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

 

 

 

[Susan and Sasha]

I am so sad and sorry to hear that Penny's treatments are not going well.

I will be keeping her and your family in my heart...my thoughts and my prayers...

[Clifford, Cloud, Jake..and Kim]

Penny has more people cheering for her than imaginable, we can only hope that all of our prayers and hopes can make whatever time she has the best every.  Never underestimate the power of doodle thoughts!  Be strong and enjoy each day.

[Janel and Sophia]

I just read your post about Penny.  My thoughts and prayers go out to you!!  My little shihtzu\poodle passed away of Cancer earlier this spring. My DH and I had the same mind set as you did... quality over quantity of life.  Our dood lasted longer than the Onocologist had ever predicted and did not suffer, for that we felt happy. So comfort yourselves with the knowledge that you are doing the right thing , by allowing her to live  with the best quality of life you can provide!!!.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I am so sorry to hear about Penny's treatment not going well, but think you made the absolute right decision. We are sending positive thoughts and prayers your way and hoping Penny feels better soon. Kisses from all of us!!

[GBK]

Our hearts are with you all.  I can't imagine how hard it is to go through this, but I agree with the quality of life decision as well.  Thanks for keeping us posted, you are lucky to have such a sweet girl.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

 Penny's life may be shorter than most, but her impact is large.  She has always been one of my hero dogs - those I wish mine would be like.   I hope you have her for a long while yet.  I appreciate that you value Penny's quality of life over quantity.  While it is so hard I think it is the most precious gift we can give our dear pets. Thank you so much for sharing, and know we all send our love and support. Give Penny and Biscuit a hug from me and Ned, Clancy and Gordie too.

 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and Penny. Hugs to you both.

[Pat and Traveler]

Tears in my eyes reading this.  Sweet Penny and all of you have gone through so much!  My heart and prayers are with you.  I know you've made the right decision, and will enjoy your time with Penny.   

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I don't have anything to say.  Speechless. 

Michelle.  If my arms could reach you in Arizona, they would be around you.  A hug and a tear from me. 

[Dori & Rua]

I am so sorry to hear that Penny is having a hard time with Chemo.  You are doing the right thing for Penny now.  We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.