Ok, before I launch into a giant exhale of information, I have to share the AWESOME mini Tripawds meetup we had at UCD today! I was pm'ing Gayle, Sessy's mom last night (before I knew we were going to UCD) and who do I meet in the parking lot? GAYLE. She was dropping off Sessy for her 6th chemo! I met her new pup (name yet to be decided) a freaking adorable tiny black cocker. Later, in the waiting room, I saw this GORGEOUS GSD who was not so patiently waiting for an appt. His person called him Travis and I'm like, didn't I just read about a Travis on Tripawds last night? YES I DID. It was none other than Travis Ray and his dad Ralph coming in for his experimental chemo! We even met at the Nor Cal meetup and I didn't recognize him (embarrassingly I think we are standing next to each other in the group picture). So great to be surrounded by the Tripawd Nation at this time. Oh, and I met a woman whose pup was in for a followup. Her dog has survived OSA for THREE years! Good vibes all around 🙂

So here's what we know and are planning so far for Fionn. I got a call last night from our onco and she was able to fit him in today at UCD for an injection of biophosphonate (an osteoporosis drug sometimes used to combat bone pain in osteosarcoma dogs who do not get amputation). We were working under the assumption that my regular vet called it right and it was confirmed, he has HO or hypertrophic osteopathy, a syndrome caused by his lung mets. 

They reviewed his xrays and found 2 smaller lung mets that my regular vet missed that are new since the last xray in Feb. His original met has grown some as well, BUT, none of them are bothering him and they are shocked there are so few. It seems as if the cancer is growing very slowly (he was given 1-2 months back in Feb). Who knows if that is playing a part in the onset of this rare syndrome? The simple fact that the cancer has sat there long enough to bring this on? So, on one hand, we have the good news that, as of right now, his cancer is not immediately going to give him his wings, but the bad news is he is in pain. And it is likely in all 3 legs (we did not bother to xray the others but he is a bit swollen and painful on the back legs too). UCD has ONE other dog with HO right now and very little past experience to go on either- its that rare. They treated that dog with biophosphonate too and the dog had really good results. So, statistically, they have a 100% success rate, lol! At any rate,there are no risks to this injection so it's worth a try. They gave him a boatload of meds too. For those of you utilizing a regular vet for care, I will say most do not have the training or knowledge in pain management . The onco has Fionn on 200mg tramadol every 8 hrs, 300mg gabapentin 3x day, and a new drug Amantadine 100mg 1x day. It is a "people" drug I have to get filled at a regular pharmacy. It is an antiviral and parkinsons medication that has the odd affect in dogs as a pain killer. It can cause tummy upsets, so we are starting him off slowly. In addition, I already give him turmeric paste I make, CBD capsules and K9 Immunity . All of these "alternative" medications (which my regular vet poo poos) say they have anti cancer properties. Can I say for sure- no, but could they be the reason Fionn's still with us? Maybe.

In addition, she is suggesting we reconsider more chemo. The only way to actually directly treat the HO is to get rid of the cause which, in his case, is the lung mets. She isn't expecting to cure him, but she is thinking that if the growth is disrupted, we may be able to see an improvement in the HO and his pain. Back in February I said we were DONE, but I fully expected Fionn would get his wings months ago. But, his journey has taken quite the left turn now and I think it's worth a shot. So, next week he goes in for a dose of Doxyrubicin. Palladia was also discussed, but she feels there is less chance of side effects with Doxy. We are working way outside the box here so there is no real concrete evidence any of it will work. Since Fionn still has A LOT of life left in him (dragged the vet tech almost out the door, then saw my daughter and lost his ever loving mind) I will give this a try.

If you read any of my previous posts, you may remember that an anonymous donor offered to help pay for Fionn's treatments back in Feb. I was overwhelmed with gratitude (and spent quite a bit of time crying in my car), but had already chosen not to continue treatments. Well, UCD contacted them and they STILL want to help! I cannot tell you what a relief this is, but I can say that knowing the financial help was there tipped the scales in my decision to proceed. We will see how he does with this injection and then see how the first round of Doxy goes. The onco said if we don't see any improvement, we will just stop there. Again to the AMAZING person (from here or FB or?) who made this offer I offer up my humble and eternal thanks. I will be forever grateful and will do my best to pass it forward in the future!

Here's a video of Fionn getting his post injection yogurt treat. Please also see my previous post for obvious proof that his appetite is unaffected (evidenced by his snatching a cheeseburger and almost taking my arm with it!). I do not understand dogs who don't like treats. I tired treating a bunch of dogs today and none of them would take it! A golden retriever who won't eat is for SURE sick! He's sleeping the sleep of the drugged right now. I am contemplating a glass of wine and an early night myself.

Thanks for listening!

Nancy and Fionn

Fionn earned his wings yesterday. If any dog deserves to be an angel, it was certainly Fionn. The infusion did not work and he was unable to get around due to the pain. His last day was spent being loved, eating steak and ice cream and rolling one last time in his favorite spot. He went peacefully to the bridge from that very spot. I will post more when my heart is not breaking so badly and I can keep the keyboard dry.