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!

 

 

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

thank you so much for the update.  I've checked here a hundred times to see if there was any news.  The hair loss was interesting in that I'm not remembering little Rusty loosing his hair while going through his chemo.  You guys are amazingly loving doodle parents and we will continue to hold all of you in our thoughts and prayers and hope for a miracle.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I'm praying that the chemo will help.  Please know there is lots of support here for you....love you Miss Penny.  You truly are a Wonderdoodle!

[Lindsey, Lee, Whopper and Simba]

I am glad that Penny is in such great hands.  We are thinking about all of you and wishing for the best. 

[Jennifer and Jack]

You attitude is amazing. I love that you are going to enjoy every single day with her while she is here and happy, I think each day should be spent that way cancer, disease or totally healthy.

 

I hope and pray that each day is filled with love, joy, peace in knowing you are doing all you can without torturing her and that she has the best gosh darn parents she could possibly have.

 

I am praying for all of you... and thank you for the update.

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

I'm sending good thoughts your way!!

[Pam & Trixie]

Im glad you have such a great Oncologist for Penny.   Now you have a plan, that always helps one feel better.

We had a wonderful dog with cancer...We treated her with Prednisone & A Pill Chemo  She tolerated both  well & Had A very Good Quality life while in treatment. (one wouldnt have guessed she was sick-she felt so good)

I will hope for the very best for Penny

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Thank you for the update. I am going to hope for a miracle for Penny, The WonderDog!

[Lynda Kamrath]

You are sounding very strong at this time and will get through it with Penny.  Chemo is difficult, but it sounds like the best option.  My neighbor's lab had cancer and went through the radiation.  It was expensive,  but her dog is her life and she would do anything for him.  He was a super patient, and everyone loved him.  So guess what - after the episode with him, she had breast cancer and had to go through radiation also.  He was right there with her saying, "If I can do it, so can you."  She is finished with her treatment, and the dog was a great inspiration for her.  You just never know.  Penny can be an inspiration in many ways.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Thank you for the update, I'm thinking of you and Penny...

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

Im hoping for a miracle for you and Penny