I apologize for not responding sooner to these posts. With the pleasant temps, good weather, and a tournament next weekend, it's been a busy archery week here at the house for the homeschool team of 34! (Actually 2 teams of about 17, but they all practice together thus it's a small invasion of teens and pre-teens. All are great kids, and responsible, but.... kids.
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Our GSD started chemo Wednesday morning, and now at 2 days out she is showing no major adverse symptoms. She is sleeping a bit, but no more than usual. Her appetite has actually increased, which I find interesting, and her "output" to put it politely is about the same, although she was quite gassy the night of her treatment. (
) She has a terribly sensitive stomach, and curls her lips and starts to heave whenever food of strong aroma is cooked, so for her to not have any stomach upset yet is a blessing. It may be coming, but I won't beg trouble.
Her only problem, is the one Mike B. mentioned his neighbor's dog having, which is her urine output is GREATLY increased. (Considering this is a nearly 100 lb dog, it's not a trivial matter, but now that we're aware we are taking her out about every 30 minutes.) I talked to our vet about it yesterday and we're both of the belief that this is due to the fluids she was given, but we're watching it. In 24 hours it has improved, though not completely abated.
RJM Acres:No worries about not talking to your vet about it. I heard you had your hands full with your own pooch. I hope he/she is doing a lot better!
Chris K. I'm embarrassed to say that when I hear medical terms my brain freezes. (This annoys Kizmo no end, given he's a doc and all, but it's an innately emotional response that is rather hard-wired for me, but I do my best.) It is indeed hemangiosarcoma, first found at the skin, and so far no where else as far as we know, so I'm guessing it would indeed be cutaneous hemangiosarcoma. I don't recall which drug he is using, but I will ask when I talk with him next. I did know, but brain-freeze also amounts to loss of info, as well.
Thank you so much for the information on this (and congratulations on recently graduating form vet school too!) It's quite helpful to see this info in writing, and explained so well. (In writing it doesn't freeze my brain, as I can read it slowly and wait for the emotional response to pass.
) Yes, our vet did do more blood work and said he would repeat it probably after her 3rd dose, etc. He does know he has free reign to test what he feels is appropriate, so if it's needed earlier I told him to do so. He is a very approachable and responsive vet and I appreciate that very much. I wish my ability to absorb what he says was as reliable.
Infidel 762: I try to keep perspective. I know she's not human, but she is ABSOLUTELY family. She is smarter than some people, and has a better heart than many. She was purchased as Kiz,Jr's companion/protector when he was 9, which was 7.5 years ago. She has always taken her responsibility with him very seriously. Obviously now, the nature of their relationship is different, but she still adores him. Needing a 'job', and being an inside dog, she has become my constant companion. She stays no more than 3 feet from me wherever I am, so she moves from the laundry room to the kitchen to the family room, out to the yard and back as many times a day as I do.
As an aside to share how she's treated, she rides shotgun in my car, window and sunroof open to keep her from getting sick. Her song is Pharrell's "Happy", because that's what she looks like when she's riding; she LOVES it, and smiles broadly! So, we always leave the house with that song on if she's in the car. I accidentally had John Denver's "Lady" playing one day (which for those who don't know is a slow, mellow song that starts with "Lady, are you crying?") She turned to look at me, head tucked down into her neck, as she looked up through her eye lids, as if to say "NOT my song Mom!" LOL I quickly changed it!
Mike B. Your neighbor's experience is exactly the type of personal insight I was hoping to find. If I had checked back here sooner I would have been better prepared. Also, your neighbor's dogs' result is very encouraging! Thank you so much for the info.