The 4th year vet student at WSU who is Gabe's case manager, Katherine W., kindly emailed me these photos of Gabe going through radiation treatment on Thursday. As it turned out, Katherine was Gabe's case manager earlier when he went through the operation a few weeks ago to remove the nasal tumor; she was on surgery rotation then and is now on oncology rotation, so she's had Gabe both times.
Katherine wrote, "Here are several pictures that we took of Gabe today. He is doing very well, and received his third dose of radiation. Ten minutes later, he was trotting down the hall and hungry for his breakfast (which he ate happily)."
She described the photos as follows:
-- "The first picture [above] is Gabe being put under anesthesia for the procedure. We administer the anesthetic gas with the mask and then once they are asleep we place the endotracheal tube through which they receive anesthetic gas during the radiation itself." [That's Katherine on the left; I don't have a name for the person on the right.]
-- "The second picture is Gabe all set up on the radiation table. The strap across his back adds stability, the tubes supply his anesthetic gas, the blue clip on his tongue monitors his oxygenation and pulse, and the "bite block" that his teeth are sitting on is his own special mold which holds his head in just the right spot to deliver accurate radiation. The pad that he is sitting on is also his for the time he is here and has been vacuum molded to his body to keep him perfectly positioned." -- "The third picture is our radiology technician putting the final touches on setting the table to Gabe's specifications."-- "The fourth picture is Gabe all ready for us to step out of the room and administer his radiation."
-- "The last picture in this set is the monitor display while Gabe receives his treatment. The linear accelerator is above him, giving his radiation. The linear accelerator rotates between doses and allows the radiation to be administered to Gabe from above and also from each side. We watch the screen in this picture as well as the machine monitoring his pulse and oxygenation from across the insulated wall during his treatment."Katherine ended her note by saying, "Gabe has such a bright personality and is a joy to work with."
Thank you, Katherine!
Gabe will have 18 daily treatments of the radiation and if all goes well, he should be ready to come home on October 9.
---
Wow -- still No. 2!
This is really interesting. The caring for the dog is very well. You'll be fine Gabe. Thank you for helping him.
Posted by: Chris Taus | January 12, 2011 at 08:58 PM
I can ditto what Kathy said, Gabe had my heart from the first photo I saw of him, too! I'm so glad that they're taking the time to send photo updates on his progress & treatments so that we can all keep track of how he's doing. Sending you huge healing hugs, Gabe!
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger | September 22, 2009 at 09:12 PM
Gabe, We are praying for you buddy. For Katherine to take time to send pictures & such a wonderful explanation of each one is fantastic & it shows WSU cares greatly. It's amazing how much they will do to ensure he is safe & comfortable during his treatments.
God Bless! Thank you Katherine & all the ppl involved at WSU in Gabe's care.
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | September 22, 2009 at 01:51 AM
What a sweet boy - he looks so trusting in the first photo. I'm glad to know he's in such good hands.
Posted by: JC | September 21, 2009 at 10:08 PM
The other person in the first picture is Dr. Chelsea Tripp. She's been our doctor for the past 2 years. She treated our 1 1/2 year old chocolate lab for lymphoma. We now see her every three months for checkups. Baylee is now 4 and doing well. You are in good hands with Dr. Tripp!
Posted by: Nancy (Laura's Idaho sister) | September 21, 2009 at 05:10 PM
Hey guys, The Seattle contingent is voting everyday from both computers. We have a whole email chain working towards that $20,000 prize!
Michele
Posted by: Michele Troxel | September 21, 2009 at 02:08 PM
Good boy Gabe!
Thank you Katherine for taking the time to send Steve and Alayne this update so they can then educate us!
On a different topic, if I may. The fall newsletter arrived Saturday and I really enjoyed it. What a great idea to feature some of the animals that were first to come to the ranch. I hope we can learn a bit more about Patti in future blogs. She seems like such a sweet girl.
Posted by: Lynn (in Louisiana) | September 21, 2009 at 01:10 PM
We are sending you love, light and healing energy Gabe! And picturing you back home enjoying the wonderful smells of Fall in Montana and appreciating each day as you always have done.
We love you Gabe!
Posted by: Chloe and Kate | September 21, 2009 at 12:13 PM
The level of care Gabe is getting is impressive. I continue to hold healing thoughts of Gabe.
Posted by: Lynne Parker | September 21, 2009 at 09:59 AM
Wow....18 treatments? Everyone is hoping and praying that this does the trick and that sweet Gabe is home soon.
Posted by: Debbie | September 21, 2009 at 07:34 AM
Amazing what can be done, for both animals & humans! Thanks for making Gabe's life much more bareable. So wonderful he can smell & taste what he eats. It will be a happy day when he returns home to you. I enjoy seeing pictures of all the animals but there is just something about Gabe, when I first saw his picture I was just drawn to him. I am pulling for you handsome!
Yay, still #2!!
Posted by: Kathy | September 21, 2009 at 02:33 AM
Wow, how interesting to see how Gabe's treatment is done. Thank you, Katherine, for the detailed descriptions. Reading RDR's blog is like going to veterinary school...without the homework. I always learn a lot from you all.
Hugs to Gabe. Glad Katherine has been with him through both ordeals. That must reassure him to have a familiar person around.
Posted by: Debbie Burke | September 20, 2009 at 11:37 PM
Love little Gabe. He's a trouper. I'm crossing my fingers for ya, buddy!
Posted by: Penny Heinrich | September 20, 2009 at 10:57 PM
I know this is his journey to wellness but a bit sad to see him get his treatment. Yes, Gabe is a very, very sweet boy! Thank you for helping him live out a healthy life and one with love.
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | September 20, 2009 at 09:44 PM
Hang in there, Gabe. You'll be home, again, soon.
Posted by: Janet in Cambridge | September 20, 2009 at 09:11 PM