Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Zeus said:
My opinion? Screw the shopping…people with understand and if they don’t…too bad. I was at the mall this afternoon finishing up mine all the while thinking about you, Jack, Kim and Buster and looked around at all the hustling and bustling…the rudeness of people and the unimportance of it all. This is NOT what Christmas is all about…it’s about Christ’s birth (for those of us who are christians), but it’s also about love, family, faith and belief in a greater Power.
Amen to this, Heather! Well said.
Love, Blazer, Kitty Kimber & Mom (Vicki)
Anxiety is buildng a bit as the appointment time gets closer. However have been getting amazing support from the tripawds folks here and am feeling a bit better. We had a bit of a restless night last night so that had me feeling uneasy about things again. But I've been doing some reading on this site and corresponding with some of the amazing folks on these boards and have managed to regain some strength. Jack's been up and about a bit today - I took him for a short car ride, he ate a bit, let himself outside, hopped over to me to get some loving and is now resting comfortably.
I do hope we are only on the first attack here and after today we will have another plan of attack that will give Jack a good quality of life and keep him around a bit longer. Jerry's blogs helped me to realize we aren't out of options yet. My vet by no means made it seem like we were at the end of the road. I came to that very pessimistic conclusion on my very own. Something I'm good at unfortunately.
I will keep you all posted. Thanks so much.
Fear causes anxiety and it is easy to allow fear to kick your butt at a time like this! We have all been there unfortunately! May I suggest you read the Doug and the B Brothers site about the fuzzy bunny slippers and the "fear chair"... it puts new perspective on fear! 
Good luck today at the vet appt.! We are all sending you lots of pawsitive and healing energy your way!!!
Luv Spirit Jake, Smooch, Baby Gus & Mom (Sherri)
Dearest Kristen & Jack,
Hey, it's easy to see where you might jump to conclusions from hearing the words "lung mets" even though this diagnsosis has yet to be made. We understand this as I am sure that most people have been there, themselves. Let's just hope that this is a lung infection that can easily be treated with the antibiotics and antihistimines. You have stated that his breathing is regular with the exception of a couple of incidences of coughing, so even if it is lung mets, you still have time to consider other treatment options, such as the Metronomic Protocol which Spirit Dog Jerry was given and he outlasted everyone's expectations by many, may months and had a quality life up until the very end. Try not to let these things startle you, but, as I have stated, it can be hard to do that, at times. Live for today and, as Kim said, "don't mourn the living".
Love, Blazer, Kitty Kimber & Mom (Vicki)
OK - well, we survived it. Jack is home w/ me, resting comfortably. I seriously had him being put to rest today... amazing what fear and anxiety does to the brain.... well, his films looked a bit better - some of the hazy spots on his lungs have cleared, doc thought his breathing was better too - but, she estimated he has about 3 weeks left. Devestating...but not surprising. She still says there is a chance its an infection and is keeping him on the antibiotic but she is pretty certain its lung mets. So, she started him on Piroxicam (and another drug to take along w/ it to help protect his GI tract which it tends to be tough on), hydrocodone (cough suppresant) and he remains on the antihistamine and antibiotic. We go back on Monday for another film so we can see what, if anything, these meds are doing.
Jerry -- can you tell me more about the metronome protocol you were on for your lung mets? My vet did mention a chemo pill that we can talk about Monday after we see how things respond to his current regimen. I want to be able to talk to her about that - is there a link you can send me to??
So, I've done a fair bit of crying this evening, but am trying to just appreciate the time I have left with him. I am thankful to have him for Christmas. I actually feel like my anxiety level has lessened a bit - at least I know what we are dealing with and how we are dealing with it. My doc promised me we would keep him comfortable and not let him suffer -- that he will die with dignity. She is still stunned by the spread of this chondrosarcoma that isn't supposed to spread. I'm trying to not let my head go there...that if only Penn caught it when I was there back in February and we did the amputation then.... would we be in this position now? It kills me to think the outcome could've been different if this was caught back in February. How do I deal w/ those feelings?
I'm hoping these add'l meds kick in and he'll be feeling more himself. I am determined to get him back on that hiking trail even if he can only go 20' and back again...i'm getting him out there!!! Its his favorite thing in the world!!
Thanks all again for your support. Its been a rough few days made easier by these forums. Thanks Jerry for creating this site. It has been a Godsend for me. I will post some pics of Jack when I figure out how to do it...he's such a handsome guy.
Glad to hear that today was a better day. If there's one thing cancer teaches us, is to focus on the moment at hand and celebrate the little bright spots that we might not notice in our otherwise busy lives.
You are so sweet with your kind words about Tripawds, thank you so much.
There's lots of information we posted about my Metronomic Therapy. Here are some posts, be sure to check out the links located in each blog entry.
Video Follow Up to My Cancer Care Checkup
Also, our friends at Bone Cancer Dogs have a great explanation of it here.
Just out of curiosity, is your vet an oncologist? One thing we learned after I got sick, was that when you are dealing with cancer, it's best to be referred to a cancer care specialist. They can provide the most precise answers and options for treatment. Here's some info from our friends at the Magic Bullet Fund.
Hope this helps.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks much Jerry. That info is very helpful. Seems Jack is already on 2 of the 3 - missing the chemo pill. I asked my vet about that and she said we can discuss on Monday. She wants to see one more film of him on his current meds to see what changes, if anything. I'm going to leave a message for her today to tell her about the protocol so she can look into it over the weekend.
He's doing a bit better today. Slept well last night w/ the cough suppresant and is more interested in food. Eating treats today that he had no interest in yesterday.
I don't think my vet is board certified in oncology - but I know she has been in contact with other docs with regard to his treatment. She administers chemo at her office - would she need to be board certified to do that? I really really like and trust her. She hasn't ruled out infection yet though I'm sure that isn't the case. Like I said, I'm going to talk to her about the protocol and see if she has heard of it and what her thoughts are. We seem to be headed in that direction since he's on 2 of the 3 meds already and we are going to consider the chemo pill depending on what we see on Monday.
I'm going to focus this holiday on enjoying my time with Jack and will try really really hard to not be sad. Will be a bit tough as my family loves him too and will be seeing him for the first time since we got this news. I know they are going to be upset which will then make me cry...yet again.... ugh... I'm really going to miss this guy -- he truly is my best friend!
jacksmom said:
ugh… I’m really going to miss this guy ...
We know, it's tough, but do try to focus on the now, instead of the inevitable. You need to be a strong pack leader. Show your family that Jack needs happy healthy thoughts right now. If everyone is sad, he will be too.
Dogs do not fear pending doom like people do. Consider this ... in the wild, he would be thrown out of the pack for showing his weakness, or worse. And when "his time" came, he would simply wander off into the woods to be alone. The best gift you can give Jack right now is love and strength.
Peace.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
As long as your vet has contact with an oncologist and is comfortable with giving chemo and managing the side effects then it should be fine for her to do the chemo. Many times after a consult with an oncologist they will have the referring vet do the chemo once there is a plan in place. I would agreee with Jerry that if there is an oncologist in the area that it might be a good idea to go for a second opinion or for a referral just for peace of mind. Some cities do not have this access so you might need to travel a few hours.
Pam and Tazzie
Thank you both. I did leave a message for my vet about the metronomic protocol, what it is and whether she has heard of it. She may be on that route already since he is on 2 of the 3 drugs and we discussed the possibility of adding a chemo pill depending on what we see on Monday. I will look into whether there is an oncologist in the area. I live in the Philadelphia area but am going nowhere near the Univ of Penn. They screwed up once. If it will help Jack, I will gladly travel. I really do have trust in my doc and know she's been talking to others about Jack's case.
I"m off to travel to my sister's house. I will be on these boards a ton though as I'm finding great comfort in talking to everyone here. I will focus on the now and make my family do the same. He's always been very sensitive to raised voices and commotion so I'm sure he'd pick up on our sadness very quickly...i'm sure he already has...i've been doing a bit better though and hopefully i can be the stong pack leader he needs.
Hi Kristen & Jack,
As I have said in my emails to you, I'm glad that the advice I have been giving you is being posted here by the "pro's". I would definitely try to get a second opinion from an oncologist; it won't hurt your vet's feelings as it is Jack's life that we're talking about here. She may even know of an oncologist she prefers that she could send you to. There is nothing wrong with liking your vet, but you need that second opinion from someone who has been trained in what cancer treatments are available. Then, there could be some coordination between your vet and the oncologist as to the best treatment options for Jack.
Also, it is imperative that you keep your "chin" up! Dogs are very sensitive to their pawrents emotions and you need to stay strong for Jack.
Merry Christmas to you and Jack,
Love, Vicki, Blazer & Kitty Kimber
Thanks Vick and kids -- am trying to stay upbeat - been a bit tough today - especially w/ people around, he's normally right in the middle of everything - especially when food is involved - today he was just laying on the sidelines - well sort of, in the middle of the room, unless he would get up to say "hi" to someone or bark at someone walking into the house. There were a couple times I had to walk into another room to cry -- but I am very happy he is here with me. Its great that I can spend every minute w/ him over these 4 days without worrying about the fact that i'm not at work or have something else I need to be doing. It also helps me to have my family around. So, we're hanging in there. He's doing ok - his appetite goes back and forth - something he chowed down this morning, he didn't want tonight, but I found something else he would eat. He isn't coughing much at all even when not on his cough suppressant. He was able to walk further today too. We went for a short walk on the leash. Day at a time....
I will find out about a referral to an oncologist if my doc isn't board certified. I"m still not sure if she is or isn't.
I hope you and your kids have a merry chrismas!!!
Love, Kristen and Jack : ) (I need to post some pics of this guy - such a handsome boy he is!!!!)
Ah the lovely ups and downs of this dreaded disease. He doesn't seem to be doing too well this morning to me. He isn't coughing but his breathing seems a bit more labored. I am soooooo afraid he is going to suffer and I promised him I wouldn't let that happen. He slept well overnight. Ate a bit this morning. Laid outside for a while - his favorite thing to do.
How will I know if he is suffering or really struggling to breathe? I'm so glad I am at my sister's house - not just because that makes me not alone but she has a nice big yard which allows him to hang out outside. However, it adds to my paranoia about not letting Jack suffer. If the time comes, I do not want to take him to some 24 hr. emergency place where no one knows him. I want to take him to my doc. How will I know?? His eyes tell me he's tired but Jack is still there - he is still alert, still greeting folks, still watching the birds fly by overhead..... sad Christmas....
Hi Kristen & Jack,
I fear you are projecting your own feelings onto Jack and that's why he is having his low times. You have got to "buck up" and be there for him. It has not even been confirmed that Jack has lung mets, yet, and you are already putting him in his death bed. Kristen, I know in my emails, I told you I would sometimes have to give you "tough love" and I'm now doing it here. I'm not trying to hurt your feelings, but you have got to get your act together and be there for Jack; not in a negative way, but a very positive way. He is picking up on your emotions "big time" and all of us have tried to tell you that you MUST be strong for him and you're not doing that.
Your vet is a vet. She is a person whom you like very, very much, but she is NOT an oncologist. She'd be making scads more money and be in an entirely different clinic setting if she was. Talk to her on Monday and explain that you would feel more comfortable with a second opinion. She will not mind it in the least. She may even have someone in mind for you to send Jack to.
I'm sorry if this sounds a bit harsh, but all the good advice your have been given does not seem to be getting through. Jack, most likely, has many, many good months of living to do and you need to be there for him, but not by crying and moping around. You, absolutely, need to get a second opinion if he is going to be given the chance to have those extra months of living. He needs to see if he is a good candidate for the Metronomic Protocol and you say he is barely coughing. If you go back in some of Jerry's blogs you will hear how his cough was a deep, hacking, barking cough and Jack doesn't even have that. Please, I'm not trying to be mean to you and I enjoy your emails, but you have to start using your head and reasoning this whole thing out. You can't jump at his every move; let Jack be Jack and be supportive of him, but in a positive way.
Love, Vicki, Blazer & Kitty Kimber
Vicki - I appreciate your tough love. I understand what you are trying to do. Jack is having a difficult day. I am at my sister's house with my sister and my father. They are both upbeat. I am having my ups and downs. I am also being realistic. I know Jack. He's been my constant companion for 4 years. My promise to him that he will not suffer is one that I am going to keep. He is struggling - I can tell. It has nothing to do with my mood. While I totally understand that he feeds off my emotions, there is more going on today. I saw his films. There is a lot going on in his lungs already. He has been on antibiotics for 6 days, if it was an infection, it would be improving. This completely kills me. He is a huge part of my heart.
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