Chemo, Day 1

Leo asking to go outside instead of going to chemo.

There are several treatment options for canine lymphoma.  Palliative and supportive care, some older chemotherapy protocols, and the gold-standard Modified Wisconsin Protocol. Because of Leo's age, his general vitality, and our desire to have as much Leo-time as possible, we opted for the latter. Of course, in addition to this protocol being the most effective, it is the most expensive and time consuming, too.  But we're both suckers for those big brown eyes of his.  So on the 31st, we saw the oncologist.  She told us what we already knew - lymphoma, aggressive, quality of life, chemotherapy, etc.  They measured his lymph nodes (one was 3cmx6cm - ouch!).  They told us the side effects, the survivals, the statistics, the upsides and downsides.  And we said "OK.  Do it."  And so we started Leo's Modified Wisconsin Protocol. Because he's a little advanced, they didn't do the 2-drug combination this week to prevent any tumor lysis problems.   We left him to the care of the vets, and Leo worked his charms on them immediately.  Leo was friendly and charming, doing Leo things (asking for back scratches, making his cute little noises when he was bored), and when the first vet, assisting the oncologist, sat down to get to know him, Leo gave her little schnooty kisses.  Our ladies' man, working the vets.

After an hour and half of chemo, observation, treats, and more treats, Leo emerged happy and full of vigor. He was none the worse for wear from his first round of chemo.  For the rest of the day, he was just Leo - a little naughty, always hungry, and prone to find a comfy spot and relax.  His night-time walk was vigorous and long (which was good for me, since I was just coming home from a hockey game and in desperate need of a cool-down and stretch; the dog walk was just what the doctor ordered).  

And today - well, today he was at the park for almost 2 hours.  80% Leo, which is better than last week.  And I think (although i can't be sure) that there's already some change for the better in his lymph nodes.  

So, to you, cancer, here's your warning - we're not going down without a fight.