Chris, I'm so glad to hear that Bonnie is getting better every day, hour by hour!  I'm glad she's off the Tramadol, but be careful with the Metacam, it can be hard on her little tummy.  Jerry has resources on this website to let people know about NSAID's in dogs.  My little guy had to be a Metacam for a week and never had any problems, but I guess it can be a problem for other dogs.

Kisses & slobbers,  Vicki, Blazer & Kimber

Bonnie had her stitches removed today and got her first chemo treatment.  All is well so far.  I also picked up a glucose meter so that I can monitor her glucose levels. 

I am probably starting to sound like an advertiser for my vet clinic, but they are really great.  They really keep Bonnie happy and seem to be on top of everything.  Two vet technicians came in and showed me how to get blood for the glucose test.  They tried several locations and had me do it also so I would feel comfortable.  I am glad to have that because Bonnie seemed to bottom out last night and I ended up giving her orange juice and Karo syrup at midnight.  I now can tell if the reason she is shivering is the glucose level or a side effect of the chemo. 

The did another physical and blood work prior to the chemo.  Her potassium level was low so we are starting her on some pills for that.  Other than that, she seems to be doing fine.  The first chemo was carboplatin and that will alternate with doxorubicin. The vet would like to do 6 courses, but said he will stop at 4 if she is not tolerating it well. 

Bonnie is queen of the house now.  Her mother and brother are getting a little more playful with her, but have been really cautious up till now.  She tried the steps today, but I caught her at the landing.  She is doing great at going up, but we have not tried down yet.  Her appetite ebbs and flows.  One day she is great, the next, nothing.  We even gave her elk last night.  She wolfed it down, but did not want it again for breakfast.  Guess she was waiting for bacon and eggs. 

We are getting there and Bonnie keeps telling us that she is not having any problems, just us.  Every move is a celebration and life is great!

That is so great that you got the glucose meter.  I know you must feel much better about not having to guess why Bonnie is shivering.  I hope she keeps progressing well and that her appetite improves.  It sounds like she's doing great, especially if Jerry seems to think so.

Thanks for the suggestion on Nutrical.  You must have read my mind.  I was just talking to a neighbor about Bonnie and said that it would be really neat if they made a product like the human Ensure that I could give.   Sounds like they do and I did not know about it.  There is a wealth of experience here and I am so grateful for all of you.

Bonnie went upstairs last night and slept in bed with us for the first time.   I now know why they invented beds.  Boy did it feel good to sleep for a change.  Bonnie took to the steps like a pro and came down them this morning like she had been doing it all her life.  She is a real trooper and keeps teaching me that she can accomplish anything. 

She is eating now, but has always been picky and like you, Radar, seemed to want something new and different every day.  Luckily, my daughter lives outside Denver and is sending me elk and antelope.  Bonnie loves it!   I am still contemplating the elk.  It really looks like calf liver to me, but Bonnie says it is great!  Guess she is going to teach me a healthier diet also. 

Hugs to you all from both of us!

Just an update since we have been kind of busy keeping up with learning to be a Tripawd and adjusting to chemo.   Bonnie has had two rounds of chemo and is doing ok.  She was great after the first one, but the second one hit harder.  I am scared of the third one and they are trying to move it up to every two weeks instead of every three.  She is such a picky eater and that adds to the problem.  On top of that, she has some sort of inflammation on her lower gums under her front teeth.  The vet wants to see it again tomorrow to see if that is causing the problem.  Needless to say, any growth or swelling sends us over the hill with worry again.  Her glucose has finally stabilized, but the chemo messes with it each time.  But, we are trying to stay positive.  Every day is a gift and I am happy to have all the time I can. 

Hi Chris & Bonnie,

We really would like to hear from you to see what the vet has to say about Bonnie's gum problem.  I know that chemo knocks out the immune system, so hopefully it will only be an infection that can easily be healed with antibiotics.  It's good to hear that Bonnie's glucose levels have gotten back to normal, but I can certainly see why you are worried about the next round of chemo.  We are keeping our paws crossed in prayer for Bonnie & your family.  I can only imagine how scared you must be.

Love, Blazer, Kitty Kimber & Vicki T

Dear Chris & Bonnie,

I hope Bonnie's specialist can pin down what the swelling in her lower gum's is and with all the problems you have maintaining her glucose levels, I can certainly understand your angst at having the chemo done, again.  I just hope the "payoff" in the end helps you see you through these terrible times of recovery.  I truly believe that once Bonnie get's through these rough parts with the chemo and the still-healing leg, she will once again be a very happy dog and you will be amazed at how quickly she rebounds when all is said and done.  We're keeping our paws crossed for you in prayer in good old Portland, OR.

Love, Blazer, Kitty Kimber & Mom (Vicki T)

Hang in there kiddo. We're holding your paws and hands