WonderDog's Chemo - Day One

[Michele, Biscuit & Mo]

Penny and I went in for her first round of chemo today. 

 

It's a testament to the stress-free environment of the oncology office that Penny wasn't at all stressed and took it like a champ.

 

The entire process took about an hour.  First, blood tests to establish a baseline for things like if the cancer has spread, and to measure bone marrow suppression (white blood cell count).  While we waited for the results, Dr. Hillers came in and spent some time with us, explaining what would happen the next two weeks.

 

Then, Penny went in for her chemo.  It's very quick - an IV that takes about four minutes, tops.  She came back in all happy to see me.  Tony the technician said, "Did you know she likes to stand on her hind legs and try to dance with you?"  I was tempted to tell him no, that it must be the chemo working already, but just laughed and told him it means she's in love with him.

 

She has steroids that she has to take everyday (which will hopefully help with her appetite, but will also mean getting up a lot at night because she'll have to pee), along with anti-nausea and anti-diarrhea drugs (but only if she needs them).

 

We'll see how she does this next week.  Round 2 is next Monday, when she'll also start Palladia, a fairly new drug that is supposed to work to destroy the little "communicator anntenae" on the outside of the cancer cells, to stop them from communicating to each other and telling each other to grow.

 

Today's treat from Dr. Hillers was a little portion of beef from her own lunch, which Penny inhaled.  Dr. Hillers didn't forget Biscuit, either, throwing some cookies in a bag for her.

 

So far, so good.  :-)

 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Good luck to Penny. Come on chemo....wipe that cancer out:)

[GBK]

Thanks for the update, sounds good so far.  Prayers that she tolerates it all really well. 

[Gail+Kathleen,(Sydney+Olivia:)]

Sydney was on steroids the last 4-5 weeks and she was urinating in her sleep.  No matter how many times we took her out for potty, it didn't matter.  Once she fell asleep, she would urinate in her sleep, even sleeing upside down.  Someone suggested diappers which would have saved our furniture and carpet.  Don't know if Penny would wear a diaper but maybe you can get a good night of sleep if she will wear a diaper.  It's tough watching our Doodle babies suffer.  We wish you lots of love and prayers!  And will be thinking of Penny through her difficult time!

[Gail+Kathleen,(Sydney+Olivia:)]

Oh, what an angel Penny is!  How brave of her to let you know that she will be fine with all of the treatments!  We hope Penny can get through the treatments and have many healthy years with her Doodle family!

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

Keeping paws, fingers, toes and anything else we can cross for Penny.

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

So glad to hear that Penny's first treatment went so well!  It sure sounds like she is getting the best of care.

[Carol and Banjo]

Sending prayers your way and a big hug to Penny.

[Holly St Pierre]

Prayers sent to you & Penny.  Keep us posted.  She is adorable

 

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I pray I never need it, but if I would I might have to come and move in with you so I can use this Dr., he sounds wonderful!  So rare ......... Hugs to Penny ........ I hope she continues to feel well and doesn't need her other meds.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Prayers that the treatment does its job! Penny, we are rooting for you!