Finally, Some GOOD News! (Plus Chemo # 6)

Hudson's tumors are shrinking!!  All have them have shrunk by at least 25-50% and the biggest one has disappeared altogether from the x ray.  This is fabulous news, of course.  Hudson is still completely asymptomatic.  He shows no signs of having cancer.

Since we are seeing improvement on the doxorubicin, we will finish out his course.  Doxorubicin is heart toxic, so there is a set lifetime amount of it that a dog can have.  Hudson can have two more treatments (aside from the one he received today) and then he must never have it again.  Once he's completed the doxorubicin, he will begin a metronomic protocol.  This protocol combines several medications: Piroxicam, deramaxx, Rimadyl (NSAID), doxycycline (an antibiotic) and cyclophoshamide, an oral chemotherapy drug. These medications work on slowing down the blood supply to cancer cells.  By starving the cancer cells, you are limiting the growth they can achieve.  They are unlikely to get smaller while on the metronomic regimen, but the point is to prolong quality of life by preventing or delaying further growth.  Doxorubicin shrinks the tumors as much as possible, then the metronomic protocol keeps them small. 

Conceivably, Hudson could go on to live for a year or more, provided the tumor growth remains minimal.  We are so happy to have finally received some good news.  I know that Izzy and Shira put in a good word to get Hudson some more time. :)

Yet Another Osteosarcoma Loss

Shira, Marie's ten year old Great Dane, passed away on Monday.  She had begun limping and crying on Sunday.  Upon xraying her rear leg, it was discovered that she had a large tumor.  It was very close to the point of pathologic fracture.  Unfortunately, due to Shira's age and existing conditions, amputation and chemo weren't options.  Her family chose to release her from her pain and she passed in her mom's arms.

We love you Shira!  I know that you and Izzy are up there together playing.

Hudson's Pictures

As a gift to ourselves, Tony and I had pictures taken of Hudson by Claire Roeth of Rouxby Photography. He's been added to Claire's blog, http://www.rouxby.com/hudson/

She did an AMAZING job!!

Hudson and Those Fabulous Fish! (Chemo #5)

We had a night appointment (our first) for chemo this time.  Our appointment wasn't until 7:15, but we arrived at 6:45 in case they could take him early.  Hudson went back at 7 and the white cell count was good enough to proceed!  The fifth chemo (2nd Doxorubicin) dose was given and Hudson did great.


While I was waiting, one of the surgery techs stopped to chat.  Apparently she assisted on his amputation, though I had never met her before.  She told me what a great dog he is and how everyone looks forward to his visits.  She also mentioned that he gets to go on a tour of the hospital each time he comes in so that all the different departments get a chance to see him.  I'd never been told that before and it cracked me up.


Dr. Janson came and sat with me for a bit while Hudson was in back getting his treatment.  Our next step is to take chest films at his next appointment (October 19.)  Once we assess the effect that chemo has had on his tumors, we will evaluate and determine next steps for treatment.  He's still asymptomatic and Dr. Janson does not hear any difference or difficulty in H's breathing.  We are keeping our fingers crossed that his tumors will have either remained the same size, or gotten smaller.  If there has been growth, we will likely stop chemo and  begin pain management regimens to keep him comfortable for the time he has left.


Once Hudson's chemo was done, he hung out with me in the lobby while we waited for our discharge instructions.  AHSC has a giant freshwater aquarium and Hudson is absolutely fascinated by the fish.

Dr. MacGregor came out and went over discharge instructions with us.  She also mentioned that there was going to be an amputation surgery the next day for a pit mix with a pathologic fracture.  (This is when the tumor in the bone weakens the existing bone structure so much that the leg breaks.  It can break over something as simple as chasing a ball in the backyard, or even just going for a walk.)  The dog's family was very torn about making the decision to amputate, so the doctors had used Hudson as an example of how quickly and beautifully a dog can adapt to three legs.  Dr. MacGregor told me that they were taking pictures and video of Hudson walking around in the back to show the family.  Additionally, she asked if I had any words of wisdom or encouragement to offer the family.  I basically said that amputation was the best decision we could have made for Hudson.  After he had recovered from surgery, he was a completely different dog.  So much of his personality had leached away because he was in pain.  It happened gradually, so we didn't even notice and just assumed he was getting old.  After the pain was gone, my boy was back! The dog that loved to play and wrestle and toss his toys in the air reappeared.  Even if we lose him in a few months, I will know that his last few months were happy and pain-free.  I don't regret amputation at all!