joejoesmom Posted May 14, 2011 Share Posted May 14, 2011 Twistmas had 3 weeks of the Wisconsin CHOP protocol which put the lymphoma in complete remission. Unfortunately the slightly high creatinine and BUN that we saw before starting chemo have increased further. She responds somewhat to IV fluids but not as much to sub-cutaneous fluids. She is refusing to eat most things. According to my oncologist at OSU, the chemo she received is not difficult on the kidneys (this is different chemo than used for osteo). The kidney issues are likely coincidental to the lymphoma. I did an abdominal ultrasound just prior to chemo and it showed kidney changes consistent with "old age" chronic kidney disease but did not show any kidney stones, pancreas issues, or masses (aside from enlarged lymph nodes). Therefore, it is unlikely that the cause of her inappetance and blood work values is anything but kidney failure. It is the opinion of the vets at OSU that we should keep her on subcutaneous fluids and feed her whatever she will eat; offering her low protein items first but giving her higher protein food if that is all she will eat. We will not be taking any extraordinary measures--no more chemo, no feeding tubes, etc. So it looks like my Twistie is heading for complete kidney failure. Her time is likely measured in weeks, not months. I am going to spend this time doing anything she wants and concentrating on her. So I won't be a regular on Greytalk for a while. Thank you to everyone for your support. I so appreciate having this forum. Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3greytjoys Posted May 14, 2011 Share Posted May 14, 2011 Jane, I'm so sorry to read about Twistmas' difficult medical condition. May you treasure each day with your girl. She's fortunate to have you as her devoted mom. You'll both remain in our thoughts during this difficult time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest GryffinSong Posted May 14, 2011 Share Posted May 14, 2011 I'm so very sorry. Hugs to you all, and enjoy the time you have left with her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4My2Greys Posted May 14, 2011 Share Posted May 14, 2011 Jane, I'm sorry to hear this news. You've been a godsend to many here. Please know that I will be thinking of you and Twistmas in your absence. Judy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest juliagulia630 Posted May 14, 2011 Share Posted May 14, 2011 Jane, I am so sorry to read this. Your dogs are lucky to have you. You did all you can. Give Twister and Joejoe hugs from us! Drop us an update when you can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted May 14, 2011 Share Posted May 14, 2011 I'm sorry she isn't better. Sending hugs for yourself and scritchies for your girlie. Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovinggreysslp Posted May 14, 2011 Share Posted May 14, 2011 I am sorry to hear your news. Sending prayers. Quote Cosmo (Fuzz Face Cosmos), Holmes (He's a Dream), Boomer (USS Baby Boomer), Ella and missing our angels Clay (Red Clay), Train (Nite Train), Trip (Bock's Teddy Bear),Larry (Bohemian Frigid) and Jimmy (Bohemian Raw) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesiRayMom Posted May 14, 2011 Share Posted May 14, 2011 What miserable news. Hugs to all of you from all of us. Kathy, Desi, Skeeter Quote Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted May 14, 2011 Share Posted May 14, 2011 I am so sad and sorry to read this. I wish you and your girl all the best for quality time. Quote Irene Ullmann w/Flying Odin and Mama Mia in Lower Delaware Angels Brandy, John E, American Idol, Paul, Fuzzy and Shine Handcrafted Greyhound and Custom Clocks http://www.houndtime.com Zoom Doggies-Racing Coats for Racing Greyhounds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbhounds Posted May 14, 2011 Share Posted May 14, 2011 Oh Jane I'm sorry. Did they suggest you can try the pred route? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ullaluv Posted May 14, 2011 Share Posted May 14, 2011 Jane, I am so sorry to hear this. I know how much you love your girl. I also know that you'll do everything you can to make sure what time she has left is the best you can make it. If there's anything at all I can do for you or Twister, please let me know. I'll never forget the angel you were when I was going through my Princess' illness. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlies_Dad Posted May 15, 2011 Share Posted May 15, 2011 Jane, I am sorry. You are battling too much with your pups to have to go through this. Please give Twister a hug from me. Quote Kyle with Stewie ('Super C Ledoux, Super C Sampson x Sing It Blondie) and forever missing my three angels, Jack ('Roy Jack', Greys Flambeau x Miss Cobblepot) and Charlie ('CTR Midas Touch', Leo's Midas x Hallo Argentina) and Shelby ('Shari's Hooty', Flying Viper x Shari Carusi) running free across the bridge. Gus an coinnich sinn a'rithist my boys and little girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EllenEveBaz Posted May 15, 2011 Share Posted May 15, 2011 When Scout was in end-stage kidney failure, we gave him Azodyl, a probiotic that helps filter out uremic toxins from the bloodstream. It lowered his creatinine significantly for a few months, and I hope made him feel better. Ideally, we would have given it earlier in his disease process, but I think it helped his quality of life for the time he had. Quote Ellen, with brindle Milo and the blonde ballerina, Gelsey remembering Eve, Baz, Scout, Romie, Nutmeg, and Jeter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
queenwinniesmom Posted May 15, 2011 Share Posted May 15, 2011 I'm so sorry. You are right to want to concentrate on making this time together as meaningful as possible. Twister couldn't have a better, more loving Mom. You will both be in our prayers. 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...
tornadosgirl Posted May 15, 2011 Share Posted May 15, 2011 I'm so sorry. I will be thinking of and praying for both of you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Lillysmom Posted May 15, 2011 Share Posted May 15, 2011 Oh Jane, I'm sorry. I love both of you so very much. Please know that I'm here if you need anything. Sending hugs and prayers to you and your wonderful baby girl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AstasMinion Posted May 15, 2011 Share Posted May 15, 2011 I am so sorry you're going through this. Hugs and prayers to you and Twister. Quote Lisa Dog mama to angel-boy Ewan (racing name Atascocita Ewan), 3/26/10 to 8/23/20, and angel-girl Asta (racing name Pazzo Asta), 6/16/01 to 9/7/13. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MP_the4pack Posted May 16, 2011 Share Posted May 16, 2011 Oh Jane, I'm so sorry. It's so hard to lose any of our furbabies, but when it's a hearthound, it's almost inconsolable. My thoughts and prayers are with you. (and you know I mean it having been there a little over a year ago) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
packmom Posted May 16, 2011 Share Posted May 16, 2011 So sorry for you and Twisty-girl. It's so hard when you can't fix them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kudzu Posted May 16, 2011 Share Posted May 16, 2011 This is so sad. I'm very sorry for your girl. I've had two pets with renal failure. For my dog I found it it's splitting up the sub-q fluids into morning and evening sessions seem to be more effective than just one daily session. Though of course if the dog finds this procedure quite stressful then quality-of-life may win out over what is most effective. High omega 3 fish oil, CoQ10 and injectable fortified B- complex, which is very high in vitamin B12, were things that helped my dog tremendously. I used very small gauge needle for the vitamin injections and he did not even seem to feel it. Whatever you choose to do or not to do it sounds like you're taking the correct approach. May her remaining days he as many and as good as possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaineysMom Posted May 16, 2011 Share Posted May 16, 2011 I'm so sorry, Jane! :( :( Quote Kim and Bruce - with Rick (Rick Roufus 6/30/16) and missing my sweet greyhound Angels Rainey (LG's Rainey 10/4/2000 - 3/8/2011), Anubis (RJ's Saint Nick 12/25/2001 - 9/12/12) and Zeke (Hey Who Whiz It 4/6/2009 - 7/20/2020) and Larry (PTL Laroach 2/24/2007 - 8/2/2020) -- and Chester (Lab) (8/31/1990 - 5/3/2005), Captain (Schipperke) (10/12/1992 - 6/13/2005) and Remy (GSP) (?/?/1998 - 1/6/2005) at the bridge"Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut." -- Ernest Hemmingway Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joejoesmom Posted May 16, 2011 Author Share Posted May 16, 2011 (edited) Oh Jane I'm sorry. Did they suggest you can try the pred route? She has been getting prednisone for the last month. OSU now recommends doing a tapering course of prednisone for the first month along with the Wisconsin CHOP protocol. She got her last pred last month. I would guess that they wouldn't want to continue it until and if her immune system is back to normal after the chemo. When Scout was in end-stage kidney failure, we gave him Azodyl, a probiotic that helps filter out uremic toxins from the bloodstream. It lowered his creatinine significantly for a few months, and I hope made him feel better. Ideally, we would have given it earlier in his disease process, but I think it helped his quality of life for the time he had. I will mention this to my doctor at OSU. She is an oncologist but I know she checked with the internal medicine department about what else to do. But it can't hurt asking about it.. Thanks for the suggestion. Jane This is so sad. I'm very sorry for your girl. I've had two pets with renal failure. For my dog I found it it's splitting up the sub-q fluids into morning and evening sessions seem to be more effective than just one daily session. Though of course if the dog finds this procedure quite stressful then quality-of-life may win out over what is most effective. High omega 3 fish oil, CoQ10 and injectable fortified B- complex, which is very high in vitamin B12, were things that helped my dog tremendously. I used very small gauge needle for the vitamin injections and he did not even seem to feel it. Whatever you choose to do or not to do it sounds like you're taking the correct approach. May her remaining days he as many and as good as possible. She is now getting 500 ml in the morning and 500 ml in the evening. She ate well this weekend but didn't want to eat this morning. I am going to call her doctor about upping it to 500 ml three times a day. She tolerates it very well. The only thing that bothers her at all is the initial needle stick. Otherwise she gets petted, hand fed treats and has time with me all alone. I will also ask my vet about the supplements you mentioned. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I am feeling guilty about something I am doing to help an acquaintance out. This person is actually a friend of a very good friend whom I have met a half dozen times or so. She and her family were suddenly evicted from a house they were renting. Long story but simplified version is they were renting from someone who didn't pay the mortguage and lost the house. They came home one day and the locks were changed and their dogs were taken to the pound. They were able to find a month to month apartment on short notice that would allow 3 of the six dogs. She called my friend in tears yesterday while we were out together saying that the remaining 3 dogs were going to be euthanized if she didn't pick them up by 5:30 yesterday. Well, I couldn't have that. My friend also lives in an apartment and can't have any more dogs so I have taken in the 3 labradors until their owner can find a house to rent. This isn't what I wanted for Twister's last weeks with me but I know I wouldn't be able to live with myself if these dogs were killed and I could have done something. At least they are older (7 1/2, 10 and 12) so they don't have that much energy. So now I am feeling guilty about my Twistie. She deserves her last weeks to be calm with me doting on her. I know these dogs will settle in (it has been less than 24 hours after all) but I still feel like maybe I did the wrong thing. But if I didn't, these dogs would be dead. I so wish life was easier and it was crystal clear what I should do. Jane Edited May 16, 2011 by joejoesmom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4My2Greys Posted May 16, 2011 Share Posted May 16, 2011 Just sending a hug and letting you know I'm thinking of you and Twister. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krissn333 Posted May 16, 2011 Share Posted May 16, 2011 My friend's old girl has had really great results with the Azodyl She was having a really tough time and they decided to try it...she's like a completely different dog now. She is active and has a great appetite. Hugs to you and Twister 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...
racindog Posted May 16, 2011 Share Posted May 16, 2011 God bless. All are in my prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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