Meesh

So I drove Hammy over to Penn in the “snowicane” this morning for his 4th chemo treatment, Doxorubicin. His bloodwork showed that he’s still slightly anemic, his white cells and platelets are within normal range, and his liver enzymes still slightly elevated BUT they ALL improved this week – even the ALT. Woohoo! The liver function still shows to be within normal range. Since he’s on the antibiotics, the onc said it’s difficult to tell whether the elevated levels are due to the lymphoma alone or something else. But, she’s leaning toward the lymphoma being the culprit. This week, they did the doxy but at a slightly lower dose since the liver enzymes still aren’t exactly where they want them. We’re going to continue to monitor the enzymes obviously and as long as they continue to improve, we’re going to assume it’s the lymphoma; otherwise, we’ll do an ultrasound and/or liver aspirate in the near future. Next week, he’s got a bye week (lol); he has to get his bloodwork done to check his counts but he gets a week off from chemo. And, he must have been a really good boy, because when they brought him out to me, he had a smiley face sticker on his head (see attached). Too funny!

Attached Images

Ham after chemo4.jpg (99.0 KB, 7 views)

Benpaws

What a handsome boy and how cute is that SMILEY sticker on his black head.

I am glad to hear that things are gong along pretty well and you certainly seem to have a great vet who knows what she is doing. That is of utmost importance.

Thank you for the weekly update and have a great week-end. Hugs to Hammy.

Blessings,
Joanne & ShadowP1010057.jpg

alyson

Hes So sweet!!!!! give him a big hug for being such a good brave boy.

Alyson

rockytola

Go Hamlet! Keep up the good work!

Raymond

God bless you and Hamlet for a complete recovery.

Meesh

So after walking Rufus (and falling on my ass on the ice - hope no one saw it), I took Hammy to his first holistic vet appointment. He's also a regular vet who happened to get his DVM from U of Penn so he's familiar with the protocol we're using - part of the reason I chose him. I think I'm more flustered than I should be but I've got a ton of questions running through my head that are really about what my gut tells me is right or wrong for Hamlet. I think part of the problem is that I just didn't walk away with a warm fuzzy like I thought I would or have with his other caretakers. It's not something I can put my finger on but just a feeling. Maybe THIS guy just isn't the right HV?
I get switching his food; the HV wants him on Wellness K-9 Core; anyone else
here using this one? He also wants me to double his denamarin dose (the liver
protectant) that the onc prescribed; should I discuss this with the onc first?
She didn't seem opposed to holistic compliments when I told her that was going to be my approach but modifying her prescriptions seems to be crossing the line a little. The HV also sent me home with the following supplements: Lymph K, Hepatrophin, Thymus PMG, and Intesti-tune all of which are to be given 2x a day. I have to get him a copy of all the bloodwork so he can determine if other, more specific supplements are needed. He also said that I could give Hammy the antioxidants but only 3x week; don't do it 2 days prior to, the day of and the day after chemo, but the rest of the week would be ok. He said the antioxidants conflicting with the chemo is a controversial viewpoint. He wants to see us in 6 weeks.
Hamlet's been doing really well with the chemo treatments <<touch wood>> and I really don't want to upset that balance. BUT, I do want to be sure that I'm doing everything I can to be sure that his systems stay in check and up to par. And, of course, if there's anything I can do to help bring up his liver enzymes, I want to do it.
I've always been about natural things - I personally think there's a LOT of
wisdom in some old country/folk remedies - but I also think modern medicine is
beneficial in a lot of cases.
For those of you using both an HV and modern western medicine, who did you
consider to be the "team leader" of your baby's treatment? I'm definitely leaning toward the onc but just curious. Did you discuss all aspects of your at home care with your onc incl. any holistic stuff you were/are doing?
Sorry for rambling, but I'm looking for some experienced folks' guidance on my
concerns. I also think I'm going to hold off from giving him the supplements until I can talk to the onc on Monday.

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

Meesh

Your Shadow is a cutey!

rockytola

Hi:
We used Rocky's regular vet for checkups but we had an oncologist and a holistic vet. We told the oncologist what we were doing and vice versa and made sure that the treatment by one was not contradictory to the other. It's your pet and you have the right to have whatever treatment you wish so just make sure that everything is in the open!

Hope this helps

J

TJandDante

You have your pet's best interest at heart. If you are feeling at all uncomfortable with any part of either vet's treatment suggestion, you are the final say. If you wanted, many many of the holistic vets on the approved list do phone consultations. While you may not want any added expense, the 100 or 150$ this may cost may give you a lot of peace of mind AND benefit Hammy, and that is the most important thing. The veterinarian that Ted Schneck used for his dog (in Oregon)does those kind of consultations and that would probably give you a lot of peace of mind.
Keep in mind that holistic vets have the BEST for your dog as a whole, not as just the disease. Because when this disease is in remission from the chemo, your dog needs a body that can function at its best capacity with a healthy, built up immune system so that relapse is less of a possibility. The oncologist manages, handles, and hopefully shuts the lymphoma down-that is their focus and job. The holistic manages the whole animal to keep it in the best possible condition,building up what needs built up so that in the future, the dog can fight down disease instead of giving in to it. They can (and sounds like are willing to)work in harmony with each other.
HAMMY IS ADORABLE and I wish you all the very best of luck with his cure!
TJ

Meesh

Hamlet was acting kind of "off" yesterday morning. He wouldn't take his meds
with his usual gusto and didn't really eat his breakfast. So, I left the balance
of his breakfast in his crate with him when I left for work. He also felt a
little warm so I decided to pick up a dog thermometer on my way home.
When I got home, he didn't stand up or wag his tail as usual (uh-oh ) and he hadn't finished his breakfast but when I left him out of his crate he went out and peed like usual and was acting ok. I gave him his meds (which include the Zofran for nausea and Flagyl for diarrhea) and he took them no problem. I also fed the boys; went back to meatballs since I knew he'd eat those. He ate but sat to eat which he NEVER does. I took his temp after supper - 104!!! Also noticed his gums were pale. Called U of Penn's ER and they said I could bring him in there (oncology was closed for the evening) or call my vet and see if they could help. Called the vet; they said to come in.
By the time we got there and were examined an hour after I took his temp and fed him, Hamlet's temp was down to 102.3, his gums were pink, and his bloodwork came back fine (platelets normal and white cells were actually high - 19,000 compared to norm of 17,000). So, I don't know what to think. The vet was a little perplexed too.
This morning, Hamlet took his meds no problem but only ate a 1/3 of his
breakfast. I left the balance for him in his crate. His temp was 101.3.
He had his first Doxy treatment on Friday. I'm confused on what could be going on. His BM is soft but formed which isn't a first since treatment. And, the gas wasn't as bad last night. Could he just be having a little tummy issue? I have a late meeting today so I'm freaked about not getting home at usual time even though the BF said he'd go over and let them out and see how things were. Any advice?

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