Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello All!
Well, Buddy and I got the news we did not want to hear. Lung mets. He has two lung nodules.
He completed 2 rounds of carbo.
Options: Palladia or Metronomic Chemo or nothing.
Today is the first day in a week that he has been even close to his usual self. He actually chased a squirrel when I let him off leash. That is his favorite thing to do.
I've read up a bit on Palladia and talked to my Onco who thinks its reasonable but I'm just not sure about the side effects. He is so prone to stomach upset/nausea/diarrhea. If this is going to cause any of that, not sure I want to go there.
Just wanted to gain perspective from those who have been there.
As always, bless each and everyone of of you who reply to help us out. This disease sucks, as you all know very well, but your help has been invaluable
Love
Julie and Buddy
#!&#$&#@ ......Not expecting this at all! Not at all!
Okay, we're all gonna take a few deep breaths right along with you!
I can't offer any first hand insight into Palladia, but others here will definitely chime in with their firsthand experiences. One member here was just on it and had, I believe two treatments with no issues.
Many here have done metronomics , including Jerry and Sassy.
Now, let me address what I DO know about from first hand experience. Yeah, hearing "lung mets" knocks the wind out of you. You are absolutely crushed.
But after your breakdown you remind yiurself of what you KNOW with certainty! You KNOW with certainty that these xrays have changed NOTHING in Buddy's world! You KNOW with certainty that Buddy does not have a timeframe stamped on his butt, and I mean that!! You KNOW with certainty that dogs can still jave great extended quality time, and with quantity too!! Jerry, Sassy, Happy Hannah and many more!! You KNOW with certainty that Buddy STILL has more great days ahead for loving and spoiling! Sure, maybe there may be some less good days mixed in with the majority of good days, but that happens on this journey regardless.
Julie, it goes without saying that Im certainly no vet...duh, right? Eight weeks ago Buddy had clear xrays. I'm just wondering out loud about a couple of things, so stay with me. Buddy is already starting to feel better after javing been on antibiotics. He has been absolutely sympton free and feeling fine until he got the fever and, seemingly, an infection, or possibly a reaction to the chemo. Every dog is different and this stupidnpiece of crap disease shows up in bizarre ways. I just know that, in my completely unprofessional opinion, this is not the typical way they show up.
I guess one point I'm trying to make is that, if this recent health challenge was, indeed, unrelated to the met, Buddy still is totally symptom free. You wouldn't even know he jad them if he hadn't gotten sick. And it's really important to note that he IS feeling better!
Gather information and develop a plan, whatever that may be. Without question, your plan will be in Buddy's best interest...always has been, always will be!! THE MOST IMPORTANT THING...and you know what's coming...STAY IN THE .MOMENT!! TODAY IS ALL THAT MATTERS!! TOMORROW WILL TAKE CARE OF ITSELF!! BE MORE BUDDY!! Let NOTHING rob you of your time together! Follow Buddy's lead! He jas a lot more squirrelly chasing to do, more rummy rubs ro get and rons more loving and spoiling
We are right here with you! You are not alone!! And you know what some great therapy for you is? No, not the chocolate, although that's great......take some pictures and share with us! We love Buddy pictures!!
Sending ((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
and some squirrels for Buddy! Run squirrels, run!!!!!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
You will find lots of info and feedback from others about metronomics here in the forums, or you can search all blogs here . For starters, click any of the highlighted "metronomics " a list of helpful links.
You can use the Advanced Search above to refine results for palladia or any other specific term.
We believe Jerry's longevity was a result of his metronomics (cytoxan) and K9 Immunity treatments.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Julie,
I am so sorry to hear about Buddy and the mets. This doesn't mean he won't live awhile with the mets. Sassy had them she survived 7 3/4 months with the mets. We did cytoxan and a NSAID rimadyl. We did that for 5 months until she got cystis then we did Leukran with the Rimadyl.
If I had to do it over Leukran would be the way I would go with the Metronomics.
xoxoxo
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
So sorry to hear this news, Julie....one of the reasons I've never had Nitro checked for mets after he finished his 6 doses of Carbo - I am just too chicken to hear the results. Nitro did metronomic therapy from January 2015 - October 2015. That's when he developed cystitis; we then switched to Leukeran like Michelle did with Sassy. Unfortunately, with the cystitis came incontinence for Nitro, that we're still dealing with today. It's starting to subside, but its up and down. I agree with Michelle, I would do the Leukeran (his NSAID was/is Piroxicam) instead of the Cytoxan....it doesn't appear to have the cystitis side-effect. Don't give up, or focus too much on the knowledge of mets. Like Sally said, he doesn't know (or prob care) they're there. Take it one day at time, being "more dog". I know, it's much easier to give this advice than to follow it! Good luck, and let us know what you decide.
Paula and Nitro
Nitro 11 1/2 yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms. Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"
"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior
I am so sorry about the mets. We had mets too but we didn't use Palladia ... we did a new and different chemo treatment. And while Shelby ultimately lost her battle to cancer ... it actually wasn't the mets. No one wants to hear "mets" but like the others have said, many have lived long and happy months with mets.
HUGS!
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Hi Julie
I'm sorry to hear that Buddy has lung mets but I want to tell you about my experience with Palladia and see if it's helpful. My girl Patches had left front foreleg amputated on August 27th and we were told at that time that she had two small (.5cm) lung nodules that were "suspicious" for being mets. I treated them as mets and we put her on carboplatin. Which I hated. She had three rounds and upon evaluation it was seen that the nodules grew a small bit, 0.8 cm. The vet suggested Palladia. Now, Patches has a finicky tummy too and I was worried but honestly, I was happy for the oral treatment and not an IV. We give Patches the Palladia with a pepcid three times per week and we give her a pepcid AC everyday. She hasn't had one issue with it. It's been fine. She's been on it for five weeks and we are going to re-evaulate on February first and make a decision from there. All I can say is that it's worth a try if metronomics isn't for you and you want to try something else. I've blogged my experiences at sweetpatches.tripawds.com and also I talk about how I'm using CBD oil experimentally (and with the blessing of my vet) because of a show I saw on TV. I think it helps her stomach to be honest. It's alllllllll in there. I hope this helps and I hope you know that everyone here feels your moments of pain, feels your moments of joy and has your back.
I wish you the best of luck!
xoxo
Debbie and Patches
You all are the BEST!
Knowing Buddy and his tummy - I have elected not to do Palladia or Metronomics. Yesterday Buddy was finally Buddy for the first time in a long time. I decided to let him be Buddy. Even if that means I have him for a shorter period of time, it will be quality. I'm glad we tried Carbo because if we had not then I would have blamed myself for the mets.
As you all know it's such a tough decision. On one hand - I try meds and get more time with Buddy. On the other hand - is that time quality time if he has side effects. And this dog won't eat if you look at him funny. Today he was begging for bkfst. That is the first time he has done that in MONTHS. That's my dog. The one I want him to be -even if only for a short time - I'll take it. Such a ridiculously had decision that is fraught with guilt on either decision but I think this is what Buddy would want if he was given a choice. OSA sucks. Who knows, maybe we'll get more time than I think.
I'll stay in touch. Love you guys!
Buddy and Julie
Your attitude and outlook is amazing~!!!! you said it perfectly ... "let Buddy be Buddy".... that is an incredible way to be! It is really hard when you want to jump in and do all that you can to "save them" but if they aren't them ... then how is that a good life. You are a great dog mom~~~
And Buddy is being Buddy... he's living his life with no knowledge of those silly mets. Begging, playing, sparkles back. That is all that we can all hope for. To "Be More Dog " and live in the moment is the greatest gift possible.
So you are doing everything perfect!!! Lots of love!
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Honest to goodness, I can almost hear that sigh of relief coming from Buddy because you made the decision Buddy wanted!! I think he was "telling" you everyway he knew how that he just wants ro get on with life and wants to feel good doing it!!
This is such a great gift we can give our dogs, just let them be who they are! Buddy is, after al....shhh....a "senior" dog, don't tell him though, with a sensitive tummy, and who knows what kind of havoc more meds could cause.
You will never, ever have any regrets about making a decision in Buddy's best interest. You nave shown courage and love for Buddy with no limits and that is so inspiring. You and Buddy are perfect role models for showing us all to Be More Dog and to remember this whole journey is about QUALITY!
Here's to years and years of more great breakfasts!!
Love and hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Hi Julie,
I can tell from what you wrote that you are at peace w/ the decision and that is so important! Second-guessing ourselves is natural but it doesn't do any good and it saps the mental energy. I hop you and Buddy (the real Buddy) will still have lots and lots of time together!
Denise, Bill and Angel Ellie
Active 10+ Pyr mix suddenly came up lame with ACL tear in left rear leg. Scheduled for a TPLO but final pre-op x-rays indicated a small suspicious area, possibly OSA, which could have caused the ACL tear. Surgeon opened the knee for TPLO but found soft bone. Biopsy came back positive for OSA. Became a Tripawd 9/18/14. Carbo6 with Cerenia and Fluids. Pain free and living in the moment. Crossed the Bridge on 7/12/15 after probable spread of cancer to her cervical spine. A whole lifetime of memories squeezed into 10 months. Here's her story: Eloise
Julie I've been following the news and first wanted to say how sorry I am that you're at this point. I remember it well. But I really, really admire your ability to quickly take Buddy's quality of life into consideration as the #1 priority and make the best decision for your sweet guy. It is absolutely what he would want, you know him better than anyone else and it's the right choice for him, that is so clear.
When we stopped Jerry's oncology treatment after metronomics stopped working, some wondered why we weren't going all out to fight the mets with the surgery and drugs that were available. We didn't because it's not what he wanted, and we knew that with all our hearts. To this day we have no regrets (although I'll admit that in the early days we did have waves where we questioned it. But then all we had to do was look at Jerry's photos and we knew it was the right choice for him).
{{{{hugs}}} to you and the pack.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Julie first up I'm so sorry about the mets. That being said they're small and with Buddy being a little more mature maybe his metabolism willl hold them in check for a long time. But you my girl have to be given congratulations on living like dog! The life lessons Buddy has taught you throuout this journey will help you the rest of your life. You have truly learned to live each day fully and with joy. I'm so proud of both you and Buddy. He spoke and you listened with all the love you carry for him. You are a remarkable young lady and the best pawrent Buddy could've ever gotten. Now you can go live life everyday with Buddy and make them all special and memorable because you truly are focused on quality of life. Hugs to you and the beautiful Buddy!
Linda & Max
Tripawds Family,
I have read all of your thoughtful comments. My heart is full!
I know I've made the right decision for Buddy. He is happier and more himself each and every day. He looks at me with THOSE eyes of his and I just know.
I cannot put into words how much the support, encouragement and validation has helped us on this journey.
I will keep you updated but please know how much each and every one of you have meant in our lives. You will never realize the positive (pawistive) impact you have made.
God Bless Each And Everyone Of You!!!!!!
Buddy and Julie
And we love you back! Make no mistw about it, you and Buddy inspire us!!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
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