Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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When we began the process of treating Samba's cancer, I got the distinct feeling that four chemo treatments was the standard. Her oncologist is now suggesting six, adding that there is no evidence that six is more effective than four.
Aside from hating trips to the vet, Samba deals with the chemo pretty well. A couple of down days with picky eating and yucky feces follow. Then she comes back pretty quickly. So, that's not a reason to keep it short. There are a bunch of small personal reasons to go with four, most of which don't matter in the big scheme of things. Although, I do have to confess that, like everything in the SF bay area, each treatment is pretty darn pricey and they add up to real numbers quickly (while I'm also paying for a kid in college)
Do any of you have opinions on this? Experience to share?
I should add that around the time of her amputation, she had a chest xray which revealed no problems. And her lymph node biopsy showed it to be clear but, if I recall correctly, inflamed.
Thank you,
Gary
Samba: 10 year old female Australian Shepherd. Smart, loving, loyal, bossy.
Front left leg amp for osteosarcoma: Dec, 2018
Gary, Laurie, Xander, and Julius: owners
San Francisco, CA
Samba said
When we began the process of treating Samba's cancer, I got the distinct feeling that four chemo treatments was the standard. Her oncologist is now suggesting six, adding that there is no evidence that six is more effective than four.
Happy Hannah's Onco also suggested four as "standard". If I recall, she was a graduate of Cornell and said that is what they were taught. She also echoed that there was no evidence that six was anymore effective than four. She also stated "more isn't necessarily better". I also got the impression from a staffer (out of hearing range from the Onco), that if I wanted to spend more money for six, they would be glad to take it!!
Although Happy Hannah never had any side effects, chemo is cumulative and I didn't want to push it. Your Samba does have a couple of yucky days and doesn't like carrides. That needs to weigh in on your decision if you pursue more. And yes, finances DO matter too!
I made my decision on four and was comfortable with that. There was something very therapeutic and freeing about no more Vet visits.
Some here did four, some five, some six, for a variety of reasons. There is no right or wrong.
So glad Samba is doing well. Love that avatar photo...we need more!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
Samba said
...there is no evidence that six is more effective than four.
Correct, at least there are recent studies proving 6 is not any better than 4, yet most oncologists tend to agree that if the additional treatments will not harm the dog, it is up to the pet parent to decide if they wish to proceed.
Check this Tripawds News blog post for more information or search all blogs here .
How Many Chemotherapy Sessions are Best for Osteosarcoma in Dogs?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
FWIW, our oncologist said six was more effective than four, so we planned to do six. Rocky's OSA started growing/spreading after five treatments, so there wasn't any point in giving him a sixth round of Carboplatin. I never pressed her on backing up that claim.
David and Rocky (and Baxter now too!)
Rocky had his right front leg amputated on Valentine's Day 2017 after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma.
He joined the September Saints on September 3, 2017.
He is the toughest, bravest, sweetest and best friend I'll ever know.
Well, my question has become moot. In x-rays prior to chemo 3, they saw nodules in her lungs and believe she has four to six weeks left.
I so appreciate what this community offers in general and, specifically, the advice and support it has given me. If anyone has ideas on how to help her enjoy this last phase, I will happily take it.
Best,
Gary
Samba: 10 year old female Australian Shepherd. Smart, loving, loyal, bossy.
Front left leg amp for osteosarcoma: Dec, 2018
Gary, Laurie, Xander, and Julius: owners
San Francisco, CA
Sorry you didn't get better news. I remember that feeling all too well. This disease is just so dirty.
Have you talked with your oncologist about other options? After the Carboplatin stopped working, we switched to Palladia, which did work for a little while. And then eventually we tried Leukeran. I know others here got months more time after lung mets appeared, so don't give up hope.
Hoping for the best for you and Samba.
David and Rocky (and Baxter now too!)
Rocky had his right front leg amputated on Valentine's Day 2017 after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma.
He joined the September Saints on September 3, 2017.
He is the toughest, bravest, sweetest and best friend I'll ever know.
Samba said
If anyone has ideas on how to help her enjoy this last phase, I will happily take it...
Most importantly, ignore any prognosis. Vets always provide the word case scenario, and Samba does not know she is "sick" - this is why we say Be More Dog . And that is not just some silly saying, listen to the Be More Dog podcast for details.
We documented Jerry's "last phase" in various Tripawds news blog posts, starting with What to expect next …
Please keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
A kick in the gut to hear, that's for sure. Especially after having clear xrays sich a short time ago and such a successful recovery!
HOWEVER, this is NOT the end of Samba's earthly journey........ not by a ,long shot!!
First, some treat,ent options, and other will chime in with specific searches. Research Palladia, research Piroxicam, research Metronomics, research holistic support like mushroom therapy (Yuno Bayio..sp?..Turkey tail, K9 Immunity ).
The fact that Samba is symptom free and feeling great is a HUGE positive! Even AFTER symptoms show up, many here have FAR EXCEEDED the "timeframe" your Vet quoted.
Samba is NOT a statistic! And statistics cannot take in every aspect of the individual dog. She clearly is a tough, high energy breed. And that toughness is another positive.
Xrays mean nothing to Samba. She heard none of this gloom and doom. And she certainly doesn't have a timeframe stamped on her pretty fluffy butt!
Continue to make every day the best day ever, just like you have every moment of every day! Stay in the NOW, just like Sa,ba is doing. She has no worries about a thing, she just flows effortlessly from one moment to rhe next. Be More Dog . Be more Samba. Take her lead.
Of course, part of her "nutrition" should include a cheeseburger, a scoop of ice crea, daily and some Starbucks Puppacino!
And keep those great videos and pictures coming! The one you posted...I think it was at the three week mark....delighted is all to see how well she was doing!
Extra hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
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