Posts by nicolemillerbooks@gmail.com
Honey and Chemo Week 5 – Back on Track
After a week off of her treatment due to low nutraphil levels (white blood cell counts), Honey was back on track for her chemo with soaring white cell counts. Check out her full discharge here: Honey Discharge. Honey’s medical team decided not to give her such a high dose again so we don’t offset the treatment as we had. We’re glad to have learned and adjust the treatment. As far as morale, Honey is bright and cheery as ever, with plenty of kisses to give. 🙂 Have I mentioned how much I love Honey’s doctor and...
Read MoreHoney & Chemo (almost) Appointment #4
Honey had a great week after her last treatment and we took a lovely road trip up to Seattle to see family. Great memories and the dogs really enjoyed the getaway. For her 4th chemo treatment, we found her white count levels were a little too low for her to go through the next round. Here’s her discharge papers if you are interested in more details: Honey Discharge 4 The news was a bit shocking and disconcerting – especially after the first three rounds going so smoothly. But we knew the past treatment was a higher dose than before, so it can be adjusted going forward. She’ll get this week to rest up and get her white count/nutriphil levels up to the numbers it needs to be at. We’re hopeful and holding fast to every precious moment. Honey’s been resting up and hamming it up for the camera at every turn. 🙂...
Read MoreHoney & Chemo Treatment #3
Honey’s third chemo treatment was another Vincristine IV — and she took it like a champ. Because she fared so well on her first dose with little side effects, this round was increase in dosage. Her bloodwork was great and the tumors are shrinking. Everyone is so pleased with her progress! Here’s a copy of her discharge papers if you’re interested: Honey Discharge 3 So far, she’s been a bit more lethargic than she has been with any other dose, but she’s still in great spirits and as sweet as can be. She especially enjoys her new toy, a tug-of-war toy that has a few squeakers hidden inside. As she has quite a … strong … jaw, she’s never been allowed most toys with squeakers, but this one has lasted all of a week! It’s a serious accomplishment. She’s also a big fan of a quilt her grandma made for her, dubbed the “cancer blanket.” Above all, she loves her time out in the sunshine (another huge blessing here in the Pacific Northwest!). We’ll post more updates about Honey next...
Read MoreFamily photos time!
We’d been way overdue for some family portraits. Funny how a crisis can instantly clarify the priorities in your life. We had a blast taking photos with our good friend Ashlee and of course Michael (Honey’s favorite human) came along too. Photographs by Ashlee Murr Photography:...
Read MoreHoney & Chemo Treatment #2
Honey was as excited as ever to go in for her second round of chemo. She greeted the veterinary staff with endless tail wagging and kisses. After a really great week with no real side effects to speak of, I was far less afraid of this round than the first one. But of course, a part of me still hates the thought of putting more dangerous chemicals into my sweet dog. But all checked out well – her weight and bloodwork are all within normal range. This round of chemo is an oral tablet – so we’ll be giving her a dose each day over the next three days. Here’s her discharge papers if you want more details of this treatment: Honey Discharge. We’re keeping a sharp eye on our girl and getting in as many snuggles as she’ll allow. (This may be the first time Honey’s hit her “human quota” – but who can blame her?) She is patient and willing at every turn and as perfect as any dog could be. _________ Update Tuesday at 4:30 pm: Today was her first dose of the oral chemotherapy, and we of course felt like this in giving her the dose: One of the potential side effects of this drug is a bladder condition that appears like a bladder infection – so it’s best to keep her drinking and peeing regularly. Happy to report she’s been drinking like a fish and well, you know… 🙂 ________ Eternally thankful for each moment more with our Honey Bear. 🙂 –...
Read More