Meesh

So, on Sunday, after a good day Saturday, Hamlet wouldn't eat much at all and later that night which "asking" for a belly rub, I felt a large hard mass in his abdomen....so off to the ER we went. I was terrified that on top of the cancer, he might have stomach bloat as well.
Long story short, going to the ER was probably the best thing that could have happened since we got in with the oncologist 1 week & a day earlier than scheduled. Turns out what I felt was his enlarged spleen which the chemo will address. They staged Hamlet and started his chemo protocol yesterday. He has V-a, B-cell lymphoma. The Univ. of Penn has their own protocol - VHUP protocol - and they gave me the paperwork that breaks it down but due to the lack of sleep on my part, I only reviewed it briefly. Yesterday, he had an Elspar injection and next week he'll get Vin??; he was also sent home with Prednisone. He did have a reaction to the Elspar last night - was vomitting off and on until about midnight - so I couldn't give him the pred last night.
This morning, his bright eyes and wagging tail greeted me which made my day! He still wouldn't eat any treats or take his pred-filled pill pocket but I'm hopeful.
Today's goal: to get him to eat something. I may have to force the pred but I'm ok with that. I'll keep everyone posted on his progress.
Michelle & Hamlet (dx 01/29/10 tx 02/01/10)

Benpaws

Dear Michelle,

Thank you for posting again re: Hamlet.That was indeed "good luck" for you to go to the emergency and thus get into the oncologist ahead of schedule. Every minute counts when you are dealing with treatment for your puppy with cancer.

A "wagging tail" is a very good sign.

Hugs to Hamlet and good luck as you forge ahead.

Blessings,
Joanne & Shadow

debbiec

Hi Michelle,

Well it sounds like luck was on your side, and lets hope that continues.

As Joanne said a wagging tail is a good sign, and anything that can be interpreted as positive is a good thing. Good luck to you and Hamlet

Meesh

Thanks, guys. Hamlet was in great spirits when I got home from work last night. Still wouldn't eat for me - not even chicken broth. And, I had to force the pred last night. But, this morning, he took his pred and the prevacid the vet prescribed without hesistation (in a pill pocket). Yay! You would have thought I won the lottery when he did that! He definitely seems interested in food but when I offer him something, he sniffs it and walks away. But, since he seems interested, I left a half can of lamb and rice in a bowl in his crate to see if he'd eat while I was at work. Here's hoping!

Benpaws

That is very positive news. Hope things just keep on the "upward swing" for you and Hammy.

Blessings,
Joanne & Shadow

Meesh

I am happy to report that Hamlet has begun eating - albeit meatballs from Wawa (local convenience store) and liverwurst - but it's a definite start. Wednesday night, I had to hand feed him but last night, he gobbled it up from his bowl - YAY. This morning, he even ate a 1/2 can of wet dog food. I'm feeling really good about this. And, of course, his attitude is wonderful! I love seeing him so happy. I've also noticed that the nodes behind his legs are almost unnoticeable and even the nodes in his neck seem to have shrunk. I'm cautiously optimistic right now. Tuesday, he goes for his second chemo treatment. But, this weekend, the big snow storm is moving in; Hamlet loves the snow so he'll be happy playing out there. Mom will just be watching from the door, I think.

Benpaws

This is just wonderful news that Hamlet is once more enjoying his food and is HAPPY! I hope he has a great time playing in the snow and that things keep moving ahead well for you.

We NEED news like this!!

God Bless.
Joanne & Shadow

TJandDante

WONDERFUL news!! An eating dog is a recuperating dog! The Prednisone is wonderful for helping their appetite. A dog that doesn't eat doesn't have a chance. I am so happy he has picked up his eating.
Keep us posted-like Joanne said, we need this kind of news.
TJ

Meesh

Hamlet turned 9 on Thursday but I feel like I got the present this year! (My other dog, Rufus, probably does too since he's benefitting from the menu change. ) Hamlet's happy and he's eating with a vengence - almost takes my fingers WITH the liverwurst. And, he's back to eating kibble mixed with the soft foods. We got 2 feet of snow here on Saturday and he was out burying his nose in it - too funny! We go to U of P for our second chemo treatment (Vincristine) on Tuesday. I've already left a message for the oncologist to call me today about preventative measures to alleviate nausea and/or vomitting since he had that reaction after the Elspar last week. I also started a "treatment log" for him that I can record all his pertinent info while he's going through treatment; I also plan to take that with us when we go to the oncologist weekly so they can make any comments right there. Today, I also scheduled Hamlet for his first visit with the holistic vet that was recommended to me by a work colleague; we're scheduled for Feb. 27th (he's down at the shore so it had to be on a Saturday). All in all, I am cautiously optimistic about our progress! It's been a great week.

Michelle, Rufus & Hamlet (dx 01/29/10 tx 02/01/10)

Benpaws

That is just AWESOME news Michelle."
I am so glad that Hamlet is once again enjoying food and has energy to romp in the snow.

Benny loved the snow and he absolutely gobbled up that liverwurst which held his evening supplements (APPETIZERS we called them.)

Good luck at the holistic vet and just KEEP ON KEEPING ON with Hamlet and Rufus.

This is just the BEST NEWS!!

God Bless you ALL!

<<Hugs>>
Joanne & Shadow