Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Brief update: Magic last had chest xrays on April 18, prior to his second chemo (his first was carboplatin), and it was discovered we had lung mets. There were two obvious ones and one I chose to think was a shadow. At that time his vet spoke with the oncologist at the practice (we don’t actually see him, we see a different vet but he is available for consult always) and the decision was made to change to doxorubicin and do another chest xray in three weeks. Fast forward to this afternoon and a much longer update. The original mets are larger and we now have more. The onc is apparently pretty much ready to say that’s it for treatment, BUT I'm not into giving up and neither apparently is his doctor. My options are: doing one of the two chemos we have tried already with absolutely no success - Magic’s vet feels this would be fruitless since the cancer laughed at BOTH treatments; doing another IV drug called Temador (temozolomide) that is quite expensive (which is NOT the deciding factor at this stage of the game) and she really felt it was a weaker drug and there is "no paper" on it one way or another.. Or do the metronomic protocol with a drug called cyclophosphamide..at this time I don't know how many days I give him however many pills. They did a blood test and she will call me in the morning with the results...she was happy with the last blood test but wanted his neutrophils a little higher before hitting him with chemo. I will pick the stuff up tomorrow and do whatever if the blood test is good. Then we will xray again in three weeks to see where we are.
I asked this vet to think about this as though it were her dog (she is the vet who adopted a dane that people wanted to put down because it had a genetic disease that was going to require some medication while it was young and now has the two torn ACLs, well the first one has been operated on already) She said she would absolutely give this a try. And I truly don't think it is just to suck money (she isn't a partner anyway!!) And yes, I do realize that the onc could very well be the one with a brain while I have the giant pair of rose colored glasses...and our vet could just be humoring me!!
I also said that I had noticed (of course anecdotally..) that the dogs that seemed to have the hardest time with chemo appeared to have a longer survival rate....she said there were studies looking at that very thing right now and that there is something called a drug resistant gene that could actually interfer with the whole chemo thing where it just blocks what the drug should be doing. But no way to tell if that is the problem and if we could tell, at this time no way to circumvent that problem. And I'm not saying that I noticed that with EVERY case, but it seemed like there was a significance there of some kind anyway....or who the heck knows.
I pretty much expected this since they came on so fast. We know they are there from the get go, but to go from not visible to visible in 5 weeks is pretty much an indication I think that we aren't going to be one of the miracle pups. His cancer was also "undifferentiated" which apparently means it is, according to the doc after she gave me all the technical stuff (that ran right out the other ear), that it is a nasty son of a b that can attack pretty much anywhere.
I have no idea if this new direction will help extend our time together, it is obviously going to come down to how he feels rather than how the xrays look. No one can believe the awful test results because of the way he acts, even in the vet’s office. He is having fun right now, going to the park, meeting new dogs....probably having much more fun that he did in the couple of years prior!!! So I shall cherish the time we have left, try to make it as good for him as I can, remembering that at 11, he was pushing the odds for a big breed even before this horror came to visit. In a purely selfish state, I worry that I shall lose both Magic and OJ (who has had kidney failure for five months and is 17 and a cancer survivor) at the same time and they have pretty much been my furry support since I lost my hubby.
This will obviously be a day by day or week by week process, and I pray that I'm not selfish enough to overlook signs that it is his time to go to the Bridge and meet all the wonderful Tripawd spirit dogs.
Sorry for this long post (I am a little wordy aren’t I). I thank all of you for the ongoing support; this is a wonderful community and has saved my sanity...well, what was left of it...
ps (can you believe I have the nerve to post a ps after this post??) Got an emaili from Rene who nudged my memory...the vet did say the Temador was used for brain cancer for people apparently...She thought Jakesmom was familiar with the drug.
Hi Diane,
I'm so sorry to hear the latest news about Magic's lung mets. If I were you, I would definitely try the Temodar treatment. I work in human brain cancer research, and Temodar is now standard treatment... either alone or in combination with antiangiogenics. There haven't been any published studies using this in dogs... but why not try and be the first!? What have you got to loose??
In the meantime... just love Magic and enjoy every single minute you have with him...
BTW... Temodar is an oral drug (at least it is in humans)... I'm not sure why your vets have told you it is IV...
Angel Jake's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
Jakesmom: I was almost sure she said IV, but there was so much we talked about I can't be absolutely positive. I will talk to her when she calls me again tomorrow. It seems to me like there was another reason NOT to try it and I'll be darned if I can remember what it was or frankly, even IF it was. I'm sure you all know what I'm talking about when your brain is just on overload. If this was all legal stuff I'd be okay, but in the medical realm, half the time I feel like I am trying to learn a foreign language and my brain just shuts down...as the info runs from my ear down my cheek...
I shall ask in the morning and thank you for the push....Rene said she thought you were familiar with it. I know at least ONE dog had to have had it there since she talked about the 60 pound dog....(she was talking about price of the stuff)
Good thing I didn't see this earlier or I would have called her....and she had an almost worse day than I did...
(I do have to add this...my almost 92 year old mom, 6 years out from breast cancer, was recalled to do another mamo this morning. They also did an ultrasound. She is fine so today has been certainly a day of mixed emotions let me tell you)
Diane and Magic,
Spent the day cleaning up the 5th wheel in preparation for our annual June in Yellowstone trip, but at the same time I was thinking of the two of you knowing that this was the day for additional testing. I will not use the words that filled my heart when I read your post. As I read the post through the tears, I also saw a very brave pair who are not willing to surrender to this nasty condition. I know that it is hard, but your dedication to making great times for both of you is truly inspiring. I will never really know how long Miss Cherry had the dreaded lung mets, because I was not willing to face that issue. My life literally centered on our relationship and I am so very grateful that it did.
We will be praying that this new treatment will be very effective for Magic. I wish that there were more that I could contribute to helping now, but having been on the other side, I know too that the knowledge that there is support out there is some comfort. Lean on us anytime. We will be here for you as the two of you continue down this journey.
Sending Pawsitive Thoughts, Prayers, and Huggs,
Spirit Cherry's Dad - Bob
Tai and I are both so sorry to hear about the xray results. It has all happened so fast, far too fast. 
I don't have any words to make things better but please know that I am thinking of you and keeping my fingers ( and Tai's paws) crossed for a lucky break to come Magic's way. You and Magic share a special bond that even this nasty cancer can't break. It is hopeful to hear that he is enjoying life and isn't that what this is all about in the end? Quality of life is what we all strive to achieve with our cancer pups and you have made that a reality for Magic. Bless you for that.
Sending lots of prayers your way.
Laura and Tai Dog
Tai – 9 yr old lab. Diagnosed Osteosarcoma Dec 18/09. Front right leg amputated Dec 21/09. Started chemo Jan 7/10. Lung mets discovered Sept 16/10. Valiant to the end on Oct 26/10 when cancer reappeared in a leg and we made the decision to set her free. Forever in my heart where not even cancer can take her from me.
My heart breaks to know our beautiful Magic (and Diane) is facing this. Feed off all the positive energy you can find. Choose the positive vet, stick with positive friends. Know reality, but don't dwell on it - not yet. Magic feels well and you need to take that time and make Magical memories. New drugs can work - or at least slow down the progression. There is no timestamp on his butt. Live each day you have to its fullest. No regrets!
Strength to you my friend. We're by your side.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Hi Diane,
I'm so sorry to hear about Magic's x-rays..I was really praying that you got better news. I've been thinking about you and truly admire how so strong you have been and are throughout this whole ordeal. I will be saying lots of prayers that this new drug works. And hopefully, Magic will do his magic and respond really well. 
Just by the fact that he seems to be acting like the puppy he was 2 years ago tells me that he has a great shot at keeping these lung mets down for awhile (let's keep our paws double crossed!)
I found your comment on the dogs having the hardest time with chemo appear to have a longer survival rate very interesting and very interesting that there are studies looking at this....thanks for bringing this up (I'm selfishly thinking that Mackenzie may fall into this camp and if this is true I'd be happy after all the stuff we went through with this chemo.)
Diane, Magic and OJ are so lucky to have you as their Mom. You're doing everything possible for both of them and I really hope and pray you have them around for a very long, long time.
Thinking of you,
Kami (Mackenzie's Mom)
My sweet golden Mackenzie. She became my angel on Dec 29, 2010 at the age of 8 1/2 although she was always my angel from the time we brought her home. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in Sept 2009 and officially became a tripawd (front leg) on Nov 5, 2009. She will be forever in my heart and now she's running free with all of our other tripawd heroes. I love you Mackenzie!
Diane and Magic
It is great you can focus on how Magic is feeling while also considering possible treatments. No, it is definitely not time to throw in the towel. I think vets might think they are helping by advising us the time is coming. I sometimes thought my vet thought the time was here even though my Tazzie was happily hopping around their clinic acting as the offical greeter and like Magic, romping in the parks. The vet was probably only trying to prepare me for the future, which she really did not need to do. We need affirmation about our dog's ability to enjoy life in the present.
The new drug is something to consider, but of course you want to make Magic's time the happiest possible which is obviously what you have been doing with success. That is what makes last fall so special - how happy Tazzie was during those last few months (thankfully the Winnipeg weather cooperated so he could romp in the sun into the start of December - it does not usually go that way). If you try the drug and find he feels poorly, you might want to abandon it. I'd look into the potential side effects more and that would probably be the deciding factor for me.
Cytoxan (the metronomics protocol you mentioned) does not have any visible side effects, but it probably won't reduce the mets that are present. Hopefully it will slow them down, but that is hard to judge. At least there is no real downside (unless they get a UTI, but then you just stop the drug). Depending on your vet, you'd give Magic one pill per day or one every other day.
Don't bother thinking about 'the bridge' now. You aren't close to that point and Magic is clearly enjoying himself. Our dogs are amazing for how well they live until the time when they finally are uncomfortable enough that you will know it is time. For us that change happened within a few hours (but is a long way from where you are now), although I did have clues for 1&1/2 week that it was approaching. For other dogs, there might be more down days along the way after which the dog bounces back. In any case, we don't keep them alive while they are in pain and lost the zest for life with no hope for improvement. I know we do that for humans, but we would never do that to a dog.
it doesn't seem like there is anything that is going to reduce or stop the mets at this point. I think I am hoping for slowing them down or staving off the effects as long as I can (of course now I'm jumping at every little chokey thing...that he did long before the diagnosis). After the message from Jakesmom, I have a call in to the vet to go over the temodar option one more time....because I certainly will give it a try with even the tiniest of hopeful glimmers (after all, who does three years of chemo on a 13 yr old feral kitty..um, waving hand...) And if my vet is as decent as I believe, hopefully any info received through Magic's treatment goes SOMEWHERE to help another furkid down the road. Perhaps someday we will get the cancer vaccine at the same time as the rabies shot. And when that happens, all those who have gone before will be helpful stats to stamp out the disease that brings us together. I have a friend with cancer (in 2 yrs, 2 six month stints of chemo, three major surgeries) and she is currently taking power mushrooms (prescribed by an oncologist/nutritionist) and we think one of her other supplements might be the same thing as what Magic is taking...so the link between humans and animals is very close and perhaps one day no species will go through this heartbreak for one of their own.
Diane,
I know you know I how I feel but I want to how sorry I am about Magic's xrays. I know how much OJ and Magic means to you. You've been through so much in the last 2 years with losing your husband (and your surgeries). We all know how much you love your two furkids but I also know they have a special bond that connects you to your husband because you both loved them.
I've said it to you before, but it's worth repeating...I admire your courage and strength to endure so much. I know you will fill Magic and OJ's world with happiness and smiles. And I know you will enjoy them because you are a champ when it comes to hiding your pain and hurt.
Just know I'm here for you.
Super Giant Hugs-
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
OK....Just talked to his vet....His white blood cells are up up up so are the red, everything is dandy and we ARE going to do the Temodar (THANK YOU JAKESMOM FOR THE BUTT KICK)....Unfortunately it can't be ordered until Tuesday when the ordering nurse is there...but that's ok, I'm not thinking a couple of days is gonna make that big a difference. His vet has never used it but feels since Magic sailed thru the other chemos, he should be able to do this one just fine...I can do it at home and she believes it is over a period of two to three days...yes she will have some more definite information by the time we start! So....If anyone out there has used this, I'd certainly certainly appreciate any and all feedback....If not, well this may be info for others down the road. I don't know if there are any cases of the lung mets really shrinking down or disappearing, but like I said before, slowing them down and keeping him comfy would be my primary goals at this point. Swimming blind here....
Oh Diane,
I'm sorry to read your posts re: mets in Magic. You are strong and fighting a good fight for him. He sounds very happy at this point...live in the moment!
Tracy, Maggie's Mom
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
Diane
Sounds like you have a great and communicative onco vet. That is great at times like this. And it is also good that Magic handled the earlier chemo so well – should make you less nervous about this one.
When Tazzie had mets and they started to show (a lump affecting their mobility), we started the power mushrooms (as well as Cytoxan and Artemisinin). I think the power mushrooms gave him so much energy that he got his moxie back and sailed through the next couple of months until his lump just got way too big. So even when you don't think the chemo will help, there can still be other tricks to help them feel good. It sounds like you've already started that kind of supplement. Good luck!
Diane
I'm sorry to read the posts about Magic and his lung mets. BUT - I'm with all these other pawrents - sounds like you're doing everything possible to give your pup quality, and length, of life. In my opinion, that's our job when we bring home a fur baby. I wish you all the best with this new chemo drug.
Is Magic getting extra treats tonite in preparation for the start of the new week? 
Sophie's looking for some excuse - ok, ANY excuse - for some ice cream !!
Take care,
Tana (and Sophie)
Sophie (1998 – 2010)
"Going Dog" def: living every day in the moment
"It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are."
–Unknown
it is funny, Magic used to LOVE ice cream but one night when Spirit Cherry's dad suggested ice cream and I had some (I keep some for a girlfriend who has cancer and always stayed with me the week she did chemo cuz her boyfriend worked then) and he didn't want it!! But he still likes the frosty paws stuff so I've been giving him a half a container at a time...don't want him to make his tongue TOO sore!
Took him for a walk today and inadvertently walked way farther than I had intended thanks to the wrong info from the jogger who said oh yes, you can go from the end of the path to the parking lot...nope...had to turn around and go all the way back...poor guy was pretty tired at the end!!! But it certainly perked up the appetite and he ate a small dish of kibble when we got back....wouldn't you think a JOGGER would know the path they were jogging on??? maybe he thought it was funny to make the three legged dog walk farther....nah that would make him a REAL jerk!!
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