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Hi, folks-
Blackjack here. I just had my 3rd chemo rx and will get my 4th and final rx at the end of the month. The protocol is to have lung x-rays to see if there are any visible mets at the last rx. My pawrents don't know if that is necessary or not. They aren't sure if they want to explore other options to treat it if the mets are there (one of my pawrents is more inclined to "do everything" than the other one.) I am taking anti-tumor supplements, am on a high-protein diet with some modified Budwig mixture thrown in and may start on some Artemisinan, too. My pawrents know that this is a decision they have to make, but they would sure welcome other's thoughts on the matter. Thanks a lot!
Blackjack (GO TRIPAWDS!!!
)
As Jerry has said on this forum, "Knowledge is Power" and I , personally, totally buy in to that line of thinking. My doctor recommended x-rays before the 3rd chemo, then every 3 months thereafter. She also recommended that Nova not start on any additional treatments or supplements until the chemo is over, my understanding is that sometimes things can conflict and make the chemo less effective. I totally agree with you that the expense is hard to swallow. I guess that is another reason why I did the x-rays after 2 rounds. I didn't want to waste the money on the chemo without knowing it was working.
I have switched Nova to a no-grain, high protein diet (EVO) too. Sometimes I wonder if that is helping more than the chemo. I really know how you feel when it comes to one pawrent wanting to do everything and the other not sure. I can get very emotional, Nova is like a child to me, and I feel like I should do everything I can for my child, so Nova deserves the same treatment. My husband has been wonderful about it, but he avoids asking me about the expenses because he doesn't want to know! He loves Nova to pieces, but I don't think he would go to such lengths as I to save her.
What types of "anti-tumor" supplements are you taking? I am researching so I can have a plan in place when the chemo is over. My Doctor says she has lots of recommendations, but she won't discuss them with me until the chemo is done.
Sue
Dane Mom Sue at nova.tripawds.com and Mom to Beautiful Great Dane Queen Nova, a Blind Tripawd, who kicked cancer's butt from 11/08-03/13. The Queen is Spirit Nova now, but her legacy lives on here at Tripawds!
Xrays really only tell you if the mets are there yet or not. I agreee to xray mid-way through chemo makes sense since if the mets are already there than the chemo isn't working so no point in continuing that drug. If you are going to do metronomic protocol then it can also give you an idea if it is working.
If money is a problem or if you wouldn't change your current plan if mets were found (or if you just don't want to know) then they aren't necessary.
Pam and Tazzie
nancy said:
... (one of my pawrents is more inclined to “do everything” than the other one.)
Do yourselves a favor and get on the same page about what your willing to do, and more importantly, not do ... keeping in mind that no matter how far you go, it will never be enough in the long run.
My people originally opted not to do chemo or frequent x-rays after my operation. Eventually they discovered I had lung mets and took extra steps to extend my quality of life. Just remember that's what it's all about – quality, not quantity.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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