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

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I'm sorry to hear this news, and I can only imagine how concerned you must be.  Here's hoping that this is not related to Rusty's cancer, and that he begins to show improvement.

[Clifford, Cloud, Jake..and Kim]

Rusty - I wish doodle hugs and kisses could make you better - there would be a lot of people visiting you to bring you those hugs!  I hope it is something minor that will corrrect itself but know we are thinking of you and sending lots of prayers your way.  Thank you for the update Chuck, you have a very special boy and I hope for the best.

[F, Calla & Luca]

When I saw your post I was hoping for good news again. I am still wishing and hoping that this current problem is unrelated to Rusty's cancer and I hope he will be well again soon.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

So sorry to hear about Rusty.  I am keeping everything crossed for a speedy recovery.  Rusty is a fighter and I'm sure he will over come this.  Lots of hugs and kisses to him...belly rubs too!

[Kyoko]

Charlie and I are sending our prayer for Rusty and your family....

[Lorraine Bromley]

We were just talking about Rusty on the doodlechat this past week. I had said that one of my all time favorite videos is of Rusty doing his pool surfing but even better when he was still able to enjoy it after loosing his leg. I am hopeful that Rusty will be well. But I do KNOW that he is well loved beyond most peoples expectations. May God give you the strength.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thank you for the update because we all care very much and want to keep up with Rusty's health. I am so sorry to hear that he is not doing well. We can all hope this is something unrelated to cancer, and entirely curable.  I am sending good wishes to your family.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Our thoughts are with you and Rusty, The ups and downs must be terrible. Wishing better days ahead for you all.

[Robyn, Greg and Snickers]

Good thoughts heading your way.  My mom and Step Dad live in Palm Desert so I told them to pray for you and Rusty too-so close and far away prayers.  I admire you so much being able to look at the positive and enjoying what time you have with him no matter how long it will be.  Big Doggie Kisses from Snickers to Rusty as well.

[cheryl & oliver]

Hugs and prayers and good vibes are being sent to both you & Rusty.  Lets hope he shows improvement before his next vet visit...Please keep us informed, he is certainly a little trooper and deserves to be with you and loved for a long time to come...