Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Still not good news

Mom talked to the regular vet today, and the news still isn't that great. Given Isabelle's age and health, chemo is possible but is not as likely to help. If it worked great (and Isabelle handled it ok), it might give her another year. Without chemo, she likely has a few months. 

You'd think this would be a really easy decision to make, but it is not. There's a very real chance that chemo (at $350 a session!) wouldn't even work. The vet told mom that another patient who was doing really well on chemo had a tumor come up during a session. They switched to a different kind which the poor dog did not tolerate, leading to days in the hospital. Then there are other dogs who do tolerate the chemo and go into remission. 

There is no clear answer here. Thus, there has been no decision. 
Even taking the cost out of it, mom still doesn't have a good answer yet. 


In the meantime, Isabelle is doing ok. 
Now that's she off the Tramadol, her digestive system is happier. Tramadol can make a pug constipated, even with pumpkin. That definitely made her uncomfortable. 

Her diet has changed though. No more processed grains which means no more Cheerios. Mast cell cancer feeds off of simple carbohydrates. That also means no more hamburger buns. 
On the other hand, she does get to eat a stinky sardine every day. 
Sardines are great sources of omega 3 fatty acids which helps keep the immune system strong. 
She'll be getting some extra antioxidants, a stronger vitamin and a nutraceutical called Apocaps. 
 She'll stay on Benadryl and prednisone, no matter what mom decides. The prednisone will help with any inflammation. Benadryl is because mast cell tumors release histamine. Anyone who has ever been hit with allergies knows how bad they can make you feel. 

Please continue to keep us in your prayers and thoughts. Trying to figure out the right thing to do for Isabelle is tearing mom up. 

12 comments:

  1. Isabelle is one lucky pug to be surrounded by so many who love her. You will make the right decision. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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  2. You are in our prayers everyday. May God help guide your heart to the right decision.
    love
    Linda & the kids

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  3. Sending y'all lotsa big hugs and pawrayers.

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  4. We just popped in here today, but we wanted to let you know we are thinking of you and Isabelle. I know your heart is hurting and your brain is on overload, I always heard when we are in the mist of making a hard decision that the answer lies within us, we just have to let ourselves into the quiet and listen. When I am struggling I always go with what my stomach tells me, I know that sounds silly but I am usually right. It always lets me know if I am off base about things. Hugs and love to you both.
    Stella Rose's Momma

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  5. We continue to say lots of prayers for you sweetheart
    Lily & Edward

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  6. You have been a wonderful Mom to Isabelle and you will make the right decision. Doctor's have the tough road of being brutally honest with their patients and that throws everything back at the patient, but at least you're then armed with the facts. In the end, you are faced with doing what's best for her and ensuring her comfort. You have been doing that since you got her. You'll know whats best for her, trust yourself and don't second guess your gut.

    Prayers for you and Isabelle!! Gampy

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  7. I'm so sorry you have such a tough decision to make. It's not easy trying to figure out what's best for Isabelle but you know her best and willake the right call. You both are in my thoughts and prayers.
    Love,
    Christy

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  8. thinking of you. we recently had a scare (as in, found out it WASN'T cancer today) and talked and thought a lot about it. It was our pug priscilla who is 11. after a lot of agonizing we decided if it was cancer we wouldn't do chemo. i know how horrible that was for my dad last year, and i can't imagine putting my dog through it, who wouldn't understand. we had decided we would keep her comfortable as long as we could. it is such a hard decision to make. you love them and don't want to just let them go, but you also don't want them to suffer. thinking of you and your girls and i hope you are able to come to a decision that is best for you and your family.

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  9. I am so sorry about this. She has had any good years with u. It's so hard when they get older
    Retro rover

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  10. We are so sorry to hear the news. What a hard decision to make. We will definitely keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

    Mom, Roxy & Lucky

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  11. Isabelle whatever happens we know you have the very best Mom out there and she will do the best thing for you sweetie. Prayers and hugs.

    Jenn and the Girls

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  12. Isabelle,,, we care so much about you too
    ,, And we care about your mom
    love
    tweedles

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