We got back from the specialist earlier today...and what a long week. Those who don't know, Dexter was diagnosed with cancer in his lymph node back in September and has been on chemotherapy ever since. Everything was going great until his lymph node grew massive over the holidays. Poor Dexter had to stay at the university for 3 long days and it was such a killer, all I could do was sit in the hotel and wait for the phone to ring with an update on Dexter. The first night I was so worried about him being without us that I was tempted to ask if I could bring a sleeping bag and sleep in the dog run with him. Anyway he had x-rays, an ultrasound, and everything else to check to see if the cancer had spread, and it didn't...no other tumors or swollen lymph nodes... We were so happy!! So they went ahead and removed his lymph node the next day and Dexter did great. He doesn't even seem to notice that he has an incision, what a trooper!. And guess what.....back in September his paper work said that the prognosis was poor....and this time the sheets say the prognosis is fair. I am sooo happy and am glad that he has a second chance!

Dexters chemo meds have been changed. He is now being weaned off of the prednisone and I can't wait to get a good night sleep and to not have to wash blankets every day. Donnex, I don't know how you've been doing the pred for over 2 yrs now.... With him being on the prednisone..I have to take him out every hour or more from 8pm -12am and then get up every 2 hours throughout the night to take him out and the bed is still wet in the morning! I cant wait to rip the garbage bags off of my mattress and finally get some zzzzz's. He is also stopping the cyclophosphamide and switching to a more powerful drug called Lomustine(60mg every other week).....and they increased his vinblastine to every other week as well, so hopefully it will kill any cancer cells that are left.

I am still a little confused as far as cancer diet goes. The specialist keeps telling me that all he needs is a high quality dog food and not to worry about "low carb, high protein and fat diet" He also says that he doesn't need any additional vitamins. But everything I read says differently for cancer patients and I would like to try a special diet just incase it makes a difference...I want to come out of this with no regrets. Does anybody give their dog with cancer a special diet?

This treatment is starting to get pretty expensive....so far I have spent $2500canadian on vet bills since September and Im sure that will double in a few months. I am only 24 and my credit card will be maxed soon I going to need to find a rich guy and quick(kidding)

Please keep me posted on how all of your babies are doing and the chemo treatment/diet they are currently on. Thanks a bunch

Hi,

I'm so pleased it all went well for you and Dexter - I'm sure he'll keep getting better and better - it's so hard when they're ill isn't it, it makes you feel so helpless.  It sounds like you're doing him proud though. :-)

Karen

Hooray, sounds like he has a real chance now. Hope all continues well. :-)

Hi Dexters Mom,
I know Hills do a specialist diet for cancer patients but it slips my mind at the moment as to which letter it is. I am sure their website has it listed. It is a prescription only diet but I have heard good things said about it and have heard it is fairly palatable. Good luck and we have our fingers and paws crossed for you both. Sarah

So pleased that Dexter is recovering,hope you can have a good nights sleep and can relax.

Sheila.

hi dexters mom

so pleased to hear that your lad has got through the operation and things are looking good for him ..... i have used the hills diet and it only comes in tin form .... i think its hills cd ...... in the uk it costs about £1.58 a can and i kept jinks on it for about 6 mths on my vets recommendation but she wouldnt eat it after that .. it smell like cat food ... very fishy ...... but she is still very well on a high protein sensitive dry food with fresh chicken ...she doesnt seem to have suffered through not giving it to her ......... wish you all the best and that dexter continues to make progress

HIya

I know it can be a pain when they keep wanting a wee but i'd rather be deprived of sleep than have no charlie...
Im kind of used to it now :-)

Im glad all went well for Dexter :-))

Charlie's lymph node on one side is really big now :-( Who knows what will happen now....

Donna and charliex