Acupuncture and Herbal Remedies

Last Thursday I took Burke to a holistic vet for a consultation. My hope is to reduce his cancer symptoms and any pain associated with the lymphoma. When the vet suggested acupuncture I was concerned about Burke's reaction, but she said that most dogs sleep after having the needles inserted. So I said okay and she put 16 needles into Burke from the crown of his head, down his spine, and on his hips.  To say the least, I was surprised to see him relax and fall into a deep sleep.  He slept (like a porcupine) for an hour, with the vet checking in on us throughout the treatment. My only regret was that I didn't take a picture. I had my phone but I was too mesmerized to take a picture and once all the needles were in she dimmed the lights in the room.  While he slept (and healed) I sat by his side and read my email. I also notice that he was more lively on Friday - coincidence or effect, I don't know, but it was a very positive experience and I am taking him again on Monday.

In addition to the acupuncture she prescribed herbal supplements and a diet high in protein and low and carbs - got that covered. The supplements he's taking are turmeric paste,  Immuplex  and Thymex to support his immune system and two herbal formulas. The first herbal formula is called Stasis Breaker and it's formulated to break blood stasis and reduce tumors. Wei Qi Booster also helps with boosting the immune system and inhibiting cell mutations and tumor growth. We started the supplements on Friday and the herbal formulas on Monday.  Today is Wednesday and I have not noticed an improvement in Burke's health.  His initial burst of energy after the acupuncture treatment faded within a day.


Today I am taking Burke to his regular vet.  I'm almost out of prednisone and I'm wondering if the dosage needs to be adjusted.  I also am wondering about painkillers. I have read that the lymphoma can cause pain as the disease progresses so I want to be prepared.  Burke has slowed down a bit this week. He’s still taking three walks a day but not quite as long because he seems to be tiring more quickly. His energy level may also be impacted by Hardy, our new 8-week old flatcoated retriever. Hardy kept all of us up and down the first night he came home so Burke and I are not getting our normal amount of rest.  Burke seems to enjoy the puppy at times (right now they are nose-to-nose sleeping) and other times he looks and acts irritated. He had to "teach" Hardy not to bite his tail or ears and not to drink from his water bowl or eat from his dish when he is drinking or eating. Burke also let Hardy know that all toys belong to Burke and can only be used with Burke's permission.  Hardy has only been with us since Saturday and things are settling down nicely. It's wonderful to watch Burke play with Hardy and see him sleeping comfortingly by Hardy's pen.

Burke (with Paul holding Hardy)

Palliative Care and Turmeric Paste

Relaxing after an evening walk, 8/10/15

Burke is doing well on 20mg of prednisone. Eating and drinking worries are a thing of the past. We have been spoiling him and have created a food monster. Burke used to not be allowed to eat from the table but that rule went out the window along with many other rules such as healing when we walk. Now he trots out in front of me on walks and I just smile.  I just love watching him move down the sidewalks and alleys, tail wagging, butt swaying, looking back every so often to make sure I'm keeping up with him - very sweet. Now when we go on walks, "Burke's in charge!"  

Stephanie and Lukas came home this weekend and Burke was showered with attention. We all feel cheated by the cancer and throughout the weekend I saw the kids cuddling up with Burke. "He looks so healthy, I can't believe he's dying!" "Yeah, I know." followed by petting, kisses, and hugs. "I love you Burkee Boy." 

Because Burke's appetite has returned I can feed him the anti-cancer diet and turmeric paste 3 time a day. Some studies have shown that curcumin (the bioactive compound in turmeric) can inhibit tumor growth and may even shrink existing tumors. This has to do with the spice’s ability to shut down blood vessels that feed tumors. I also scheduled a consult with a holistic vet for Thursday in the hopes that we might find some holistic treatments to improve and prolong Burke's life. 

We are at peace with our decision to stop chemotherapies at this point and to not pursue radiation therapy. We don't want him to suffer the side effects of the treatments and we've lost hope in the ability of traditional therapies to combat his cancer. Burke is happy now and he's learned how to (almost) enjoy riding in the car without being medicated! We have three walks a day, depending on the heat, and a couple of playful moments around lunch and in the evening. Tug-a-war and stealing socks and underwear are his favorite playtime activities. He also enjoys his rawhides; chewing on them for a bit and then burying them in the garden for safe keeping.

At night, Burke has taken to sleeping under our bed next to the register. He wakes up early to go outside and then jumps on the bed with dew-soaked paws for morning kisses. Everyday we have with him is a gift.

Another Failed Protocol

The CCNU was not effective and we are running out of options. Burke's lymph nodes are larger and his breathing is more labored. The X-ray showed fluid in his lungs -- which we suspected because the wheezing has returned. We asked to have the fluid drained but when they did an ultrasound they found it was the cancer and not fluid that had filled his lungs. 

The remaining two choices for chemotherapy, according to Dr. Hamilton are not consistent with our goal of preventing suffering while in treatment. Radiation, would also have undesirable side effects. 

We are continuing with the antibody treatment and have restarted the prednisone.  It has only been six weeks since Burke was diagnosed with t-cell sarcoma lymphoma. We have kicked the can down the road at considerable expense and suffering for six weeks and now we are entering palliative care.

How I wish there was something we could do to save our boy. 

Burke spots a rabbit!

The new normal

Burke 8.3.15, notice the cat hair on his nose.

It's been 10 days since Burke's first CCNU treatment.  CCNU or Lomustine works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells.  According to Canine Lymphoma.com, CCNU "has about a 40% to 45% percent remission response rate, with the average patient going into remission for a period of 4 months from the date you start treatment depending on where a patient is on their treatment (e.g., how long they responded to their initial treatment protocol, etc.)."  These are not great odds given Burke's initial response to treatment.

Burke seem to be stabled; not in remission but not getting noticeably worse.  His lymph nodes, especially his left lymph node are still enlarged.  However, he's up to three short walks a day and he's interactive with a moderate appetite. Next Monday, August 10th, he has a visit with the oncologist and his next antibody treatment. I want to know if there are any changes in his cell blood count and why he's not on a liver protectant.  I've noticed that Burke has some discharge in his eyes. Yesterday he had diarrhea which I thought might be caused by the rotisserie chicken and liver he ate, but today he seems more lethargic than yesterday.  

We constantly monitor Burke's health and worry when we notice any changes, however, everyday with Burke is a happy day.  We love to cuddle with him, play tug-a-war, and watch him eat! He gets a new toy every time I go to the store and lots of special treats fed from the table.  All the rules are gone and we have one very spoiled flat-coated retriever that we love very much.  
   

Disappointing news

Burke's cancer is progressing. His left lump node is enlarged to 2.5 cm and now his right lymph node is also enlarged at 1.5 cm.  We discussed converting him to hospice/supportive care versus trying one of the rescue protocols. We decided to try CCNU chemotherapy as this 2nd line protocol is only 1 drug and it does not commonly result in dogs feeling poorly. 

Burke seems happy, he is is no distress and is very affectionate. 

Sunday afternoon and feeling a little better

The IV fluids on Saturday morning seemed to make a difference or he is over the hump from the chemotherapy because he was eating and drinking in small amounts and he was more social -- laying at our feet vs lying/hiding under the bed.  He still had terrible diarrhea but he's was not leaking. Instead he was going outside every hour or so, trying to have a BM and then scooting on the lawn. Last night I sleep on the couch with the back door open so he could go in and out as needed.  He managed about 4 hours of uninterrupted sleep towards the morning. 

Today is about the same -- still very lethargic, eating small amounts of food and drinking water. His diarrhea has slowed to about every 2 hours.

Tomorrow I will talk with the oncologist's office regarding Burke's reaction. I don't want Burke to go through this again but I want him to continue to receiving treatment if it will help him. Does that make sense?  This will all be worth it if Burke's cancer goes into remission and he can once again enjoy life.

Doxorubicin, aka adriamycin

Happier, healthier days

After Dr. Hamilton assessed Burke on Monday, July 13th he told us that Burke's had a negative prognosis given the fact that he came out of remission in one week.  We discussed our options: move into palliative care or try the adrimycin, the third chemo drug in the protocol.  We obviously opted for  the adrimycin and Dr. Hamilton said he would give Burke as strong a dose of the adrimycin as he could tolerate.

The first 48 hours were uneventful other than lethargy, lack of appetite, and loose stools.  On day three (Thursday), his lethargy increased, he refused all food, drank very little, and went from loose stools to liquid stools.  I took him to his local vet on Friday and they started intravenous fluids. They kept him on fluids from 10:30am until 3:00 pm and sent him home with the catheter so that they could continue fluids today if needed.

When Burke came home from the vets yesterday afternoon, he ate a little freezed dried raw chicken and maple syrup. I stumbled upon that combination after trying every food I could think of along with some of the over eighty suggestions from the Flat-coated Retrievers Health Support group - bless you wonderful people. I was also able to get some nutri-gel into him.

Last night, Burke had bowel incontinence. We didn't realise it until this morning when we woke. The bed, the floor, Burke...everything was soiled.  Burke was laying on the floor feeling terrible. We told him he as a good dogs and we loved him and Paul spoke sweet and calming words to Burke while I gently washed him. Afterwards, he wagged his tail and ate some more maple syrup and freeze dried raw chicken. Paul took Burke to the vets for his IV treatment and I got started on the house and bedding.  Paul said that Burke was nervous and shaking at the vets but he went with the vet tech willingly.  We can pick him up at 11:30 am.  I hope things will improve today.  I am feeling overwhelmed and sad and uncertain, but mostly sad for my sweet little boy