The chemo journey
Well Louie had his first chemo treatment of carboplatin <sp> on Thursday the 17th of September. I have beat myself up over waiting so long (6 weeks since his amputation) but he just was not ready or strong enough before then. Hopefully no harm done, but we will charge ahead as planned and hope for the best. The day I brought him for his treatment was the first time he has been back to the vet since his amputation. I had to remove his stitches myself as he was not strong enough and would not get into the car. He was quite scared……could he have remembered? He did not want to go in the door and when we did get in he immediately left a nice present on the floor 🙂  He refused to walk to the back with the vet tech when she came for his leash so I had to walk with them. He wrapped his head around my leg as if to make sure I wasn’t going anywhere. After he settled……the vet tech was on the floor with him with his head in her lap and the other tech was shaving his leg (all the while his eyes were on me) I was talking to the vet who was very pleased with how he looked. I kissed his head and told him I would be back very soon. It was so hard to leave him. I picked him up 3 hours or so later and he was so happy to see me! He has been a little more tired, in the morning he eats about 1/2 of his normal food but eats all his treats,takes his anti nausea and anti diarrhea meds and cleans up his dinner. The biggest thing I have noticed is he seems a bit weaker……his front leg buckles out on him again and he has occasionally resumed his downward dog yoga position to pee. But all in all so far we are heading towards day 3 and he has sailed through like a trooper. He goes back on Thursday for a blood draw. So far so good. It has been almost 10 weeks since he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Every day is a blessing.
6 comments so far
5:25 am - 9-20-2015
This is just about one of the sweetest pictures ever!! Got a great big “awwww” going on over here!
Geez, I know it hurt your heart when Louie didn’t want to go into the vets. At least he knows now he can go and still come out keeping his three legs he went in with!
A d btw Lou, I’m glad you left a “present” on the floor! You were just letting them know what you thiught about having to be there!!
I’m sure just the whole process itself wore him out. Not sure why his leg would be buckling again…did they put the IV in that leg? Maybe that has something to do with it?
If I recall, it seems the diminished appetite, lethergy, etc. can happen anytime during the first five days. But it sounds like Louie’s appetite is pretty darn good!
Unfortunately, there are times when chemo is delayed for various reasons. Rougher recovery from surgery, infections, other complications, etc. It does happen and chemo is still advised. I know with my Happy Hannah it was almost four weeks before her first chemo because I felt like she just wasn’t strong enough yet either. These “Mastiffs, or any form thereof”…they just like to do things there way!
As far as the downward dog yoga pee position, I actually think Louie is brilliant for figuring out how to be in a relaxed state with little effort!
Very much appreciate you taking the time t0 update AND include this precious photo! I just love reading about Lou! He’s just so darn special…and smoochable!!
I look forward to his next blog. Give that gentle giant a great big hug! You are both doing great!!
Lotta love!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
1:31 pm - 9-21-2015
We are on a similar journey. Louie is ADORABLE, oh my gosh is he cute. Our little Canaan had a front left amputation on August 27th and she had her first chemo on September 15th. We’ve gotten through the first week without major issue and we are praying heading into the second week that we are past the scariest parts. I will be following Louie as I’m in love with the big fellow. Wish you best of luck and if I have any good information I will pass it along. xoxo Debbie And Patches
4:54 pm - 9-21-2015
Thank you Debbie! Love and prayers to Patches that she sails through all her chemos!!
1:34 pm - 9-21-2015
Oh and I almost forgot…….when Patches went back for her first visit post amputation she peed on the vet’s welcome mat 🙂 I see great minds think alike lol.
4:55 pm - 9-21-2015
LOL! That is hysterical! 🙂
4:18 pm - 9-21-2015
Aww now that IS a sweet photo!
Don’t beat yourself up. You waited for the right time to do the chemo and that’s what counts. All of the decisions made with love and consideration for Louie’s quality of life will help keep him strong an healthy. You’re doing great.
Hope that he’s having a good week. Keep us posted.