Lymphoma strikes
2008-02-09 15:40 Filed in: Beau's
lymphoma treatment
Greetings. These sure aren't the circumstances that I
was hoping for in launching "The Beau Beau Blog". You
see, in January 2008, Beau was diagnosed with
lymphoma. As you might imagine, this was a horrible
blow to us, and to all who know Beau. It's tough
enough just writing about it here, but I thought I'd
take a few moments to post occasional updates here,
so that all those whose lives Beau has touched can
hear how he's doing.
First off, we were referred to a specialty veterinary clinic by Beau's primary care vet. The clinic, SouthPaws, is here in northern Virginia, and seems to us to be as good as any around. No one should experience what Beau and his food slaves are going through, but if you must, then it's good to have a team like SouthPaws on your side. Their exam rooms are set up like living rooms, with comfy chairs, a rug, etc. It was clear that Beau was comforted there from the moment we walked in the door.
Among other things, SouthPaws has some excellent documentation on their web site, where you can learn about your pet's ailment and its treatment. I did a lot of reading before we took Beau there last Monday.
After an examination and consultation with Beau's veterinary oncologist--something I'd so dearly hoped he'd never need--we opted to go with a 19 week chemo therapy treatment program. The program, called "CHOP" for the chemicals they use, kills off the cancer cells. Some 85% of the dogs that go through CHOP respond positively and their cancers go into remission. (More details on CHOP are available on the SouthPaws web site.)
It's now been 5+ days since Beau's first chemo dose. He seems (to us, who have absolutely no veterinary training at all) to be responding well, I'm cautiously happy to report. The swelling of his lymph nodes under his chin has gone down significantly. He also seems quite perky and happy--a critical component of the treatment program.
Next, after doing a ton of reading, searching, and comparing notes with Beau's breeders at Red Bay Bassets, I'm starting him (and Maggie) on a nearly 100% organic diet. This is to help his immune system fight this systemic cancer as best as it can. After the results we got with Elvis years ago, I'm convinced that preparing all-natural food for them will help significantly. And even if it doesn't help against his cancer, I'm positive he'll love the food and it will make him very happy. Again, that's as important to all of us right now as anything else.
We don't know just what the future will hold. Lymphoma is a horrible systemic cancer for which there is no known cure. Our goals are to fight it aggressively, and do everything in our power to make Beau comfortable, happy, and loved. Every day with Beau (and Maggie, for that matter) will be--and has always been--a treasure.
So, please keep Beau in your thoughts, your prayers, or whatever positive energy you can send in his direction. I'll do my best to keep posting updates here as often as I'm able to.
Cheers,
Ken van Wyk
First off, we were referred to a specialty veterinary clinic by Beau's primary care vet. The clinic, SouthPaws, is here in northern Virginia, and seems to us to be as good as any around. No one should experience what Beau and his food slaves are going through, but if you must, then it's good to have a team like SouthPaws on your side. Their exam rooms are set up like living rooms, with comfy chairs, a rug, etc. It was clear that Beau was comforted there from the moment we walked in the door.
Among other things, SouthPaws has some excellent documentation on their web site, where you can learn about your pet's ailment and its treatment. I did a lot of reading before we took Beau there last Monday.
After an examination and consultation with Beau's veterinary oncologist--something I'd so dearly hoped he'd never need--we opted to go with a 19 week chemo therapy treatment program. The program, called "CHOP" for the chemicals they use, kills off the cancer cells. Some 85% of the dogs that go through CHOP respond positively and their cancers go into remission. (More details on CHOP are available on the SouthPaws web site.)
It's now been 5+ days since Beau's first chemo dose. He seems (to us, who have absolutely no veterinary training at all) to be responding well, I'm cautiously happy to report. The swelling of his lymph nodes under his chin has gone down significantly. He also seems quite perky and happy--a critical component of the treatment program.
Next, after doing a ton of reading, searching, and comparing notes with Beau's breeders at Red Bay Bassets, I'm starting him (and Maggie) on a nearly 100% organic diet. This is to help his immune system fight this systemic cancer as best as it can. After the results we got with Elvis years ago, I'm convinced that preparing all-natural food for them will help significantly. And even if it doesn't help against his cancer, I'm positive he'll love the food and it will make him very happy. Again, that's as important to all of us right now as anything else.
We don't know just what the future will hold. Lymphoma is a horrible systemic cancer for which there is no known cure. Our goals are to fight it aggressively, and do everything in our power to make Beau comfortable, happy, and loved. Every day with Beau (and Maggie, for that matter) will be--and has always been--a treasure.
So, please keep Beau in your thoughts, your prayers, or whatever positive energy you can send in his direction. I'll do my best to keep posting updates here as often as I'm able to.
Cheers,
Ken van Wyk
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