We did the normal stuff, a CBC (normal,) a renal profile (normal,) a urinalysis (normal,) and chest x-rays. As you may recall, there were three metastatic nodules (tumors) in Hudson's lungs at the last check up. The big guy (previously walnut sized) is completely gone! Of the smaller two, one has decreased in size marginally, and the other remained the same. Obviously, this is great news as it means that Hudson's cancer is reacting well to the chemo and he's got partial remission in his lungs. He's doing great...
Until they checked the bump on Hudson's shoulder for me. I had convinced myself that it was a cyst, mostly because I really really wanted it to be a cyst. It's not a cyst. It's a metastatic osteosarcoma tumor.
Hudson is already on metronomic low dose chemotherapy that has been working in his lungs. He receives Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan,) Doxycycline, and Carprofen daily. We are going to now add a fourth drug, Kinavet, to the mix in an attempt to treat the new resistant cells that have formed the mass on his shoulder. He will begin receiving 13 mg of Cyclophosphamide every other day alternating with the Kinavet (675 mg.)
Kinavet is a slightly more aggressive drug, and has a higher likelihood of side effects, which can include nausea, vomiting, a marked decrease in appetite, blood in the stool, low white blood cell counts, and rarely kidney and liver dysfunction. Hudson will need to return to see Dr. Janson two weeks after starting Kinavet. At that time, we will do a CBC and measure the shoulder mass to see if there has been any effect. He will return another 2 weeks after that for the same. If the Kinavet does not work by that point, it won't ever and we will need to review further options.
Just as a comparison point, a one month supply of Kinavet costs approximately $450. A one month supply of Cyclophosphamide is approximately $45. A two week supply of Doxycycline is $16, and a one month supply of Carprofen costs approximately $36.
Prior to the introduction of Kinavet, our monthly med bill for Hudson was $113.00. With Kinavet, it will be $563.00. Tony and I discussed it, and despite our tight finances, we are proceeding with Kinavet treatment.
