We made the decision to not do chemo with Jewels.  You might be interested in the topic discussion that generated as a result of my making the same kind of inquiry.  You could do a search for "amputation without chemotherapy" to find the discussion thread.  We decided partly because Jewels is already 11 years old.  For a large dog, that is already a little longer than the average lifespan.  Our main goal was to get rid of the extreme pain she was experiencing which we did thankfully with the amputation.  We decided to also do more natural remedies with diet and supplements to stave off the pending lung metastsis.  Her life may not be extended longer because we are not doing chemo, but at least I know that her remaining days will be pain-free and quality of life will be good.  Your daughter might want to make sure she is familiar with all her options and then she will be able to make the right decision for her, and for Hallie. 

Hi Halliesgmom, it is hard to decide what to do. I've heard of dogs who did well w/ just amp (and a good diet/holistic supplements) and others who don't do so well on that route. The same with chemo - some seem to get more time, some don't. It's hard to know what to do, so you sort of have to look at the options (and your finances) and then go with your gut.

We got the Dr. Dressler book and I think he gives a really good overview of both the traditional options (chemo/MP) and the holistic route (supplements, etc.) His approach is a good blend of the two. That is what we are trying to do with Abby. I call it going "half-listic" since we are not wholly holistic. 🙂 You can read about what we've done in my sig, but we are just about at her one year ampuversary (this Sat!). No, we have not beaten the disease completely and we won't - but I really believe the things we've done have bought us more, good quality time.

If you are concerned about chemo mainly because Hallie seems tired, you could try one session and see how she does. Most dogs do well. They don't hit dogs with it as hard as they hit humans. (With dogs they try to extend life, not cure the disease - mainly because of quality of life issues.) So, that is something to realize going in. Anyway, Abby did quite well w/ chemo and didn't start to seem tired from it until the 5th/6th sessions.

Let us know if you have any more specific questions. There's no wrong decision. You guys know Hallie best and know what she can handle.

All the best,

Jackie, Abby's mom

Tell your daughter not to be afraid to tell the onologist if money is an issue!  Sometimes I think they want results, a feather in their cap, i.e., longest possible survival time without as much regard for quality of life or cost.  Our onc was very good about taking our concerns about both into account and gave us the "best bang for the buck" protocol.  And the holistic route isn't exactly cheap either.  Of course, there's always the amp + nothing route, too.  Only Hallie's oncologist can give a prognosis on that.

It might be worth asking if there is a pill form of the chemo drug instead of an IV - much cheaper.  Plus we had our local vet do the blood work and send it to them - also cheaper for us.  But you cannot skimp on the frequency of either one.

Everyone here has struggled with "is this for me or for my dog?"  Don't be afraid about quality of life - many pups have minimal side effects plus, as mentioned before - if the side effects (or expense) get to be too much, just stop.  A friend told me her vet said "Who's to say what's enough chemo?"  They don't really know for sure.  This evil disease does what it wants.

I would also tell your daughter, whatever her decision, never look back.  The decision is, by defnition, right.

It's hard not to feel pressured into something...I almost did chemo with Maggie but SHE decided she would have none of it.  She was so sick after amputation that the Vet suggested, for two reasons, to opt out of chemo.  #1 because we didn't know exactly what type of soft tissue sarcoma Maggie had so the type of chemo would be  a "shot in the dark" and #2 because she was so sick after surgery, the Vet feared she wouldn't do well with chemo.

In my heart, I didn't really want to do chemo anyway as I treat holistically as much as possible.  It just didn't feel right to me but I WAS going to do it...to give Maggie the best shot at a longer life.

But instead, as I stated earlier, I opted for Dr. Charles Loops for cancer treatment homeopathically.  Moneywise it's VERY cost effective.  The initial consult, if I recall, is $150..then the remedies cost me $44(with shipping) every couple of months or so. 

She is also on K9Immunity Plus and eats Honest Kitchen premixes with Primal ground meats added.

I always say, go with what your heart is telling you to do regarding treatments. It's just so hard to sort everything out!!  But be at peace with whatever way you choose.  Good luck to your daughter and to Hallie!

Tracy, Maggie's Mom

Chili Dawg did not have chemo.  One of the reasons was because financially we could not afford it.  We changed Chili Dawg's diet and put him on K9 Immunity and some supplements as well.  We were told by doing the amputation, we would most likely get 4-6 months with Chili without doing chemo.  Unfortunately, the OSA came back in his hip after 3.5 months, and he crossed the bridge at the end of August.  Part of me wonders at times what might have happened if we could have afforded chemo, but we got 3.5 PAIN FREE months with him.  Our 2 little kids got to make memories with our special boy, and that to me is priceless.  Was it enough time?  No, but there would have never been enough time.  That's why cancer sucks, it takes time away from you.  But instead of focusing on how we couldn't afford chemo, we focused on enjoying each and every day with Chili Dawg- taking pictures, playing outside, being together.  Time goes by all too quickly.  You have to enjoy the time you have now.  Whatever decision your daughter makes, will be the right decision.