prayers. Quote Jeanne with Remington & Scooter the cat....and Beloved Bridge Angels Sandee, Shari, Wells, Derby, Phoenix, Jerry Lee and Finnian.....If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heavenand bring you home again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyPoopon Posted September 21, 2009 Share Posted September 21, 2009 I'm sorry. I hope he has lots of good days left. [Aside: You have to be a GT Supporter to edit the topic title.] Quote Standard Poodle Daisy (12/13) Missing Cora (RL Nevada 5/99-10/09), Piper (Cee Bar Easy 2/99-1/10), Tally (Thunder La La 9/99-3/10), Edie (Daring Reva 9/99-10/12), Dixie (Kiowa Secret Sue 11/01-1/13), Jessie (P's Real Time 11/98-3/13), token boy Graham (Zydeco Dancer 9/00-5/13), Cal (Back Already 12/99-11/13), Betsy (Back Kick Beth 11/98-12/13), Standard Poodles Minnie (1/99-1/14) + Perry (9/98-2/14), Annie (Do Marcia 9/03-10/14), Pink (Miss Pinky Baker 1/02-6/15), Poppy (Cmon Err Not 8/05-1/16), Kat (Jax Candy 5/05-5/17), Ivy (Jax Isis 10/07-7/21), Hildy (Braska Hildy 7/10-12/22), Opal (Jax Opal 7/08-4/23). Toodles (BL Toodles 7/09-4/24) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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