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!

 

 

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Thinking of you and praying for a miracle. Lots of love from me, the dood and chihuahua.

[Linda and Murphy]

Thanks for the update. I am  glad you are so pleased with the oncologist.  Praying for a that miracle for your beautiful Penny and strength for all of you as you go through this.

[Taylor & Huff]

Good luck, Penny with your chemo and everything:) I hope you get better soon. Do you have a date for your first chemo treatment or anything?

[Taylor & Huff]

Poor Penny:) I was just hoping and praying that you weren't going to let Penny go without a fight. I am glad to hear you are going to do chemo. and glad to hear that chemo is not as hard on dogs as it is on people. Penny is a wonderdog after all, she can handle it:)

[Bonnie and Kona]

May you all feel compassion and strength as you face this hard time. Precious Penny, we're praying for a miracle.

[Clifford, Cloud, Jake..and Kim]

Thanks for the update.  Penny will be as beautiful and adorable without her hair as she is with it.  We are sending lots of strength to Penny and all of you as you go through chemo process and you are always in our thoughts.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

I totally agree with Nicky on miracles!

Back in day I had a friend who had cervical cancer. 2 years later is was in her Pancreas. Pancreatic cancer had a 10% survival rate 20 years ago. Even though we are no longer friends, she is still on this earth - cancer free.

Who are we to say that Penny can't have the same miracle?With all the positive thoughts and prayers being sent her way if anyone has a chance it will be Penny!!!

 

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Thank you for the update.  It must be a great relief that Penny is in such good hands with the oncologist. I will  continue to send my love to you all and Penny in particular.  My hope for all of you is that Penny enjoys every day.  Miracles do happen and there's no harm in asking for one for Penny.  That's what I am doing right now.