Rusty Update, 2 1/2 Years Since Amputation & Cancer Fight Began

[Chuck Holliman]

We have had a lot of non-Rusty issues this spring/summer and I have not been updating Rusty's progress. He has had a very good spring/summer until the last couple of weeks. We are hoping that he will fight this off like everything else he has had to deal with.

Rusty celebrated a milestone on July 25th, it has been thirty months since his amputation and his battle with cancer began! He is an amazing dog, having battled cancer for over half of his life and now dealing with “Fanconi Syndrome”, which was caused by the damage to his liver & kidneys from the Chemotherapy. He celebrated his 4th Birthday yesterday, July 30th. Two and one-half years ago, we never expected that we would be celebrating his 4th Birthday; that he is still with us is a testament to his determination to fight this terrible disease and his two fabulous Dr.’s, Dr. Huber & Dr. Macy
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Rusty saw Dr. Macy for his normal follow-up appointment on August 9th. No visible signs that the cancer has metastasized, but without X-rays we don’t know for sure. He has been making a lot of “grunting” noises the past few weeks, not sure if that means anything. If it keeps up we may ask Dr. Macy to take X-rays on our next visit as it has been about a year since his last X-Rays. His liver and kidney functions have decreased since the last visit; Dr. Macy increased the dosage of his med’s and put him back on Milk Thistle for his liver. When he was on Milk Thistle before, his sensitive stomach could not handle it; this time he was doing okay with it until the last couple of days when he started vomiting again. Altogether, he gets a total of 9 ½ pills wrapped in 4 cheese balls daily; fortunately, he eagerly looks forward to his “cheese balls”.

The main symptoms of “Fanconi Syndrome” are increased water intake and increased urination. Rusty’s water intake has increased substantially, from his already high levels, and we are hoping it is a result of the summer heat and not increased kidney/liver issues. However, Dr. Macy is more concerned about the latest test results and we are anxiously waiting on his next tests in August. We are hoping that the increased meds will stabilize him; otherwise he may be in a slow decline. He is now getting up twice a night again, which is challenging for both of us.

He has less energy this summer, does not swim as much and sleeps more. Hopefully, part of this is a result of being older along with more warmer/humid days this year. Also, the Fanconi Syndrome drains most of the nutrients from his system, which reduces his energy levels. We put him on the Adequan protocol, hoping to decrease the stress on his joints and reduce any pain that he might be having. He seems to have more energy since completing the series of injections, but is still not up to his previous levels. He still surfs some, but I don’t think there will be a 4th surfing video this summer.

Chuck, Jan & Rusty

[Pam & Trixie]

Happy 4th Birthday Rusty!

 

I hope you get good test results in August.  Feel better

[Camilla and Darwin]

Thanks for the update, I was just recently thinking about Rusty. You are such a wonderful doodle!

[BG and Gavin]

Rusty continues to be a true inspiration as do you.  He never is far from my thoughts.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks so much for the update....I think of Rusty so often.  Hearing Rusty's story always helps me to remember how precious each day that we spend with our Doodles is.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Happy 4th Birthday Rusty. Thinking of your family as always.  He is one tough doodle and you are the best doodle parents.

[Colleen, Jake & Baxter]

Rusty, you are one wonderful amazing doodle that has been through so much.  What a testimony you and your owners are to all of us here on DK.  Best wishes on your 4th birthday and that you will be feeling better in the days to come.  Stay cool Rusty...it has been a rough summer with the heat and I know my Jake has been sleeping much more than usual

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

I was a new member when I first read about Rusty and his diagnosis and I remember the surfing video that you posted soon afterwards.  Thanks for the update and know that so many of us care about him and your family.  Take care!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Chuck,Thank you so much for the update.  Rusty has been a dk doodle for so long that most of us feel like we know him. We take an avid interest in his health.  I hope your own spring problems have been successfully resolved.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Wow, happy 4th birthday Rusty! You are a miracle doodle! Always praying for you all. You do so much for Rusty, I hope he gets more active after this heat. Thanks for the update!

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Thank goodness Rusty is a fighter....if any dood can get through it Rusty will be the one.  Here's hoping heat is the culprit, I know it slows my Daisy down some and it's been totally humid here as well.

Continued prayers coming your way.