Last Thursday I took blind Helen over to our vet clinic in Helena to start her chemotherapy. We had waited an additional week for one more lab report to come back -- an immunohistochemistry. Because Helen had lost a leg last year to fibrosarcoma, and the initial pathology on one of the growths our vets removed a couple of weeks ago indicated it was an anaplastic sarcoma, the immunohistochemistry would tell us the "cell of origin" to see if there was a common link between the two. This would help the oncologist select the best chemotherapy drug.
Well, the report came back and only served to complicate matters -- the pathologists believed that one of the other growths our vets removed was actually a melanoma ... so we had a veritable menu of cancers. Based on that information, the oncologist at Washington State University, Dr. Janean Fidel, recommended that our clinic administer the chemotherapy drug adriamycin to Helen.
We had used the same chemo drug for Shiloh, one of our personal dogs who had developed hemangiosarcoma in 2007. It was pretty rough sledding for Shiloh after each treatment -- about 24 to 48 hours later he'd get sick from it -- but so far Helen has tolerated her initial course just fine.
I took these photos of Helen getting her chemo at the clinic. I think she actually fell asleep during much of it. An hour later, she was back in the truck -- along with Gabe -- and we were headed up MacDonald Pass on the way home to the ranch.
I'm glad to hear Helen has tolerated the first round. I will pray it continues & this treatment is the one for her to get back to feeling good.
I am praying for all of you humans as well as the furry kids. You all are really dealing w/ a lot recently & I know you worry & care so deeply. Prayers for strength & continued wonderful advice from your awesome vets.
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | August 19, 2009 at 05:38 PM
Man.. you guys are having a time of it right now!
My love and thoughts are with you and all the animals at RDR. You really are doing wonderful things!
Posted by: Maree in NZ | August 19, 2009 at 12:19 AM
Lots of hugs for Helen and Gabe!!!
Dee
Posted by: DT | August 18, 2009 at 11:09 AM
When you guys were sitting in Broad meetings and such back in the Seattle Days, I would bet you never thought you would learn so much about animal illness and the treatments. These animals are very blessed to have you and your commintment to giving them the best care possiable. What is really great also is your relationship with the Vet School in Pullman, young Vets are learning from the cases and that means that they can help many, many other Animals.
Posted by: Eric | August 18, 2009 at 10:27 AM
Oh, I forgot. Since we have two Lynns, I'm going to be "Lynn in Louisiana" from now on. :-)
Posted by: Lynn (in Louisiana) | August 18, 2009 at 10:22 AM
Bless Helen's heart and Gabe's too. They have a loving home and people who care.
Steve and Alayne, thank you again for all that you do.
Wondered how Smokey and Granny are doing?
Posted by: Jennie Wiseman | August 18, 2009 at 10:21 AM
I made the mistake of checking the blog for Helen's update last night right before I went to bed. It took me two hours to go to sleep. So, so sad.
But, I know you and Alayne and the doctors always make the best choice you can and I will remain hopeful that Helen suffers no ill effects from her treatment and that she is granted many additional months.
I also caught up on comments for the last few entries. I so wish I had you all for friends. Y'all say things that I am thinking alot of the time and it really freaks me out.
May I offer sincere condolences to Charlotte, Bregda and Lynn who shared the recent loss of their beloved dogs. I've yet to experience that (my girls are 13 and 8) but tear up thinking of it. I can only imagine the sorrow.....
Kisses to Helen and all the other lucky animals at RDR.
Posted by: Lynn | August 18, 2009 at 10:19 AM
It's good to hear that Helen is relaxed enough during her treatment(s) to fall asleep. She's a strong girl, that's on her side. We're sending her many well wishes and hopes for a healthy recovery soon.
Posted by: boundforglory | August 18, 2009 at 09:00 AM
God love her and you for what you do!!
Posted by: gayle | August 18, 2009 at 09:00 AM
It is so hard watching them go through this, isn't it? Prayers and best wishes going out to dear Helen....and to all of you who have to stand by watching and waiting and hoping.
Posted by: Debbie | August 18, 2009 at 07:42 AM
Helen does look very peaceful on her bed in the clinic. What a strong girl!
You, too, are in my thoughts and prayers, sweet Helen (as Marlowe would have put it:-))!
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | August 18, 2009 at 03:43 AM
We love you Helen. Keep strong beautiful one. You are in our prayers!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | August 17, 2009 at 11:22 PM
I'm so glad this sweet babygirl tolerated the chemo well, and that the administration of it appears to be pretty low key for her. Hang in there, Helen! Lots of prayers being said for you, and your buddies!
Posted by: Heidi, Emmett, and Moxie | August 17, 2009 at 10:25 PM