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In
Loving Memory of
Madison
Brigitte's 13-1/2 year-old terrier-schnauzer
mix
April 1994 to December 10th '07
dx lymphoma
September 12th 2007
Madison, Fall 2007
My girl's lymphoma was discovered incidentally to her getting
a rabies shot and general exam. I did not feel that chemotherapy was
automatically, unquestioningly indicated. After many, many phone
calls, emails, and conversations with friends, I decided against
chemotherapy and to maintain her on oral prednisone only, supported
by Tramadol, Flagyl and Pepcid.
We were off to a rocky start. Within the first 3 weeks, she
lost 5 lbs and a substantial portion of the muscle mass in her rear
legs causing her severe difficulties walking. Despite nausea
medication, she ate nearly nothing for 2 weeks. I'd be frantic and
rush her to the vet, for fluids, steroid and Vitamin B Complex
shots. She didn't recover until she was taken off the prednisone and
cytoxan. With a lot of encouragement from this supportive group, I
had her examined by a holistic vet who prescribed some supplements
and the proper diet for Madison to follow. Unfortunately, I never
could switch her to the cancer diet since she refused anything pure
or of high quality and was very finicky in her eating generally. She
even started refusing her glucosamine/chondriotin chewies which she
used to love.
We had a close call 3 weeks ago when I took her to an
oncologist for a second opinion and while there, pointed out some
welts and scabs on her neck. I very nearly forgot to mention them,
they looked so harmless. Phew, I am so glad I did! It turned out to
be a deep infection with necrosis, for which she had to have
emergency surgery. The sutures have been removed and she healed
extremely well. My sweet, mild girl continues to surprise me.
Life expectancies quoted were 4 or 8 or 12 weeks, and here she
is, into week 12, and still doing fine!
Sunshine in the Park
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On alert |
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In tulip petals listening
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What are these park noises? |
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In yard in spring - still well |
Ready for take-off |
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My usual look
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I'm back
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I can move my ears in weird ways!
I'm soooo sleepy
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Nice, soft sofa |
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You called? |
Where's my cookie? |
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I'm not feeling good |
I caught my piggy |
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Piggies make good pillows
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