Just got back from the vet, and here is what 'went down'.  By the way, if any of you are in the Memphis area, you might want to see Dr. Kathy Mitchener at Angel Care Animal Clinic.  She specializes in canine oncology and she helped give our other dane, Daisy, two additional years after she was diagnosed with lymphoma.

1)  We started Sophie on Aredia today.  Dr. Mitchener has had great success with Aredia as a weapon to help ease the pain of the osteosarcoma.  She definitely agreed that Sophie is not a candidate for amputation as she is too big at 180 and getting up in years for a dane.  I'm going to get Sophie to drop about 10 pounds, which she can definitely afford to lose, and this should help somewhat. I will go back on the 23rd for a second round and then as needed. 

2) We are also going to use acupuncture as a way of helping Sophie deal with the pain and inflammation.  

3) As far as prescription meds go, the good doctor prescribed Sophie meloxicam (7.5mg/once a day) to help with the pain and infllammation.  Once it's determined that Sophie is responding to this therapy, low doses of cytoxan or 'other disease stabilizing' therapy will be added.

4) On the homeopathetic end, the following has been added to Sophie's daily diet:  curcumin (can relieve joint pain and act as an anti-oxidant); fish oil with high levels of omega-3s (she said the Budwig diet will not help since dogs cannot process the high levels of omega-6s found in flax seed oil), one daily multi-vitamin.  I've added shark cartilage and beta-glucan on my own and she said there is anecdotal evidence that these can be beneficial.

5) At home physical therapy:  ice pack on tumor 2x day and massage feet and muscles daily to help with circulation.

6) Diet:  small scoop of grain-free Innova (dry), 1/2 boiled chicken breast, 1/4 cup cottage cheese, 1/4 cup brown rice with brocolli, peas, shittaki mushrooms or other green veggies thrown in.

7) Everything today came to about $600.  That included the consultation, Aredia, accupuncture, etc.  

8) Finally, I measured the circumference of Sophie's leg where the tumor was located last Saturday and it was 7" and was down to 6 3/4" today.  I started Sophie on the diet last Sunday, and very interestingly, Sophie has had a large cyst on her left side for the past 2 years and today, it is almost gone.  Just wondering if pulling away from commercial dog food has anything to do with it. 

My wife and I know that this is not a cure and Dr. Mitchener gave us a low end survival of an additonal 6 months for Sophie, but also has some patients who have survived for 18-24 months.  We are going back in about a month to check the progress and see how Sophie is dealing with the pain.  I'll blog once or twice a week to let everyone know the progress of Sophie's treatment.  Please feel free to add your thoughts, ideas, etc. and thank you ahead of time for you thoughts and prayers for Sophie's battle with this dreaded disease.

Brown rice is out....shortly after I posted last night, I watched a video by Dr. Steven Eisen on how to make home cooked dog food and he said brown rice is too high in carbs.  He had a recipe that included a 4 pound chuck roast, organic apples, carrots, green peppers and various herbs (http://dogcance.....tuser=1198).  It's very easy to make and it not only is much healthier, but cheaper too.  As far as the curcumin goes, I am giving Sophie one 400mg tab twice a day with meals (qid=1333710356&sr=8-2).  This brand of curcumin has an additive (can't remember the name) that allows for greater absorbtion in the blood.  I've heard various dosages of 1000-2000 mg day, but to start out on the lower end to avoid stomach upset.

Here's the conflicting info I have found:

Brown rice and oats bad:  http://dogcance.....ad-advice/

But, in the Dog Cancer Survival Guide , brown rice is thought to help fight cancer.

Go figure...........

Update on Sophie...she is doing great.  The tumor on her right front wrist has not grown or shrunk and she has lost three pounds.  She was 180, and though the vet said she wasn't overweight, she could afford to lose between 10 and 15 pounds which go a long way in helping her deal with the limping and pain.  She is still very active, her appetitie is great and the only change in her activity level is that she won't run for long distances.  A friends of ours, who is certified in Reiki, came over Monday night and did a Reiki treatment and sound accupuncture (can't remember what she called it).  It was amazing at how Sopie immediately sensed Betsy's great energy and immediately relaxed and allowed Betsy to work on her for an hour.  I go back on the 23rd for another Aredia treatment and will continue using Betsy.  In fact, I'm going to get a couple of Reiki treatments myself--including an attunement--so I can save some money and give Sophie the Reiki treatments myself.  Though Reiki will not cure the cancer, I am sure that it is helping Sophie deal with the pain and probably going to help me stay relaxed so I don't stress Sophie out with my worry and concern.