Re: [PyrNet-L] HEALTH, CHAT: Clondike "Completely Normal?????"

[Jack & Charlotte Perry <pyreau@erols.com>]

Hi David,
Thanks for the update on Clondike.  So glad to hear about the "normal" sonogram.
She will be in our thoughts and prayers during the next couple of weeks.
Charlotte

David P Kintsfather Jr wrote:

> Clondike is an 11 year, 8 month-old Pyr bitch who has been undergoing
> chemotherapy for 13 months for lymphoma.  She is currently 7 weeks into
> remission number 3.
>
> Since her last round of chemo (only two treatments) she has had two bouts
> of diarrhea.  This has been frustrating for our vet who wants to
> understand what's going on in Clondike's gut.  She currently has Clondike
> on Amoxicillin (actually just finished a course), Flagyl and Pepto Bismol.
> The oncologist and the holistic vet have both said this is probably the
> best regimen for now.
>
> The oncologist also wanted to do an abdominal ultrasound exam to rule out
> any unexpected spread of the cancer.  The other 2 vets were skeptical of
> the need, but it's only money, right?  I told the ultrasouind technician
> we'd be in trouble if Clondike is able to attend the Penn-Dutch Fun Day at
> the end of July because all the other Pyrs would want to shave their
> tummies to match hers (she is such a trend setter).
>
> When the oncologist reported on the results of the ultrasound, she said
> "Clondike's completely normal," which is probably the first time in her
> life that the words "completely normal" have been used in a sentence with
> "Clondike."  The oncologist went on to say we probably have a "colitis
> type thing" going on (don't you love this medical lingo) and she
> prescribed a bland diet.
>
> Clondike is a little fussy about what she will eat (which is a totally new
> experience for Nancy and I--but we are adjusting), so the fridge is full
> of steak and the basement is full of different dog foods and dog treats.
> Still, when she eats, she is still able to gain weight, and she is
> hovering around 92 pounds, only down a little from her pre-chemo weight of
> 95.
>
> And Clondike remains playful.  Just last night she chased me around the
> living room and we played "kill the ChewBear."  Her hind end slips out
> from under her sometimes, but she really enjoys it.
>
> In other Clondike news, there's the story of Clondike and the new vet.
> Willow Creek Animal Hospital has several new vets coming into the practice
> this summer and they each understudy Dr. Sammons or another of the senior
> partners. A young woman named Dr. MacLeod was assisting Dr. Sammons 2 weeks
> ago when Clondike needed her anal sacs packed (chemo lowers the resistance
> to infection).  This is Clondike's absolute least favorite procedure and
> she has been known to buck hefty vet techs around like feathers.  Since
> Dr. MacLeod is a very slender young woman, she was treated to quite a wild
> ride.
>
> At the end of the appointment I appologized to Dr. MacLeod for the
> incident and asked how long she had been in Reading.  She said that this
> was her first night seeing patients.  Now Clondike had been straining at
> the leash ready to bolt out the door, but just as Dr. MacLeod said this
> she stopped, turned around, and gave the doc "the look," clearly saying
> that she expects to be attended ONLY by experienced veterinary personnel.
>
> Dr. MacLeod picked up on this right away and said something like "I really
> do have a diploma."  I think she's going to fit right in with the zany
> crew at Willow Creek!
>
> In 2 weeks our next oncology checkup will be a nerve wracking one because
> we will be at 9 weeks post-chemo, 75% of the 12 weeks that the last
> remission held for.  Thoughts and prayers would be appreciated, as I'm not
> sure how much more chemo Clondike can tolerate.
>
> I'll keep you posted.
>
> David
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>  David Kintsfather              | PHONE:       (610) 683-4497
>  Dept. of Telecommunications    | FAX:         (610) 683-4659
>  Kutztown University            | INTERNET:    kintsfat@kutztown.edu
>  PO Box 730                     |   "We need not think alike to love alike."
>  Kutztown, PA  19530-0730       |                Francis David
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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