Ellie seems to be doing better each day. She is eating well and likes to get out to the “big” yard for exercise. We have even been able to leave her out to enjoy some of the “sunshine” that has finally arrived in our area. Plus, she is getting back to barking at EVERYTHING, including the rustling leaves 10 miles away. Always a good thing when behaviors revert back towards normal…even if normal is a little annoying!!!
On Tuesday, April 20th, she started her chemotherapy treatments. We have to drive over an hour to get to the hospital where she gets her chemo. She was very nervous in the car. Obviously a by-product of her little adventure several weeks ago. But, we got there in good order and she was there for about 2 hours.
Her exam went well…she even had gained about 2 1/2 pounds!!! If I did not mentioned previously, she is on a fresh cooked diet. Ellie gets chicken stew, pork roast with veggies, and cooked organ meats. Her incision was completely healed, FINALLY, which means no more e-collar. She had been so patient having to wear it for 41 days!!! She also did well during the treatment.
Since I had not gone through this with a pet previously, I was expecting her to get sick on the way home and was prepared for it. However, it turns out that, if they get sick, it is 2-7 days later. AND…she did have 1 episode of vomiting on Thursday morning. I was prepared for that, gave her one dose of medication, changed her diet to cooked beef and rice, and she has been great since then!!!
The other thing they did not tell me, but I found out from reading the discharge paperwork, was that Ellie’s urine and stool were to be considered contaminated for 72 hours!!! Careful handling of any waste products is the big message!!!
On Tuesday, April 27th, we head to our local vet for an exam and blood work for chemo follow-up. All labs were within normal range, so apparently tolerating chemo well!!! She had another set of labs yesterday. Those were also normal. Ellie is set for her 2nd chemo treatment next week.
While we have had a good couple of weeks, I got notice on Thursday, April 22nd, that my friend’s Great Pyrenees passed due to her osteosarcoma. My friend was such a big support when Ellie was first diagnosed, and was there when I needed a shoulder due to the guilt I felt from the amputation. Her girl had been in a palliative clinical trial, no amputation, but was doing so well that just did not seem that she would succumb. But, she took a quick and drastic turn for the worst. She did not quite make the 4 month mark from her diagnosis. Keeps me on my toes and ever vigilant with Ellie. So, while we are doing well, we still need and appreciate everyone’s thoughts and prayers!!!