Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives
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Timeline:
Fall 2011--limping. Several vet visits to no avail
Spring 2012--referral to specialist.
April 29, 2012--diagnosis of cancer, either hystiocytic cell sarcoma or synovial cell sarcoma in right front elbow
May 2, 2012--amputation with removal of lymph node, lymph node is positive for malignancy
Mid May 2012--started chemo: vincristine iv monthly, lumostine oral monthly (2 weeks after iv chemo). 5 months of iv/oral chemo followed by 7 months of oral only. Was told that with his final diagnosis of hystiocytic cell sarcoma that the vet "has never had a dog with this kind of cancer live over 1 year."
Each checkup revealed good white count. No side effects AT ALL from chemo (other than a slight bit of lethargy the following day). No diarrhea. No vomiting.
May 2013--final oral chemo. Made it to our 1 year ampuversary and have beaten the odds!
June 2013--checkup, white count good, but weight down. Was instructed to bring weight back up.
July 2013--weigh in--weight up!
August 2013--check up, weigh in--weight up! Chest x-ray day. Bad news. Numerous metastatic tumors in his lungs. Back on oral chemo monthly in an effort to slow their growth. Prognosis: 6, maybe up to 12 months.
It's a sad day. I hope Chico makes it to his 9th birthday in October. Seriously, no one expected this. He has NO SYMPTOMS! No cough. No lethargy. He eats like a trooper and begs for more. He plays fetch like a puppy. He's happy. At least he's happy.
I am so sorry to hear this bad news. But in no way is it a death sentence. He doesn't know he is sick and don't treat him that way. Spoil him & love him. Here is our news. We were diagnosed 6 months ago with lung mets. We will be at 7 months with mets on Sept 1st. Sassy doesn't show symptoms other than not being able to take the heat. & Right now we are dealing with other issues that are causing her to pant a little more & be in discomfort. But hopefully once we get the right antibiotic that will cure itself.
We do a metronomic protocol everyday also.
You can beat those odds of 6-12 months hopefully too. You have so far. He seems like a fighter.
Hugs
Michelle & Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
CHICO!! aka "BEAT THE ODDS CHICO"!
To echo Micelle, he clearly doesn't have any idea of this "diagnosis" and could care less! It's quite encouraging that he is feeling so good anf doing s well!
Chico ks makng his own rules and, like Sassy, making his own statistics! He's just doesn't fit their cookie citter projections!
Oh yeah, he's already planning his ninth birthday party and it's gonna be a blow out!
Chico is a cutie pie. The tripawd commity is demanding more pictures. You know that, right? You're gonna give us a treat and lte us see more "Beat The Odds Chico", right?
As you said, Chico is happy and that's all that matters! You jave plenty more loving and spoiling to do! Well, after you post more photos:-) 
Keep on winning the battle Chico!
Lots of (((((((hugs))))))))
Sally and Happy Hannah
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Hearing about mets is always a kick in the gut. But just remember: Chico has no idea they're there, and he doesn't care anyways! He's too busy being a dog and loving his humans! Just take things one day at a time, and try not to worry about the future. Chico is a tough guy!! Keep fighting Chico!!!
Awww Chico those pesky lung mets made an appearance eh? Well dang I'm sorry! I know how you will just keep on keeping on but it's hard on the humans. Show them how to be pawsitive, show them that you are still the same dog you always are and LIFE IS GOOD. I know you will teach them even more than you already have about making the most of every day.
What type of metronomics are you on? Just curious to see if it's the same for hystio that it is for osteo.
{{{{hugs}}}} to your people, I know this came as a shock and am very sorry.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you all for your kind words!
Yes, Chico has no idea of his diagnosis and we're treating him no differently than before. The vet said "let him eat whatever he wants!" (We already do!)
Jerry, Chico has been on Metacam daily since his diagnosis. The chemo (monthly) that he's on is 40 mg of lumostine which he was on for 12 months with no side effects except one month where his white count fell, so they lowered his dose (it had been 50 mg).
I also supplement him with the following: milk thistle, SamE and apopocaps (sp?), K9 Immunity Plus, a vitamin, alfalfa, vitamin C and glucosamine with chondroitin.
Hang in there Chico! Sassy is an inspawration to furbabies with lung mets. Keep up the good fight. He's a beautiful dog.
Liberty (Libby) was diagnosed with OSA on 1-22-13. Right front amputation on 1-31-13. No IV Chemo. Metronomic Therapy started 2-19-13 along with supplements and some home cooking. Lungs clear until 1-06-14. She's still her happy, hoppy, bossy self. Living the dog life to the fullest and a proud Winter Warrior. :) RIP my Libby 4-21-03 to 3-19-14
Ah, OK that's good to know what regimen he's been following, thank you for sharing that information.
Chico, you're one pawesome and lucky pup to have such great people. But you knew that already didn't you?!
xoxo
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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