Post-Holiday Update on Penny the WonderDog's Cancer Treatment

[Michele, Biscuit & Mo]

Hi Everyone,

 

Lots of you DK friends and family have been checking in with me to see how Penny is doing with her chemo treatments. I apologize for not getting back to all of you personally, but these last few weeks have been quite a handful.  I have several members of my family fighting cancer, I've been looking after WonderDog, and I've had a few health problems myself to deal with. There are days I feel like I'm the living embodiment of "General Hospital."  LOL

 

A couple of weeks ago, Penny had her fourth chemo treatment.  That, combined with her cancer meds, gave her a slight fever.  She spent an afternoon at the vets getting subcutaneous fluids (injected underneath the skin), and did better after that.

 

Last Monday was treatment #5 (of 8).  The chemo dosage was lowered slightly to avoid another fever, but it did no good.  By Friday, her temp was skyrocketing.  She wouldn't eat or drink.  She'd barely walk.  I took her right to the hospital and they admitted her without question.  We spent the holiday weekend monitoring her progress and praying that she'd get better.  The danger is that with a high fever like this, it means that the chemo and drugs have suppressed her bone marrow to the point that it's making the cancer worse.

 

I can't tell you how fortunate we are to have an amazing veterinary clinic, a superwoman for an oncologist (I think I posted a pic of Penny dancing for her in my last entry), and an unbelievably compassionate, competent hospital (human beings should get this kind of health care!).  I sent an email to Dr. Hillers, the oncologist, over the weekend, and she actually stopped her holiday to go see Penny in the hospital.

 

Penny finally came home yesterday and while still lethargic, is hanging in there.  I had a long talk with Dr. Hillers and we agreed that the chemo is just taking too large a toll on her system.  My DH's and my whole goal is to give Penny quality of life, and this wasn't doing it.

 

So, we put an end to the chemo.  We will continue the Palladia pills for awhile and see how it goes.  We don't know how much longer Penny will be with us, but we're treasuring every second with her and consider ourselves so blessed to have been chosen as her "human parents."  She is one in a million.

 

I promise to keep you all posted.  In the meantime, we send all our love, hugs, and DoodleKisses to you!  XOXOXOXO

 

 

 

[Eva]

I don't know what to say, except that I am crying for you and your little doodle. You are doing the right thing, lots of love is all they want. I am so sorry you and anyone for that matter have to go through this. Eva

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I find this so very upsetting and to think you are going through all sorts of other family illnesses at the same time is too much.  I don't really have words to say of any comfort but thank you for sharing with us here.  I'm so very sad but now hoping that however long Penny has left will be filled with love and that her quality of life may improve so she can enjoy it.  You are wonderful Doodle parents, there is no doubt.  I wish you strength and am quietly praying hard for Penny.

[Ginny Nightingale]

So, so sorry to hear this--but as everyone has said, you are doing the right thing for your wonderful pup. I have a friend whose Rottweiler was given 3 months to live and that was ayear ago--he is still fine--not sure you can hope for that, but I wish you pleasant times with Penny for as long as you have with her. 

I once had a non-doodle  dog who bit a relative (in a past pre-DK life) and had to wait a week before we could put him down (quarantined)---it's a long story but he was dangerous and we had put up with that for almost 12 years. As his hearing and eyesight went, he got more dangerous and we were going to lose our house insurance if we didn't do something--anyway, it was a long week, but we had lots of fun with him and made sure he enjoyed every day. It is WAAAAY tougher on us than it is on them, as they do not have the dread and apprehension that we do. I will be thinking of you.

[Jennifer and Jack]

Oh my gosh, to say I am sorry seems so inappropriate or trivial. I am a firm believer in palliative care for human beings and animals, when you are suffering to try to stay alive with no quality of life it is just horrible , I am so sad that the chemo didn't work, my heart hurts thinking about what you must feel. I am most grateful that you are putting Penny first and I hope and I pray that she has a very long time of a comfortable life ahead of her. Sending my love and prayers to you.. Give Penny lots of kisses and hugs from Jack and I

[Sally]

oh penny....i wish each and every day that you are here with your family only the best. Soup to nuts love, affection, play and treats.....let every day feel like a year....then you can live a lifetime!

[Linda and Murphy]

I'm so very sorry to hear about Penny's treatment. Just sending love and hugs to all of you.

[Rose]

I'm very sorry to hear this, Michele. My thoughts are with you, your family and Penny. Hugs to all of you.

[Ellen, Brûlée, and Tira]

This is not the news we all hoped for, and yet you have done for Penny all that medicine would allow. She knows you love her and will better enjoy her remaining days with your family.  Brulee and I send  our love and wishes for Penny to regain her strength and old zip!  Thank  you for your keeping us updated.

[Sue, Lola, Pongo & Hubby]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I can't imagine what this would be like (especially with all your family's health as well!). Penny is lucky to have such wonderful parents who go above and beyond to keep comfortable. Hoping for some good news soon......

[Sharon & Monty]

aww, I hate sad news.  :(  Our dogs sure are heart breakers.  Very sorry you and yours are going thru so much right now.  Hugs for Penny, hugs for your family.