Say a prayer for my boxer he has Leukemia

[riggodunick]

magsp,

Yes she is indeed in West Chester at the veterinary oncology center on Nields road. I dropped Riggo off this morning for an intense week of hospitalization. His red blood cell counts had dropped this weekend and Dr. J said that she was going to give him a blood transfusion from a universal doner to get his blood straightened out before she started the chemo treatment IV's. While of course she cannot give any guarantees she seemed very positive with the amount of room for growth of healthy cells in his bone marrow that if he was in the 2/3 of dogs that respond to the therapy that we could 'at least' get a year of great quality of life. She has been treating another canine that had worse looking bone marrow and he is still alive 3 years later. At least I can have some hope and know that I did all I could for him. And you are correct she has an incredible reputation.

I hope and pray that he responds. Another 12-18 months would be terriffic with him. He'll be 6 yrs. old on 10-1-04.

Glad to hear your 2 are doing well a year later.

 

[lafsalot]

Just wanted to let you know that you and Riggo are still very much in my thoughts and prayers. You haven't posted lately, and hope all is well - the new onocologist's assessment seemed encouraging. - Cathy

 

[riggodunick]

lafsalot,

Thanks for asking. The update is that Riggo has been undergoing treatment all week outside Philadelphia at the oncologist. They are giving him multiple treatments of Cytosar. I hope to get him back today (Friday) but it might not be till the weekend. They started the treatments late Monday as they decided to give him some blood before they started treatment as his red blood cell count was low. He looked very pale last weekend

I have been calling everyday and they said that he has been doing well. No nasty side effects like vomitting or diarhea. He has apparentally not been doing well with the catheters as he was chewing on them and they had to put an Elizabethean collar on him.

I'll let you know how he is when I get him back.

 

[riggodunick]

I got Riggo back on Sunday after a week in the oncology vet clinic getting a heavy dose of Cytosar. He was up and down for a couple of days but today (Wed) he seems to have leveled off and seems to be in very good spirits with a healthy amount of energy. We are going to the local vet today to get some blood counts and check his calcium levels as he has hypercalcemia in addition to the leukemia. The oncologist said that he responded well to chemotherapy and she still expects a year or more of healthy quality of life. I hope she is right.

 

[cb977]

So sorry about what you and your baby are going through. We're sending out those vibes, and praying for the best. If any group of people can help you get through this, it's the Boxerworld crew. Good luck to you and Riggo.
Cathy and SammiDoodles

 

[lafsalot]

I'm so glad that the treatment seems to be working, and that you will have more precious time with your baby. Keep us posted - Cathy

 

[Helena]

We are thinking about the both of you.

Helena & Tori

 

[momstaxi]

So sorry you have to go thru all this, but I'm glad so far it seems to working. lots of boxer healing vibes coming your way.

 

[riggodunick]

Just thought I'ld give you all an update. He started going through his mini-cycle at the local vet. He received a Vincristine injection last Wed. Poor little guy felt terrible last Friday with vomitting all morning. Perked up over the weekend and has had bountiful energy ever since with a strong apetite. That's the good news along with the fact that his glands have shrunk back to normal size. The bad news is that he had a Complete Blood Count last night (Wed 10-13) and his white blood cell count is still not normal. Will talk with the oncologist this afternoon. Thanks for all your warm thoughts and good vibes.

DJDunick

 

[Poetic_thing]

Thanks for letting us know how things are going - you 2 are always in my thoughts. I have high hopes and strong resolution that things are going to go in Riggo's favor soon. Take care and know that we are thinking of you guys!!