..as i type my boy is getting his sutures removed, and then his first round of chemotherapy…I went this far…it’s time to go a little bit further…I had the advice of a doctor who has actually published work and happens to practice at the hospital my veterinarian had referred me to anyway! After my consult with Dr. Ettinger I made another gut-wrenchingly immediate decision to have Gerry stay for the afternoon and get started down this side path, that I have chosen for us to take together….HE has the physically painful (possibly) part….I just hope the rice and chicken I made last night, knowingly, will be enough to keep his belly stable…I took this photo last night, of him cuddling in his new Beaner bed! It’s USA East coast time…3:16 pm…
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We also started chemo the same day as the sutures came out. I think it is pretty standard if the blood work is all ok. Expect him to sleep a lot today and tomorrow. The onco should give you two meds – one for upset stomach (Cerenia) and one for diarrhea, although some dogs never experience either. Otis had diarrhea after chemo # 1 – cleared up perfectly with the meds. For chemo # 2 – 4, I did start on the white rice and boiled chicken immediately for the first three or four days. Seemed to help. He had some nausea (evidenced by excessive drooling and lip smacking) after chemos 2 – 4, and ultimately ended up on Pepcid A/C as well for indigestion. Hope all goes well!
Awww Gerry, sweet, sweet Gerry! You look sooo comfy in your “Beaner” bed! I want to come snuggle with you!!
Yeah, every dog has different experiences with chemo. I was lucky in that my Happy Hannah didn’t have any issues. Many have a bit of nausea and maybe some tiredness. The one thing about chemo is that you can stop if the side effects are too severe. My Happy Hannah had four rounds Carboplatin.
We reference the Dog Cancer Survival Guide quite often here (Dressler and Ettinger). Just curious about your experience working directly with Dr Ettinger?
Update us and let us know how Gerry is doing with the chemo.
Love and hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
I don’t know if you got the reply I sent via email, but didn’t want you to think I’d ignored you. Dr. Ettinger was a genuine and friendly person. Having just read her chapter on osteosarcoma, I wasn’t surprised by anything she said, and she gave me confidence that Gerry was in good hands. How ironic though! The other author is in Hawaii…perhaps I’ll have to fly in for another consult….
I am rereading older entries. I can now with experience tell you that Dr. Ettinger is a professional woman whom respected all of my choices after she gave me all of my options. Her coauthored book was an important place for this English major to turn to. I’m finding out NOW that there are chapters I didn’t read before, about how to make the most of Gerry’s final times with me, the best they can be. He’s already getting smaller meals (my mom’s advice, 3 times a day, and I’m trying to make sure they are delectable.) Gerry had 6 rounds of chemo and 3 months without cancer, but it’s back. We’re going to have the SUMMER OF LOVE and go from there. No more additional meds, and plenty of vitamin D from the sunshine.
Gerry looks like an angel sleeping in his bed….Nitro had 6 rounds of Carbo, and tolerated it quite well, with just one bout of nausea for which he was given cerenia. I know this is scary, and maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed right about now; that’s what we’re here for, to help you take one step at a time. Pawsitive thoughts coming your way.
Paula and Nitro
Thanks Paula and Nitro and Sally and Otis,
I think you’re right about sleepy. I fed him white rice and chicken with a bit of kibble and some of the anti-nausea meds they gave me. I’m really hoping his usual iron stomach makes it through without too much upset for him.
Luckily I actually have tomorrow off, so I’ll be able to observe his first day’s reaction. (I also need to get my rosemary in..it’s been getting cooler at night.) Autumn is on its way.
He looks so comfy and cozy in that wonderful bed!
It is great that you are able to get started on chemo right away – I hope he does end up having that cast iron stomach through this as well. Lots of good thoughts for him and you!
Lisa and Pofi