Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Well we are back after spending some three and a half hours at the vet. The news is not good. First off we did do chest xrays and one of the suckers is HUGE, it looks like chemo for Magic fertilized the lung mets, it certainly didn't affect them.
His white cell count is high, no temp. The doc thinks the appetite problem and vomiting could very well be an effect of the temador that we finished last weekend. Or he could just be feeling bad for a day or two. Or it is the cancer. Magic got a whole boatload of injections and we came home with the carafate that Pam mentioned last night in the chat, Reglan for "gut motility" and we will be giving cerenia once a day. He got calming the stomach shots, and also some appetite stimulant, Mirtazapine, but I'm not going to give those to him at home unless it really becomes an issue.
Because he did pee in the room which he has never done, we are also doing the all out blood pannel and a urinalysis just to be sure kidneys are okay. I am almost sure (how can I be 100% sure) that his stupid skinmom just didn't take him to pee before the doc, but instead woke him up and off we went...but what the heck, wouldn't want to miss a test!!
And my doggie who never ever eats ANY of the vet's treats (none of my dogs have EVER liked them), LIKES THOSE BISCUITS BOB RECOMMENDED....thank you thank you...maybe the appetite shot helped, but he has eaten more than a couple!! The vet actually has them in the jar at the front counter to try and when he actually ate one, I couldn't buy a bag fast enough. Now he is belching. I won't mention the other end, sigh.
He also had a zantac injection.
So. Here it is, decision time. My decision is it is time to stop pumping different things into him because they aren't doing any good for his particular case.
Imput would be appreciated, but I also think I will stop the dasuquin, the K9 immunity , K9 trans. factor and the fish oil unless he just wants to nosh on them..fish oil, not the other!! I don't see any benefit to stuffing more pills down him every day. For the next five days I think it is, he will be taking the carafate and the Reglan and cerenia. And I think that will be all. Other than treats....all he wants.
I feel a little defeatist, but his last xrays were on the 7th, and that one son of a B is huge, just huge. The vet gave me a hug and said that even though he wasn't feeling good today, he gave kisses and still is hopping around so we are definitely at the quality of life stage, more so than yesterday when I was still hoping the temador was the "Magic Bullet". She says he still appears happy so that will have to be my guide.
I want to say to all the new folks coming in (which I was a hundred years ago...what? Just in MARCH???) just because these treatments didn't help Magic, it doesn't mean they wouldn't help another dog. I have seen so many different treatment protocols and of course go why didn't I try that, or that, or that. We are always drawn to the success stories. But in the end, it is cancer. We can't even cure that in people yet for the most part.
And don't count us out yet, we have some good park time left and if he is really lucky, Ruthie just might let him hump her a few times....
I have no words. I so support your decision to enjoy whatever time is left. And by the way, we still don't know how long that is. If he is feeling good, and we can get some calories into him, life could still be good.
My thoughts are with you guys. You know where to find me if you need to chat.
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'm sorry Diane for both you and Magic. Hugs to you...here's to hoping his appetite returns better..
Tracy, Maggie's Mom
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
We're not counting you out yet Magic! Just give us a heads up and we'll be at the park. Mornings are good for us and the only bad time this week is Wed afternoon. Or we can come by and visit you at home. Quality time is the most important thing. God as my witness I hate this disease. I have no imput to give on drugs since Ruthie has only been on a few. Sorry I can't be of any help in that regard. My opinion is to just listen to your gut and trust your instincts with what you think he wants and needs. And try to stay positive...you don't want him to see you sad.
So give us a call and we can meet you. I'm only 15 mins from PetCare so I can't be far from you or another park you might want to go to. I'm pretty much at the intersection of Hwy 116 and Llano Rd.
829-0403. That's home. I never have my cell on unless it's a special ocassion.
Ruthie & Me
First, to anyone who has not been following this exchange, the biscuits mentioned by Diane are Hills Prescription Hypoallergenic Treats. I discovered them because during Cherry's worst regarding her appetite loss, her breeder sent over some biscuits that all of her dogs loved. It was nearly as consistent as the vanilla flavored soy for Cherry as well. They have been a hit whenever I have offered one to our TriPawd friends, but I also like the fact that they are hypoallergenic. When dealing with these compromised immune system, I am paranoid about triggering a reaction. Now, someone out there modified my original reply to Diane to include the link above. Thanks!! This not only provides a place to purchase them besides most vet offices, but it shows exactly what I was talking about.
Diane, it breaks my heart every time I hear that someone who has fought so very hard as decided that it is time to end the fight and let their companion enjoy what ever days are left. We know that this is not a decision that is made easily but one which many of us have made. For us, it was always about the quality of life. We may have had a rough road during Cherry's TriPawd journey, but as long as I could see a return of the quality of life, it was a battle we made together. I so support you decision with the full knowledge and realization that each and every one of your decisions have been made with Magic's best intrests at the center of any decision.
Sending you Pawsitive Thoughts and the Prayer that the two of you will have much time to create more lasting memories.
Spirit Cherry's Dad - Bob
Diane - (((( hugs ))))) Cancer sucks. Of course you have our support for whatever decision you make. I think that our "furkids" tell us - in their eyes - in their desire to do the things they love (that you know better than anyone) when it is time to just enjoy the time that is left. You and Magic, and OJ, have been fighting the good fight - and nobody can say that you didn't do everything possible to give Magic the best quality of life for as long as possible.
As for input - I can only speculate - but I think when the time comes for us - and it will - I would take Sophie off all the stuff, too. As many treats as she wanted, of course.
You are a strong, strong woman. What a wonderful gift it is to share the lives of such special souls like Magic, and OJ. Our lives are so much richer for the bond we share.
I'm so sorry you got this news, Diane, and I hope that Magic keeps enjoying those biscuits.
Sophie would be licking both of you if she could.
Take care,
Tana and Sophie
Sophie (1998 – 2010)
"Going Dog" def: living every day in the moment
"It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are."
–Unknown
Thank you for all your PAWSITIVE thoughts! I did get some food down him...tried a couple of things...probably shouldn't have done it that way, but I did and hopefully won't pay for it!! Mainly some chicken and those BISCUITS!! a little scrambled egg. A little meat with the pills hidden - since he was taking that I thought I would save my fingers!
Pat I will call you...tomorrow is another massage for Magic and she scheduled the whole afternoon because I am getting one TOO. This gal does a great job with Magic and I'll tell you my body could really use something.
And it looks like it is blowing up more rain (it was predicted) and I hate that the weather might keep us in.
I have the tape set up to tape the PBS segment that has Jerry in it and I'm really looking foward to it..now where did I put that case of kleenex.....
Diane,
I am so sorry that the magic bullet we were all hoping for did not work.
I hope you are not spending too much time on the 'what ifs'. I know how hard that is, I am tempted to second guess myself sometimes- but deep down I know that I am doing what is best for Maggie. And the truth is we can never know what would have happened if we chose a different path somewhere on this journey.
I am right there with you on the feeding struggles- and the questions about quality. So stay strong in your decisions because you are making them for all the right reasons.
Karen
I think that you are smart to stop all other meds for now and just focus on the GI drugs. I hope that Magic feels better soon!
Pam
I'm sorry the Magic Bullet didn't work. You continue to be in my prayers. Enjoy your massage tomorrow ... you definitely deserve it!
Amputation on 11/10/09, due to Histiocytic Sarcoma in left elbow. Angel Harley earned his wings on 06/24/10.
Oh crap, this is too sad. So sorry to hear about this news, Diane.
Catie -
Birthday – November 4 2003
Amputation – January 13 2010
Crossed the Bridge – June 2 2011
Big Sigh.......
Oh Boy. I hate days like this.
I'm not counting either one of you out! I don't ever remember you even talking about his breathing being a problem. Is it?
Maybe some one can jump and remind us what happens next with the tumors in the lungs. I think steroids are an option (not now but at a future date). We went through this with Opie but his breathing was bad and he was very lethargic. It sounds like Magic is far from lethargic!
I'm glad Pam said to focus on the tummy and not fill it up with other stuff. I guess now you'll just have to make tri-tip every night!
Well, you know my heart aches and breaks for you. It's been a roller coaster ride for you. It really hurts to know that someone with as big a heart as you didn't catch a break. I know it doesn't work that way in life - but it should. I wonder why sometimes the really good people get the bad end of the stick. Losing your husband and now OJ. I really wanted a miracle for you with Magic.
Well, I'm here, too - if you need to talk. I'll email you phone number so in case you don't have enough people to talk to, you can ring me!
Lots of love to my dear!
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.
Diane, this is so heartbreaking, we are incredibly sorry that the nasty cancer is growing. It pains us to know what you must be feeling right now, how unfair and cruel and AGGGGH! We had so wished the Temador would make a difference. Cancer YOU SUCK!
Whew. Ok, back to a state of Zen . . .
My pawrents remember it clearly when my oncologist said that there was no point in using the metronomics anymore. They too felt so defeated. But at the same time there was a relief in knowing that from now on, it was all about living life day by day, hour by hour. Talk about living in the now! We were going to walk the talk, darnit! I didn't want any more horse pills or slurry meds or even kelp powder on my food and they made sure that everything that touched my lips was good and something I really wanted to eat. There came a time when life was all about treats (ICE CREAM!) and playing and just cuddling with eachother (geez for years I kept trying to tell them that life should always be like that but they never listened before!). It was bittersweet time for our pack, but that memory lives on in my pawrents hearts to this day and always will.
Remember that this does not mean that Magic's fight is over, nobody can say when or how things will progress. All dogs are different. Just remember that no matter what you have a lot of shoulders here to lean on and lots of love coming your way. Anytime you want to chat you know where to reach us.
Comet, yes, the prednisone for me came when the mets got so big it affected my breathing, and the mets made me cough a lot. I didn't do well on it but other dogs do. I wasn't lethargic when I started taking it but it did perk me up somewhat. Diane, did the vet say anything about pred?
xoxoxo
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Geez Dianne that news is another big blow. Sounds like Magic has a great pawrent who has not given up yet. I totally agree with you on giving away with all of the preventative tablets and treatments. GO out there and let Magic run around and stop and pee when he wants to and eat when he wants to and cuddle lots. There comes a time when there is no more prevention and there is only living!!!!
We are thinking of you guys,
Storm and Koda
magic and diane, we too are bummed at the most recent news. living in the 'now' is all any of us really has i guess, but sometimes it seems life gets in the way of love. just keep lovin' on each other and know that love never ends. prayers and blessings coming your way.
gayle & charon
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
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