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BAILEY'S UPDATE II
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Member Since:
5 February 2014
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29 June 2014 - 11:29 am
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TO MY WONDERFUL TRIPAWD FAMILY:

I sincerely apologize for not coming back with a update sooner.  BUT WE ARE ALL HOME!  <3

After a long ride and ER visits. Bailey's front leg is pretty bruised from IV's being poked in her poor leg. Bailey is eating little bits (kibble with a little boiled chicken and teaspoons of broth) at a time and drinking on her own.  She finally is totally fever free and we finished up the antibiotics.  YES, I KNOW I SAID IT BEFORE BUT WE ARE DONE WITH CHEMO! Even though they scheduled us for x-rays and Chemo #6 for July 17th!  I've canceled AND as of now we are not going for xrays that day.  I don't think she needs to be doing car rides again for a while.  I look back and get mad at myself because I feel like I have added these problems to her health, but I pray to God and keep trying to look ahead. 

As you know Bailey is very sensitive to everything and I believe that because they couldn't find anything she just kept spiking over 105 fever that they did something wrong.  I shouldn't put the blame on anyone but in my heart, yes she has had problems with every drug, every chemo and every car ride.  But something was different about this day, everything took longer, a tech came and got her instead of a chemo nurse saying "ready to go Bailey."  They didn't do xrays just the chemo after they took blood brought her back to us then the tech came and got her.  It took much longer, by the time we got home she was wiped out, then we noticed her shivering and her head was cold but her body was hot.  My daughter did her vitals and they were all off (she has a Animal Science degree in Animal Sciences), just graduated. So as I said earlier I kept calling and calling and calling and I didn't get through anyones thick head that the doctor needed to be notified.  105.7 is what she spiked highest at the ER.  Never again will I put her through this.  My oncologist was angry and understood why I was so angry and believe me when someone asked me in the waiting room they understood why I was so mad and I'm sure everyone at the front desk heard me at one point.  I wasn't screaming but I was being starred at.  You don't mess with my fur babies.

OK, SOOOOOOO calm down Tracy.  Bailey as we speak (10 days after Chemo #5) is finally coming around and wanting things, she picked up her blankie and laid back down… that's a start.  She did have a urine accident again for several days and we thought it was over but yesterday she had another one and actually I think she was in such a deep sleep, actually snoring that she might have been dreaming… she woke up right after looked like she was lost and I was right there and she wanted up and I could see she was soaked…. but it was chilly in the house and I had the ceiling fan on.

I know that there are other ways to slow the process of this nasty C and I'm not against it for anyone to go the route of chemo.  My girl is super sensitive.  But as I said something else happened… I think they gave her something else other then carboplatin or too much because they had lowered her dose… maybe this new person didn't read the chart right… I don't know.

Soooooo DONE WITH CHEMO.  They did do x-rays several views several times at the ER hospital and everything is clear and no fluid as stated, I guess they were thinking she was catching something that's why her fever was so high.

What's next? I don't know? Do we do anything? Do we give her anything? We are clear and so far into this I can't give up.  But she is cancer free and we beat it and want the nasty C not to come back.  So help me out, I'm open to suggestions to something to possible continue to make her stronger and keep fighting.  I know no most of you are not doctors but have been in my shoes and all I'm asking is for advise on what I should do for Bailey next?  I don't feel she can do any of the pill form chemo or if that's even something that you do? 

I can't thank you enough for all the prayers and support from this amazing web page.  I know I don't report back soon enough but I want to write when I can be supportive for others also, not such a Debbie Downer (as my daughter calls me.)  I try and try not to get so emotional but Bailey never left my side when I was very sick, she still lays her head on my hand at night.  I sleep on the floor right by her and I don't think that will change for a long time.  We started on the couch, but we both have more room on the floor and she needs to be comfy.

I PRAY FOR EVERYONE ON HERE WHO HAS LOST OR IS GOING THROUGH THIS NASTY WAR.  My heart aches every time I read a bridge crossing but I know now that after going through everything and trying to be there as best I could for some of you (that I kept hounding when this all started) that it's not easy and when they look you in the eye with that special look you know and that's the best place they can be.  I have made friends on here and will continue to bother you and need you.

I feel like another journey is waiting… but we WON THIS BATTLE. HAVE FAITH AND KEEP ON PRAYING.

Much love and HUGS! 

Tracy and Bailey

P.S. F… C…er!

Member Since:
18 September 2013
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29 June 2014 - 11:49 am
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Hi Tracy and Bailey,

A collective sigh of relief will be going through this community today!

I am so glad to hear that Bailey is home and is doing well.  I totally support your decision - no more chemo for Bailey - as she has such a poor reaction to this form of treatment.

Your decision regarding further treatment does not need to be made today. For now, let Bailey gain some strength, snuggle her lots (give her a hug for me) and practice "being more dog". 

Many hugs and much love

Linda and Tucker

Virginia
Member Since:
26 January 2014
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29 June 2014 - 12:02 pm
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I am so happy to hear Bailey is home and doing better! That is great news. Any decision that increases their quality of life can never be the wrong one!!!

HUGS

Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”  

      

New Jersey
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27 December 2011
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29 June 2014 - 12:20 pm
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I just sent a pm to you--I am so, so relieved!!!! I totally agree with Linda about that collective sigh of relieflaughing Please give plenty of ear scratchies and hugs to Bailey from Lily and me. No more chemo yaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!clapclap Just relax and enjoy every minute with your handsome furbabylaughing

Hugs to you and Bailey,

Joan and Lily

Our beautiful Lily was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her front leg on 12/14/11 at age 8 and had amp on 12/16/11. She completed 5 rounds of carbo. She was so brave and kicked cancer's butt daily! She lived life fully for 4 years, 3 months, and 15 days after her amp. My angel is a warrior princess. I miss her so much.

On The Road


Member Since:
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29 June 2014 - 3:02 pm
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Tracy you are most definitely not a downer. I'm so glad you updated, we were all thinking about Bailey and wondering how she's doing. Yay, you got through that rough time and now you are free of the regimen of chemo visits. Congratulations!

As for what you can do next, well, honestly, devoting your time to ensuring she has a good quality of life through daily play sessions and together time is one of the most valuable things you can do to support her in this journey. By being free of so much time devoted to vet visits, you can definitely do this. Carve out time in your day to just play, be together, treasure every minute.

Good nutrition is important too of course, check out the Tripawds Nutrition blog for tips.

Take this time to breathe, relax and know that you've overcome a very big hurdle together. Yay!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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29 June 2014 - 3:45 pm
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YES!!! Ditto everybody!! Amd double ditto Jerry and Tuck!!

I honestly believe something went haywire at the chemo treatment too! But that's OVER now and time to focus on enjoying Bailey and doing it free from worry and procedures and test! I CANNOT BELIEVE THEY WANTED TO PURSUE MORE CHEMO AND MORE XRAYS!!! Sorry, none of my bussiness.....but..are you kidding me???..

IT IS TIME TO COMP,ETELY IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE GLORY OF BEING WITH YOUR SWEET BAILEYclap

And standing ovation to you for being such a strong advocate for Bailey!!!! We are all here for each other and we all understand like no others can!! Give yourself credit! I would be completely whacko nuts if all that had happended to my Hapoy Hannah......I'm talking the looney bin over here! You are one strong, stong lady Tracy!!

Darn right F you, you stupid piece of crap!!Don't even think of trying to mess with Bailey anymore! She's kicked your stinkin' butt to the curb!

Sending you so much .love!

Sally and Happy Hannan

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

Virginia
Member Since:
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29 June 2014 - 3:54 pm
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So glad she is feeling better! Agree with what others have said. Additionally, I'd try to weave favorite things into her week -- maybe she has certain people visitors she loves, a certain kind of toy or treat, and when she eventually feels up to it add doggy visitors or trips outside the house as she is able. Betting that not going to the vet for chemo will put some wind in her sails (nothing against those who do chemo; my Lexie happens to not be a fan of needles and didn't tolerate the oral chemo well, and all the what's next with our chemo scenarios were tough on both of us).

Agree with what Rene said about nutrition, too. I switched Lexie to grain free kibble and supplement it with chicken. I also added K9 Immunity Plus, and Glyco flex 3 (for arthritis). I think I have seen improvements in Lexie's energy on the K9 Immunity Plus, btw. Also I'm giving her Yunnan Baiyo, a Chinese herb.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Hugs,
Deb and Lexie

Deb and Angel Lexie* Diagnosed at age 13. Tried radiation first; wish we had amputated upon diagnosis (even with lung mets). Joined Club Tripawd April 2014 & Lexie loved life on 3 legs! Advice: Start physical therapy as soon as your vet clears it, especially hydrotherapy if available :-) See Lexie pics here.  

Westminster, MD
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31 August 2013
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29 June 2014 - 3:56 pm
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Everything I was thinking has been covered by everyone here, especially Sally......and a good feeling of positive venting along with Sally's post !! I couldn't have said it better !! Hoping sweet Bailey continues on her road to happier health, and even happier times to be shared together. This is a continuous battle for sure, but one I know can be beat for a long time. Enjoy everyday !!

Love,
Bonnie & Angel Polly

Raleigh, NC
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29 June 2014 - 8:44 pm
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So glad to hear you're all back home again. We've been praying that your next update was going to be good news.

Since I have not been as active here as I should be, some things jumped out at me about Bailey's experiences.  I did not handle IV Chemo well either.  I was supposed to have four rounds of Carboplatin.  The first round I did ok but my blood work came back with too low WBC.  I was sent home and told to eat vitamins.  OK, so I ate vitamins and tried to be a little more active.  I came back one week later, the WBC was better but they reduced my dose 25%.  I would up having my 4 doses turn into 5 but at the reduced amount.  Each time I had chemo, it was harder and harder to make it through it.  Cerenia helped but I was still just not myself for days.   I forgot how many times my chemo had to be pushed out a week because the WBC was too low but it was more than once.  And then there were all the urine accidents.  I don't know why but it made me lose my bladder in my sleep, just like Bailey did.  The first week would wipe me out completely.  The second week I would be on the mend, and then it was time for another round right after I started feeling like a dog again.

Because I did not respond well to IV Chemo, we decided not try to Metronomic protocol for me and just let me live out my remaining few months in peace.  No more invasive procedures.  Well, the 8 months the vet's gave me was wrong.  I'm at 14 months now and my chest xrays are still clear as of 2 weeks ago. 

There are always options.  It can be a bit overwhelming sorting through it all but you know Bailey the best.  You are your pup's advocate and voice.  You know what is going to be best for her and your family, not whatever protocol the oncologist wants to follow.  There are other protocols too.

I have a low carb diet, I get lots of human food in my diet of veggies, berries, chicken breasts, salmon, and sardines.  I take K9 Immunity Plus, extra Omega 3's, and homeopathic treatments from Dr. Charles Loops.  http://www.char.....m.com/   Even if you don't want to try homeopathic treatments, Dr. Loops can also help you with diet and supplement selection.  He's helped people go from giving their dogs 30 supplements a day to something a bit more reasonable.

And finally, just treat Bailey like a dog.  Whatever she loves to do, try to make sure she can do that at least once a week if not daily.  The more normal things are, the better she'll be.  It will be good and healing for both of you.

Virginia







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22 February 2013
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29 June 2014 - 9:23 pm
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Tracy, you just got some great i sight from Nixon!! It seems like Oh My Nixon had asimilar experience!

And I caan tell you this, I had the privilege of meeting Nixon snd Cookie at the VA Trioawds Pawty, and they are BOTH exquisite dogs who look fit, hapoy snd so co te t with tneir lives.

A quick "hijack" of your thread......Ingrid, I hope you've seen all the various threads where pictures and videos have been posted. Elizabeth put together awonderful slide show and then posted another group of,pictures in top lf that.Amazing job!

It was such an honor r to meet you and hear all about the "Greys" a d the plight of the Greys! You are a gifted advocate and really know your r "stuff"! Nixon and Cookie are very, very special souls.....and incredibly patient! Remember when Myrtle tried to sit on hen her? She just handled that beautifully !

Okay, hijack time over!

Hugs!

Salky and Hapoy Hannah and Myrtle too!

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

New Haven, CT
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2 July 2014 - 6:55 am
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I'm so SO glad her chemo is over and that she's well on her way to getting back to normal and all the things she loves!

It sounds like her sensitivities to meds are a good reason to keep her away from metronomic therapy.  You could, however, discuss that with your onco and instead decide to give her 1/2 dose for a month and recheck her blood work, etc.

Or skip it all together and beef up her diet and supplements and quality of life?  Although, is it really possible to improve her life any?  She's pretty happy and perfect!

~ Katy & Jackson

ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12.  Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ!  No side effects.  We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments.  He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors!  Our love. Our funny little guy!

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2 July 2014 - 2:34 pm
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ohmynixon said
So glad to hear you're all back home again. We've been praying that your next update was going to be good news.

Since I have not been as active here as I should be, some things jumped out at me about Bailey's experiences.  I did not handle IV Chemo well either.  I was supposed to have four rounds of Carboplatin.  The first round I did ok but my blood work came back with too low WBC.  I was sent home and told to eat vitamins.  OK, so I ate vitamins and tried to be a little more active.  I came back one week later, the WBC was better but they reduced my dose 25%.  I would up having my 4 doses turn into 5 but at the reduced amount.  Each time I had chemo, it was harder and harder to make it through it.  Cerenia helped but I was still just not myself for days.   I forgot how many times my chemo had to be pushed out a week because the WBC was too low but it was more than once.  And then there were all the urine accidents.  I don't know why but it made me lose my bladder in my sleep, just like Bailey did.  The first week would wipe me out completely.  The second week I would be on the mend, and then it was time for another round right after I started feeling like a dog again.

Because I did not respond well to IV Chemo, we decided not try to Metronomic protocol for me and just let me live out my remaining few months in peace.  No more invasive procedures.  Well, the 8 months the vet's gave me was wrong.  I'm at 14 months now and my chest xrays are still clear as of 2 weeks ago. 

There are always options.  It can be a bit overwhelming sorting through it all but you know Bailey the best.  You are your pup's advocate and voice.  You know what is going to be best for her and your family, not whatever protocol the oncologist wants to follow.  There are other protocols too.

I have a low carb diet, I get lots of human food in my diet of veggies, berries, chicken breasts, salmon, and sardines.  I take K9 Immunity Plus, extra Omega 3's, and homeopathic treatments from Dr. Charles Loops.  http://www.char.....m.com/   Even if you don't want to try homeopathic treatments, Dr. Loops can also help you with diet and supplement selection.  He's helped people go from giving their dogs 30 supplements a day to something a bit more reasonable.

And finally, just treat Bailey like a dog.  Whatever she loves to do, try to make sure she can do that at least once a week if not daily.  The more normal things are, the better she'll be.  It will be good and healing for both of you.

 

THIS IS SO MY BAILEY!  I'M NOT CRAZY AFTER ALL...  (well maybe a little)!

 BUT HER ENERGY LEVEL IS DOWN AGAIN AND SHE DOESN'T WANT TO EAT.  So I'm standing on my head and dirtying every pan and dish in the house!  Jerry, I am reading the NUTRITIONAL BLOG.  It's very helpful. 

We were every 4 weeks with carbo after the very first one because of the blood work so low.  After this last one #5 I'm sure you read my post I was very worried and upset, frustrated and darn right mad.  But I am interested to hear more an see what your protocol is.  Thanks for posting.

 

THANKS AGAIN FOR EVERYTHING.

MUCH LOVE AND HUGS,

Tracy and Bailey

 

THANK YOU TO ALL MY SUPPORTERS OUT THERE! Whhhhhhhhhhh this all helps.

Virginia







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2 July 2014 - 6:07 pm
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Tracy, I have no idea how to "paste, copy", etc. but if you re-read Nixon's post, you'll see her protocal in the next to the last paragraph. It doesn't include the "specifics" from Loops, u less the links shows it...I didn't click on. Anyway, why don't you PM Ingrid in case she doesn't check back in for awhile and she can give you the particulars. You would want to have a consultation with Loops if you go that route as he would adjust the treatment to fit Bailey's profile

And PLEASE P L E A S E....P L E A S E ....keep us posted in how Bailey's doing, okay??

Give her anything she'll eat....drive through burgers....steak...whatver it takes for now to get that appetite back! Let's get you and Bailey back to enjoiying life to the fullest!! NOW WOULD BE A PERFECT TIME TO START:clap way-cool

Look forward to your next update AND....we NEED pictures of that glamorous girl!!

Lots of hugs to all!!

Sally and Happy Hannah

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

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9 July 2014 - 2:05 pm
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Thank you Sally, I was very confused and rattled when I was reading posts.  It seems like that's the way to go or at least try for Bailey. 

Bailey had a little setback again but not alarming her right left leg foot was swelled and it looked like she had licked between her toes and caused irritation and then an infection.  I wipe her feet with baby wipes (not perfume ones) and everything else after her outside business.  So they think she scratched it on a rock on my landscape hoping over it they are like stepping stones.  Anyway vet prescribed cephelixin 2 3x a day and she is tolerating it with food.  Foot looks back to normal today.  Yeah...

She's being her silly self... getting jealous of her big sister and wanting me to hold her bowl when she eats.  2 cups of kibble and a few pieces of chicken with a little of broth to encourage her... she will eat a little bit close to half and the she wants me to hold it on an angle and she finishes!  Sometimes she lays down and will eat the rest but hey we are moving in the right direction.  She is eating the kibble Blue Buffalo Wildnerness/Salmon grain free but man it stinks.  So I'm not sure if I sure switch or just keep masking the smell of the foot with chicken?

So round 6 of carbo would be on the 19th.  WE ARE NOT DOING THAT.  What I don't know is should we do the xrays?  I know that I have probably asked that a thousand times somewhere but just curious to see what everyone does... I know its a preference/decision.

Thanks for all the support and we continue to beat the ask out of that stupid C word and keep praying that all the tri-pawds stay healthy and happy.

LOVE AND HUGS

Tracy and Bailey Girl

On The Road


Member Since:
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9 July 2014 - 6:26 pm
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Things are moving in the right direction indeed! Glad the foot issue wasn't serious.

When it comes to x-rays, you need to ask yourself; will the results change how you are dealing with the cancer? If so, then yes, do them. If not, if you will continue on this path, then maybe skipping them is the best option.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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