From Nicole
Honey & 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 MoreChemo Appointment #1: “Perfect Patient”
The morning finally arrived after what felt like an eternity (but was only four days). Honey’s first chemo appointment. The days in between our initial consult and the chemo appointment were a deep struggle for me – Honey was fairly normal but a bit lethargic, and every possible fear assaulted me. I felt like we weren’t doing enough, even though she was on prednisone for the swelling of her lymph nodes. Funny how I was suddenly so desperate for more time with her, yet anxious at every passing moment in which her cancer could be getting worse. But the morning arrived and we hustled into the veterinary office. A friendly vet tech greeted us and took Honey back for her two-hour round of testes and then IV-fed chemo treatment. John and I manifested our angst in different ways. He fidgeted a bit and worked from his phone, eyes always on the direction that Honey had been taken. I pulled out my laptop, wifi hotspot and tried to lose myself in emails and tasks to make the time pass quickly. It did. An hour and fifty-two minutes later (I wasn’t counting or anything), Honey reappeared with the oncologist and her intern. Honey was bright-eyed and wagging her tail as much as ever. The only physical sign of the chemo was a purple band holding gauze around her leg where the IV had been. “She was the perfect patient,” the doctor said immediately. Relief flooded every inch of my being. Her vitals, bloodwork and urine analysis were all where they should be. She had gotten along well with the other dogs receiving treatment. Here are her discharge papers if you’d like to see: Honey Discharge. “She likes treats with her chemo,” the oncologist continued. “So we gave her plenty of treats.” We were sent home with a baggie of pharmaceuticals in case of side effects and Honey trotted out to the car happily. We were told to expect some lethargy for the rest of the day, but Honey kept her sparkle and spunk all day long. That day was the first day I didn’t break down crying because of the overwhelming sense of helplessness. I feel like we’d made the right call with our baby, that we were doing something to fight back that would still leave her with a fairly normal life. If anything, Honey seems to be enjoying these vet visits a bit too much. 🙂 Into the second day after chemo, she was active and napping as much as normal. I’m eternally grateful for these moments and the validation. There is hope for Honey. And we’ll hold onto that. ...
Read MoreHow You Can Help
I’m so incredibly overwhelmed and touched by all the amazing support that has come following the news of Honey’s cancer. The question, “How can I help?” has come up a lot, and to be perfectly honest, the response that comes to my mind is simply this: Hug your dog neighbor significant other friend sibling child cat chicken horse anything else that is precious to you. Do not forget how fleeting life is. Never take a single moment for granted. And in the meantime, subscribe to this blog if you want to get updates via email. We’re so blessed by all of you. We’ll read and respond to your comments emails, FB messages or Tweets. And no matter what, hold onto what is special and live in the moment. –...
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