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

Getting a break from treatments

Ready for an evening walk.

After four weeks of 2 treatments a week, we get a much needed one-week break, before resuming treatments on July 27th. After that Burke has 8 more antibody and chemo treatments.

Yesterday (Wednesday, July 15, 2015) Burke received his 8th antibody treatment. Dr. Hamilton did agree that Burke's lymph node seemed smaller and softer. So, while he is not in remission, he is responding to the adriamycin. Burke is very lethargic and not eating other than a few bites of chicken yesterday morning. When I offer him food he either refuses it or takes it and "buries" it in the couch or the backyard. Fez, our cat, thinks all of the "extra" food being dropped, refused, or hidden in the couch is awesome!

In retrospect, this has been much harder on Burke than anticipated. It has been a roller coaster ride for us as well. While he is not in distress, he is not exactly enjoying his life. We are thankful to have him with us but we do not want to prolong his life when the quality of life is poor. I hope our love, the drugs, and all of the hopes, prayers and well wishes we have received help to beat back the lymphoma so that Burke can enjoy his life.  Everyday has brought something different. I hope tomorrow is better.

One month of lymphoma

sleepy

One month ago we were given Burke's initial diagnosis of lymphoma.  Burke has had a few good days but lethargy has been a constant companion, along with a decreased appetite (except when he was on prednisone), and diarrhea. Today Burke has no appetite, diarrhea, and extreme lethargy.  

Yesterday, Dr. Hamilton confirmed what I suspected based on Burke's enlarged lymph nodes. The chemo and antibody therapies are not working. Burke was given Adriamycin (Generic name: Doxorubicin). This is the third drug in his chemo protocol. It is hoped that Burke will be able to achieve a second and lasting remission with this drug, although his odds have gone down both in terms of achieving remission and in the length of remission once achieved.

Burke does not seem to be in any distress.  When Paul or I come in the house, he jumps down from the bed, grabs a toy, and comes trotting with his characteristic butt wag.  After a few minutes of visiting, he goes back to bed. He used to lay at my feet during the day while I worked on my computer but he now prefers solitude.

Last night I read canine cancer survival stories on the internet.  I hope I can write one.

It's not working

Unfortunately,  Burke is out of remission. We are continuing with the antibody therapy and the next chemo drug in the protocol. His prognosis is poor and our hearts are heavy.  I will post more tomorrow. 

Back from Maine

Burke relaxing in Maine

Burke had a wonderful first few days in Maine but his health has been deteriorating since Wednesday, July 8th.

On Tuesday, July 7th, he was seen at Portland Veterinary Specialist for his chemo and anti-body therapies.

On Wednesday, July 8th he was active but refused food.  I gave him the prescribed anti-nausea medication (ondansetron).

On Thursday, July 9th he was less active and again refused food.  I continued giving him the anti-nausea medication.  

On Friday, July 10th we returned to Portland Veterinary Specialist for his second treatment of the week.  Burke had lost 2 pounds since his visit on Tuesday.  The doctor prescribed Metronidazole (250 mg. 1 tab every 12 hours) because when they took Burke's temperature his stool was very soft and Maropitant citrate for nausea (60 mg 1 tab every 24 hours).  We gave him one dose of each of the new meds.

Throughout Friday Burke was mostly lethargic.  He ate some liver and had a loose bowl movement.

Yesterday we traveled from Maine to Harrisburg, PA.  It was a 14 hours trip.  Burke slept most of the way.  We gave him trazodone during the last three hours of the trip because he was restless.

Today Burke is 100% lethargic and not eating or drinking.  He even refuses ice chips.  He is not in distress and his respiration is normal but his lymph node by his left shoulder is larger than when we presented him in the ER on June 15th.  Burke is scheduled to see the oncologist tomorrow.

We are very worried.  

Feeling better...

Mom's making me work for my treats!

Burke is feeling better (and so am I).  He has a little more energy during his walks, he's not sleeping as much, and he is starting to play.  These are all welcome signs of returning health and we are SO thankful.

Today we head back to Malvern for Burke's antibody therapy. Paul is coming with us so I can use less of the anti-anxiety meds. Burke is panting less and I attribute that to giving him less prednisone. We leave for Maine on Friday, July 3, 2015.

Complete Peripheral Remission

Burke waits for me at the clinic while I pay the bill

Burke is in "complete peripheral remission!"

The ride went better today.  We used 150 mgs of Trazadone and I drove Paul's BMW.  Burke is more comfortable in the backseat of the BMW than my Honda.

He was given his treatment and then Dr. Hamilton said "Burke's in remission!"  Wow - that's amazing. We have so many more treatments in front of us but I am so happy that he is responding to the treatments so quickly.

We are also further cutting down on the prednisone - 1/4 tablet every other day by mouth for a final 4 doses. That should help with the panting.

Burke was pretty loopy tonight.  Paul is going with me to Malvern on Wednesday and we leave for Maine on Friday.  Let's get this puppy to the beach!

a little loopy

More Energy and diarrhea

Morning Walk 6.28.15

Burke was ready for his morning walk and actually whined for an evening walk - literally sat next to the front door and whined!  He was alert most of the day and went crazy when my son came over for a visit - crying, jumping, kissing/licking, barking - it was wonderful to see him so excited!

His appetite is still strong but I think I introduced his new diet to quickly. I thought I was adding it gradually but this afternoon he had diarrhea (which may also explain the whining at the door for a walk). I want to get the good food into him, but I will offer less with his kibbles tomorrow.

Burke is also panting again and it's not hot and it's not after exercise.  He wasn't panting yesterday but today again he is panting, and I don't like it. His respiration rate is 60/minute while he's sleeping.  When he was first seen in the emergency veterinarian hospital he had pleural effusion and an enlarged thymus.  The ER vet drained some fluid off of his lungs and he had been breathing better.  Now he's panting again and I am concerned. We will be back at the oncologist's office tomorrow and I will bring this up with Dr. Hamilton.

I am again dreading the drive with Burke.  I will give him more of the sedative and hope the trip goes better. If you're reading this blog and live close to me (Harrisburg, PA), I could use your help in taking Burke to the oncologist's office this week.  He's so much better when I ride in the back seat with him.

Anti-cancer Diet

Someone needs to have their ears trimmed.

While Dr. Hamilton asked me to hold off on supplements for a month, he made no limitations on the food I feed Burke.  "Chicken, liver, tuna, whatever he enjoys." So I have been surfing the internet looking for diets that help to fight cancer, or at least do not promote cancer.  One diet I found encourages protein (chicken, beef, pork, lamb, etc.,), certain fats, complex carbohydrates such as oatmeal or brown rice, vegetables, and calcium.  It's called the Dog Cancer Diet. (I am gently simmering chicken and steel cut oats as I type this blog.)

We will gradually make the transition to this diet over the next week.  I am sure Burke will enjoy this new "dog" food. With the exception of the krill and fish oil, I already regularly add these treats to his meals. 

It has been raining (again) all day.  Burke played with us a bit and sat outside with me while I spoke on the phone to my daughter. Other than that, he has been mostly sleeping -- it is a good day for sleeping.  

I stopped the anti-nausea medication because Burke shows no signs of nausea.   We are still on the prednisone and on Monday we go back to Malvern for a chemo and antibody treatment. I can still feel Burke's enlarged lymph node, but, to me it seems smaller.  I hope Dr. Hamilton agrees. 

Sweet Potatoes and ready for my morning walk!

Ready for my morning walk.

I forgot about sweet potatoes!  I have been giving Burke rice but someone from the Flatcoat Retriever Health Support Group suggested pumpkin for his diarrhea.  Burke doesn't like pumpkin but he loves sweet potatoes.  So last night and this morning he had sweet potatoes with his boiled chicken and organic chicken broth and it is beginning to help!

Burke had some more energy this morning.  We worked for about 5 minutes on some obedience and then I asked him if he wanted to go for a walk.  He went immediately to the door.

We had his best walk in over 2 weeks!  He pranced his flatcoat prance most of the way, made eye contact with me regularly - I think he was wondering why I was letting him run out his leash the whole time, and did not break into a heavy pant.  I even jog along with him for a few feet in the soccer field where we usually get our exercise.

Now he is sleeping at my feet.  I am going to call the oncologist today to see if I can discontinue the anti-nausea medication because Burke has a vigorous appetite and no signs of nausea.

Today I am feeling thankful that Burke is feeling better and that so many people care about Burke and our fight.

Selfie with Burke

Car sickness, Diarrhea & Lethargy

Our very first (of many) pictures of Burke

Not the best title for a post but it sums up what's going on quite well.  

Burke REALLY does not like car rides.

Burke is a very sensitive dog.  He has always been a very sensitive dog.  He backs away from situations that frighten him (so do I). When he was a pup and we took him to obedience class, he panted and drooled in his crate on the way to class. When we got to wherever we were going, his little paws would be soaked with drool.  My trainer helped me work with him and brought over her flatcoats to teach Burke that "riding in the car is fun!"  That training did help with getting Burke into the car, but it never helped with his obvious anxiety.  Sometimes he was so upset he would vomit.  So I learned not to feed him within two hours of any car ride.

I told Dr. Hamilton about Burke's condition and he prescribed 100 milligrams of Trazodone. The dose I gave him yesterday along with using his favorite bedding, D.A.P. spray, and "relaxing music for dogs" was insufficient for our trip to Malvern.  Dr. Hamilton said I could increase the dosage to 150 milligrams. I hope that helps because I am so distressed by Burke's anxiety.  I know that stress suppresses the immune system and that is the last thing we need right now.  

I also told Dr. Hamilton that Burke had vomited three times within the first 12 hours after his antibody and chemo therapies but that he had not vomited since.  Dr. Hamilton said typically if a dog is nauseated by the chemo, it does not go away after one dose of anti-nausea medication.  He suspects the nausea was caused by stress - yeah, ya think!

Burke's lethargy continues and this morning he had diarreah.  I introduced probiotics into his breakfast before he had the diarrhea - was that a mistake?  I will add a little extra rice into his next meal.

So glad we don't have to go anywhere for the next 4 days. 

Our unhappy pup

On the road again...

Our first (and only) show experience - holding on to my fidgeting puppy

Today we head back to Malvern, PA for Burke's second antibody treatment.  I will give him the prescribed anti-anxiety medication an hour before we leave and hopefully the car ride will go better for him.

Burke seemed to sleep more comfortably last night.  His dosage of prednisone has been cut in half.  I read that the prednisone can make dogs feel hot, so maybe that explains his willingness to sleep with us in bed and snuggle a bit more.  He is still very lethargic but retains his appetite.  He mostly sleeps at (on) my feet while I work at the computer.  His breathing is quiet and his respiration is normal. We continue to take short walks around the neighborhood in the morning or evening when it is cool which he enjoys. I watch him carefully and when he starts to pant or drag a bit we head back home. This morning on our walk he started rolling around in the dew covered grass, much like he rolls in the snow or leaves or anything else that takes his fancy.  I hope he is feeling well when we go to Maine next week.  He will have the sand and the sea to explore -- we planned this vacation around Burke before he was diagnosed with lymphoma.

I am VERY glad that Burke is now holding down his food and doesn't have diarrhea.  This gives me hope that he will respond well to his treatments.

Bully for Burke!

Burke had a tough night last night.  He got up twice and was sick to his stomach. His energy is very low. Fortunately, he still has an appetite. 

We started off today with the anti-nausea medication. Afterwards I gave him some rice mixed with boiled chicken and organic chicken broth which he thoroughly enjoyed (while his buddy Fez the cat looked on with jealousy). 

The extreme lethargy has returned. Both Paul and I are feeling very low with Burke feeling so poorly. His energy had returned to him from the prednisone and now we are back to worse than where we started. I hope we are doing the right thing. We will take it a day at a time. Tomorrow I go back to the cancer clinic for his second antibody therapy. I will discuss Burke's nausea with the doctor at that time. Maybe the dose I gave him this morning will help him.

Bully for Burke!

update from this morning...

Burke woke up from his morning nap and I offered him a bully stick.  Typical for Burke, he promptly took it outside, buried it my garden and then came back inside the house. Less than 5 minutes later he was whining at the door.  Out he went, dug up his bully stick, chomped away on it for a bit, and re-buried it.  So, I guess he's feeling better after his nap.  No nausea either.  Fingers are crossed.

Flowers Burked "picked" for me.

Other than Burke's short rally with the Bully stick this morning, he has been very lethargic all day.  I have been feeding him small meals every two hours and he has not gotten sick. I am thankful that the anti-nausea medication seems to be working.

First Chemotherapy & Antibody Therapy Treatments

Wet flatcoat = happy flatcoat
Taken 6.21.15

Today we drove an hour and half back to the VRC Cancer Center in Malvern, Pennsylvania. Paul had to go to work so I drove solo with Burke panting in the backseat. Burke has never been a fan of the car - I will ask the vet about a medication for travel anxiety since we will be taking this trip - a lot!  I should probably get some meds for myself too.

We arrived at the hospital slightly before 11:00am and found the waiting room full of pets and their owners: two golden retrievers, a boxer, and a little white fluffy dog. We were taken back to an examination room immediately and met with Dr. Hamilton.  I had a list of questions that we went over. 

What is Burke's life expectancy with chemo alone? 6 months on average for dogs with t-cell lymphoma. 

What is Burke's life expectancy with chemo plus the new antibody therapy? Since the drug is so new there are limited studies, but on average it will extend his life by 40%. These are just averages and some dogs live longer (which means some dogs live shorter).

How long will the Burke be in treatment? Chemotherapy will be given by IV once a week for the first 8 treatments followed by a final 8 treatments given every other week. Antibody therapy (also given by IV) is twice a week for the first 4 weeks followed by a final 4 treatments given every other week.

How long before we know if it's working? He should be in complete remission in 1 month's time.

How will you know if it comes back?  We will evaluate him monthly.

What about supplements?  How do you feel about turmeric paste? I neither encourage or discourage supplements because there is no scientific evidence supporting or dispelling the efficacy of these alternative treatments.  I wish there were. I would prefer if you held off during his first month of treatment before introducing supplements so that we can determine his reaction to the chemotherapy and antibody therapy. I do not want Burke to have any adverse side effects from the treatment and if he does have any adverse side effects I want to know what's causing it. 

We planned a vacation to Maine in over the 4th of July. Can Burke get these treatment in Maine? Yes, there is a canine oncologist in Portland, Maine that can give Burke his treatments. I've already been in touch with him. (I really like you Dr. Hamilton!)

How much will the treatment cost? The chemotherapy will cost $6000 and the antibody therapy will cost another $6000.

(wow)

As I write this blog I am thinking that some will judge me for spending so much money on my dog in order that he might live another year or two - I understand.  Before I had this dog, I would have judged me too.  There are always other/better uses for our money, but we have decided to do this.  If you feel differently, please don't comment here because this blog is about supporting Burke in his fight against cancer.  Burke will be part of a study for antibody treatment and Burke may win -- we are betting on Burke.

So Burke got his treatments and an anti-nausea medication and an anti-anxiety medication.  I was also told to cut his prednisone in half.

later on...

Burke was slightly sedated for the therapy so he laid quietly in the car on the way home.  I offered him his meds and water when we got home and some food.  He drank quite a bit, ate his meal and fell asleep.  After about 2 hours he woke up and got sick -- I probably should not have fed him.  I don't know!  Paul came home from work and Burke was very happy to see him.  After a cheerful greeting, Burke laid down again and fell asleep.  

I am feeling very ambivalent and sad.  

Breen Labs

Burke's Rule: If someone shaves your belly you get a rawhide - period!

It's Friday.  One week ago today we took Burke to our local vet because he was lethargic. On Monday Burke was seen in the VRC Emergency Clinic in Malvern, Pennsylvania and given his initial diagnosis of lymphoma.  On Tuesday we met with the oncologist.  On Thursday we received the pathology report: t-cell lymphoma. Not a good week.

One bright spot in all of this is the incredible support we have received from our breeder, the Cancer Support Team of the Flatcoated Retriever Society of America, and two Facebook groups: Flatcoated Retrievers and Flatcoated Retrievers Health Support.  

Another "positive" is Breen Lab at North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine.  Drs. Breen and others are conducting studies "focused on exploring the cellular genomics of canine cancers and the investigation of any evolutionarily related genetic aetiology shared with human."  Through the FCRSA Cancer Support Team I was able to learn about Dr. Breen's work and arrange to have samples from Burke sent to North Carolina.  My breeder is also sending samples from her dogs.  Your help is needed - PLEASE won't you send blood samples from your healthy senior flatcoated retrievers to Breen Labs.  It's easy.  Instructions can be found on the FCRSA website. 

If you are interested in making a tax deductible donation to support this research please consider visiting the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Foundation (mention the "Cancer Genomics Fund").  You can also donate to the Flatcoated Retriever Foundation which helps to fund various cancer studies including Dr. Breen's study on lymphoma.

T-Cell lymphoma

Enjoying the backyard 6.18.15

Dr. Hamilton emailed me tonight. Burke has t-cell lymphoma.  We start CD-52 Antibody therapy on Monday.

First Visit to the Oncologist

Do we have to go?

We took Burke to meet with Dr. Hamilton at the VRC Cancer Center on Tuesday, June 16th. He examined Burke and expressed cautious optimism regarding Burke’s prognosis and the ability of the chemotherapy to put the cancer in remission.  

We were relieved to know that we had a choice other than palliative care. The goal, Dr. Hamilton said, is to return Burke to full health and to do so without distress. YES!  We want that! It turns out that chemotherapy in dogs tends to be well tolerated and adverse reactions to the chemotherapy doses used in veterinary medicine are estimated to occur in 10-15% of pets.  Okay, that sounds good too!

The type of lymphoma Burke has will determine his treatment plan (and life expectancy).  The results from the Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab are expected today or tomorrow.  Burke's first chemotherapy treatment is Monday.  In the meantime, Dr. Hamilton started Burke on prednisone.  

We started our day in despair and left the clinic with hope. Hope that our boy Burke can, as my daughter said, "Kick cancer's butt!" We are hoping for a complete remission and are anxious to start his chemotherapy treatments on Monday, June 22nd.  

What type of lymphoma does Burke have?  What is his life expectancy?  Will he tolerate the chemotherapy?  Will the cancer respond to the treatment? How long will he stay in remission? Maybe he won't even have lymphoma -- we won't really know until the lab results come in from CSU, right?

I can't work.  I have trouble sleeping.  The only thing I can do well is read about lymphoma and post and read updates on the Flatcoated Retrievers & Flatcoated Retrievers Health Support Facebook pages. Burke is with me.  Sleeping quietly on the cool floor.  He wakes and licks his bare belly.  His wheezing is gone after 3 doses of prednisone.  For those who love their dogs, really love their dogs, you know our hearts are heavy.  

We welcome your prayer, well wishes, and kind words of encouragement.  We feel surrounded by the love of friends, family, and strangers.  Thank you for caring about us and Burke's fight against lymphoma.

Kick cancer's butt!

Burke has lymphoma!?

Burke

This is Burke, our 2 year old flat-coated retriever! 

Tragically, Burke has just been diagnosed with Stage V, t-cell lymphoma, a rapidly spreading cancer that is rare in such a young dog.  

Less than three weeks ago we noticed that Burke was acting lethargic - an unusual condition in a 2 year old flat-coat! Initially, we thought the fatigue was due to the heat - it has been very hot and humid in central Pennsylvania but when the weather became milder, he did not improve.  

We took him to the vet on Friday, June 12th and blood work was ordered. Over the weekend his lethargy increased as well as his respiration. He started to make a wheezing noise when laying on his side and I noticed that the left lymph node on his shoulder was swollen. We knew that something was very wrong with our puppy. We were back at the vets on Monday, June 15th. His blood work was normal but x-rays revealed fluid on his lungs and an obstruction in his chest! Our vet sent us immediately to the VRC emergency clinic in Malvern, PA.  The emergency room veterinarian took a sample from the fluid in his lungs and an ultrasound was performed while we anxiously waited.  

The veterinarian called us back to an examination room.  "Is there any possibility Burke has eaten rat poisoning?"  NO!  "Has he experience any trauma to his chest?"  NO!  

"Burke has pleural effusion and we don't know what's causing it. I took a sample of the fluid in his lungs and it's tinged with blood. Usually we see this when a dog has experienced trauma or has been poisoned.  We'd like to do an ultrasound."  

"What else might be causing this?" we asked. The veterinarian told us it could be caused by lymphoma, but they wouldn't know until the ultra sound was completed.  

Lymphoma?!  Cancer?!  I started to cry and so did my husband. We went outside and waited, not wanting others in the waiting room to have to deal with our obvious grief.  Within minutes they had the results.  "Burke has an enlarged thymus and enlarged lymph nodes throughout his abdomen."  "It's cancer!" I cried and my husband reached out a hand to calm me. "Yes," she said, "I'm sorry."  

My two year old dog is filled with cancer?  How can this be?  He came to us from a responsible breeder.  Both his lines have longevity.  He's too young for lymphoma!  My dad died from lymphoma!  

"Lymphoma does usually occurs in older dogs," she said." 

Cancer follows no rules.

I called my breeder, I called my trainer, I texted the news to my daughter and son and sister and Burke was returned to us  -- belly shaved but jubilant, jumping for joy and kisses and whining with happiness.  "Holly crap, mom and dad, what was that about?"

We were to return the next day and meet with the oncologist.

We took Burke home and drove most of the two hours in silence and tears.  We slept with Burke between us on Monday night -- a fitful sleep with Burke jumping on and off the bed and breathing heavy.  We didn't know what we were going to do -- either palliative care or chemo, those were our options.  We would decide tomorrow when we met with the oncologist.