The Beau Diddley Diaries

Did somebody say TREAT?!

Back in remission

After several relaxing and fun days in the North Carolina Outer Banks, we’re back home and back on the chemo. Today was week 4 of Beau’s treatment, and next week is a rest week.

Beau’s doctor wrote on his release notes today that, “Beau Diddley is in complete remission”. What a relief that is.

He and Maggie had a great time in the OBX as well. And, as a really special treat, his Red Bay pack was in Virginia Beach at a dog show, so we were able to stop through there and see the gang. Beau was able to see his brother Hoagie again, which he clearly enjoyed.

Maggie was also there, and she saw her brother Johnny, but she was more than a little frightened by all these big dogs. Too bad.

It was a lot of fun to see everyone, though -- at least, for all of us except Maggie.

Aroooos,

Ken
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Week 3 of chemo II

Beau is resting comfortably at home after week 3 of his (second) round of chemo. All systems looking good. Blood work looked good, etc.

Now it’s off to OBX for a couple days of romping on the beach and relaxing with family, friends, and his yorkie “cousins”. The trip will culminate with a stop-in visit with the
Red Bay Gang. By complete coincidence, they’ll be in Virginia Beach at a dog show on the day we’re heading home.

Beau and Maggie will again have the opportunity to be reunited with their canine pack, including Beau’s brother Hoagie. Hoagie is now a champion, although we’re hoping he won’t insist that his brother refer to him as Sir Hoagie. :-)

Arooooos,

Ken
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Chemo II update

Well, Beau had his first chemo (round 2) treatment last Friday, as I reported in the last posting. He’s had his second one this past friday as well.

In parallel with the chemo, he’s been on prednisone both orally and in eye drop form.

We’re happy to report he once again appears to be responding positively to the chemo. All lymph node swelling is gone. His oncologist wrote “Beau Diddley is looking great today!” in his notes on Friday.

So, we buy some more time with this most precious little guy. Beau is happy. He wags his tail. He HOLLERS at dinner time. When I offered him a walk yesterday, he RAN to the door and barked enthusiastically.

We watched the Basset Hound segment on
Dogs 101 together last night even -- though I probably enjoyed it more than he did. (Great show, by the way!)

Enjoying every day, every hour, every minute...

Cheers,

Ken
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Relapse

I just got home from South Paws; Beau’s lymphoma has relapsed. :-(

After consultation with his oncologist, we’ve decided to try the same CHOP chemo treatment again, but without the really bad stuff (cytoxan) that caused his bladder problems last time. The doctor says that this is the best course of treatment.

Basically, as long as it works, we keep trying it. We all know that someday the chemo will likely cease being effective, but we keep trying.

The positive news is that Beau remains happy and his appetite is still...rigorous. As long as the tail is wagging, I can’t give up on him. I want to afford him every opportunity to be as happy as he can for as long as he can.

So, it’s back on the chemo. But, in a couple weeks, he’ll get another OBX vacation to enjoy. I hope we’ll have plenty of running on the beach moments there to savor and appreciate.

Arooooos,

Ken
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