I have been hoping to get to the beginning of our story and the start of Pofi’s Tripawd journey, but after our all clear lymph node cytology, we had a stormy night. I gave Pofi his first dose of Piroxicam in the morning as the anti inflammatory part of our evolving Metronomic chemo approach. And we were to start alternating the Cyclophosphamide with Palladia today. But our sage Oncologist had suggested staggering the new meds so I could be certain if which, if any, caused any unwanted effect.
Well, Tuesday night, Pofi seemed a little hesitant about food and treats, but ate pretty easily. I noticed soon after, however, that he was uncharacteristically “windy” and it was pretty unpleasant. I gave the chemo anyhow, which probably was not advisable. About 1:30 AM, we were awoken by a retching, restless dog. He wasn’t really bringing anything up initially, but he was trying awfully hard. And then for the next few hours, I let him out a few times and for multiple bowel movements, poor lad. And he did finally retch up some liquid, too. Since we never have stomach upset, I did not have Pepcid AC on hand. Spoke to the Oncology department in the morning and we decided on a one to two day medication holiday for him except for some Pepcid to help settle his gurgling tummy. He also was still sort of clearing his throat on Tuesday morning, but it lessened pretty quickly. I can only think the combination of intubation GA the day before for CT and then all that retching really irritated his throat. This wasn’t really coughing- didn’t come from chest at all, but of course, PARANOID so thank you fellow Tripawd members for talking me off a ledge in the chat room. You know who you are! 🙂
I did add one Mirtazapine on Tuesday evening along with the newly procured Pepcid AC to make certain we got past the resulting inappetance (breakfast was a big “No thanks” in the morning). And we seem to be back on track. Plan now is to pick up the Palladia this weekend and start it Monday. For now, we will use Rimadyl as the anti inflammatory component, but perhaps I’ll try Piroxicam, which is less toxic to the liver, in the future with Pepcid…if I am brave enough!
For now, a few glamour shots of my boy and his sister, Mia.
Pofi profile
Mia enjoying her first dip in the Pacific in Santa Barbara, Sept 2013
Pofi happily embracing the ocean for the first time, Sept 2013