WonderDog Goes To The Oncologist

[Michele, Biscuit & Mo]

Someone up there is looking after us, because our appointment with the oncologist went about as well as it could, under the circumstances.

 

Everyone at the hospital was awesome to Penny (she is pretty charming, after all), and she had more hugs and kisses than she knew what to do with.  These folks are definitely animal lovers.

 

The oncologist shoots straight (which I like) but still remains positive and loving - a rare combination.  Penny just loved her from the start, especially after the doctor ran back to her office to cut a piece of fish from her OWN LUNCH to give to Penny.

 

Here's the scoop:  Penny has Grade 3 mast cell cancer. It's the most aggressive form of cancer, and the survival rate is only about 15%.  Tumors come back and the cancer is very aggressive in spreading internally.  Realistically, we're looking at a few months to a year left with our Penny.

 

We have chosen to do a round of chemo, with steroids and a fairly new cancer drug called Palladia.  Dogs apparently tolerate chemo pretty well.

 

Radiation is out of the question - agony for the dog, and very high risk.  No way I'm going to put my girl through that.

 

Chemo will be weekly for four weeks, then every other week for four weeks.  The biggest side effect will be loss of hair.  Good thing I have about 4,000 pictures of my beautiful dood!  LOL

 

We hope this will give Penny a few more months of good life.  We do, of course, pray for the miracle of long-term remission, but are being realistic and celebrating every day of life with Penny.

 

I'll write more to journal how she's doing throughout this whole process, with the hope that someday someone else who needs support can read this and not feel alone.

 

The love from the DK family is overwhelming.  Don't know what we'd do without all you dood lovers out there!

 

 

[Michele, Biscuit & Mo]

You are very nice to check in - I just posted a new blog post about her first day of chemo!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Just checking in .... wasn't sure when they were going to start Penny's treatments!  Thinking of you all daily.

[Ginny Nightingale]

We will cross all of our fingers and paws for Penny and hope she has a complete recovery--so sorry you all have to go through this.

[Denise & Hunter!!!]

 You will be in my prayers everyday.  {{HUGS}} Denise & Hunter

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

JD and I are sending hugs and hoping for the best possible outcome for Penny. We too hope she will be in that 15%.

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

Penny girl you hang in there!!  Blessings and doodlekisses that you make a recovery, you are a wonderdog after all!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Penny, you may have a piece of my fish tonight too!  You know, they don't call you WonderDog for Nuttin!   Kisses to that big wet black nose.  P.S. Here is a piece of fish for your lil sister

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am so sorry.  With a similar situation in our family recently, I really, really empathize with your devastation and shock at the diagnosis, and any decisions you make for Penny's future.  Just keep loving her and appreciate every day with her.  I will pray for a long term remission - hopefully she will be one of the 15%.

[sandy b]

Sending positive thoughts your way. Penny will be beautiful with or without hair but she may not lose it. About a year ago my dearest friends dog went through chemo and wasn't sick nor lost any hair.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

First, I absolutely LOVE this picture of DH and penny...you can just feel the love. Second, my first reaction to your post was sadness but now, after reading the comments I realize that we must all stay positive and send those vibes your way. We will all be praying that Penny will be included in the 15%.
May whatever time we all have with our Doods be as happy as your Penny's will be.