Week 12 Update

Still no improvement. *Sigh* Poor Dozer.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to you...
Happy Birthday to you...
Happy Birthday Dear Dozer...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

Happy 8th Birthday Dozer. Thanks for filling our lives with so much happiness and love for the past 7 years. You are the best dog! We love you! xoxo

Objectionable?

I'm a bit perturbed that someone has flagged this blog as having objectionable content. It's a blog dedicated to a dog and his battle with cancer. Upsetting maybe, but objectionable or questionable...NO!

Week 8 - Update

Many changes have occurred this past week. First, Dozer is no longer taking Neoplasene. It's been a week since he's had any. It really didn't seem to be helping so my husband and I decided to discontinue it.

We also took him for a second opinion with a veterinarian that practices both eastern and western medicine. She advised against amputation at this time and agreed with our Neoplasene decision. Actually, she attributed a lot of the pain to the Neoplasene injection. If you feel where the injection was given you can feel a hard lump, which she thinks is scar tissue from the Neoplasene which could be causing the discomfort. I'm not saying that I don't believe in the effectiveness of Neoplasene as I've read many encouraging success stories, but unfortunately it's not the ideal treatment for Dozer and his type of cancer. One thing for sure is that I wouldn't have injected him with Neoplasene again. I would have considered the topical, but not the injection. Actually, I was a bit relieved that she didn't suggest a second injection. I really thought that Neoplasene was going to be the miracle we were looking for. Now I'm not so sure where we stand. :( Hopefully, we can still get him through this.

We've also taken him off the CAS immune support and the digestive enzymes. And we are going to change the Chinese herbs that he's taking. We have yet to start the herbs at this time as they are being ordered. I will explain more once he starts taking them.

Dozer is also starting acupuncture therapy and had his first treatment two days ago. He'll continue with it every two weeks. He was a very good boy...No surprise! He was even given a stuffed toy to take home with him. He killed it the same day, but I plan to sew it's head back on for him.

His diet will remain cooked meat and veggies, but no chicken or fish as he was previously allowed as they are considered "hot" foods and can contribute to the growth of the cancer.

One other thing is that since he's no longer taking the Neoplasene he can use pain medications other than Turbutrol. Neoplasene works by the process of inflammation. The tumor becomes inflamed and then begins to slough off. Therefore, a patient taking Neoplasene can not take drugs that have anti-inflammatory agents in it since it will counter act the effect of the Neoplasene. Turbutrol is a non anti-inflammatory pain medication, which was doing very little to help ease his pain. So now he's now taking Duramax once daily.

Fun News!

I've been posting so much discouraging news lately that I've decided to post something fun! I just want to let everyone know that Dozer is a 2009 calendar model for Pinups for Pitbulls! The calendar will be available around Novemeber 22nd, but you can pre-order yours now @ http://www.pinupsforpitbulls.com/

Pinups for Pitbulls is a completely not for profit organization that raises funds for bully rescues and bully friendly shelters. They also educate the public regarding the temperament and history of the American Pit Bull Terrier as well as Breed Specific Legislation. The calendar is their biggest fund raiser, but in addition they also hold events. You can check out where and when they are having events at the link above. The next event is November 22nd in D.C. and it's going to be great! Obviously, I love Pinups for Pitbulls. It's an amazing organization founded by an amazing, beautiful and wonderful woman, Little Darling and her amazing, adorable and sweet Pit Bull, Carla Lou! Did I mention how amazing Pinups for Pitbulls is??? lol

As a Pit Bull owner and lover and supporter organizations such as Pinups for Pitbulls are so important. It's difficult to share your life with a dog knowing that at any moment a law can be passed and you could lose your loved one. It's a terrible feeling. Even if you don't own a Pit Bull you should fight against BSL...it may be Pit Bulls today, but tomorrow it could be your dog. You'd probably be surprised to know some of the dogs that have already been affected by BSL.

Pit Bulls need more supporters, more people willing to fight for them. Are you willing?

P.S. Dozer is Mr. July!

Week 6 - Neoplasene treatment

Well, Dozer's vet would like to inject the Neoplasene again and I'm just not sure that's something I want to do. I feel like I'm a crossroads and for the first time I'm not sure what direction I want to go in. But I do know that I have to decide quickly b/c he can't live in pain like this much longer. It's just not fair to him. He used to be such a happy guy and now he's pretty much grumpy all of the time. Sometimes he doesn't even want to get out of bed. He's just not himself. Plus, the cancer is definitely getting bigger. It's clearly visible. Also, one other thing I've noticed recently is that he's getting skin tags all over his body. I'm not concerned about them, but I just think it's rather odd.

Last night while on his walk I jogged with him a bit and the whole time he ran on three legs. For the first time I'm giving amputation serious consideration. I may make some calls today for a surgical consultation...

Week 5 - Neoplasene treatment

Still no improvement. Plus, the last week he's been in constant pain and therefore quite miserable. He's taking pain meds every 8 hours. :(

We're going to give the Neoplasene one more good try, but if we don't see any improvement then we're going to start exploring conventional treatments. I just don't think he can live with the pain much longer. There's no quality in that. But we're not giving up...we'll fight for him always!

I don't think we want to inject it again though. It was so painful for him, didn't help, and I think it's somewhat responsible for the pain. He wasn't in this much pain prior to the injection, but since he hasn't had a good day, pain wise. I understand it may be a coincidence, but I would need some convincing before I would try it again...

Week 2 - Neoplasene treatment

I apologize that it's been so long since my last post, but I haven't had anything to report. I'm just baffled. We should have seen something two and a half weeks ago. The cancer should have fully sloughed off at this point...or so I thought.

Nothing is going on with that foot at all, except for the pain. It's still very sore since the injection. I don't think I'd try to give him another injection without sedation. Especially now when it's as tender as it is.

His spirits are still good though, thankfully. He has another appointment on Thursday so hopefully we get some encouraging news then.

Day 5 - Neoplasene treatment

Dozer started the oral Neoplasene yesterday, but only at half the dose (1 time per day). All seemed to go well - No nausea of adverse reaction.

His foot is less red, but still puffy. No sign of it starting to open or slough, which has me slightly concerned. I expected to see comething by now.

Day 1 - Treatment with Neoplasene

Today was Dozer's first treatment with Neoplasene. We're starting with the injectible and will follow with the oral in 72 hours. The injection was quite painful for him, due to the location. For the first 15 minutes following the injection he was still in a lot of discomfort...I believe it burns. He's still sore but doing okay, eating good. The site of the injection is red and slightly inflammed, which is expected.

So far the only dietary change we've had to make is regarding the chinese herbs. He won't be taking the herbs for now, but will resume them once he's into a routine. When we start the oral Neoplasene in a few day he will follow a very specific diet. For anyone who has researched the oral treatment you know how strict the diet regime is. I will post more once he starts, but for now I'm going to go study all the literature...

Oh, and I must add...He's the best boy ever. He was so good, despite the pain and discomfort.

Another Hemangiosarcoma blog

I just found another blog you might be interested in. Click link below.

www.lifewithtucker.blogspot.com

Photos of Dozer Pre-Neoplasene treatment

The Chai Story

Anyone who owns a dog or knows someone who owns a dog please follow the link below.

http://www.thechaistory.blogspot.com/

Nothing like a tennis ball to make you feel better!

Dozer had a really good night last night. He found an old tennis ball and was running around and playing like a puppy. It was nice to see him acting like that again. His appointment is scheduled for next Tuesday, September 9th @ 10AM to start the Neoplasene. He's going to be taking it orally as well as by injection into the mass. I will post pictures of his progress as we go along.

Bad news...

Dozer had a veterinary appointment yesterday and we got bad news...the cancer is coming back. I guess I'm not really surprised based on the fact that 1. we knew we didn't get it all out and 2. he's been limping, in pain, and very depressed. He got much worse in the few days before his appointment. He was given some pain medication to help manage his pain. As for the cancer we are now going to start the Neoplasene. Our holistic veterinarian is going to order it today and put in a call to Buck Mountain Botanicals for advice on which course we should go with; oral or injectable or both. Hopefully, he will start treatment next week.

Limping again...

Well, Dozer has been limping off and on for the past two days on the foot where the lump was removed. My greatest fear is that tumor is growing again, expecially since we know the the veterinarian wasn't able to get it all out. I was hoping that the changes in lifestyle would have prevented regrowth. I'll be scheduling another doctor visit asap...

Good news! :)

Just got back from the veterinarian and we got good news. Basically, she thinks it's just a benign lump. Although, as with any lump we are going to keep an eye on it, but right now we don't have anything to worry about. I feel so much better now!

Appointment this Friday, August 8th

Dozer has an appointment this friday with his primary care veterinarian to check the lump. I wish it was sooner, but that was the earliest I could get in. I really hope this isn't the cancer spreading.

I just can't believe it...

Well, Dozer had his follow up appointment today with his holistic veterinarian. All seemed to go well; no sign of regrowth where the lump was removed, his lymph node has remained the same size and his color is good. For a brief, very brief moment I began to relax and began thinking that he was going to be okay. Then reality struck...On the way home Dozer was sitting on my lap in the front seat. His mouth was open and his tongue was hanging out to the side. I looked into his mouth and under his tongue there is a hard lump. I just can't believe this...I feel like my world is crashing in around me. I will call and make an appointment tomorrow to have it checked out. I can only hope it's not what I think it is. Please, don't let it be more cancer! I can barely concentrate on what I'm writing so I will update more at a later time.

Supplements

Dozer is now up to full dose on all supplements; 1 1/2 tsp Chines herb mix, 1 1/2 tsp Ultra EFA, 1 tablet CAS immune support two times daily and digestive enzymes with meals. Follow up appointment next week. Originally it was supposed to be today, but we had to reschedule to next week.

Addie's blog

I was just informed of another blog much like this one (actually, inspired by this one). Addie a 10 year old Rottweiler mix was diagnosed with hemangiosarcome of the spleen earlier this month. Follow the link below to view her ongoing progress. Thanks!

http://addieandhemangiosarcoma.blogspot.com

Vacation Therapy!

Well, just because he is so special we decided to take Dozer to Maine with us on vacation for a little "Vacation Therapy"! Which is exactly what it was. He had so much fun swimming, playing and walking around Acadia and Bar Harbor. Taking him was the best decision we could have made, although the ride was a little uncomfortable...for me at least. I squeezed myself in between two car seats so he could have the front. Yes, he is that special!

Chinese herbs! Yuck

Well, so far he loves his new diet, except for the chinese herbs! I have to disguise them for him otherwise he looks at me with terribly sad eyes. I'm going to ask if there is a better way to give them...maybe in capsule form? Other than that so far so good. He's taking everything but the EFA, which he'll start next week. My other dogs are loving this diet too.

Holistic appointment

We had our visit with a holistic veterinarian today. We got much better news than we expected. Yay! At this time we are going to treat his whole body...make him healthier with the food he's eating. Even though he eats a high quality commercial diet, one rated high in the Whole Dog Journal (WDJ) top ten, we are going to slowly transfer him to a non-commercial diet comprised of meat, veggies, supplements and some fruit...tofu and cottage cheese and eggs are okay too. He going to start taking the following supplements; CAS immune support, Chinese Herb mix, digestive enzymes and Ultra EFA. He'll start with the chinese herbs and digestive enzymes tonight, the CAS next week and the EFA the week after that. He has a recheck appointment on July 29th. Neoplasene was discussed, but we aren't going to start it at this time. It is a definite option for the future if need be. He's also not to compromise his immune system with vaccines or heartworm/flea/tick preventative.

Our other dogs are going to begin the same diet regime, minus the supplements.

We have an appointment with a holistic vet on Tuesday to discuss our options.

Hemangiosarcoma - Dozer

Dozer is an 8 year old male neutered Pitbull and is absolutely the most amazing dog I have ever had. I can't imagine my life without him...I would do anything to keep around. It crushes me to imagine my children growing up without him. They love him so much and he loves them even more. He's the type of dog that ignores when little ones sit on him or try to take food off of him. Incredible just doesn't say enough to describe him.

With that said this battle started in April when Dozer came in from outside limping on his foot. The foot appeared swollen right behind his large pad. My husband and I figured he was playing rough and sprained his foot. Unfortunately this was not the case as the lump grew larger. We took him to his veterinarian and she thought it was just a fatty tumor, but that we should remove it and biopsy it. We set up the surgery for May 20th. Upon picking him up following the surgery the vet explained to me that it was not a fatty lump as she had originally thought and that we might be dealing with something much worse. Unfortunately she was not able to completely remove the growth as it had grown between his toes and tendons. In addition his lymph node on that leg was also enlarged indicating the cancer may have already spread. Thankfully his blood work was within the normal limits. The biopsy came back on the May 29th as a sarcoma, but could not specify whether is was hemangiosarcoma or lymphangiosarcoma. I scheduled an appointment with an oncologist for the following week, June 5th. At this appointment they took radiographs and performed an ultrasound as well as a biopsy of the lymph node. They also requested that additional cuts be made from the tumor that was removed to pinpoint exactly what type of cancer Dozer has. Radiographs and ultrasound showed that the iliac lymph node was also enlarged, but there were no other indication of cancer anywhere else. On June 13th we received the lymph node biopsy which came back as just inflammation. Yes! Some good news, although the oncologist said she wasn't convinced that it was just inflammation. It's still nice to hear. The following week the second biopsy of the tumor came back as hemangiosarcoma. It was at this time that amputation of the leg as well as chemotherapy was recommended. With this course of treatment he was given a prognosis of 6 months to 1 year. With no treatment we would be looking at 2 to 3 months. Needless to say this was devastating news. The more my husband and I discussed it the more we agreed that it seemed too harsh to amputate his leg for six months. I would do anything to save Dozers life, but I don't want his last weeks to be full of suffering. He has hip dysplasia and I just don't think he would make an easy transition to three legs. So I began to research homeopathic remedies and found a holistic drug called Neoplasene. The more I read the more I wanted to pursue this treatment. So that's where we are...I'm waiting to hear back from a holistic vet regarding scheduling an appointment. I will keep detailing the course of Dozer treatment in the hope that his story can help someone else. Please comment on your experiences with canine cancer and conventional or holistic treatments. Thanks.

The Canine Cancer Database

This blog is dedicated to my dog Dozer. Dozer was just diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma two weeks ago. From the moment he was diagnosed I began researching this type of cancer as well as varying treatment options. I just couldn't find what I was looking for. I wanted to find a site that detailed individual experiences such as my dog has (blank) type of cancer and we opted to treat with (blank) and so on. So, that's what I want to start here. I'm going to detail Dozer's treatment so that I can share our story with others. I would hope that others will comment me with their own stories and I will eventually create a website detailing all of our individual stories.