Mitoxantrone Chemotherapy

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December 8th 2010 2:16 pm
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I was all excited that Mom came along to my appointment this morning. Dad was happy she came along so that we could ride in the commuter lane!

After we checked in at the front desk and filled out the sheet on how I've been doing since my last visit, a nurse came to pick me up to talk and take notes, as usual, so she got the lowdown.

My parents left me there and went to Petco to buy me more food to add to my smorgasbord and a surprise toy, then they went to the sporting goods store. While they were there, Dr. Kiselow called, but the music playing in the store was so loud they had to call him back from the car (Bluetooth technology works wonders) so they could put him on speaker phone.

So, now we get to the bad and sad part. Dr. Kiselow wanted to hear from my parents what has been going on and they had a very honest and open conversation on next steps. Since my lymph nodes have enlarged again and I'm showing a decline in eating normally, they discussed whether to try another drug or stop treatment.

My parents lost it a couple of times, even though what Dr. Kiselow was saying really wasn't surprising, but he also said that since I'm up and wagging my tail and eating some, he was not strongly against further treatment. However, he said I was approaching the advanced stage of my disease and that he didn't want to give them false hope. In other words, my prognosis is now considered poor.

Mom really lost it when Dr. Kiselow said they've been treating me for over a year now and that they've built quite an attachment to me. My parents have already decided that when it's my time to go to the Bridge that it will happen with their help and not my regular vet because they've loved me and taken great care of me all this time.

My white blood count was normal today, and the recommended treatment was Mitoxantrone, so that's what I received. Along with that I have a bunch of different pills to help with nausea and an antibiotic. We have an appetite stimulant also but we don't want to try it just yet since everything, including the chemo drug, has possible side effects and it would make it harder to tell what is or isn't working.

Before my parents picked me up, they stopped at the grocery store to buy me fresh salmon and steak and then dropped it off at home. When they came to pick me up, I came through the doors dragging the nurse behind me, tail wagging. I got my surprise toy, a giraffe with squeakers, and took it in my mouth right away. The nurse told my parents that I ate a bunch of cookies and then she grabbed more from a jar at the front desk and I ate those up, too.

When I got home, Mom cooked me some salmon and steak and I gobbled it all up and wanted more, but she thought it was time for me to settle down and take a nap, then we'll go for a walk and I'll get more for dinner.

Do you know the old Post Cereal Commercial? Every time I eat something they say "He likes it! Hey, Mikey!"

Guess who I'm going to see on Saturday for the first time? SANTA! While they were at Petco earlier today they found out he was going to be there on Saturday. Dad has to work but Mom is going to take me to have my picture taken with the guy in the beard. She's not really sure if I'll get to choose more than one picture or not, but they print them there. So, we'll plan to scan it for my page.

Mom also brought the camera to the hospital when they picked me up, so we're going to look at those pictures now so I can add a couple to my page.

Each of you have meant alot to me, so don't you ever forget that.

Love,
Quincy

Barked by: Zaidie (Dogster Member)

December 8th 2010 at 2:40 pm

Yay fur commuter lanes!!
BOO fur nod gud nues :(
We r jus' gonna keep WUFFIN' yu, Quincy, an' prayin' fur yu cuz yu r one ob da sweetest pupses we hab eber knowded ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Share dose kisses wif yur Mom an' Dad, 'kay??

Barked by: Doo & Austin

December 8th 2010 at 3:45 pm

Well crap, this news just stinks! But, we've seen you rally in the past and you're still eatin' some things and waggin' that golden tail of yours, so let's keep the faith Big Boy! You know we LOVE you too (and your pawrents) and are keeping you in our loving thoughts and prayers.

Your Pals in Texas,
Doo, Austin & Mom

Barked by: Sassy

December 8th 2010 at 5:06 pm

Hi Quincy! I don't come on Dogster much, but I was thinking of you and wanted to stop by and say hi. I am sorry to hear such sad news. You hang in there Quincy. I can just see you with your new toy and greeting your pawrents with that adorable face and tail wagging. Steak and salmon, mmmmmmmm, you are making me hungry! Mommie lets me have a little piece of her steak when she cooks one for herself. It is so good!!! You hang in there and I am still purring and purraying for you Quincy!

Sending lots of hugz, love, purrs, and purrayers, your kitty furriend Sassy

Barked by: Molly Morris (Dogster Member)

December 8th 2010 at 7:12 pm

First momma has to wipe all the water off her face so she can type. Her eyes are leaking right now so I need to wipe them off with my tongue.
You and your family are so strong and we really admire you guys. Mom understands what you are going thru and knows you will always do the best for Quincy!
Yum Yum we've never had salmon, I bet it was great! Also, luv your new toy, hope you have fun playing with it.
We are thinking of you often and pawyering for you.
Woof Woof, Molly & Family

Barked by: ❀ Finley ❀ (Dogster Member)

December 8th 2010 at 7:25 pm

That's great you get to meet Santa, Quincy.... bet he tells your parents what he told my Momma about her eldest daughter when she was 2... after she gave him a big hug and said "I love you, Santa", he told Momma that he usually told the kiddos to try to be even better, but why tamper with perfection???

Luv ya, big guy-- keep getting the most you can out of every day. (((((( Big Texas hugs)))))) for your folks....We'll be keeping all of y'all in our prayers.

luv,
Finley

Barked by: Zeus 1999-2010 (Dogster Member)

December 8th 2010 at 7:38 pm

Quincy, you are such a strong boy, you are in our thoughts and prayers everyday. Tommorrow we will go a light another candle for you in church. We love you Quincy!
xoxo
zeusie and mom

Barked by: ❀ Whitley ❀ (Dogster Member)

December 9th 2010 at 12:28 am

Have fun meeting Santa! But I think Santa is the lucky one since he gets to meet you!

Barked by: Riley (Dogster Member)

December 9th 2010 at 5:18 am

Quincy, you mean a lot to all of us. Don't YOU ever forget that.

Tip, don't pull on Santa's beard, it might come off. BOL!!!!

Big hugs as always. Enjoy your new toy and eat all your dinner for your Mom.

Your pals, Riley, Caileigh and Dad

Barked by: Winston (Dogster Member)

December 9th 2010 at 5:25 am

Quincy, we are continuing to send our power of the paw your way. Our wish for you is that you and your family have a very happy holiday season.

Barked by: Milo (Dogster Member)

December 9th 2010 at 4:19 pm

As Mom wipes her face, we are here and we will be for you and your family...we are praying that you will enjoy your days with your family, have lots of fun with your new toy and enjoy your wonderful dinner...we love you and you are an inspiration to us all!

hugs
Milo and family

Barked by: Eddie (Dogster Member)

December 9th 2010 at 7:53 pm

Hugs Quincy! We are saying TONS of prayers for you and your parents. You are are a strong and brave boy Quincy! WE LOVE YOU!
XOXO
Eddie, Sonny and Momma Christal

Barked by: Ebony Ursula (Dogster Member)

December 9th 2010 at 10:11 pm

This is just NOT what we wanted to hear right now! I's not well myself right now but you's an inspiration to me cause you's fighter! Love you Quincy!

Barked by: Walker (Dogster Member)

December 10th 2010 at 12:47 pm

We are praying for you Quincy.You are such a brave pup!

Barked by: Chewbacca (Chewy) (Dogster Member)

December 11th 2010 at 6:42 am

Dear Quincy, so much love and prayers are coming your way from all over the world!! Your brave smile just warms our hearts. We love you,
Chewy & Leia & Mom

Barked by: JM

December 13th 2010 at 10:49 am

Quincy, you have such a zest for living, you make me smile even through my tears. I'm excited that Santa will meet YOU! And your own surf 'n turf for dinner!