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

 

 

 

[Holly St Pierre]

Praying for a miracle for your dear doodle Penny

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

I am so sad to hear that the chemo is not doing what we all hoped it would do.  Basing your decision on "quality of life" is the right way to go...  Will keep you all in my thoughts.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

You are going through so much right now, and I am so sorry.  You've done an amazing job of giving Penny all the love, support and expert medical attention possible.  Sending prayers to you all.

[Debbie and Toby]

So very sorry to hear this very sad and heart breaking news. Penny is very fortunate to have all of you in her life! Keep the faith. Sending lots of love, hugs and prayers!

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

this brought tears to my eyes. You have given Penny a wonderful life, and I hope that she can enjoy her time left with you. It sounds like you have made the right decision for Penny

[Camilla and Darwin]

I am thinking of you, Penny and your family. Please do keep us updated on sweet Penny.

[F, Calla & Luca]

II am so very sorry to hear you news. But there is always a tiny chance Penny will have a longer life span than expected. You are fortunate to have such caring vets. I applaud your decision.

[Tina, Clover, Plus 5 More]

How heartbreaking this must be for you and your family.  Sending hugs and doodle kisses for Penny

[Bonnie and Kona]

Sweet Penny the WonderDog has captured our hearts. Praying for her and for you.

[Carol and Banjo]

Oh Michele,    I'm so very sorry the chemo hasn't helped Penny.    You've made a very wise choice to spend quality time with her.   Sending you love and hugs and lots of doodle kisses for WonderDog.   You'll be in our prayers.