We are at three weeks, and things are starting to look up…..finally!!!!
Today Alexander had his post-chemo CBC check at the vet and they said it looked great! They said he looked great and was doing soooo well. When I told them he hadn’t pooped since last Wednesday, they gave him a rectal exam, then told me to go walk him around outside, he was pretty filled up…so, I think the poke in the booty helped him, he had a gigantic bowel movement. Hooray for Bowel Movements!!!
A couple of days ago we noticed the natural vertical split on the front of his nose was very dry and starting to crack. He was also congested with a runny nose. When his doc saw it today, she said it is really nothing but to watch in case the mucus turned anything but clear and watery. I guess us tripawd parents get worked up over the littlest things some times…
Personality wise, Alexander is beginning to act a little more himself. I find him to be restless at times and am wondering if it might be boredom. We are cautious as to not over-work him, as he still gets tired easily, but there are times he gets up from his snoring and hops over to you and just looks at you. It’s like “I’m here, I’m up, do something with me“, but then if you try to let him out back or play with a toy, there is no interest. Maybe for now he just wants some lovings…..
We have three more Chemo treatments to go. In the meantime, we are back to feeding RAW (Thank God), supplementing with Phyto-Flex (glucosamine, chondriton, MSM), IP-6 & Innotisol (a NK cell and immune booster), Flax seed oil and/or Fish oil, and Essiac tea. I know it sounds like a lot, but most of it is all natural and just to boost his immune system. We also give molassses which helps platelets and chicken livers for iron. He gets some spinach, but he’s not a big fan….
I am hoping that we can start socializing him again soon. He was such a social butterfly before all this happened and he needs that stimulation. I just don’t want to do anything too soon that will push him too hard. He never had stitches to take out, they just absorbed. There is still some scabbiness along the incision, though it is healing beautifully. His hair is coming back nicely as well. I wonder when I can bathe him again…he is a stinky boy after all that dog food and chemicals used through the surgery and post op….
I am happy to say that I do not regret the amputation. It literally was his leg or his life. I am getting more used to him being a tripawd, though some days my heart breaks to see him so tired after short bursts of energy. I hate that this has happened to our boy and I still get really angry about it. I also find myself fearful that the cancer is going to come back before he can recover and enjoy more of his life. I know that those are the dice we rolled, but gosh it can be so hard. I would say in general, I am very happy with his progress and VERY proud of my boy. I try to think pawsitively every day…..
Yay for Big B.Ms. Yay for Alexander. It sounds, really, like he’s doing great!
And you’re right. He’s probably just looking for attention. Catie’s never been a hyper-active dog although when she was a puppy she did used to zoom-zoom a lot. That was short lived; her true nature is that of couch potato. Her favourite activity besides napping is getting lovin’.
Just as I was typing this comment Catie got up from her pillow, dashed over to the piano and proceeded to climb into my lap and lick my face for no reason at all. Now, that’s JOY.
This journey can be such a difficult one. I’ve had all those feelings: the fear of the future, the anger, the anxiety. All I can say is let them come, let them go, and get back to enjoying each and every moment with your lovely boy.
Give Alexander a kiss and a hug from us (and an extra chicken liver if you must)!
congrats on your three week ampuversary!! be careful of being fearful…fear is a stealer of joy!! enjoy the moments with that big guy, and double hooray for BMs…
gayle & charon
Hooray for Alexander! Isn’t it good that you don’t regret the amputation. Enjoy some great times with him.
Nancy and James the poodle
That’s is great! I’m glad Alexander is doing well and pooping again! I know this wasn’t Alexander’s first poop but I remember Fortis’ first after his surgery. I celebrated with a vodka over ice…..man was I happy! And that hair thing, I couldn’t wait for the hair to grow back. But it all eventually works itself out and it will with Alexander. Like Carmen said “let them come, let them go”. Give that big boy of yours a big Texas size hug from us.
Happy 3 weeks Alexander
Fortis’Dad
I am so happy to see Alexander getting around nicely. He is such a handsome dog. Its funny how we celebrate the things that used to be a normal occurance… i remember when Apollo had his first pee after the surgery… it had been a few days and we couldnt get him to have the courage to get around on his own… so even though he peed in the house I was so happy that he did it… I couldnt even find the energy to be mad. I was wondering what happened with him and how he was doing with his first treatment of chemo especially since both our danes are the same age and going through the same things at the same time.
Give Alexander a great big hug from Apollo and I.
you wrote word for word what has been in my mind. I have all those fears, all those wishes. Thank you for that, it’s comforting knowing I am not alone in these feelings. How is he doing now? I am waiting for my boy to want to play again. He used to love ball games…