Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Wendi,
I am so sorry to hear that poor Henri is not feeling well. I understand what you mean about chemo not being like buying a pack of gum. It is a big decision to start and to stop chemo. Does the vet feel that Henri's illness now is related to the chemo itself or from having a compromised immune system? Also, the kind of chemo he had doesn't seem to be one most of our puppies have had. Could he have a different chemo with less side effects?
Remember though that not finishing chemo does not mean that Henri will not have a good quality and quantity of life. Our very own Jerry did not have chemo. Emily did and lasted less than six months. Each dog is different. We all do what we feel is the best thing for the best quality of life. The years, months, or even days that we get are a blessing to us but there are no guaantees no matter what choices we make.
I sure hope that Henri is feeling better. You have made all your decisions on what is best for Henri and I know that no matter what you decide you will continue to do the same. You and Henri are in my prayers.
Debra & Angel Emily
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
Wendy and Henri,
We are so very sorry to hear of Henri's downturn. This wonderful community will support what ever decision you have to make. We know that your decision will be the best for Henri and want to make sure that you realize that we stand behind you completely. Miss Cherry's difficulties with chemotherapy were very mild but even those cause our oncologist to question completing the protocol. Henri's condition would give any of us reason to question the direction of treatment.
We send our best thoughts, and pray that Henri will not only have a better day tomorrow, but that his condition will steadily improve – make that Quickly Improve. We want you to enjoy some excellent quality time just as soon as possible. Both of you could use it.
Spirit Cherry's Dad
Wendy and Henri,
I responded to your email... but I'll post it here as well...
You know your Henri best, if you really think that the chemo treatment is making him miserable, then you don't have to continue. The whole point of doing the amputation, was to get him out of pain, and to give him a happy and good quality of life, for as long as he has left. If the chemo helps to extend his life a few more weeks, or months, but he is sick and miserable the whole time... then what kind of quality of extra life is he having?
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!
I so hope that Henri starts feeling better soon! We were fortunate in the fact that Jack had no side effects with adriamycin, but I can imagine the feeling of wishing you hadn't done it 🙁 If it were my dog, I would stop treatments until he has had a week or two of being "normal", then have another talk with the oncologist about other options (other chemo protocols, herbal/holistic medicine). Dogs don't understand what it wrong with them, they just know what they're feeling NOW. If he is happy NOW for 2 more days, isn't that better than being miserable NOW for another few months? Watch how Henri is feeling, and when he gets less nauseous, maybe you will know what you will do. I stopped Jack's chemo 2 sessions too soon, one reason being finances, but the other was because we had moved and I strongly disliked his new oncologist. I would rather have him on no treatments than receiving treatments that I did not agree with. Any decision you make is one based on love 🙂 Best wishes!!
<3 Laura and Jackaroo
Wendi, I know you are stressed and have your hands full with a puny Henri, but if you have time for a short update I know we are all anxiouly waiting to see if Henri is improving. Still sending good thoughts your way!
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.
I think Laura (ldillon81) made a really good point. You're making the right decision. Stop the treatments for a bit and let poor Henri get back to his old self. Then sit down with your vet and figure out your next move. There's more than one kind of chemo, and also the homeopathic treatments. You have plenty of options. Nothing is worth making your dog that miserable, so don't feel bad about pulling the plug on this particular course of treatment. You're not giving up, you're just changing the way this is going to be fought.
And for the next week or two, don't worry about it at all. Live day to day. Just concentrate on watching Henri recover. You'll probably have a few more bad days while all that nastiness flushes out of his system, but at least you have the comfort of knowing it will pass. And once he's back to his old self, take a day off and take him to his favorite place and do whatever it is that he loves most. Do that before you start any new treatments. It'll do a world of good for both of you. Nothing makes you feel better than watching your dog having the time of his life – that's why we have them in the first place. Their joy is infectious. Sounds to me like you need this just as much as he does.
Good luck, and please keep us posted.
Maxidad said:
I think Laura (ldillon81) made a really good point. You're making the right decision. Stop the treatments for a bit and let poor Henri get back to his old self. Then sit down with your vet and figure out your next move. There's more than one kind of chemo, and also the homeopathic treatments. You have plenty of options. Nothing is worth making your dog that miserable, so don't feel bad about pulling the plug on this particular course of treatment. You're not giving up, you're just changing the way this is going to be fought.
And for the next week or two, don't worry about it at all. Live day to day. Just concentrate on watching Henri recover. You'll probably have a few more bad days while all that nastiness flushes out of his system, but at least you have the comfort of knowing it will pass. And once he's back to his old self, take a day off and take him to his favorite place and do whatever it is that he loves most. Do that before you start any new treatments. It'll do a world of good for both of you. Nothing makes you feel better than watching your dog having the time of his life – that's why we have them in the first place. Their joy is infectious. Sounds to me like you need this just as much as he does.
Good luck, and please keep us posted.
Excellent advise.
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.
Thank you guys for all of the emails! I really appreciate it a ton!!!
Henri had been mostly resting this weekend. Still having trouble going potty. So I will call the Vet tomorrow.
I had to hand feed him and bring him water yesterday,...but today, he did eat on his own. He has been staying in one place mostly...not a lot of moving around. Think he is still recovering. It certainly has been a very tough weekend.
Hope I have better news to report soon!
HUGS!
Wendy and Henri!
Thanks for the email 
updating us! I hope tomorrow will be a better day!
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.
Wendy, resting is good. Henri knows he needs to recuperate. Hang in there, this will surely be a better week. Let us know what the vet says OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Sounds like things are starting to look up. That is wonderful news! The vet visit will hopefully make both of you feel better.
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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