Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi Everyone,
This morning, my dog Murphy, had his 3rdround of chemo - Lomustine 90mg. His is scheduled for 6 treatments every three weeks.
The problem is, today his liver values are increased to the point where it's now become a concern. He is scheduled to have his 4th round of chemo on 2/2; however, if the liver values remain high (or increase) they are going to stop the chemo.
I am trying not to panic (where Murphy is concerned I can easily over react) but I am very concerned. He is already taking (prescription) denamarin , which is supposed to protect his liver. The Dr. doesn't want me to give him any other supplements, etc., so there is nothing more I can to help protect him
It seems like we may be between a rock and a hard place: stop the chemo and risk not killing the cancer or continue chemo and cause further liver damage. The thing is - they pushed so hard for Murphy to have chemo (I was a little hesitant) and now - they are talking about stopping it as if it were ‘no big deal.' This is all so frustrating and confusing...
Naturally, I don't know what's going to happen in the next three weeks, but my instinct tells me that his liver values will continue to increase. I guess I'm just trying to sort through this before his next appointment...
I was wondering if anyone else has been through a similar situation?
Debbie & Murphy
Debbie & Murphy,
We are sorry that you're coping with this, it's gotta be hard. There have been many other Tripawds here who've dealt with elevated liver values during chemo, so I'm hoping they can give you some feedback on how they coped.
What I can offer is this: remember that any chemo at all, even one round, gives Murphy a better chance at beating the cancer than not having any chemo, right? And of course, a healthy dog with a healthy liver is far more important when quality of life is really what counts, especially now, dontcha think?
Nobody can predict the future, so try not to worry yourself over what may happen. Remember, one pawstep at a time is all any of us can do. Hang in there OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Tazzie had elevated liver values prior to surgery and chemo, but they went down after I upped her dose of denamarin and gave her Baytril for a concurrent liver infection. She also takes Marin which supplies extra milk thistle as well as vitman E and zinc.
Which type of tumor does Murphy have? Since he is on CCNU (lomustine) I would guess mast cell tumor. There might be other chemo drugs that may help and the Metronomic Therapy would still be an option, although I would give it 3-4 weeks after that last dose of lomustine to see if the values improve. How high are the liver values? I would agree that at a certain point you might have to stop chemo but if the bile acids test is still normal then the liver is still functioning properly.
I'm sure that your oncologist is trying to do what is best for Murphy!
Pam and Tazzie
Hi Debbie,
How is Murphy doing now? Our Marley has Histiocytic Sarcoma and they're talking about giving her CCNU which I've been told 6% of dogs can go into liver failure from it. I'm freaking out on what to do!
What kind of cancer does Murphy have? (Marley is a chocolate as well and we almost named her Murphy!!)
Thanks,
Holly and Marley
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