Jake

Are you considering a low-dose chemo pill (e.g., Cytoxan or Leukeran) in addition to metacam (i.e. anti-angiogesis or metronomic therapy)? I don't know what the cost is south of the border, but each 25 mg table here is 70 cents Canadian. That is taken once every day or every other day depending on your oncologist, so comes to $21 or 10.50 per month, plus the cost of the vet writing the script. Just a question . . .

It sounds like the cost of regular high-dose chemo is similar on both sides of the border (not sure why since our human meds are usually far cheaper), so I am guessing that Cytoxan or Leukeran also run for the same cost.

Hah, chilly in Florida, my missing right front foot! I tried to take Tazzie for a swim this morning, but given the 2 degree (34 Deg F) air temperature plus a wind, I did not encourage him and he did not jump in.

Enjoy your big day Jake!

Tazzie 2

Hey Jake

Don't worry too much. Look how well Jerry and many others have done without regular high-dose chemo. Chemo was probably not the best route for my Tazzie, however, we did not know then what we knew 6 weeks later when I found another lump.

First, one qualification. I live in Canada so there might be a big difference in price from the U.S. Others can advise since many of the Yankie  tripawds are using Cytoxan. (Although I know humans ordered from Canadian pharmacies a few years ago - I don't know if you can get Cytoxan from a mail-order pharmacy.) 

Jake is basically the same size as Tazzie and Tika and Max (who range from ~70 to 90 lbs), all of which have used or are using Cytoxan. I would therefore assume (*note: definitely not a vet here*) he would take the same dose, which is either one x 25 mg pill per day or one every other day. That is why I gave you the costs in the previous email. Most oncologists prescribe one every other day, but Max's gave a higher dose and Tazzie followed suit. Tazzie does not have a local oncologist, because such a person does not exist in Winnipeg.

A vet can write the script and they have pills at the regular old clinic. I initially gave my vet information on metronomics . She spoke with an oncologist or two by phone to find out about this type of treatment and then prescribed it for Tazzie. It is kind of nice for Tazzie to be in a vet's hands, because she gives him far more time than an oncologist could ever afford. Having said that, it is definitely reassuring to have the expertise of an oncologist behind these treatment decisions.

Do not expect your general vet to have heard of metronomics or anti-angiogenesis therapy, although it seems to be getting more common with human cancer treatment and with dogs.

But there is another issue, which will raise the costs, so maybe I should not have opened this can of worms. With Cytoxan, there is a risk of crystals/bladder infection, so you need to get the urine and (I think) blood tested frequently, so those vet visits and tests cost money (I think the oncologist said to test the urine after 2 weeks and then 6 weeks). We will copy Max and switch to another drug after 8 weeks. My understanding is that the 2nd drug, Leukeran, does not post a risk of bladder infection.

Jerry did not start metronomics until after they found lung mets, with the idea of slowing the growth of the mets.

I like the idea of a tripawd fund, but it is hard to picture how it would work practically. Any ideas? They do have official funds for cancer dogs - I received a pamphlet when going to an oncologist in a different province this summer and am sure the same thing exists in the states. But sometimes there can be so much hassle in getting those things to work out.

Susan & Tazzie 2

Jakes Mom / Tazzie 2

I’ve been researching, considering nutrition (holistic) treatment versus chemo, apparently you have too. I’ve read about “people” who have gone into remission after extremely detailed diet and supplement regimens. Your post reads as if you have a good idea of what you’re doing, which is your absolute best. You are an exceptional mom.

We’re buying our chemo drugs through Global Drugs Direct out of British Columbia, Canada globaldrugsdirect.com or 1-866-789-3784. Some of Docs other patients have used this company. I understand there is some bureaucratic BS associated with buying/shipping prescription drugs across borders but I’ll do what I can, when I can. I love me some Canadians.

In any case our Doc gave us a prescription, they accepted it and we received our drugs one week later (could take longer). We paid $108.00 (including shipping) for what would have cost around $300. They fill prescriptions in 50 or 100 pill increments. We’re starting Polo on Melphalan, 2mg tabs, 2 tabs every 24hrs for 7-days and 2 tabs every 48 hours thereafter. I guess that’s 45 days or so assuming treatment goes as planned. That’s the immediate future. I've mentioned this drug before--our Doc has used it successfully with minimal side effects. We'll see...

I would definitely get involved in some type of fund or fund raising, cyber cancer shower (?), anything like that. I know money is taboo for some folks but I’ve never had enough to care that much about it and I can always spare a little. If others feel the same way--it adds up. Mechanics? My wife, Jenny stays home so I asked her to brainstorm fundraising. I can think of a few things real quick but I doubt that most folks are as loose-willed as I am with money. Luckily, I’m not hard to please.

Happy Ampuversary Jake and family!We hope you had a great time swimming today. Did Wolfie try swimming w/ your special vest too? We love all those sibling pics.

Jakesmom--you're obviously an amazing, devoted, and loving mom
to Jake (and Wolfie). And so caring and compassionate to all of us as well.I know it's easier said then done, but please try not to feel bad about the chemo. Alot of dogs have been ok with chemo, but quite a few have also really struggled with
the side effects.It was a stretch, but we were able to secure the funds for Romeo's surgery and chemo--we had planned to go the whole nine yards. After the surgery, however, we began having doubts about chemo. We just couldn't shake a gut feeling it wasn't right for Romeo. We love him like we love our daughter and we can't bear the thought of losing him, but we also wanted him to enjoy every day he has on this earth. Who knows, maybe if Jake was doing chemo he wouldn't feel up to swimming? And if he loves to swim in the pool with his family, he should be able to enjoy it everyday!

Yes, we've also fantasized about winning the Powerball and becoming Tripawd philanthropists!

And thank you for reminding me--today is Romeo's two month ampuversary! Things really turned for us after the first month, hope they do for you as well. Go Jake!

Eve and Romeo

Hi Jake, happy ampuversary!!!

Don't worry if you're still a bit tired after hopping around... I've read in the forums that several doggies had stamina issues for the first couple of months or more, but that it didn't really afect their being happy.

Wish you some pawesome months to come!

Hugs

Spirit Hori