Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Just received the news Buster has lung mets. I thought chondrosarcoma wasn't as aggressive as osteo. Well someone was wrong. They don't use the metronomic protocol at the Univ of Penn. We meet an oncologist on Friday for palliative care. He may have 3 months.
My world has turned black today. I have suspected he wasn't well. He hasn't been sleeping in my bedroom the past few weeks, almost like detaching himself from me. I wish more would of been done after the amputation but I was told his type of cancer is resisiant to chemo and radiation.
I know he is still here but this is breaking my heart apart.... I can't stop crying. This isn't fair!
Kim&Buster
Kim & Angel Buster
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."
–Anatole France
OKim1 said:
He may have 3 months ... I wish more would of been done after the amputation ...
My people believe doctors always present the worst case scenario, to cover themselves and prepare patients for, well ... the worst. Try to remain focussed on the now, not on the end. We know it's tough, our hearts have also darkened today with your news.
And please never regret what you might not have done for Buster. Whatever you could possibly do, will never be enough when the time comes.
You are in our thoughts, as always. Much peace and love ...
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
What more can I do if they haven't heard of the metronic protocol? I want to make an effort to be proactive. It's the Univ of Penn. Why is used only in certain hospitals if its worth a try... I feel they have given up on my dog and this is making me upset....
Kim & Angel Buster
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."
–Anatole France
I am so very sorry to hear about Buster's lung mets! It is true that chondrosarcoma rarely metastasizes but maybe there was also an osteosarcoma component that was missed on the biopsy.
I have been doing research on the metronomic protocol and most vet schools and oncologists are not thrilled with the results, but it is still worth a try. The 3 drugs used are an NSAID, Doxycycline, and Cytoxan. Some research has shown that the Doxycycline doesn't help much in dogs versus people, so you may see more protocols using just 2 drugs. I think that the main reason this protocol might work is because of the NSAID. The anti-inflammatory abilities of these meds can also block new blood vessel formation and that is what inhibits tumor growth or at least slows it down.
NSAIDS can have side effects if used daily and some dogs do better on different meds. Metacam tends to be the safest and is also a human drug so if cost is an issue you can get a month for $4 at Walmart or Target. Zubrin is also good but each dog reacts differently. Deramax is most likely to hurt the GI tract and Rimadyl is most likely to affect the liver.
The only reason I am not pursuing a daily NSAID with Tazzie is because of her history of chronic liver disease. All of these drugs cycle through the liver and I think that the risk is just too great. If/when she gets mets then I will reconsider. I have also looked into Artemisinin and I am going to ask my holistic vet about it when I take my other dog in for acupuncture tomorrow.
Hang in there and don't be afraid to look for a vet in your area that can help you.
Pam and Tazzie
Kim, don't get upset. The hosp might have given up on Buster; but what matters is that you haven't, and never will give up on your boy.
Buster has been seeing a holistic vet? See if the vet has any experience in using Chinese herbs, e.g. Artemisinin : Cancer Smart Bomb, Part I, Cancer Smart Bomb: Part II, or Chinese Skullcap: Chinese skullcap: A viable adjunct to cancer treatment, and many others.
Thinking of you and Buster. Please keep us posted.
Hugs.
Hi,
Pam & Tazzie,
I was given Rimydil today and meet with Penns oncologist on Friday to see what to do from here. Thank you so much for your medical opinion it is truly appreciated. I will show them what you suggested and go with what you recommended. I really respect your opinion.
Genie,
Thank you for the links. I just went to my Chinese practitioner and she doesn't have the specific supplements. She gave me what she gives her human patients with cancer. I wish these potentially life prolonging herbs were more readily available.
We haven't given up. We will fight this thing to the very end. I just need more weapons in our defense against this monster who has an unfair advantage.
Your friends,
Kim&Buster
Kim & Angel Buster
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."
–Anatole France
Kim, here is a weapon you can use to help you gain strength in your head and your heart, as you cope with this news. We hope it helps.
What Cancer Cannot Do
Cancer is so limited...
It cannot cripple love
It cannot shatter hope
It cannot corrode faith
It cannot destroy peace
It cannot kill friendship
It cannot suppress memories
It cannot silence courage
It cannot invade the soul
It cannot steal eternal life
It cannot conquer the spirit.
(author unknown)
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
OKim1 said:
I just went to my Chinese practitioner and she doesn’t have the specific supplements. She gave me what she gives her human patients with cancer. I wish these potentially life prolonging herbs were more readily available.
I am just curious Kim, what herbs/formula did the TCM practitioner give Buster?
Is Buster currently on K9 Immunity ? Have you considered giving it a try?
Oh Kim, I don't know what to say through my tears for your pain.
You have alwasy made the right choices for Buster based on the medical information you were given. I know you will be proactive for him now too and continue to make the right decisions.
Hang in there & take it a day at a time.
Janie & Calamity
Janie & Calamity http://www.trix.....gspot.com/
Hi Kim, I'm so sorry to hear of this news. It's a difficult season but you are not alone. We are all here for you to encourage you and listen to you as you have for so many others! You are in my thoughts and prayers for clarity of what to do next. Your answer will come. Meanwhile, choose to stay in "today" and enjoy your beautiful boy each and every day. His Peace, di
Hi,
Thank you for the support during this time. We really love what cancer can not do and want to print it.
This picture was taken today. It's hard to believe the news. I want to keep him comfortable and pain free.
The Chinese Practitioner gave us Chih-ko e Curcuma, Pure Flow and an artemisinin
relative that is topical . I may even pick up Essiac tea at the American herbalist store.
Thank you for all the support we really appreciate it. We are taking one day at a time and want Buster to have a special Xmas as a tripawd. Thank you for listening...
Ps that is his favorite toy or baby his giggling pepper named Peter
Pss He also has been on K-9 immunity along with other supplements and diet.
Your friends,
Kim&Buster
Kim & Angel Buster
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."
–Anatole France
With those striking eyes, in this picture Buster is definitely saying "Mom, don't worry, I'm gonna be O.K., promise."
We'd love to hear more about Chih-ko e Curcuma and Pureflow when you have a chance. We looked it up online but couldn't find much.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Kim, I am sooo sorry to hear about Buster's lung mets. We are thinking of you and will also not give up!! Please give Buster a kiss and hug from us, we wish we could be there to do it ourselves!
I know what you mean about doctors giving up and giving us the worse case scenario - it was the same with Dee's diagnosis and they never ever asked me to bring him back for follow-up check-ups, because they though he wouldnt even make it past 5 months....
I am praying for you - you have been giving your best for Buster...
Lots of love, Ansunette & Dee xxx
Kim, you're such a strong lady, you've got to feed just that much more to yourself now and not beat yourself up. I do know how hard that can be, but celebrating life is what life is all about.
Thinking of you both
Hello,
It's so nice to hear from everyone. I am doing better today emotionally. Lalla, thank you so much for that reminder about living. So, today we went for a ride in the car and picked up some vitamins and took a nice walk in the park. Buster was so very happy to see other dogs and go up and greet them and even got a little frisky 
. It was a much better day than yesterday! I took lots of pics and even cam-corded.
Tomorrow morning we meet with the oncologist. Any other helpful info would be really appreciated. Its supposed to sleet tonight so we have to get an early start.
Jerry here is that link on what Chinese herb I started Buster on.
http://www.tige.....atcan.html
Very interesting info from a women who fought breast cancer. The pureflow is for healthy lung support.
Love,
Kim&Buster xoxo
Kim & Angel Buster
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."
–Anatole France
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