Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Yoda's chemo didn't work. It was a pretty big shock. An occasional cough started on Monday. I assumed it was a cold or allergies, which in retrospect surprises me that I didn't immediately worry about lung mets, even though Yoda's oncologist said lethargy or lack of appetite would probably be the first signs of lung mets rather than any kind of breathing trouble. I was more worried that his immune system wouldn't be in good enough shape to get his last chemo on time, which was supposed to be yesterday. Because of the cough they did an x-ray to check and 5 lung mets had popped up since his last x-ray just 3 weeks ago which was totally clear. The oncologist was very surprised at how many there were. Apparently the mets coming so quickly explains why he has a cough without feeling poorly otherwise first.
Yoda is in good spirits and normal energy level and appetite and everything. There's just that slight annoyance of a little cough maybe 4 or 5 times a day. Since the shock wore off, I've been doing pretty well at keeping my spirits up, staying focused on having fun with him while he's feeling well. There will be plenty of time for feeling miserable and cheated later, right?
The oncologist predicted about 2 more weeks of feeling normal and then he'll probably start to slow down and may loose his appetite, etc. The median survival time after lung mets, she said, was 60 days. Given how fast they sprang up, I'm prepared that Yoda may have much less, but she didn't say that would necessarily be the case. I'm prepared for longer too 
And that's without further treatment to slow their development. I'm mulling over the affordable treatment options through the weekend. The ones the oncologist offered were not very promising, she gave both about a 15% chance of either having an effect. One would be to try a different chemo drug, but that's out anyway because I don't have the money. The other would be to try Palladia, which I might be able to swing, but I'm waiting on a few more details from the vet via email. Couldn't quite take in all the information yesterday. And even if I can afford it, I do have to consider that the odds of side effects are supposed to be high and effectiveness low.
In my spare time I'm also digging through the forum posts for other possible treatments to ask her about on Monday. I haven't read posts on other treatments that closely up til now, since things were going so well with Yoda. So I have catching up to do! Please feel free to draw my attention to any you think might help. By the way, thanks Susan & Tazzie 2 for the thread you began on treatment options post-mets, that was very helpful in getting me started!
Thanks.
Yoda&Mom united: 9/5/06 …….… Yoda&Leg separated: 6/5/09……… Yoda&Leg reunited: 10/14/09 ……… ……………….………….………….……. Yoda&Mom NEVER separated! …………………….….……....….…… Though Spirit Yoda currently free-lances as a rabbit hunting instructor for tripawds nationwide
Hey guys, I just posted a response under the Palladia thread, but I'll post more here. We know that lung mets are likely to develop, so it's not such a sad thing as it is a new path to take on your cancer journey (it still sucks though)...it's good that we are prepared for this to happen. A while back, a post was started about a possible cancer treatment. I e-mailed the researcher of the project, and received a response back. Although he had to delay his testing of the treatment due to the fact that more research was required, he did send a couple PDFs regarding other treatments. He also sent me a study on IP6 and Inositol.
Here is the IP6 and Inositol study:
http://captainj.....08/IP6.pdf
Here is a link to the original thread with 2 possible treatments:
http://tripawds.....38;ret=all
And here is the web address for the cancer research center I contacted (he wrote me back the same day I sent the e-mail):
Good luck little Yoda!! We're rottin' for you!
<3 Laura and Jackers
Yoda's Mom,
I am so shocked and sorry. Yoda and Emily started their treatments pretty close to each other, I believe. Everyday I come home from work and check on what I call my other puppies. That is all of you. I have been following Yoda's story. I don't know much about lung mets and have just started to follow some of those threads so advice or education I can't offer. Prayers I can.
Debra, Emily's Mom
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
Dear Yoda's mom,
I am so sorry to hear about Yoda's lung mets. Yes, this will be a new road for you to take. Love every minute with your beloved Yoda. Every time Brody sneezes, coughs, etc. I think the worst. I wish that I had more denial in me. I will be sending all my love and support to you two.
Brody's mom, Pat
I'm so sorry to hear about the lung mets. But don't lose heart just yet.
Tika went through chemo, was done by March this year, started on Metronomics by April and was confirmed with mets by the end of June.
Our oncologist things that the metronomic protocol is slowing down those little buggers in her lungs, which is good, it's certainly not slowing down Tika.
We started IL-2 inhalation therapy earlier this month. However, it is NOT a cheap option. We've had to do some creative finangling with our finances to afford it. There may be some studies on inhalation therapies (either IL-2 or chemo) out there that could make it more affordable.
Most of all, let Yoda tell you how he's feeling, live in the moment every chance you get. (Because if you think too much, you'll drive yourself batty. TRUST ME! 
)
Good luck, Tika and I send happy thoughts and positive energy your way!
--Kim and Tika
Kim and Spirit Tika http://www.tika.....ogspot.com
Hang in there Yoda's Mom......like everyone else has said, live in the moment and make the very best of the time you have. Sending positive thoughts to you!!
Paula and Spirit Max
I'm so sorry to hear Yodo's news. Please don't let this affect you too badly. There is no guaranty when we start this journey which direction it will take, or how many challenges we will have along the way. The one certainty is that this group will be here for you, laugh when you laugh, cry when you cry, and celebrate each accomplishment with you.
You do not know, nor does anyone else, how much time Yoda will have or at what rate the mets will affect him. Live each day to it's fullest and be thankful for the blessing of having that day to share. Do not give up, we are here for the next part of your journey.
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.
I am so sorry you got such horrible news. It's like that punch to the stomach all over again when they tell you they lungs have mets.
When we found out Wrigley had mets it was only after 2 rounds of chemo. We too were presented other options that were very expensive and had side effects that were such I didn't want to put Wrigley through that.
I did seek out a holistic vet and tried chinese herbs. They were fairly inexpensive and it was my one last hope at something. They did not work for her, but that is not to say they don't work at all. The holistic vet was optomistic they had a chance. Unfortunately her cancer was too far along in other areas of her body that we had no idea about. ( it had spread to her brain/spine)
It was my one last shot at something, I had to give it a try.
The most important thing for you right now is to enjoy each and every moment you have with Yoda. She has no idea life could mean 60 days... or ? She just knows right now she loves you and you love her and that's all that matters. Don't let the cancer cheat you out of some wonderful memories you still have to make.
Yes... you will have plenty of time to be mad, sad and miserable later...
for now just enjoy Yoda and all she has to teach you right now.
We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers .
Hang in there.
Seanne and Angel Wrigley
So sorry to read about Yoda. My bullmastiff Titan had 5 rounds of chemo and we found out it didn't work. We found out about mid November and laid him to rest beginning of January. He never got the cough. Just one night he was up panting and I noticed his gums were really pale so we laid him to rest the next day. The only comfort I clung to was without the chemo he probably would have not lasted the 5 months after surgery with the quality of life that he did. I am so sorry and know what a punch in the face this feels like. We fight so hard for them. So sorry!!! Hang in there
Heidi and Titan
Yoda,
We are so sorry to hear this, it makes us so sad. When you find out you have lung mets, it's like getting pulled back to the first day you heard the diagnosis. All those memories come floating back, all that indecisiveness. But please try not to think of it as that the chemo didn't work; those darn cancer cells just got a little smarter, that's all.
And yes, there are statistics that say that a dog with lung mets will only live so long, but those statistics are just numbers. The important thing is to make a move that feels right to you. Whether that means battling the mets with some new drug, or else just living in the moment without the additional treatments, all that matters is that you do what's in your heart, and enjoy every moment on this earth.
As awful as cancer is, it really teaches us that we are not guaranteed a tomorrow, with or without lung mets. Somehow we have to hold onto this lesson, and run with it, live it, and never ever forget it.
Remember, we are all here for you every hop of the way. Much love to you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm really sorry to hear that 
. I'm really glad though that Yoda is in good spirits and acting pretty normal aside from the cough. I don't know if I can add anything the others haven't. It sounds like you've been doing everything you can for him. Stay strong....I don't have to say to spoil him cause I'm certain we all are spoiling our little guys/girls. Keep us posted. *hugs*
Terrible news Yoda... hope you enjoy as much as possible the time you have left with your family!
A herbal infusion that is said to slow down cancer growth (I know it is a last ressource but believing often helps!) is Uncaria Tomentosa. It grows in south america and shoud not be expensive even over in the US of A.
Fight as much as possible... we all will!
Cecilia & Horacia
Spirit Horacia, Castaño, Olympia + human family Cecilia, Georg and Julia - - - Hori first diagnosed 8/6/09, ampu 8/12/09, run over the bridge 9/10/09 – We miss you every day dear girl!
horacia said:
A herbal infusion that is said to slow down cancer growth (I know it is a last ressource but believing often helps!) is Uncaria Tomentosa.
It's also known as “Cat's Claw” in English. Wickipedia says it gets that name from it's “claw shaped thorns.” Our friends at Aloha Medicinals says “Studies have confirmed that it has antioxidants and immune-enhancing properties. For small dogs, use ¼ the adult dosage and for medium dogs use ½.”
Cat's Claw liquid extract isn't as inexpensive as the powdered form, but liquid is supposed to be of a higher quality.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I can't add anything but prayers and hugs. I'm so sad for you. I bet the good part (trying to implement the lesson here) is that you'll really appreciate every day. I hope you're able to make some wonderful memories in the remaining time; and may it be longer than you expect.
Mary
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
Thanks everybody for all your posts.
I got the oncologist's e-mail today (there was a little delay in that there must have been an error in the address she had written down). The Palladia non-funded clinical trial is ultimately not affordable for me either, now that I have all the numbers. There's a little bit of relief with that, in a way, since I was having a very difficult time judging whether it was worth braving the side effects at this point. FYI, the clinical trial at the UW Madison Vet school is being studied with Piroxicam, a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory that has been shown in studies to have some “anti-cancer activity.” The oncologist is now recommending that Yoda start the Piroxicam even if we can't do the Palladia, because she is still concerned about his right back leg, which I forgot to mention is still an issue in my original post. The fact that they still can't find a source of pain or injury to explain why he puts less weight on it, I think, has raised her suspicions that the cancer is growing in that leg as well. She doubts that it would show on an x-ray at this point, however, even if it is the case.
Yoda is still his usual self. He's not showing me any hesitation to exercise, or any lethargy, or loss of appetite. So I'm going to let him take me on one of those “marathon” walks he's been so keen on since he recovered from his amputation, if he wants too. Tomorrow we have plans to go to the dog park with a co-worker and her dogs – and the dogs she's babysitting for friends. Yoda will be the biggest in the pack, so he'll love that.
Thanks for all the alternative treatment suggestions. I am taking notes. Feel free to keep them coming. I'll be around.
Yoda&Mom united: 9/5/06 …….… Yoda&Leg separated: 6/5/09……… Yoda&Leg reunited: 10/14/09 ……… ……………….………….………….……. Yoda&Mom NEVER separated! …………………….….……....….…… Though Spirit Yoda currently free-lances as a rabbit hunting instructor for tripawds nationwide
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