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!

 

 

[Stella]

My love to you, Penny, and your family at such a difficult time for you all. 

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Penny, I'm glad you had a good experience with the doctor, be a trooper and you will get to that 15%!! We pray for you and hope that you have good days ahead. Who needs hair??? Hugs and kisses!!

[F, Calla & Luca]

The doodles and I will hope Penny falls in the 15 % of survivors. Good luck with the chemo.

[Jodi and Stella]

Wonderous things can happen to Wonder Dogs. She is a lucky girl to have such awesome, caring parents. Keep up the great attitude, it is so important!

[Ellen, Brûlée, and Tira]

Your update was really very positive.  Sounds like you have a caring and capable oncologist working with Penny.  That's wonderful.  I pray for Penny to have the best outcome possible!  (If 85% lose their battle, 15% beat the odds!)  Keep thinking positively!  :)

 

[Taylor & Huff]

I keep penny in my prayers and hope she gets through this.

[cheryl & oliver]

I am so glad that you updated us today.  I kept looking for your posting.  Your friends here in Florida are sauing prayers and sending hugs and comfort to all of you as you go thru this trying time.  I am happy that you like the oncologist, that is so important for you as well as Penny...Miracles do happen and Penny is "the Wonder Dog." so we will keep praying and hoping for one.  Love and hugs to all of you...Cheryl, Oliver & Renny

[Donna K & Quincy]

Penny, I hope all of your days are filled with sunshine and belly rubs. We are sending big doodle hugs your way and praying for the very best for you and your family.

[Leslie and Halas]

Even if her hair falls out, Penny will still be beautiful!  She'll bring new meaning to the naked doodle look.  We'll be praying for a miracle.  Enjoy every day!

[BG and Gavin]

Keep the faith and try and enjoy your time.  I pray for a miracle for Penny Wonder Doodle.