I didn't take any photos yesterday when I was at Peak in Burlington, so I thought I'd just go ahead and post this cute shot I took the other morning of Wilbur and Aurora in the living room. In a round-up of medical news from yesterday's trip, let's start with the good news:
-- Darla's blind left eye had a pressure of 10, which means the fluids are no longer building up, the procedure worked, and her eye is now comfortable. Yay! I will post more on this particular procedure after some more time has gone by, but for right now I can say we are very glad we did the gentamicin injection.
Well, that was the good news.
-- On ultrasound,the clot in Aurora's leg has actually gotten larger, and it looks like a second, smaller clot has formed downstream of it. Fortunately, she is not painful now, which means that her body has compensated for the blockage by re-routing blood flow around it using different vessels. Unfortunately, it means that she is still too prone to clotting and her current medications are not sufficient. So our internal medicine specialist, Dr. Marielle Goossens, has added heparin to Aurora's protocol. We are now giving this to her three times a day via subQ (under the skin) injections. We will recheck her clotting factors next week.
And in the worst news...
-- Widget's lymphoma has failed to respond to the first line "rescue" chemo drug called CCNU. Our next and perhaps last option is a different protocol called MOPP that we will begin next week. (Here's an interesting, brief paper on "Rescue Therapy for Canine Lymphoma.") At this point -- because she came out of remission so quickly, because returning to the original protocol did not work, and because she did not respond to the CCNU -- the chances of it working in Widget are only about 50%, our oncologist told me yesterday. Thus the prognosis is not good. But we are not ready to throw in the towel.
Widget is still feeing too good, and she is so energetic and happy and active, that we don't want to concede defeat without at least one more try. If she were feeling poorly, and acting like she felt sick, we certainly wouldn't take this step. But no one could watch her march around the house, tail up and bobbing, wooing as she went, and think she could be weeks away from death.
The other complicating factor for her, besides her heart disease, is a recurring urinary bug that is now resistant to multiple antibiotics. Initially the pathology lab found it would respond to a single, rarely used antibiotic called chloramphenicol, which we needed to give her using surgical gloves. She's been on that for months. Two weeks ago another urine culture showed that chloramphenicol is not working any longer, so our oncologist switched Widget to another drug. Oddly, Widget shows no symptoms of urinary or bladder problems, but if this bug gets out of control -- easy to do in a body whose immune system is suppressed by chemotherapy -- she could have a systemic crisis.
So ... continuing with chemo raises the risk for that, but giving up now on chemo brings death that much sooner.
That's where we are. You can see why I thought a cute photo at the top of this post might help.
I agree with Barb....I am not thinking Mr. Wilbur cares to be referred to as "Diaper Boy".....after all.....he is the proud pirate of RDF!
Posted by: KCMarla | April 08, 2014 at 11:21 AM
Widget is fighting the good fight. As long as she is handling her duties as grand phobah of RDF I don't see anything wrong with trying anything that might buy quality time. We all know the end is in sight but she will have nothing but happy memories to take with her when she moves on to an even bigger management position. She's one in a million.
Posted by: Bob | April 07, 2014 at 10:30 AM
I'm sending tons of prayers and positive thoughts for Widget and also for Aurora. I'm so glad to hear the good news for Darla. Keep the faith!
Posted by: Ann | April 03, 2014 at 11:28 PM
Hoping for a miracle for Widget. I
Posted by: DarcC | April 03, 2014 at 09:27 PM
That must take a lot out of you knowing that you are reaching the end of options which translates to reaching the end of life. It's so hard seeing a happy, lively girl and know that it is all facade. My heart goes out to you for having to watch this and see good but expect bad. My best to you both and of course to the Widge.
Posted by: Miranda Brooks | April 03, 2014 at 04:27 PM
Oh Widget, you are so loved. Keep Woo-ooing!
Posted by: Carol | April 03, 2014 at 11:28 AM
SIGH.......thinking of all.
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | April 03, 2014 at 12:52 AM
Thinking good thoughts for everybody!
Posted by: penny | April 03, 2014 at 12:40 AM
Hugs and prayers to all of you!
Posted by: Patty C | April 02, 2014 at 10:13 PM
Sending extra love to you all. I've been a fan of the ranch for years and I know how much all the animals are loved by you and Elayne. Keep up the great love and let's stay positive while time gives us more information.
Posted by: boundforglory | April 02, 2014 at 08:40 PM
Words are not adequate to express the thanks I and scores of others feel when we read your posts and all the good RDF is doing for these little souls. We know you will do only what is good for them. I often worry it is too difficult for both of you emotionally and I truly don't know where you find the strength. God bless.
Posted by: Mary H. | April 02, 2014 at 07:47 PM
Joining our prayers with others for all concerned......we love our little furry friends at RDF (and our human friends too!)
Posted by: Leila - Allyn, WA | April 02, 2014 at 07:14 PM
We are amping up our prayers of love and healing to you Widget.
Please let them soak in.
Stay strong everyone.
Posted by: Chloe | April 02, 2014 at 05:38 PM
So sorry to read the not-so-hopeful news. Am ever so glad that you two are so knowledgeable and so able to help the doggies with their various maladies. They are truly where they receive the best care possible.
Sending all of you love and hugs and energy to continue on.
Posted by: Shirley Mc Fall and dachshunds Dieter the Dude and Phoebe Ann the Brat | April 02, 2014 at 03:41 PM
Well, the good news is good. I hate to hear that about Widget, but glad to know she is feeling good while all this is going on.
My thoughts with all of you while you address Aurora's clotting and Widget's challenges.
Posted by: Ashley | April 02, 2014 at 03:03 PM
Oh, poor Widget. But you're right, as long as she is still happy and feeling good, you can't give up. Maybe the next drug will work. Maybe she'll have a spontaneous remission, or just hold at her current state for a few more months. She'll let you know when it's time.
I'd never heard of blood clots in dogs before reading about Aurora. I hope the Heparin works. Glad to hear that Miss Bossy's eye has a normal pressure now. And Wilbur is just too cute.
Posted by: Tonya Allen | April 02, 2014 at 02:58 PM
Thanks for the cute picture. Best wishes on the health of your sweet pups.
Posted by: Ev | April 02, 2014 at 01:35 PM
Yes, thank you for the sweet photo, because it helps to keep things in a little perspective, when otherwise we might just want to weep. Widget is still a happy little stinker and that brings out all her good hormones and helps her. I will keep pulling for that to carry her through. And praying for you guys to get through all this in one piece as well. God Bless
Posted by: Linda | April 02, 2014 at 12:29 PM
The Aurora and Widget news certainly isn't what we wanted to hear. But a least we know you are doing what you feel is best for both of them and we are keeping all of you in our prayers and thoughts. But diaper boy??? Poor little Wilbur. :( That sweet little guy is now being identified by his blue diaper. Good thing he looks adorable in everything he wears! :)
Posted by: Barb Ribinski | April 02, 2014 at 12:15 PM