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

 

 

 

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

oh dearest Penny...our hearts are with you sweet doodle girl:)

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

I am so sorry to hear the chemo is compromising Penny.  I too applaud your decision to stop it and go for quality of life for however long that might be.  Hugs and doodle kisses to all of you.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

So sorry to hear this, I think you did the right thing. Let love lead the way now-praying for a miracle.

[Melissa & Porter]

((((hugs))))  I am so sorry.

[Ronna, Murphy & Wilson]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and Penny.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Oh Michelle, I am so sorry that all of this is upon you at once. I am continuing my prayers for you and Penny and your family.

I love your attitude and agree whole heartily that you are doing the right thing for your precious girl. I hope her days are comfortable and happy and I will not stop hoping for that miracle. 

My best to you all, God Bless.

[Suzanne & Jack]

My prayers are with you and Penny.  Having been through this with one of our dogs I applaud your courage to put Penny's well-being first.  You should take comfort in knowing that you are doing all that you can and that you've given her a great life.  Her next journey will be even better because of her life with you.

[BG and Gavin]

I do wish the news was better.  It must be heart-breaking for you.  Penny is a special dog and you are special human parents.  Hang in there while we continue to pray for a miracle.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Such heartbreaking news ....... we'll keep hoping and praying for a miracle.  In the meantime we send lots of hugs your way.  Take care of you, as well as Penny.  Our thoughts are with you.

[Donna K & Quincy]

I think of Penny often and it breaks my heart that the news is not better. I know it must be an extremely difficult time for you and your family, just know that we are all thinking of you and praying for a miracle.