Thank you very much Jerry, for the encouraging words. Almost everyone else we speak to (who are not involved or invested) seem to think chemo is a bad idea. There are definitely many negative opinions out there about it.

We have decided not to listen. He's so young and full of life, we can afford it (with pet insurance, thank God for that!)--and we think we would regret it if we didn't try.

Plus, his oncologist thinks there's a chance it can prolong his life--and possibly make him more comfortable if we can shrink the tumor in his lymph node. Still, her sense was that we're probably not looking at the full year--which is I guess is the standard prognosis without lymph node involvement.

Viggo is scheduled for his first chemo tomorrow morning. 

PS: Thank you for sharing Sarge and Roxy's stories. Viggo wants to join those superstars 🙂

PPS: And yes! He is doing great on three. Especially seeing that he just had back surgery too. He had his first longish hopping walk today which did wonders for his mood!

Hi All,

Thank you for the encouraging words. Where Viggo's name comes from... I am originally from Denmark and Viggo is a common name. It doesn't hurt that it's also the name of famous Danish actor Viggo Mortensen (see Lord of the Rings, Hidalgo, and many more). Plus, boxers in my family must have a name that ends with an O. It's our thing. My last boy was named Bruno. My sister's pup is named Hugo. 🙂

Update: Viggo had his first chemo treatment on Friday. It went very well. He seems to be tolerating it. Still has a good appetite, no problems in the poop department either (which is a big thing for him), and his energy has continued to increase over the weekend. Spent time in the yard helping us plant. By laying on the new plants. He even got out of his chair yesterday to lay on my feet while I was cooking. A deeply ingrained habit that we haven't seen in a long while. 

We are also working with an alternative vet. This week we are starting slowly with some supplements as well. Slowly so that we can tell which he's not tolerating if he has a reaction. Vitamin A/B is first. Then the plan is to add Hoxsey w/ boneset, and then Artemesia (sweet wormwood). After that we'll probably be close to his second chemo if all goes well.

The oncologist recommended adding Palladia in three weeks also...if the tumor in his lymph node hasn't responded to the first round. That makes me a little scared. Throwing so much at him. But. We have to take it a day at the time.

Right now it's just great to see him take an interest in things again. Yesterday he actually fetched a ball from the other side of the yard! And Friday he is cleared to swim in the pool again (if he wants to). Those are the things to look forward to.

Louise & Viggo

PS: How do you insert pictures? When I click the image icon it asks for a source. Does the image have to already be on the web somewhere?