Jul 2008
First follow-up check
2008-07-14 15:41 Filed in: Beau's
lymphoma treatment
It’s
been a month (give or take) since Beau’s last chemo
treatment, and today we went to Southpaws for his
first follow-up. We met with his oncologist and had a
great check-up and discussion.
Beau’s lymph nodes are looking “excellent” and show no signs of problems. Whew! Oh, and he weighed in at a healthy 73 pounds. (The doctor agreed that ~70ish seems to be about ideal for his frame and build.)
Over the month, Beau has been rapidly building his strength up. I’ve been keeping him (and Maggie) on his organic diet, and apart from him really enjoying the food, I’m convinced it’s helping him.
He didn’t need to fast this morning, so he didn’t figure out where we were going. Even in the car, he didn’t seem much to mind. It wasn’t until we arrived at the clinic that he started acting nervous. He was excessively clingy in the waiting room.
Then, when we went back to the exam room, he clearly wanted to leave. It helped that I could stay with him and that I didn’t just drop him off and pick him up later.
The exam was quick and simple. I discussed his upcoming annual check-up (and vaccinations) with his oncologist. She had some great words of wisdom on that. Although she feels he is quite strong enough for the vaccinations, she feels that adult dog vaccinations are hopelessly over-done in the US. When he gets his blood work done again at the 3 month point, she can check his immune system to see if he needs any vaccinations, and then do them. Otherwise, stick with what is required by law -- rabies, basically.
So we were done and headed out of the clinic. At the reception desk, Beau knew the routine -- wait for Ken to pay and then DEMAND a milk bone. (Fortunately, Southpaws keeps a cookie jar on the counter for just such situations.)
Then, when we got home, Beau and Maggie greeted each other with wagging tails and curious noses. Then Beau immediately ran to his bed and gave me that “treat me hither” look once again. He clearly remembered the good parts of going to Southpaws, which is nice.
So, he’s good to go once again. We’ll head back in 4-6 weeks for his next check-up, but in the meantime, we will enjoy each and every remission day we get.
Hugs and arooooos,
Ken
Beau’s lymph nodes are looking “excellent” and show no signs of problems. Whew! Oh, and he weighed in at a healthy 73 pounds. (The doctor agreed that ~70ish seems to be about ideal for his frame and build.)
Over the month, Beau has been rapidly building his strength up. I’ve been keeping him (and Maggie) on his organic diet, and apart from him really enjoying the food, I’m convinced it’s helping him.
He didn’t need to fast this morning, so he didn’t figure out where we were going. Even in the car, he didn’t seem much to mind. It wasn’t until we arrived at the clinic that he started acting nervous. He was excessively clingy in the waiting room.
Then, when we went back to the exam room, he clearly wanted to leave. It helped that I could stay with him and that I didn’t just drop him off and pick him up later.
The exam was quick and simple. I discussed his upcoming annual check-up (and vaccinations) with his oncologist. She had some great words of wisdom on that. Although she feels he is quite strong enough for the vaccinations, she feels that adult dog vaccinations are hopelessly over-done in the US. When he gets his blood work done again at the 3 month point, she can check his immune system to see if he needs any vaccinations, and then do them. Otherwise, stick with what is required by law -- rabies, basically.
So we were done and headed out of the clinic. At the reception desk, Beau knew the routine -- wait for Ken to pay and then DEMAND a milk bone. (Fortunately, Southpaws keeps a cookie jar on the counter for just such situations.)
Then, when we got home, Beau and Maggie greeted each other with wagging tails and curious noses. Then Beau immediately ran to his bed and gave me that “treat me hither” look once again. He clearly remembered the good parts of going to Southpaws, which is nice.
So, he’s good to go once again. We’ll head back in 4-6 weeks for his next check-up, but in the meantime, we will enjoy each and every remission day we get.
Hugs and arooooos,
Ken
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