Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi all, As some of you know from other posts/blogging about Abby, she has been on Palladia/Cytoxan for a couple of months now, following finding a lone met in her lungs after her Carboplatin treatments were done. She had a follow up xray a couple of weeks ago that showed the lone met was still a loner, so that was good news... and her oncologist seemed to attribute the 'no new mets' news to her metronomic protocol. He theorized that if we stopped all the meds, she'd have a good, quality 6 mo. left, but w/ continuing the MP she could have a lot longer than that even.
But ... now Abby's starting to have some recurring GI issues and I'm wondering if I'm going to need to pull her completely off the Palladia.
In the meantime, I saw the post about Dr. Eisen's book on "Dog Cancer: The Holistic Answer". I'm planning to download it and read it right away, but also went to his site (Dogcanceradvice.com) just now and saw a post there with some research/info about how chemo might actually make the cancer MORE invasive. (see: http://dogcance.....omment-138)
Ugh. Now I'm wondering if we are doing her more harm than good with the Palladia/Cytoxan! Of course, being a 'cover all the bases' kinda gal, I was thinking, OK, we can mix holistic/conventional approaches - but on his site, Dr. Eisen's seems to say that's pretty much crazy.
It's so hard to know what is the right thing to do. What is hype and what is truly helpful. I guess I will start by reading his book, but the thought of stopping the conventional meds (which seem to be helping) and going "wholly" holistic seems very scary to me. Ideally, I guess I'd love to hear from someone who did the same and thought that it truly gave them a lot of quality time with their dog.
Holy Holistic, Batman, but I'm confused!
Thanks.
Jackie, Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
For what it's worth, Isabelle did not have chemo & has been treated with a holistic approach since her amputation almost 9 months ago. As of today, she has no visible mets we are aware of, but that could change tomorrow.
If you haven't purchased the book yet, you might want to make the trip to a bookstore & look at it before you spend $23, or if you have a Kindle, read it in the 15 minutes it takes, then return it. There's so much more quality information available. (I posted a comment, but I am never allowed to do so on the blogs without moderation.) You might want to consult an actual holistic vet for some recommendations.
Have you considered just eliminating the Palladia?
Oh, thanks for the info on the book. It got some good reviews on Amazon, but you just never know... Guess I'll go see if I can find it at a local bookstore. There's SO much info out there, it's definitely hard to know what is quality info and what is just hype/trying to sell you something! It's so overwhelming.
All I want to do is give Abby as much quality time as possible, so just trying to find the BEST way to do that. As of now we are almost 6 1/2 months post diagnosis and, other than the lone met in her lungs, she is doing well - GREAT energy, good appetite, does not at all seem like a sick doggy.
Yes, I'm definitely considering ending the Palladia and just doing the Cytoxan. Have also just started researching Artemix and considering asking her oncologist about adding it in.
Also started searching for a holistic vet in town (San Diego) but the online reviews can be a blessing and a curse... Some rave about a vet, others rail against them and you just don't know what to do!
Congrats on Isabelle's 9 months w/ no mets! Sure sounds like holistic is working for you!
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Jackie,
Well let's hear it for loner mets! Glad that overall things are going well. Metronomics worked for me in that way too, it gave me much more quality time while keeping the mets at bay.
As for the book, we just approved littlemanjake's comment (nothing pawsonal Cynthia, everyone's comment needs moderation because we have to sift through spammer comments), so you can read it. We're glad you shared your feedback with us. Like we said, we haven't read that book so we couldn't vouch for the content, but just wanted to let people know it's out there.
If stopping the meds is scary to you, then why would you consider doing it? Of course if the Palladia is giving her the problems, then sure, why not stop that and continue with metronomics ?
Remember that the most beneficial thing you can do throughout this journey is to go with your instinct. By overwhelming yourself and becoming stressed out, you're not being in the Now. Go with what feels right for you both, not what the headlines say.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
littlemanjake said:
I posted a comment, but I am never allowed to do so on the blogs without moderation.
FYI: Any readers first comment on a given blog requires moderation. Once approved, future comments will publish immediately. that was your first comment on the Tripawds Amazon blog which we quickly approved. Thanks!
You might want to consult an actual holistic vet for some recommendations.
@jackie A number of members have consulted with Holistic Vet Dr. Charles Loops, whose information can be found in the Tripawds Nutrition blog. You might also consider Dr Demian Dressler's e-book the Dog Cancer Survival Guide.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
If you decide to go with Artemix, please contact me. I have an unopened bottle (30caps) & 20 additional capsules from a partially used one. I never got around to posting it on the Angel Exchange. I'll be happy to send it to you.
Cynthia
Thanks Cynthia. I'll let you know. Need to do some research, get the Dr. Dressler book instead of the Dr. Eisen one, talk to her vet, maybe do a phone consult w/ Dr. Loops, etc. and then we'll decide what we are going to do.
Jerry, I was thinking maybe we should drop the whole metronomic protocol after reading that info on Dr. Eisen's site about chemo possibly making the cancer more invasive. I had a total melt down and temporary freak out! But... I did a little more digging and found an article on WebMD that said, yes, the cancer that survives chemo can be more invasive/worse, but it doesn't mean I screwed up by giving my dog chemo. It says: "Those (cells) not killed are healthier cancer cells. This does not mean radiation and chemotherapy don't work. It does mean that additional new treatments will be needed." So... now I'm thinking we'll probably drop Palladia, stick w/ the Cytoxan, and start looking into some additional hollistic treatments to add in to the mix.
Thank you all for being here while I had my little freak out.
Jackie (still coming down out of freak out mode) and Abby (oblivious and napping happily in the other room)
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Hi Jackie,
I can't comment on chemo at all as I haven't done that with my dog. She gets treated homeopathically by Dr. Charles Loops and has been since Dec 2009. Her cancer is soft tissue cancer however, not bone cancer.
I agree with Jerry - "go with what feels right not with what the headlines say". This is what I did for my girl…in the end, I'm happy I did:-)
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
Jackie said:
doesn't mean I screwed up by giving my dog chemo. It says: "Those (cells) not killed are healthier cancer cells. This does not mean radiation and chemotherapy don't work. It does mean that additional new treatments will be needed."
You certainly did not screw up, all you did was allow yourself to get overwhelmed. There is so much information out there, it's easy to go into freak out mode and not see things clearly.
One of the reasons I always recommend Dr. Dressler's book is because he takes what he calls a "full spectrum" approach, combining proven chemo treatments with well-documented holistic treatments to help ward off cancer. I love his philosophy in which he never says that either method is going to cure the cancer, or that either is bad. He accepts both as valid methods to treat the disease. I fully believe in that approach.
There is no one solution for every dog, it's just a matter of going with what works for your pack.
K, now B R E A T H E and look into Abby's eyes. Follow her lead, I guarantee she's not in freak out mode! 
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks Jerry and Tracy – I'm feeling better today. Started reading Dr. Dressler's book and am VERY happy with his "full spectrum" philosophy. Thinking we are going to go "halflistic" – which is not "wholly" holistic, but we'll go w/ a little East-meets-West approach.
The funny thing is that just last week we were in Dr. Dressler's neck of the woods, but didn't realize it – not only in Maui, but on South Kihei. If I'd known then what I know this week, I'd have stalked him and maybe tried to hug him…
Abby and I just came back from about an hour walk/run/butterfly & bird-shadow chasing session at Fiesta Island, our very favoritest dog beach, and we are both saying "Nertz to Cancer" today. Yes, Cancer, this giant raspberry is for you! 
Jackie & Abby
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
You sound so hoppy, this is great to hear. Halflistic sounds like the way to go. I like that word 🙂
Ooooh, if you ever get to meet Dr. Dressler, tell him we think he's pawesome!
Nertz! Nertz! Take that cancer!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thought I'd give a little update… Abby had a follow-up appointment with her oncologist today at the Vet Cancer Group. I told him I wanted to try more of the "full spectrum approach" as outlined in Dr. Dressler's book. He said he is very open to trying whatever supplements we want to try, so I'm going to add a few things into the mix with Abby. (slowly and one at a time of course…)
Wish us luck and thanks again for the support!
Jackie & Abby
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
I consulted with a holistic vet just as Trouble was fighting the end. He reviewed the drugs and supplements with me and was very happy with everything she was getting except for the Rimadyl. Surprisingly, he was good with Tramadol.
Trouble was on a home cooked diet, fish oil supplements, Missing Link, and Dasuquin.
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.
Wow - 27 1/2 months is really pawsome. Abby is quickly coming up on 7 months post-dx. Would LOVE to see a 1 or a 2 in front of that number some day. Hopefully we'll get there...
Thanks for the input.
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
We, too. are hoping for many, many happy months for Abbie. Just keep living one day at a time.
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.
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