Today was Bella’s first day of chemo. She didn’t seem to mind the one extra pill in her peanut butter. She’s such a trooper! We are keeping our fingers crossed she continues to be her happy, wonderful self. I’m sure it will take time to build up in her system. Our vet recommended low-dose chemo; she’s is currently taking 20 mgs of cyclophosphamide daily. I’ve read a lot about it and our vet has had good success with a couple of other dogs. The hope will be that she does not feel sick and keeps her appetite (I’m sure the prednisone will help with that as well). There is a theory that with a low dose given daily the cancer does not get any “time off” so to speak and therefore does not have time to mutate and become resistant to the chemo. Anyone out there have any experience with daily or every other day low dose chemo?
My boy Max also had Cytoxan, and really had no issues with it. This was after 6 rounds of traditional chemo (carboplatin). One thing to check with your doc is that Cytoxan can cause some issues with urination (build up of crystals, making peeing painful). Max also took Lasix with the Cytoxan to make sure this didn’t happen. There was just a discussion about this on the forums a few days ago, if you want to do a search there. Otherwise, be sure to ask your doc! Good luck to Bella, I hope she breezes through the Cytoxan as well as my boy did!
Bella, I just wanna’ jump beside you and snuggle your fuzzy squishy face! It’s realyl nice of you to let the cat sleep on YOUR bed:-)
You seem to be havng an exceptionally smooth recovery and that’s wonderful! Good job Bella!
Okay, I’ve forgotten the pharmaceutical name, but I think it’s Cytoxan Bella’s taking? Several of us n nere have our dogs on it.
My Happy Hannah finished four ronds of carboplatin in May and I just now started her on a daily dose of Cytoxan After two weeks she had t stop for a “possible, very slim possible” uti caused by it. Anyway, as soon as I can, I’m gettng her back n it.
She’s 118 lbs. (just gained some and that’s ON her DIET) and is n 20 mg. Cytoxan and 15 mg. Piroxicam. During tnose first two weeks I saw no side effects…..possibly…maybe…a little tired…maybe??
Keep is posted on yojr sweet Bella. I hope to have Happy Hannah back on it by the first of the week at the latest.
Everyday is a preciius gift! Don’t let any worrying or anything else rob you of the gift of quality time! Bella’s most happy being with you and livimg in the moment:-)
Keep on keeping on Bella!
Sallyand Happy Hannah
I don’t have experience with that chemo drug, but just wanted to cheer Bella on in her recovery.
I’m betting that bed in the picture is her’s alone (except for sharing with the cat) and your’s must be in another room :-)?!
Keep on fighting Bella!!
Luanne & Shooter
Bella, I’m glad to hear you’re on metronomics. For most dogs it’s just another pill and not a big deal. We have tons of feedback about it in the Forums, hop on over!
http://tripawds.com/forums/tips-and-resources/metronomic-therapy-for-canine-osteosarcoma-metastasis-jerrys-experience/
Thanks everyone! We all snuggle in that bed, the two humans which just find room wherever Bella, Bella’s brother Elmo (a lab) and of course the cat, Chloe! It’s a tight fit just the way we all love it.