I previously posted that Quincy received chemo without any side effects. As I am reading replies, there have been mentions of multiple vet visits for this? I was given Quincy's chemo to take home. He took one pill and then had bloodwork done 10 days later. This was repeated 4 weeks later and was to continue every 4 weeks for a maxium of 6 treatments. Therefore, the chemo would only result in 6 extra vists to the vet tech for 5 mins over a period of 6 months. I am wondering at the difference?
Being the type of cancer it is (aggressive, lung carcinoma, 3 tumors with metastisis) his chemo would involve treatment with two medicines, every 3 weeks at the vet hospital, not in pill form, with bloodwork drawn up at 7 and 14 day intervals, and prior to each treatment , with 4 treatments total, provided his blood levels don't drop. Each round of chemo was quite expensive ($400-500 visit) and they said it may only slow down the tumor growth, not cure it, to give him more time.
At first I was hopefully surprised they would suggest this for a dog his age. Then I spoke to others who had put their dogs thru chemo and said they would never do it again, and to keep in mind it is a veterinary teaching hospital, and they like to do things for research purposes that don't always make the most sense.
After much thinking and agonizing, I just cannot justify doing the chemo with his age, heart murmur and disease, and how it has spread in his lungs. Good news is it is no where else yet, so we hopefully have some time. I love my boxer babies with all my heart but if he is going to pass eventually from the same thing I think it is selfish to prolong his life by such extensive measures with absolutely no guarantee it will work.
Thanks again for your words of comfort, they mean the world to me, you are all so wonderful to help and sympathize. Bless you all.
Sheri Montez
mom to Gus and Elvis, 10 1/2 yr old babies
