Oncology update:

We went this morning to meet with the Oncologist and have him examine Bailey. He said everything was healing well and she is a good candidate for treatment. His protocol is 4 rounds of Carbo and then doxorubicin if indicated. He also offered adjuvant therapy of an immunotherapy medication that is administered weekly. So much information that I can't remember the name. I'll post it when I find out. This Oncologist generally does not use Palladia, he doesn't feel like it's as effective as hoped.

So, I went to the appointment with a dollar figure in mind. I told myself if it was $3000 or less, I could make it work. The reality is, these treatments are pretty dang expensive. The estimate, including treatment, bloodwork, at home medications, ect is $1100-$1250 a treatment. My heart sunk at the figures. I discussed everything with my family and we have decided to move forward with treatment. There's a lot of things I can cut back on, frivolous groceries, streaming services, eating out, ect. It's going to be hard, but I know in my heart if I didn't choose treatment, the guilt would eat me alive. I have to try.

So, the good news is, her alkaline phosphatase was still within normal limits, so that gives a tiny edge to the positive for treatment outcomes. I choose not to do an abdominal ultrasound as it wouldn't change treatment plans if they found something somewhere else. 

So, once all discussions were done, they told me they could start treatment right away today if I wanted. So, that's what I did! She's at the clinic until around 4:00 or 5:00 pm. 

This has been such a rollercoaster of emotions, fear, anxiety and grief. But to be honest, today I feel like I'm doing something right. I know there are no guarantees and I still may not get all the outcomes I want, but I can breath a little easier knowing I'm doing my best for her. 

For others reading this post, please note, as Jerry and all our other knowledgeable family members have shared, that there is no right or wrong when it comes to treatment. You make the best decisions you can based on information and resources. No one loves their pet any less if they can't move forward with chemotherapy. We just love them and care for them every day they are with us.

Praying for little to no side effects and hoping she gets her spunk back soon. By the way, today is post-op day 10 and we still have some struggles. She still has some depression, exhaustion, panting episodes, difficulty getting comfy/sleeping. We just take it hour by hour.

Evening update:

Bailey did well at her first session. We are home, she ate dinner, got some pain meds and now she's resting. The immunotherapy therapy drug is Immunocidin. It will be administered every week for 23 weeks. The 1st three doses must be IV and then it will alternate IV with every other week being administered orally at home. I also want to clarify my cost above. I did not initially realize this treatment was weekly for so long. I got so much information today, I didn't hear that part. So, you can now add $85 x 23 weeks to the approximately $4000. OUCH! But, I made my decision and we'll see where it leads us.

So glad to have my sweet girl home ❤

Shannon 

Update:

Today is post-OP day 14 from Bailey's front leg amputation and day 4 from her 1st round of Carboplatin and Immunocidin. Friday and Saturday were still kind of tough. She seemed low energy, a bit depressed and not super excited about much of anything. Appetite still good, going potty normal. She is on Cerenia and anti-diarrheal prophylactically. Pain meds were reduced a bit, so Carprofen 75mg x 2 daily and Gabapentin 200 mg x 2 daily (down from 400 x 3 daily, then 300 x 2 daily). 

Today we woke up to a new Bailey. Bright eyed, tail wagging, begging for people food, following me around the house, giving kisses! She seems to be sleeping more comfortably and her pace when walking is picking up from a slow hop, to sometimes a bit of a hoppy jog. Took a 5 minute walk around the yard. Lots of sniffs. I'm hoping today is the start of her getting back to herself. It feels so good to see her sparkle. Definitely still tires quickly, but I know that's normal. 

This Thursday will be IV Immunocidin #2. 

Hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday weekend!

Shannon

Quick treatment update: 

We went to our Oncology appointment this morning for the immunotherapy Immunocidin medication. Unfortunately, we have decided not to move forward with this treatment. 

I recieved the estimate for today's treatment and it was $300-500. I was shocked and confused as last week the treatment was $85. Well, that's because she was already getting the Carboplatin at the same time. The fees today included exam, medication, administration via IV, ect.

So, I spoke to the Oncologist. This treatment is supposed to be 23 weeks long, IV one week, oral the next, ect. So, I asked how much the at home oral medication would be.....$200 per pill! Try to do all that math! I cannot realistically add many more thousands of dollars onto her treatment costs for a drug that still has unknown efficacy for osteosarcoma. 

I'm so mad that these costs weren't laid out up front. I had finally made peace with our treatment choices and felt like I was giving her the best shot, and now this all comes crumbling down around me. My tears today have been from frustration and anger at cancer.

Bailey is doing really well. She's so much happier, getting around well and generally seems to feel pretty good. So, I'm thankful we have that bit of positive outcomes and also happy that she doesn't know she has cancer.

I just wanted to share this with others who may be following Bailey. Lesson learned, insist on upfront cost estimates before making decisions. I don't believe they were being deceitful, I just don't think the way they provide the estimate right before each appointment is helpful to clients who are trying to plan and make choices.

Hope everyone has a fantastic day!

Shannon