The Return of the White Spot

It has been brought to my attention that I have failed to post updated photos of Hudson's surgical site.  While he was goofing around in the grass today, I took a few pictures.  It's been about six weeks and most of his hair has come back in.  You can still see a slight line where the fur is shorter if you look at him when he's standing up.  The incision has healed completely, with no serious scarring.

If you look closely, the white spot (remember the sobbing from amputation day?) has returned!!!!!!  Only a small piece of it remains, but the flap of skin that was used to cover the site has just a little bit of my beloved white spot. 

And yes...I cried when I saw it for the first time.

Just Got Back From Hell

The day I took Hudson to get his stitches out at Animal Hospital Specialty Center, a song called "Just Got Back from Hell" came on.  Ever since that day, every time I have put Hudson in the car and taken him to AHSC, my ipod has always played "Just Got Back from Hell by Gary Allan.  Consider that my ipod has over 700 songs and is on shuffle.  The coincidence is staggering.  Particularly since this song puts into words how Hudson's struggle has made me feel. 

I actually cried in the car the day the stitches came out after listening to it.  It talks about my guilt, how my life went on hold while we dealt with the immediate aftermath of amputation, and how I feel like I'll never be the same person I was. 

This song was written after Gary Allan's wife committed suicide.  Admittedly, the dark place that I came from was nowhere near the pain and suffering he was trying to relate, but this song really speaks to, and for me.

Perking Up

About 2 this afternoon, Porter demanded to go outside.  Hudson reluctantly hauled himself up off his pillow and joined him.  I helped him down the stairs, still in worry mode about his lethargy.  I shouldn't have been...

The instant he hit the grass, he dropped down and started rolling while making an awful growly noise.  This seems to be his "oh yeah...." noise, similar to the one Tony makes when I scratch his back.

His mouth was gaping open as he rolled in the grass like a fool.  Guess he's feeling better.

Chemo the 2nd (For Real This Time)

We went for chemo again today, only this time, Hudson's white cells decided to comply.  The usual Hudson-love was nowhere to be seen this time.  The hospital seemed to be operating in a state of chaos as several emergencies had come in.  Hudson and I waited about 30 minutes past our appointment time before we were taken back. 

The techs did a quick blood analysis and everything checked out.  Hudson's counts were where they needed to be and chemo was adminstered. 

Last time he had chemo, we saw no ill effects.  He didn't even exhibit lethargy, the most common side effect.  This time, he did.  From the minute we got home, he laid on the couch and didn't move.  He would get up to go potty, if I demanded it, but that was it.  Fortunately, his appetite was unaffected. :)

Since I'm a HUGE softie, he got to sleep on the bed with me for a while until Tony came to bed.  Then he got booted onto his bed on the floor.  I'd probably feel sorry for him, if it weren't a six foot long, 8" thick cushion.

This morning, he was still exhausted.  My job is pretty flexible about letting me work from home when necessary, so I decided to stay with him to keep an eye on the situation.  I have a little hobby room, referred to as the reading room, where I settled to work.  Hudson laid on a dog bed next to his brother at 8:30 am and didn't move until 12.  I didn't need to stay home, but it made me feel a LOT better.

Chemo the 2nd (or so we had hoped)

Hudson went in for his second chemo treatment today.  I was not traveling this time and got to take him. 

The oncologist techs took us back to one of the visiting rooms to discuss how Hudson is doing.  I mentioned the wobbling and they said they’d have a look at his other knee, but that wobbles are fairly regular for tripawds.  If I notice trembling or buckling of the leg, then we have something to be worried about.  Hudson was only with us for a few minutes before one of the surgical techs came to steal him.  Apparently, some new vet techs had started since Hudson was last here and she had to go show him off.  James and I went over a few more things (appetite, stool/urine, etc.) before he left to start the chemo.

I sat in the visiting room while I waited and loved that this poster is hanging in there.

I also loved the HOPE with paw prints.  This must be where there they generally have cancer patient's family wait.

I tried to use my time wisely to get caught up on my blogging (since I’ve gotten lots of complaints about it.)  :D  However, Hudson’s white blood cell count was too low, so they were unable to administer chemo today.  Dr. Janson came in and explained to me that chemo attacks fast replicating cells in the body.  Cancer cells replicate quickly, as do hair follicles and white blood cells.  If we had given him more chemo this time, it would have attacked his white cells and left him immuno-suppressed.  Instead, we will wait a week and come back next Thursday to see if he is ready for treatment.  Dr. Janson also mentioned that she will be changing up the amount of chemo he is given to try to prevent this from happening next time.

Dr. Janson also mentioned that Hudson is the practice’s current favorite patient. She told me that everyone, specialists included, drop everything to come see Hudson when he comes in.  I asked if it is just because he’s a Great Dane, and she said that while she’s sure that plays a role, it’s mainly because he’s cool and affectionate.  He's also very patient and well-behaved during procedures.  I love that everyone loves him.  Porter tends to be the crowd favorite when we go out in public, so I LOVE that Hudson is getting some attention.