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.