So Pofi had his CT scan today and his paperwork says he was a very good patient for them today. The (sort of) good news: there are no clarion clear signs of remote metastasis to lungs or lymph nodes. There are some bright white light points in the lungs that are calcification – osteaomas – and are not a worry. There are just 3 or 4 less bright tiny spots that don’t seem to be blood vessels, but could be the same sort of process that results in the osteomas. Or could be very, very early mets. Just not nearly conclusive to say anything and way, way to small for biopsy. And while lymph nodes could be a bit large, they aren’t really large and it is not only the ones located near the cancer. Seems impossibly preposterous to the oncologist that there could be metastasis to all of them at such distance. So not particularly indicative of cancer. There is one he was able to aspirate and that is off to pathology: for good or for bad, this could give us something more definitive…or the same fuzzy, wispy, not at all sure view my expenditure procured today.
Really, it is more good than bad. I have lest existential angst than I did before (I am never completely without existential angst, that’s just how I roll). For now, radiation therapy is still a future decision. Perhaps a CT in 4 to 6 weeks (this was discussed) and meanwhile, we will up the chemo game. Adding Piroxicam to the cocktail for the anti-inflammatory benefit in Metronomic approach, skipping the Doxycyclene. And seriously considering Palladia. We would stagger the Cytoxan and Palladia (at new, lower dosage protocol) trying to inhibit cancer in different ways. We will likely start on it this week after giving his system a day or two to recover from today’s GA.
A funny note, the veterinary oncologist asked me what my job was today and when I said I was a Project Manager in the Finance industry, he asked if I had any sort of science background because I am following and taking in everything he was explaining so well. I said, “No, just critical thinking skills honed as an English major and Philosophy minor”. Score one for the too frequently maligned and disregarded Humanities BA degree!!
To lighten the mood and remind us all to live in the moment, here is Pofi living large at the dog park yesterday:
Resting after romping in Mother Lake, 6/5/16
And an always enjoyable roll in the lush green ground cover!
He is such a happy lad. I am with you as you step through this.
Comment by Robin — June 6, 2016 @ 8:43 pm
Thank you, Robin!
Comment by hester — June 6, 2016 @ 10:08 pm
That isn’t bad news. Breathe deep let it out slowly and go on 🙂 glad he is doing well
xoxoxo
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Comment by Michelle — June 6, 2016 @ 8:48 pm
You are so right, Michelle. Thank you!
Comment by hester — June 6, 2016 @ 10:08 pm
Looking good Pofi! Yes indeedy, a perfect example of loving large” and being fully present in the now!
You absolutely have ore good news than bad today. Actually, there really doesn’t seem to be any “bad” news anywhere in sight!
You are such a terrific advocate for Pofi. You’ve really empowered yourself, not only with information, but with a positive attitude and the enrgy of a fighter! That’s called getting a degree from The University of Life!
I know I keep commenting on Pofi’s stunning good looks, but he really does take my breath away with every photo. He is truly one kf a kind in so many ways!
Cheering for you Pofi!! You’ve really jumped into my heart Pofi…all of our hearts!
Looking forward to more delight pictures of Pofi being Pofi!!
Hugs!!!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Comment by benny55 — June 6, 2016 @ 9:09 pm
Thanks so much, Sally. I’ll post some more Pofi glamour shots in the future.
And btw, when I told the oncologist today I was a member of Tripawds, he commented that he thinks it is a great forum and he sends people to it all the time. So kudos to you and the others who have made this place such a community and a resource.
Comment by hester — June 6, 2016 @ 10:13 pm
Been thinking about you all day Pofi! I’m so happy to hear the good news, wish mom could have gotten some more clarifying news, but thinking positively! Just know everyone on here is supporting you and wishing you the best!
Comment by apollo811 — June 6, 2016 @ 9:32 pm
Thanks so much, Apollo’s Mom. I wanted you to know, too, that my friend whose hound had amputation day after Pofi, but started Gabapentin later and not in combination with an NSAID has now seen a big turn around in his girl. Took a little over a week, I think, of the greater dosage of Gabapentin and starting Rimadyl again, but he has been posting pictures and videos now, delighting in how much better she is doing and how clearly much more comfortable she is. So I am hoping you will be saying the same about Apollo in a few more days!
Comment by hester — June 6, 2016 @ 10:16 pm
I feel like saying “Hooray!” Good for now! Good for a good while, most likely! We are sending Moosedog Magic and Coyotedog Magic to help balance the science part. Hugs.
Comment by Jean — June 6, 2016 @ 11:12 pm
Thank you, Jean, for the magic and the hugs!
Comment by hester — June 7, 2016 @ 7:52 am