Angel rayz? - update, not good

[Alex's Mom]

Update from today's apt????

[oceangirls]

They did an abdominal ultrasound (which appeared normal), and aspirated a few more lymph nodes for testing, but said it really doesn't make any difference because the treatment is the same regardless (although they guessed stage 3a). Labwork looked fine. They started her on a chemo regimen today: she had vincristine IV this week, week 2 is cyclophosphamide (oral, I believe), week 3 is vincristine again, and week 4 is doxorubicin, then a week off and then repeat, then I think it goes to every other week for a couple months. They also started prednisone 5mg daily.

The doctor told my husband that since the goal is chronic management, not cure, the doses are low enough that for 80% of dogs, you can't even tell they are on chemo. In fact if she has side effects, we are to call so they can adjust doses or give her something to manage them.

Expected survival is 12-14 months, with 25% surviving 2 years or more.

If she has the B-cell type (most common), there is a new drug that they are seeing some success with that might be an option later. It's a monoclonal antibody... some very cool new treatment options for various diseases (there are several they're using for melanoma now that weren't around when my husband went through it 10 years ago).

Rayz appreciated that she can handle the steroid with the likely Cushings, and nothing weird happens with her platelets... and of course that she does well.

Another friend at work (previously our scheduling clerk) has a Rottweiler with lymphoma (I think he is 9)... she could not afford to do chemo and he is not doing well. I am so glad we can manage this for Angel.

Thank you guys for asking and for all your support. She is a beautiful, innocent little soul and we will do everything we can for her.

[Rae]

I love you. And her. And her bratty sister.

I know you'll do everything that you possibly can, and I hope that she's the amazing wonder doggie who heals.

[Alex's Mom]

SO many coming at you all, and just as many . I'm so glad you can do this too. Sweet girl. How is Cassie dealing with it all? Are you seeing any changes in her behaviour?

[Neuchatel]

It sounds as if you received excellent medical care/advice and are on a good regimen. Thanks for being such a good and caring Doxie mom. Thinking of all you at this very stressful time.

[lotsadox]

Sending tons of for your sweet girl.

I hear you about the changes in treatment options the last 10 years. My cousin had breast cancer over 10 years ago and while she has done well, treatments have changed so much in the last 10 years.

My friend who is going thru treatment for lymphoma now is doing so much better than my cousin did. Other than losing her hair and being tired, she said it hasn't been that bad.

I'm so glad you can do everything for your sweet girl. for all of you.

[Lisa]

Thinking of you and your family while you go through all this. I don't want to hound you, so if you ever need to talk, just holler, here for you if you need anything.

[oceangirls]

How is Cassie dealing with it all? Are you seeing any changes in her behaviour?

Cassie is easygoing and happy as long as feedings remain on schedule .

[phoria2]

I'm so sorry you are going through this.
Many for you! You are doing great and I'm glad there are ways to mange the condition.

[K2]

Oh, Kim-I'm so sorry to read this.
Sending love and hugs.
How is she doing?



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