Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello Folks,
A question for you seasoned veterans out there...Tahoe is just going through his amputation today and is in recovery and apparently doing well as expected.
Like most people, chemo is the suggested next step for most cancers, Tahoe's being a hystiocytic sarcoma (PAHS). Where we live there is no oncologist, thus we traveled to Vancouver last week to meet with an oncologist and get an initial consult and further imaging to determine if mets in lungs and major organs. As part of the consult, we discussed chemo treatment, alternating lomustine and doxorubicin, but with no real recommended treatment range for treatments (cycles) for each drug. In the onco's report, there was no mention of the recommended minimum and max treatments. Subsequently to the consult visit, I asked for an estimate for the Chemo Treatment Plan, and was provided the estimate for one cycle (1 lomustine and 1 doxyrubicin) but nothing further. I have specifically asked for an estimate for the Chemo Treatment Plan from the oncologist but am being told that I cannot get it, as I suspect their is some reluctance to provide me protocol and dosing numbers for fear that I may provide that to my local vet, which is not the case.
This all seems odd, has anyone had similar experiences? It is rather frustrating that I cannot get all the information to compare whether I try and do all the chemo local (with my vet consulting remotely with another oncologist) or travel 4 hours each way for the doxo treatment with the oncologist. Considerations include stress of Tahoe but also costs.
I cannot believe the costs to date with much more on the way.
Thanks for your thoughts...Tahoe and Stirling
"Tahoe" - Our Amazing Superman and Best Friend.
Dec. 01-03 to Aug. 19-14
Diagnosed with Periarticular Hystiocystic Sarcoma Feb 14-13; Amputation March 18-13, and diagnosed with STS April-14. Tahoe touched so many people while visiting us, leaving a massive void in our lives. Always Missed, Never Forgotten!!
Stirling,
I can only speak about Sassy. We have no oncologist in our town and the closest vet school is about 2 1/2 hours away either direction south or east. My vet consults with the oncologists at Kansas State Vet school. So I am not sure why your oncologist wouldn't give that information. I would call and request it in writing by email. My vet gave me written costs and also told me exactly how many treatments we would be doing up front. So we knew what we were looking at for costs. If you have traveling expenses that also plays apart in all of this plus if Tahoe doesn't travel well etc.
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Hi Michelle and Sassy,
I have been wondering how you are both doing. I hope Sassy is doing well and enjoying life to the fullest!
Thanks for your feedback. I agree, I find it rather odd that I cannot get treatment estimates from the onco and wondered if this was standard procedure. Unfortunately costs and travel time on Tahoe certainly play a consideration. I have no doubt my local vet, in conjunction with their remote onco, will be able to get me some estimated treatment costs.
Take care both of you,
Tahoe and Stirling
"Tahoe" - Our Amazing Superman and Best Friend.
Dec. 01-03 to Aug. 19-14
Diagnosed with Periarticular Hystiocystic Sarcoma Feb 14-13; Amputation March 18-13, and diagnosed with STS April-14. Tahoe touched so many people while visiting us, leaving a massive void in our lives. Always Missed, Never Forgotten!!
Thank you for asking about Sassy. She is doing great on her Metronomics protocol. Its only been a week yesterday but she hasn't had any side affects & has had no coughing since those first few a couple weeks ago. She has plenty of energy & hasn't had any problems breathing.
Michelle & Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Hmmm...I'm not sure if that's why the onco would be holding out on the numbers, but IMHO any medical professional who isn't understanding of your situation and not at least willing to address the idea of working with your primary medical team isn't someone I'd want to work with. Have you made the situation clear to the onco?
Estimates are a must and it is your right as a client. Without estimates, you cannot make an informed decision. If you ask for estimates and they still won't give them to you, go elsewhere.
And of course remember, there are no rules saying you must do chemo. If you opt out at least you know you made an informed decision.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
My local vet is working with oncologists 3 hours away and at WSU and both actually recommended my local vet handle it due to cost eeffectiveness.
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
Thanks Jerry - that is what I thought too but not having gone thru this ordeal before I don't have any reference. I will keep pushing in all directions for some clarity, and if I don't get it, just move on ...
Thanks Fourmini, glad to hear others are doing treatments locally, with remote assistance from the oncos.
"Tahoe" - Our Amazing Superman and Best Friend.
Dec. 01-03 to Aug. 19-14
Diagnosed with Periarticular Hystiocystic Sarcoma Feb 14-13; Amputation March 18-13, and diagnosed with STS April-14. Tahoe touched so many people while visiting us, leaving a massive void in our lives. Always Missed, Never Forgotten!!
Yikes! I agree - push them harder and make it known you're 4 hrs away and it's for the life and health of a patient! Geez! Let us know....I have to imagine they're gonna bend. If not, find another onco practice that will (what's the nearest vet school near you?).
~ Katy
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!
Thanks Katy for the words and support. I too find it hard to believe and don't really understand the reluctance by the onco to supply a range of chemo treatment plans, based on type of cancer, results to-date. I realize that estimate may change due to bloodwork and other factors but at least it provides for a starting point to make some decisions.
The closet onco, by drive time, is still about 4 hrs away. I have replied back to the onco explaining my situation and clarifying what I need, no response yet and we will see if anything comes back. This has really soured my opinion of this person, as it is not about the patient (Tahoe) instead about cya and money. Sorry if that sounds blunt but it sure appears that way and I have no time for drs or others with that belief.
"Tahoe" - Our Amazing Superman and Best Friend.
Dec. 01-03 to Aug. 19-14
Diagnosed with Periarticular Hystiocystic Sarcoma Feb 14-13; Amputation March 18-13, and diagnosed with STS April-14. Tahoe touched so many people while visiting us, leaving a massive void in our lives. Always Missed, Never Forgotten!!
I'll be curious to see how they respond. Unfortunately for most of us here, the world of advanced & specialty veterinary care is something that we got thrown into without any warning. Dr. Nancy Kay is a pawesome vet who writes extensively about how to navigate this world and be a good advocate for our pets. She's helped my folks make sense of vet care options & patient rights, you might want to check out these reviews we've written & on our Tripawd Talk Radio show:
Dr. Kay’s 12 Things to Expect from Your Vet
Stand Up for Your Tripawd with Dr. Nancy Kay, Sunday on Tripawd Talk Radio
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks Jerry. Will have a review
Still no word back from the onco. I am amazed how a so-called professional can handle themselves in this manner. I am beyond trying to badger them, instead re-directing my energies to dealing with another onco and care for Tahoe.
"Tahoe" - Our Amazing Superman and Best Friend.
Dec. 01-03 to Aug. 19-14
Diagnosed with Periarticular Hystiocystic Sarcoma Feb 14-13; Amputation March 18-13, and diagnosed with STS April-14. Tahoe touched so many people while visiting us, leaving a massive void in our lives. Always Missed, Never Forgotten!!
mytahoe said
I am beyond trying to badger them, instead re-directing my energies to dealing with another onco and care for Tahoe.
I think that sounds like a good plan. By any chance are you near a vet school? They are fantastic resources for specialty care. Let us know what you find out and give Tahoe a big hug from us.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I was made aware that Colorado State U has a consult service! Check it out: http://www.csua.....lt-service
This may help A LOT!
~ Katy
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!
fetchon3 said
I was made aware that Colorado State U has a consult service!
Don't miss Jerry's three part series in the Tripawds News blog about Colorado State University.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Great idea Katy. We are now in discussions with an oncologist with a Vet School/Hospital in western Canada. Once we get the biopsy results, hopefully a written Chemo Treatment Plan will be provided. A few days until results come back.
Jerry - thanks for the links provided. Very good, helpful information which certainly parallels my thinking, both with 2-legged drs and 4-legged buddies. We need to be our tri and quad legged advocates . Gone are the 'god-like' attitudes.
"Tahoe" - Our Amazing Superman and Best Friend.
Dec. 01-03 to Aug. 19-14
Diagnosed with Periarticular Hystiocystic Sarcoma Feb 14-13; Amputation March 18-13, and diagnosed with STS April-14. Tahoe touched so many people while visiting us, leaving a massive void in our lives. Always Missed, Never Forgotten!!
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