My little girl was very well-behaved and we managed to X-ray her very quickly. One photo on each side, one laying on her back and one laying on her tummy. Four altogether.
Needless to say I dreaded the phone call from the vet all day. At times it was literally impossible to concentrate on work.
She called at one o'clock bringing the bad news: they found a pie-sized shadow in her lungs. Her last X-ray was in March and the chest was clear then.
We had a long talk about the chemo. It is the only option they offer Lea. Intraveniously every third week. The thing is that they cannot cure her, just prolong life for about 3-5 months. Tears, tears.
I am very lucky to have a very skilled veterinarian with a doctor degree in oncology who has been following my dog for two years, ever since she got her first small limp. I am very grateful the vet is completely honest with me and informs well about what the options are and how the chemo works. It appears that the medicine kills not only the aggressive cancer cells but also cells of bone marrow and small intestines (as these cells also grow very quickly). The bone marrow and intestines recover but the dog will of course have symptoms and reduced life quality.
I asked for some time thinking about the option. But I am certain I am not going to say yes to the chemo. The money is absolutely no option, I have been paying big $$$ for Lea for the past two years on the operations that worked well. I would luckily pay again. But it has to give some meaning. With this treatment I simply cannot find any. Nobody can trick death. I don't know what's best: dying from cancer or from a stoke or a heart failure being too old.
I hope Lea would agree with me if she could talk, she hates being a patient. I know she would prefer running and playing as long as she can instead of lying down miserable and throwing up all day. I would wish the same if I were her.
This is what Lea wants :
In the afternoon we went to a beautiful walk. Running, swimming, playing.
No leash, just good time!
And raw beef for dinner. Yes, dog life can be perfect, too :)
I think you made right decision!
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot for your support, dear.
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