We made our first trip to the Oncologist today at Arizona Veterinary Specialists (AZVS) in Gilbert. Bailey was super excited to get out of the house. Upon arrival and in her usual style, she put her two front paws on the counter to greet the receptionist. I let a yell out worried that Bailey would tear her staples. I think I scared her more than she scared me!The staff and facility at AZVS is impressive - I felt like I was at a first class hospital with individual waiting areas for each dog and their human. Bailey's Oncologist, Dr. Beaver, comes highly recommended and has great credentials. This is especially comforting to both Joe and I. Here is a picture of Bailey waiting for the doctor. I love the new fashion statement - shaved forearms!
Bailey's cancer is in stage 2 with 3 being the "worst" rating. Dr. Beaver informed us that the chemo would likely increase Bailey's lifespan from 2/3 months (without treatment) to 6 months. The dogs go through 5 to 8 sessions of chemo - all 3 weeks apart. Once the last session of chemo is administered, Bailey will be "staged" again to determine how well it worked. If she is doing well, then we can continue with oral chemo at home. We have done a ton of research on chemo and while it may be scary and physically difficult for humans, the dogs are rarely phased by the treatments. Lord knows, we would never do anything to harm Bailey or lower her quality of life. I'm thankful there is a solution - although short term - that will prolong her beautiful life. We are determined to beat the odds. If you've had the pleasure of spending even a few moments with Bailey, you will understand why our mission is so important.
Next step - Bailey meets with the cardiologist on Monday for an echo cardiogram. A basic test to make sure the cancer has not yet reached the heart (fingers crossed). Her first chemo treatment with be Friday, August 7th.
Baileyism
Bailey CRAVES attention. She's not partial as to who it comes from and will go to great lengths to catch your eye. Here, Bailey is looking at me over the foot board. I'm sure I was doing 500 crunches at the time (wink wink) and she was trying to get my attention to come snuggle with her on the bed. As you guessed it - she won - which likely explains my round belly.
Dearest Bridget:
ReplyDeleteMy heart breaks as I read through your blogs. Just the other day when I requested a connection to you on Facebook, I was wondering about the dogs and how they were doing.
The facility where Bailey is being treated is the VERY BEST, as you know. My Bentley (the siamese/himalayan rescue kitty I got 2 years before moving to California) had a lobectomy on his lung. I won't spare you all the frightening details (you've had enough of that), and am glad to say that Bentley is fat and sassy.
Bailey is in the best of care and has the best mommy & daddy. I truly feel for you-these are our children. Some people don't see it that way, but you and I both know that unconditional connection between mother and child.
My warmest regards and wishes for a healthy and peaceful outcome for you, Bailey, and your whole family.
Love,
Sherri Foxworthy