Christine & Mick

Here is where we can discuss canine cancers and treatment options to create a support system for those dealing with the disease.

Postby amazincc » January 22nd, 2008, 8:51 pm

It went GREEAAAT!!!
The techs forgot to bring the blood work kit, so after they administered the chemo I had to flip Beast over on his other side so they could have access to a different vein... he moaned and growled a little bit, but he didn't struggle! He kept trying to lick my face through the muzzle and got frustrated because his tongue couldn't reach all the way... lol
Afterwards Dr. Correa came in to speak w/me and Mick flopped down on the floor next to me, w/his back turned towards her... but no growling or lunging. We actually had a conversation!
Dr. Correa said that she is "in awe of the bond we have"... she also told me that she had serious doubts, after she met Mick that first time, that we would be able to pull off chemo therapy, but she is extremely happy w/his co-operation! :mrgreen:
She asked me about his "vet history", and said that she can see that his aggression is completely fear-based - she also has a friend who is a behavior specialist and will put her in touch w/me.
Dr. Correa thinks that Mick is a very interesting case... she is very adept at reading "doggy body language" and mentioned to me several times that Mick was watching her out of the corner of his eye, and that he was being guarded but didn't appear threatening or aggressive. She kept her distance, didn't make any sudden moves, and didn't try to become "his friend". She said he would see right through that... and she's probably right. I just LOVE her.

So... next week however is a clincher - the drug they inject has to be administered slowly, through a catheter, and that process lasts about ten minutes. :shock: Dr. Correa is willing to give it a shot though, since this is the best course of action for him. She also told me that she will need to watch him very closely since the injection can cause a severe allergic reaction in some dogs - she wanted to know if I was comfortable w/the thought of NOT muzzling him next Tuesday. :shock:
I have to give that some serious thought.

I'm gonna need instructions for that "trust restraint" and all the good thoughts you guys can manage to send.

Right now I'm just happy that he seems to be responding SO well to treatment... Dr. Correa actually told me that Mick might be around a good while longer than she herself initially thought!!!

And, yes, got a palm leaf and some pee on my shoe... Mick was in such a hurry to get outta there today!

Thank You All for the good thoughts - those really seem to make a difference! :hug3:
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Postby pitbullmamaliz » January 22nd, 2008, 8:55 pm

Christine I LOVE these updates!!! It made me shed a tear of joy (damn you!) but I am just so thrilled for you and Mick!!! And how exciting is that the doc thinks Mick could stick around even longer than anticipated?!?!

Would it maybe be worth giving Mick a little sedative next week for the longer injection? Maybe not a full dose but just something to take the edge off?
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Postby mnp13 » January 22nd, 2008, 9:05 pm

that's fantastic!!!!

he peed on your shoe? lol
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Postby amazincc » January 22nd, 2008, 9:06 pm

No... no sedatives at all, especially not when the drug could cause an allergic reaction... I discussed it at length w/the Oncologist and I HAVE to trust her medical knowledge on that one...

But, yeah, I got a little teared up myself... there is a HUGE difference in a little grumbling/growling/snorting, and the all-out-combative totally-out-of-control dog I USED to have. And you guys had a little somethin'-somethin' to do with THAT. :beerChug:
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Postby amazincc » January 22nd, 2008, 9:09 pm

On January 22 2008, 8:05 PM, mnp13 wrote:that's fantastic!!!!

he peed on your shoe? lol


Uhm... yeah... tried to pee and pick up a leaf at the same time... something had to suffer the consequences... I'm just glad I wasn't wearing flip flops. lol
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Postby katiek0417 » January 22nd, 2008, 9:10 pm

Christine, I'm just reading your update...and YAY!!! I am so excited for you you and Mick!!! :greenWave:
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Postby pocketpit » January 22nd, 2008, 9:11 pm

:bounce: !!!

With the progress he's made do they think they can place a catheter for the Adriamycin? Then he could just be on a syringe pump or something similar and his moving around a bit wouldn't be a concern.
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Postby amazincc » January 22nd, 2008, 9:13 pm

On January 22 2008, 8:11 PM, pocketpit wrote::bounce: !!!

With the progress he's made do they think they can place a catheter for the Adriamycin? Then he could just be on a syringe pump or something similar and his moving around a bit wouldn't be a concern.


I think that's the plan... I'm still in awe of my Beast and can't think straight yet... :crazy:
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Postby Marinepits » January 22nd, 2008, 9:19 pm

Congrats, Christine. You've done an amazing job with Mick! :helloClap:
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Postby amazincc » January 22nd, 2008, 9:25 pm

On January 22 2008, 8:19 PM, Marinepits wrote:Congrats, Christine. You've done an amazing job with Mick! :helloClap:


Believe me... it took/takes a village... without you guys this wouldn't even be in the realm of possibilities. :oops: :wink:
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Postby tradewind » January 22nd, 2008, 9:32 pm

:purpleBanana: :clap:

Another AWESOME update - Great News !!!!

Sending positive vibes that next week's treatment update is as good !!!
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Postby madremissy » January 22nd, 2008, 9:45 pm

I am so excited for you and Mick. What fantastic news. Where are your cheerleader emoticons. You both need about a 1000 of them. Extra calming thoughts for next week. Animals, they never cease to amaze us all.
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Postby gayrghts » January 22nd, 2008, 9:46 pm

Christine, you and he have come a long way....

:::wipes a few tears:::

I'm thrilled that he's able to be just grumpy...

and i'm willing to bet that in HIS time... he'll even end up giving the vet a kiss....

I'm thrilled to hear that the vet thinks he'll be around longer....

You both are doing so great.... it may take a village.... however you're the one there in the thick and thin of it....

With the fear of allergies for next week, is it allergic reaction while the med is going in, or later?
can you muzzle for while its going in, and then release after its done while he's being monitored?
Or would that not help?

and the palm leaf is awesome every time....
but pee??? lol :)
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Postby Marinepits » January 22nd, 2008, 9:51 pm

On Tue, Jan 22 2008, 8:25 PM, amazincc wrote:
On January 22 2008, 8:19 PM, Marinepits wrote:Congrats, Christine. You've done an amazing job with Mick! :helloClap:


Believe me... it took/takes a village... without you guys this wouldn't even be in the realm of possibilities. :oops: :wink:


All this progress wouldn't have happened without your commitment to him, so it's all you baby. :wink:
Never make someone a priority in your life when that someone treats you like an option.
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Postby cheekymunkee » January 22nd, 2008, 11:17 pm

What a wonderful update!! WooHoo Mick!!!!
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Postby airwalk » January 22nd, 2008, 11:27 pm

YAY MICKEY!! and yep Christine, without your amazing commitment to him, it wouldn't matter what anyone else said.
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Postby CinderDee » January 23rd, 2008, 9:26 am

Right now I'm just happy that he seems to be responding SO well to treatment... Dr. Correa actually told me that Mick might be around a good while longer than she herself initially thought!!!


What a fantastic update!!! :mrgreen:

I was scared about the Adria because I had read about the possible reaction on a Yahoo group, but Kato did, and continues to do very well with it, although it initially made him quite ill.

I think Mickey is having less side effects than Kato did, which is fantastic!

Are you giving him any supplements? Using any homeopathic remedies?

Hugs to you & Mick from us!
Dee
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Postby amazincc » January 23rd, 2008, 10:01 am

On January 23 2008, 8:26 AM, CinderDee wrote:
Right now I'm just happy that he seems to be responding SO well to treatment... Dr. Correa actually told me that Mick might be around a good while longer than she herself initially thought!!!


What a fantastic update!!! :mrgreen:

I was scared about the Adria because I had read about the possible reaction on a Yahoo group, but Kato did, and continues to do very well with it, although it initially made him quite ill.


Aaahh... tell me about it, if you don't mind... :shock:

And - is that the MOST expensive injection for Kate as well??? I pretty damned well fainted over the price... better have some diamond shavings in there somewhere. :neutral:
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Postby CinderDee » January 23rd, 2008, 1:56 pm

Adria was over $200.00, as was Elspar. I have to look up the exact price. Kate's last treatment is Adria.

Aaahh... tell me about it, if you don't mind... Shocked


"Adriamycin (Doxorubricin)
• Adriamycin is one of the most widely used and most effective anticancer drugs available.
• Adriamycin is given as a slow intravenous injection, and can cause severe tissue reaction
if any of the drug escapes from the vein into surrounding tissue.
• Allergic reactions are sometimes seen, which can range from hives to severe
anaphylactic reactions. These reactions occur within minutes to a few hours of exposure
to the drug (while the patient is still in the clinic). In order to try and prevent these
reactions, Benadryl is usually given immediately before administering Adriamycin.
• Gastrointestinal upset (loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhea) may be seen 12-24 hours
after administration of the drug. This is usually mild and resolves without treatment.
Rarely, diarrhea (sometimes bloody) may be seen 3-5 days after treatment. This may
require treatment, depending on severity.
• The bone marrow can be affected by Adriamycin administration, usually resulting in a
temporary decrease in production of white blood cells and/or platelets. A complete blood
count is periodically evaluated in order to monitor cell levels.
• Loss of hair and/or darkening of the skin are possible. Complete hair loss is possible in
dogs with continuous hair growth (e.g. Poodles, Old English Sheepdogs, other "haircut"
breeds).
• Adriamycin can also cause toxicity of the myocardium (heart muscle). This is usually a
dose-dependent, cumulative effect. Heart function is evaluated before instituting
Adriamycin treatment, and total lifetime dose is carefully watched.
• Adriamycin is primarily eliminated from the body in feces; gloves should be worn when
handling stool for 2 to 3 days after treatment."

http://www.burrridgevet.com/documents/ChemotherapyDrugSideEffects1107.pdf
Dee
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Postby concreterose » January 23rd, 2008, 7:04 pm

Christine I will tape myself doing the trust restraint with Solomon tonight when my sister gets home. It is a very easy manipulation but you will need some people to help you with it.
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