Rusty's Update, 14th Month Ampuversary

[Chuck Holliman]

Friday the 25th marks the 14th month of Rusty’s amputation; it is hard to believe that it has been over a year since his battle with cancer began. This update is a little more difficult for me to write as Rusty seems to be entering a new phase in his battle with cancer.

When we saw Dr. Macy in early January, things were going so well that he put Rusty on a three month follow-up schedule. The only problem that Rusty had at that time was some elevated liver enzymes, which were attributed to the medications that Rusty had pilfered from a friend’s purse at Christmas. Rusty enjoyed not having chemo treatments for the months of January and February we were glad that he was not suffering from nausea or diarrhea and his appetite returned to pre-chemo days. He enjoyed his walks & rides, but he seemed to tire more quickly than normal.

In early March Rusty began having bouts of vomiting and retching, his first episode appeared to have blood in the vomit, so we rushed him to our regular vet’ office. (Dr. Macy lives in Colorado and comes to the desert twice a month) It was 6PM on Friday evening and his regular vet was not in and he was seen by the only vet in the office, who seemed to be in a hurry to go home. He looked at the vomit that we had brought in and said that it was something that he had eaten and gave Rusty a shot and put him on a bland diet for ten days. Rusty continued to have occasional bouts of vomiting and when Dr. Macy was in town last week we took Rusty in to see him.

Dr. Macy did blood work on him, which the other vet did not do, and Rusty’s liver enzymes were off the chart; his initial diagnosis was most likely Pancreatitis. Dr. Macy sent a vial of blood to a lab that specializes in Pancreatitis diagnosis and the results came back yesterday that it is not Pancreatitis, but inconclusive as to what is causing the elevated liver enzymes. We are to keep him on the medications and strict low-fat diet that Dr. Macy prescribed until he is back in town on April 7th. Dr. Macy is not ruling out the return of cancer, but he is hoping it is a result of something else. If there are no changes in the liver functions at that time, Dr. Macy will probably have us take Rusty to San Diego for diagnostic scans.

Obviously we are very concerned; we know that our time with Rusty is limited but he has been doing so well the past several months that we were hoping that his time with us would be closer to the three years of his original prognosis rather than the one year.

One of his medications can cause nausea and last night at 3AM I heard him making noises from the nausea; he got out of his bed and came over and licked my arm. I massaged his tummy for 10 or 15 minutes and he seemed to relax and went back to bed.

I will update again after our next appointment with Dr. Macy on the 7th. I will upload some current photos to our page.

Chuck & Rusty

[Leslie and Halas]

I'm sorry to hear this.  I hope it's something they can deal with.  Know that we're all praying for you.

[Rose]

I'm sorry to hear this. Keeping you and Rusty in my thoughts. Hugs to both of you.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Hoping and praying the best for little Rusty.

[Christine & Shelby]

Shelby sends Rusty lots of Doodle kisses.  I can't even imagine how tough this is on Rusty and you too!  Sending positive thoughts your way!

[Michele, Biscuit & Mo]

Thanks for the update, Chuck.  I know it can't be easy for you to write this, but know that everyone of us who reads it is sending out prayers and much love Rusty's way. You have done an extraordinary job of caring for him, and I do hope it's something unrelated to the cancer.  Keep us posted!

[Sue Amos & Mulligan]

It is so very hard when our beloved pets are sick. I will keep special thoughts and prayers for Rusty. He is so very lucky to have such caring parents and I know you feel so very lucky to have him in your lfe.

[Pam & Trixie]

Im new here...Im sorry to hear about Rustys cancer battle.

I hope that he soon feels a little more like himself. 

I enjoyed his videos. : )

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

Sending love and prayers from North Carolina; hoping what ever is going on is not life threatening and that you and this sweet doodle have lots more time together.

[Joan, Louie and Mila]

Thinking of you and hoping Rusty feels better...you are such a good Daddy.

[Lindsey, Lee, Whopper and Simba]

Thanks for the update...I really hope that this is an unrelated illness and that he quickly recovers.  We are all thinking about him and your family!