Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I also wanted to give an update on her progress. Etta had her first appointment with her new oncologist at VCG. She confirmed that Etta has Histiocytic Sarcoma which is very difficult to treat. She said that we have an uphill battle ahead of us.
She gave the same chemo protocol and prognosis as the other onclogist but she didn't give up on Etta. She didn't look down and shake her head at her like she was a lost cause.
Instead she got down on the floor with Etta and looked in her eyes and Etta melted! She mapped out a 4 month course of chemo that included bi-monthly treatments of Adriamycin (doxorubicin) and Lomustine. She said that if Etta does well at the end of this course she can start on Metronomics. If Etta doesn't tolerate the chemo well we will switch sooner to the Metronomics and we will just love her and let her be happy as long as she is willing.
In addition, Etta got a 3-month recheck ultrasound of her adrenal gland. We have been following a tumor on it for the past 6 months that has seemed benign. The results were GREAT! Her adrenal remains unchanged (huge victory!). The next big marker will be repeated chest x-rays next month….
Also, Etta is also doing really well at C.A.R.E. with her rehab and she is getting stronger every day. She laid on her scar side for the first time on Saturday and yesterday she shook her head while standing (small victories!). I feel at this point we are giving her every possible opportunity and now it's up to her…. I believe she will let us know the course she needs to follow and we are just enjoying each day with her…. julie
Our angel "Etta" amputation on 4-15-10 lost her front limb. initially dx'd with neurofibrosarcoma. However, after surgery they discovered histiocytic sarcoma a very aggressive cancer. After two full rounds of chemo our special angel lost her battle on 6-21-10. the sweetest and most gentle soul. Our lives are forever blessed for having known her...
Jessica,
The photo is adorable! And although the diagnosis wasn't what we had hoped for, you sound good and in the moment. What a mix of news, but it's great to hear about the progress she's made. I'm glad to hear that VCG and CARE is working well for you and Etta. If you have time, feel free to post a recommendation for them in our Veterinary Specialist Referrals Forum.
Always remember, Etta doesn't know what she's been diagnosed with. She's feeling good and living life as only she knows how. What a lesson for humans, eh?
Many, many hugs to you both.
By the way, does she eat the entire apple? I thought the seeds were poisonous? Just curious.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Julie,
While the diagnosis isn't any better it sounds like you and Etta are in a much better place, and much better hands with the new onconogist. It does relive some stress to have a plan and move forward.
I love that the oncologist got down to Etta's level. Maggie's oncologist does that too- at our last visit I was sitting on the bench and the oncologist and her intern were both sitting on the floor with Mag.
And it sounds like Etta is continuing to heal and feel good- its so rewarding to see our pups become themselves again.
I hope Etta does well with her chemo treatments.
Karen and the pug girls
jerry said:
By the way, does she eat the entire apple? I thought the seeds were poisonous? Just curious.
The seeds are posionous --in fact i believe they have arsenic in them... we always core the apple first.... julie
Our angel "Etta" amputation on 4-15-10 lost her front limb. initially dx'd with neurofibrosarcoma. However, after surgery they discovered histiocytic sarcoma a very aggressive cancer. After two full rounds of chemo our special angel lost her battle on 6-21-10. the sweetest and most gentle soul. Our lives are forever blessed for having known her...
Wow Etta - you've got a talented mom! Not to mention, you are a supermodel!
Mmmmmm - apples! We like them over here, too! They are so fun to crunch! But carrots are the favorite!
We all have uphill battles in life - so let's celebrate the good stuff!
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Etta and Julie
Happy to hear that Etta has a vet she likes and that will do the very best by her. Your plan of action sounds like a good one
What a great photo! Yumm, apples. Tazzie also loved apples but mostly he only got the cores from selfish humans that only gave him that part. I think you would have to eat a lot of seeds to cause a problem - at least I don't think the apple seeds he ate caused his OSA, hmmm.
We're so glad you found an oncologist who gets down on the floor with Etta! The oncologist we met with did the same - and it made such a difference to both of us. She was all about Holly - and that's how it should be. We'll keep fingers and paws crossed that all goes well with Etta's chemo. We regretted not asking for anit-nausea meds to take home - Holly experienced loss of appetite and nausea and once we got the meds to give her at home things went much better for her. If Etta's oncologist didn't mention those, you might want to ask about anti-nausea meds for her.
Sending hugs,
Holly and Holly's mom
Holly joined the world of tripawds on 12/29/2009. She has a big little sister, Zuzu, who idolizes Holly and tries to make all of her toys into tripawds in Holly's honor. And she's enjoying life one hop at a time!
http://anyemery.....ipawds.com
cometdog said:
Wow Etta - you've got a talented mom! Not to mention, you are a supermodel!
I'm not talented.... I just know where to find talent! The photographer is Grace Chon her website ishttp://www.shinepetphotos.com. If any of you are in the Los Angeles area I highly recommend her.
Hollys Mom: The doc gave us anti-nausea meds to give for the next 4 days.... she started on them this morn! I heard the symptoms won't show up for 48 hours if there are any... that puts us thursday afternoon.... (paws crossed)... julie
Our angel "Etta" amputation on 4-15-10 lost her front limb. initially dx'd with neurofibrosarcoma. However, after surgery they discovered histiocytic sarcoma a very aggressive cancer. After two full rounds of chemo our special angel lost her battle on 6-21-10. the sweetest and most gentle soul. Our lives are forever blessed for having known her...
HI Julie!
Love the picture of Etta with her apple! Should be in a magazine!
I'm sorry that the path results suck... but I'm so happy that Etta's new vet is acually a compassionate one (unlike the other onc!). It's good that you guys have a plan of attack... I hope Etta does well after her first chemo... some dogs do really well, and a few do so poorly that they have to stop. But at least your vet gave you some options in case that does happen... that Etta can just start on the metronomic therapy earlier. It's a good plan!
Just enjoy every minute you have with Etta... and keep us posted on her progress!!
Angel Jake's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
Hi Julie,
What a great picture of Etta and the apple! I agree with Angel jake's Mom, should be in a magazine! It sounds like you're on the right path and so glad to hear that your appointment went well. Congratulations on the adrenal gland results - pawesome! You're in great hands at the VCG and I hope Etta gets through this chemo with flying colors. The metronomic sounds like a great back up plan too - I know our oncologist is starting to do more and more with the metronomic as she's had some great results with it. We'll be keeping our paws crossed....
Kami (Mackenzie's Mom)
My sweet golden Mackenzie. She became my angel on Dec 29, 2010 at the age of 8 1/2 although she was always my angel from the time we brought her home. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in Sept 2009 and officially became a tripawd (front leg) on Nov 5, 2009. She will be forever in my heart and now she's running free with all of our other tripawd heroes. I love you Mackenzie!
Julie & Etta, I am really encouraged by your update. As one who has been there, I know that finding that vet that makes a connection with you is a major spirit booster. That is why I encourage folks to do second opinions or even thirds. Find the vet that makes that difference for YOU.
As most of you know, Trouble is in the loving hands of her second opinion vet. We owe her life to him, he is the one who walked us through all the options and made us understand the only way to stop the pain was to amputate. As it turns out, he is the reason we've been blessed with almost 18 months with her. Without him I would have taken her home to live out her live treating the pain - what a waste that would have been.
I hope Etta has bushells of apples to eat during her remaining lifetime - an apple a day keeps the doctor away!
Sending you and Etta lots of good thoughts on your journey.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
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