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We saw Dr. Macy last week and Rusty's liver enzymes are now within the upper limits of where they should be and his vomiting seems to be under control, which may have been from the elevated liver enzymes.
Rusty has developed severe diarrhea and is not responding to any of the meds; Dr. Macy was concerned that the cancer may have returned and wanted to send us to San Diego for ultrasound scans. His office called this week and the Dr. from the imaging center in San Diego was coming to town today and bringing his equipment with him, which saved us going to San Diego (which disappointed Jan as she had hoped to go to Nordstorm's while we were there).
We took Rusty in this morning and they did several scans of his abdomen and Dr. Macy said that they all appeared normal with no signs of any masses! Dr. Waldman wants to review the scans when he returns to San Diego before issuing his final report but Dr. Macy doesn't expect any changes. The scans reduced the chances that Rusty's stomach issues are from the spread of the cancer but did not provide any answers as to why he is having so many digestive problems.
Dr. Macy increased the dosage of his anti-diarrhea meds and we are to withhold all food for 24 hours to let his stomach rest. Rusty's appetite had decreased the last couple of days and he does not seem concerned that he is not getting fed. We will introduce a very bland diet tomorrow in hopes this will clear up his issues. If this does not work Dr. Macy is worried about his liver and will do some specialized tests in two weeks; Rusty has to go without food for 48 hours before these tests are done.
Obviously, we are very relived with the results of the scans but still very concerned about his liver.If it is his liver, Dr. Macy does not know if it is a result of the chemo, spread of the cancer or something else. We went swimming after we came home which Rusty really enjoyed.
The 25th will be Rusty's 15 month Ampuversary! Other than his digestive issues he seems to be doing very well other than still tiring much quicker than he did previously. Weather has finally warmed up, very quickly, and the heat could be affecting him. They did shave his abdomen so at least that will be cool for a few weeks.
Chuck & Rusty
Rusty is a Labradoodle who was diagnosed with level 3 Fibrosarcoma on January 16th, 2010 and had his left hind leg amputated on January 25th, 2010 five days before his 18 month birthday. Please see Rusty's blog @rusty.tripawds.com. He is putting up one heck of a fight against this terrible disease.
Hey Rusty & Chuck, we've been thinking about you. Thank you for the update. I wish the docs had a better answer for you but it sounds like they're working hard at finding one. Rusty, you're a lucky pup! I hope it's nothing serious.
When it comes to diarrhea and not eating, it's nature's response to nix our appetite for food. That way our gut can clear out the ick that's causing it and get back to normal. It's hard for humans to grasp the idea that not eating can be a good thing but it does work.
After you start to feel good (hopefully soon!), I hope you get to eat ALL the crazy stuff you want to eat to celebrate your huge milestone! Fifteen months is PAWESOME Rusty, we're so hoppy to hear this.
Feel better soon my friend, we want to see more swimming videos!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Rusty, congratulations on 15 months, that is awesome! And so are you! I hope your stomach starts to feel better real soon, and that the doctors figure out an answer to why it's bothering you. I hope you get to go swimming again tomorrow. So Cal is too hot right now!
rusty, we're sorry you are having belly issues, but are so excited for your upcoming 15 month ampuversary!!!! hope your docs can figure out how to make your liver and belly happier, and you can get back to doing important things like napping, swimming, riding in golf carts…don't forget to add an additional 'medicinal nap or two' into your daily routine!!
charon & gayle
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
We hope your tummy is feeling better soon Rusty! Looking forward to hearing about many more hoppy ampuversaries.
FYI: Wyatt has a very sensitive stomach, and green clay always helps cure his diarrhea.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Rusty, you have got some super pawsome pawrents that are totally watching out for you! Tummy issues sure are no fun but I bet in no time you'll be back to gobbling food!
Looking forward the the 25th! I bet by then, you'll be wanting treats!
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Hoppy 15 Month Ampuversary Rusty!!! 15 months is so pawsome congrats. I am sorry to hear you are having tummy problems I hope they will be able to figure out very soon what is going on and get you feeling GREAT again. Keep us updated and until then enjoy your time in the pool little surfer dude.
Jo Ann & Tasha
Tasha 8 years old, First cancer diagnosis 6/26/09, Last cancer diagnosis 9/26/09, Amputation 10/01/09, Loving our girl moment by moment.
Tasha lost her battle and became my Angel on May 4 2011. Forever in my heart….
Happy 15 months Rusty!! Hope your tummy settles down and you can have some super treats to celebrate soon!
Daisy earned her wings on Oct 22, 2011 at 14 years old
She is now the official greeter at the rainbow bridge
Everyone is guaranteed a welcome sniff and Dalmatian smile
Happy ampuversary Rusty, I hope you're feeling better soon.
Isabelle
Happy 15 month ampuversary Rusty!! So awesome!! We hope that you're tummy issues get better and you'll be on the fast road to recovery. We are thinking of you and will be celebrating tonight in your honor - treats for everyone!
Sending lots of golden hugs and healing thoughts.
Kami, Angel Mackenzie and Kobe
My sweet golden Mackenzie. She became my angel on Dec 29, 2010 at the age of 8 1/2 although she was always my angel from the time we brought her home. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in Sept 2009 and officially became a tripawd (front leg) on Nov 5, 2009. She will be forever in my heart and now she's running free with all of our other tripawd heroes. I love you Mackenzie!
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