Yes, indeed, blind Helen's chemotherapy has been going very well. So much so, in fact, that the latest radiographs we took revealed that the tumor in her lungs has significantly reduced in size. This is not a "cure," but it is buying her time -- and for that we are very grateful. So far Helen has had four rounds of the IV-administered chemo drug adriamycin, given every three weeks, and she has tolerated it far better than we ever expected. In fact, she's had no side effects at all.
Our oncologist at Washington State University veterinary teaching hospital, Dr. Janean Fidel, had recommended the four-dose protocol as the initial course of treatment to our vet in Helena, Dr. Jennifer Rockwell. With that regimen completed, Jennifer consulted with Dr. Fidel last week on the next stage of Helen's treatment. Dr. Fidel recommended now switching to a daily low-dose of a chemo drug called Lomustine, then rechecking Helen's bloodwork after a month.
The only catch was that for the specific dose Helen needed, we'd have to physically divide up a 10 mg "normal" size capsule of the drug into 2.7 mg daily doses (realistically, 2.5 mg) ... and Jennifer didn't think we should be handling a chemotherapeutic agent every day like that, gloves or no gloves. So she's having a compounding pharmacy make us a batch of capsules with the exact dose. We'll start Helen on this new drug next week.
In the meantime, we're just as pleased as we can be with how she's responded to her chemotherapy. Alayne took the photo of Helen this afternoon (yes, it's been snowing most of the day). From looking at her, and watching her daily activities, you'd have no idea she's going through her second round of cancer.
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Still No. 1!
Please keep voting for the ranch every day in The Animal Rescue Site/PetFinder's Shelter Challenge. Thanks to your votes, we came in third nationwide and won $3,000 for the animals in the previous contest. Now we have a shot at No. 1 and the $20,000 grand prize! Enter "Rolling Dog Ranch" and our state postal code, MT for Montana, and it will bring up our listing so you can cast your vote. Please ask your family and friends to vote, too. Thank you!
She's a beautiful girl! I'm struck by her blue eyes; I know they don't work for her, but they are gorgeous! So good to hear how well she tolerated the four IV doses; I do hope she does as well with the next drug.
Posted by: Vicki Small | November 14, 2009 at 06:02 PM
What a sweet face! Glad to hear that the chemo protocol is going well! Thanks for sharing the good news!
Posted by: Nina | November 12, 2009 at 10:21 PM
Whatta girl Helen. That's WONDERFUL news!
Posted by: Margaret N. | November 12, 2009 at 06:28 PM
I'm so happy for Helen, but I'm also struck by how wonderful these vets are in helping you guys and your animals.
I can't wait for some snow to fall on my mountain too.
Posted by: Inger Wiltz | November 12, 2009 at 06:01 PM
You go girl!!!
Posted by: Marla | November 12, 2009 at 05:45 PM
Way to go, Helen! I'm so glad to hear that the treatments are such a piece of cake for her, with no side effects & are working! It's all good! Big hugs to Helen!
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger & the critters | November 12, 2009 at 05:29 PM
Yay for Helen! So happy to hear this good news about her. Keep it up, Helen!
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | November 12, 2009 at 03:41 PM
Do dogs get lung cancer from second hand smoke? I imagine they do.
Posted by: Ev | November 12, 2009 at 01:53 PM
Great news. Glad to read that her chemo regime is going well. Again, as always, you guys are awesome.
Posted by: Ev | November 12, 2009 at 01:49 PM
I just LOVE that face. Blind Helen is one of my favorites. Really glad to hear she's responding to chemo.
Thanks for the update.
Posted by: Allison | November 12, 2009 at 11:46 AM
Hi there beauty!! We love you Helen.
Hope you are enjoying the snowfall.
Posted by: Chloe | November 12, 2009 at 10:50 AM
It's good to see Helen and to know she's reacting well to her medication. We hope she enjoys this winter, next spring, summer, fall....and on and on!
Posted by: boundforglory | November 12, 2009 at 08:56 AM
With all she is going through, it is nice to hear that she is not exhibiting and side effects. Fingers crossed for her continual improvement....she is so beautiful!
Posted by: Debbie | November 12, 2009 at 07:41 AM
Thank you for posting this. Helen has been in my thoughts all this time. So very happy she is doing well.
Snow... I envy you.
Posted by: Lynne Parker | November 12, 2009 at 07:22 AM
What a strong, resilient girl... Brava Helen, keep up the good fight!
Thank you, Alayne & Steve, for sharing such good news with us.:-)
A big hug to you all from Italy.
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | November 12, 2009 at 02:43 AM
Helen keep up the good health! You were a "star" in the Jack Hana Show!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | November 11, 2009 at 11:07 PM
I'm so happy for Helen! That is awesome. She looks like such a sweet baby!
Posted by: Suzanne | November 11, 2009 at 09:47 PM
That a girl Helen; show us how it's done!
Snow?? Gee, time flies....
Posted by: Lynn (in Louisiana) | November 11, 2009 at 08:12 PM