We were very undecided about doing chemo. We felt the cost would be so unbearable that we would just be happy with the extra time we gained by doing the amp. But, we met with our oncologist today, had an excellent visit, learned a lot, and choose to go ahead….because the price is going to be more reasonable/doable than we had originally thought!
So, I should say for the record, that my husband and I have jointly made all the decisions together about Harley’s treatment…and this has been hard, but beneficial for both of us. No one is “bearing” the decisions alone, and we feel that we are both on the same page, working for a Healthy & Happy Harley!
After our discussion with the oncologist and the quote for doing a session today, we are going to do a total of 4 treatments of chemo and then follow up with metronomics. One of the best comments she made was we actually did the hardest part already, by choosing to have Harley’s leg amputated. All of the folks at our normal vet, and at the ER vet where the oncologist is at, have all said the same thing! That of course goes for all the folks here on the Tripawds site…amazing, caring, and loving folks!
So, how was Harley today…didn’t appear to faze him…except that annoying band-aid where the IV went in. It was a beautiful sunny day in the Pacific Northwest, so while I was at work, Jim put a blanket out on the deck, and Harley laid in the sun for a while, then if he got too hot, back in the house.
We can tell everyday how well Harley has been doing…we are 11 days post-amp…and the tail is wagging more, he is up more often taking part in everyday life. I did make the mistake of kicking a tennis ball for his sister…and he saw it…well, we thought he was fast before…but gee whiz…he was disappointed when she beat him to it (she was much closer) and then Sunny just shaked her butt and said go ahead try and take it from me. Too much effort at this point for Harley…but things are definately getting back to “normal” as normal as a home with 3 dogs can be!
Thanks for all the love and positive thoughts from everyone…it means the world to us!
Ilene & Harley
So great to hear Harley is doing good. Another month and Harley will be the first one to the ball again! I have a feeling he will cruise right through the chemo.
Harley, you’ve had a big day today but you MADE IT! Congrats kiddo. May the rest of the treatments go just as smoothly for you. Pretty soon you’ll be taking that ball away faster than anyone else!
Yeah, I agree with everyone else about getting that ball first in another couple of weeks! So shake our butt while you can Sunny because Harley will be showing who’s the fastest pretty soon!!
Yeah, you have already made the toughest decision by amputating the leg, but, for me, deciding on chemo or not was still a turmoil of a decision so I can relate to the stress involved. Maybe like you, one of the deciding factors for me was, “what if I didn’t try it….would I always be wondering…..?”
Really glad Harley AND YOU are doing so well! And really, it only gets better!! Can’t believe Harley’s only eleven days out and already one chemo under her puppy belt! Was to go Harley:-)
Sally and Happy Hannah