Stella had her 6 month check-up today. Oncologist said she looks great - no new suspicious lumps or bumps. Stella's personality remains the same as does her behavior and appetite.
We will see the Oncologist again in March for a 9 month check-up.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS INDEED!!
Stella
Monday, December 19, 2011
Thursday, September 15, 2011
3 Months Post Radiation Treatments
Stella had her 3 month check-up today. Oncologist said she looks great; no new lumps or bumps. She is due for a 6 month check in December.
We have not noticed anything unusual these past few months and Stella's routine and personality remain the same. The treatment area of her arm is not tender and she does not mind if we touch it.
Funny - as we were walking towards the exam room today to meet with the doctor Stella started walking towards the radiation treatment area instead. She not only remembered her time there but the fact that she did this reinforced our belief that the treatments did not have a negative effect on her. The doctor suggested we make an appointment for Stella earlier in the day next time as the radiation therapists were gone for the day and they were disappointed that they would not see her. :)
We have not noticed anything unusual these past few months and Stella's routine and personality remain the same. The treatment area of her arm is not tender and she does not mind if we touch it.
Funny - as we were walking towards the exam room today to meet with the doctor Stella started walking towards the radiation treatment area instead. She not only remembered her time there but the fact that she did this reinforced our belief that the treatments did not have a negative effect on her. The doctor suggested we make an appointment for Stella earlier in the day next time as the radiation therapists were gone for the day and they were disappointed that they would not see her. :)
Stella's hair has grown back!
All that remians is her battle scar from surgery.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
Blood Work Results
As anticipated, Stella's blood work came back completely normal. Hooray :)
She will see the oncologist in 3 months for her 2nd check-up. We are to bring Stella back sooner if we notice any new lumps or bumps.
Keeping our fingers crossed...
She will see the oncologist in 3 months for her 2nd check-up. We are to bring Stella back sooner if we notice any new lumps or bumps.
Keeping our fingers crossed...
Thursday, June 23, 2011
1st Check-up & Blood Work
Met with the oncologist today for Stella's first post treatment check-up. The oncologist said that Stella looks great and has healed nicely; we can discontinue the Neosporin. Dr. F. also confirmed that the blackness of the treatment site is indeed due to the radiation. We asked if the hair in this area will grow back and she stated we would have to wait and see.
Routine blood work was performed as a precaution since Stella's had 20 rounds of anesthesia. We will know the results tomorrow, although they do not anticipate any abnormalities.
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Routine blood work was performed as a precaution since Stella's had 20 rounds of anesthesia. We will know the results tomorrow, although they do not anticipate any abnormalities.
In person, Stella's skin looks much darker than this.
Amazing that the original surgical scar is hardly visible.
Friday, June 17, 2011
3 Weeks Post Treatments
Stella is completely healed now. We continue to apply the Neosporin even though we really don't think we need to any longer. She has a check-up with the oncologist next week and we will ask if we can discontinue.
Stella's skin in the treatment area has turned really dark. It is also super smooth like leather and the hair has not started to grow back yet. Touching the area does not bother her in the least.
As I've said all along, Stella continues to be her usual fun and loving self. She doesn't seem to have been emotionally affected at all by this whole process - except that she really misses riding in the car everyday!
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Stella's skin in the treatment area has turned really dark. It is also super smooth like leather and the hair has not started to grow back yet. Touching the area does not bother her in the least.
As I've said all along, Stella continues to be her usual fun and loving self. She doesn't seem to have been emotionally affected at all by this whole process - except that she really misses riding in the car everyday!
What a good girl - back to doing her chores!
Monday, June 6, 2011
10 Days Post Treatments
Stella continues to amaze us with her seemingly effortless recovery. We have stopped giving her the oral pain meds (Gabapentin & Tramadol) as it is clear to us she no longer needs them. We continue to apply Neosporin ointment to her arm twice a day - without her flinching. As you can see from the pictures she has healed nicely. Just a week ago the area was red and raw.
Yesterday was my birthday. What better gift could I have asked for than my Stella healed and healthy once again?
Yesterday was my birthday. What better gift could I have asked for than my Stella healed and healthy once again?
Friday, June 3, 2011
Post Radiation Burn Care - Appointment # 2
7 days post radiation treatments.
Stella had her second burn treatment this morning; the radiation therapist cleaned and debrided the area of more dead tissue. As with the first burn care appointment, anesthesia was not used. The radiation therapist said the burn is healing nicely; it has also turned from red to pink. Instead of the SSD cream we are to apply Neosporin 2-3 times a day. Oh boy, she's going to make everything in the house greasy!
We were told to start weaning Stella off of the oral pain meds. We will give them to her just once day for the next few days and then discontinue. This evening we applied the Neosporin and was surprised that Stella did not try to run away; she did not appear to have any pain. :)
The radiation therapist stated that Stella's burn care is complete. We are to make an appointment with the Oncologist in 2-3 weeks for a check-up and routine blood tests. As stated in a previous post, the blood tests are just a precaution because Stella had 20 rounds of anesthesia this past month.
The report for today states: "We clipped the hair from the radiation treatment site and cleaned the area with dilute Nolvasan. Stella's elbow is healing great! You may start to wean Stella off of the Gabapentin and Tramadol".
Stella had her second burn treatment this morning; the radiation therapist cleaned and debrided the area of more dead tissue. As with the first burn care appointment, anesthesia was not used. The radiation therapist said the burn is healing nicely; it has also turned from red to pink. Instead of the SSD cream we are to apply Neosporin 2-3 times a day. Oh boy, she's going to make everything in the house greasy!
We were told to start weaning Stella off of the oral pain meds. We will give them to her just once day for the next few days and then discontinue. This evening we applied the Neosporin and was surprised that Stella did not try to run away; she did not appear to have any pain. :)
The radiation therapist stated that Stella's burn care is complete. We are to make an appointment with the Oncologist in 2-3 weeks for a check-up and routine blood tests. As stated in a previous post, the blood tests are just a precaution because Stella had 20 rounds of anesthesia this past month.
The report for today states: "We clipped the hair from the radiation treatment site and cleaned the area with dilute Nolvasan. Stella's elbow is healing great! You may start to wean Stella off of the Gabapentin and Tramadol".
Thursday, June 2, 2011
6 Days Post Treatments
We have been giving Stella the oral pain meds (Gabapentin & Tramadol) twice a day and she does not seem to have too much discomfort except when we touch her wound to apply the SSD cream and, apparently, if she lays on that side. She has been adjusting her sleeping positions to stay on the opposite side. It takes a while for Stella to lay down as she tries to figure out what position would feel the best but she eventually manages to plop down with her right arm sticking out.
Tomorrow Stella goes for her second burn care appointment.
Tomorrow Stella goes for her second burn care appointment.
I try to take a pic in this position at the same time everyday outside.
This pic was taken a little later than usual so the lighting is different.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
5 Days Post Treatments
The burn area of Stella's arm is definitely sensitive. When we the apply the SSD cream, using a light hand and gentle dabbing motion, she pulls her arm back and tries to run away. Once finished she doesn't seem to be bothered by it except that last night she made a point of not laying on that side.
It is apparent that more skin must have sloughed off by itself; you can compare the pics from yesterday's post.
We hope it's not as painful as it looks. :(
It is apparent that more skin must have sloughed off by itself; you can compare the pics from yesterday's post.
We hope it's not as painful as it looks. :(
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Post Radiation Burn Care - Appointment #1
It is 4 days after the completion of Stella's radiation treatments and her first appointment for burn care. Below are photos we took before her appointment and after. In the before pics you will see areas that look scaly like crocodile flesh. As I've said before we have been careful not to touch the treatment area, other than applying the Silver Sulfadiazine Cream (SSD), so we were unsure if this was just hair that matted down with the cream or flesh that would need to be removed. It turned out to be both. Please be forewarned that the after photos are a bit shocking especially given that Stella's arm has had very little change in appearance from each daily post.
The radiation therapist cleaned and debrided the area of the dead tissue using Lidocaine topical anesthetic instead of putting Stella to sleep. This procedure took about 15-20 minutes. The radiation therapist also explained that the appearance of Stella's arm is completely normal and confirmed that while the cream is aiding in healing the wounds the dead tissue becomes more prominent; we just didn't notice it because the cream had matted down the hair.
While we waited we met with the Oncologist for follow-up. Dr. F. stated that Stella did remarkably well during her treatments and that she was surprised that the burns developed so late and are relatively mild compared to her other patients. She confirmed what the radiation therapist told us the other day that the way they will "know" they got all the residual microscopic cancer cells will be with time along with the knowledge they have of treating dogs with MCT's (and Pugs specifically) and with the location and grade of the tumor. Just as with our initial appointment with Dr. F. 5 weeks ago she stated again that radiation therapy has a 90% effective rate that the cancer will not return in this same location.
Stella will return to the hospital in 3 days for additional burn treatment. At that time they will determine if she will need yet another appointment. After burn treatments are complete she will see Dr. F. a few weeks later for a check-up and routine blood tests; because Stella had 20 rounds of anesthesia and is on medications they just want to be sure her bloodwork comes back normal. Dr. F. said she would then like to see Stella every 3 months (for one year) for a check-up at which time she will carefully check Stella's body for any lumps/bumps. After one year they will do an abdominal ultrasound to check the internal organs again. Dr. F. said ultrasound should probably be performed once every year.
The report for today states: "We cleaned Stella's treatment site with dilute nolvasan soaked gauze to help remove any dead tissue and dried SSD cream. The site looks great! We have applied SSD cream to aid in healing".
We are to continue with the SSD cream 2-3 times a day and continue giving Stella the oral pain meds (Gabapentin & Tramadol) as needed. We feel Stella has a little pain now as the treatment site is "raw" and definitely more sensitive so we will give her the pain meds.
The radiation therapist cleaned and debrided the area of the dead tissue using Lidocaine topical anesthetic instead of putting Stella to sleep. This procedure took about 15-20 minutes. The radiation therapist also explained that the appearance of Stella's arm is completely normal and confirmed that while the cream is aiding in healing the wounds the dead tissue becomes more prominent; we just didn't notice it because the cream had matted down the hair.
While we waited we met with the Oncologist for follow-up. Dr. F. stated that Stella did remarkably well during her treatments and that she was surprised that the burns developed so late and are relatively mild compared to her other patients. She confirmed what the radiation therapist told us the other day that the way they will "know" they got all the residual microscopic cancer cells will be with time along with the knowledge they have of treating dogs with MCT's (and Pugs specifically) and with the location and grade of the tumor. Just as with our initial appointment with Dr. F. 5 weeks ago she stated again that radiation therapy has a 90% effective rate that the cancer will not return in this same location.
Stella will return to the hospital in 3 days for additional burn treatment. At that time they will determine if she will need yet another appointment. After burn treatments are complete she will see Dr. F. a few weeks later for a check-up and routine blood tests; because Stella had 20 rounds of anesthesia and is on medications they just want to be sure her bloodwork comes back normal. Dr. F. said she would then like to see Stella every 3 months (for one year) for a check-up at which time she will carefully check Stella's body for any lumps/bumps. After one year they will do an abdominal ultrasound to check the internal organs again. Dr. F. said ultrasound should probably be performed once every year.
The report for today states: "We cleaned Stella's treatment site with dilute nolvasan soaked gauze to help remove any dead tissue and dried SSD cream. The site looks great! We have applied SSD cream to aid in healing".
We are to continue with the SSD cream 2-3 times a day and continue giving Stella the oral pain meds (Gabapentin & Tramadol) as needed. We feel Stella has a little pain now as the treatment site is "raw" and definitely more sensitive so we will give her the pain meds.
First 3 pics are before cleaning and debridement:
Monday, May 30, 2011
3 Days Post Treatments
It is the day before Stella's first check-up; the appointment at which the radiation therapist said they would shave any dead tissue that developed.
We have been applying the Silver Sulfadiazine Cream 2-3 times a day as directed for the past 3 days. Skin has already started to slough off by itself when Stella is laying down (as seen in the pics). The burn areas do seem to be somewhat painful to her now so we are applying the cream with a very gentle dabbing motion as opposed to rubbing it.
Other than not liking when we apply the cream to her wound area, Stella does not seem to be in much pain. She continues to act like her usual self. We are however continuing to give her the two oral pain meds (Gabapentin and Tramadol) just in case.
We have been applying the Silver Sulfadiazine Cream 2-3 times a day as directed for the past 3 days. Skin has already started to slough off by itself when Stella is laying down (as seen in the pics). The burn areas do seem to be somewhat painful to her now so we are applying the cream with a very gentle dabbing motion as opposed to rubbing it.
Other than not liking when we apply the cream to her wound area, Stella does not seem to be in much pain. She continues to act like her usual self. We are however continuing to give her the two oral pain meds (Gabapentin and Tramadol) just in case.
With flecks of skin that sloughed off on her blanket.
With cream applied.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Radiation Therapy Treatment #20 **LAST DAY**
We're finally here - the last day of Stella's radiation treatments! We started this journey with so much fear of the unknown, questioning ourselves if we were doing the right thing, scared that Stella would be under too much stress and pain, all the while telling ourselves she could do it and so could we, we could make it through this crazy month of worrying, driving, and less sleep.
One month, 20 treatments later and here we are. It has been incredible. The month has truly flown by and Stella has just sailed through her treatments without any complications. As I wrote in yesterday's post she didn't develop burns until the last few days so she's had very little, if any, pain and very little stress (in our opinion). Stella has been so adaptable, forgiving, trusting, and resilient and has remained her loving self throughout.
Today we asked the radiation therapist how they "know" if they got all the microscopic residual cancer cells. The answer is that there really is no clear cut answer to that question. Success is based on historical data of dogs with MCT's, known data specific to the Pug breed (in Stella's case), and time.
For now, the only thing we can think about is how grateful, fortunate and relieved we are.
Today we were given Silver Sulfadiazine Cream 1% to aid in healing. We are to apply a small amount to Stella's burn areas and treatment site 2 to 3 times daily. We will see the radiation therapist in 4 days for post radiation burn care; they said they will shave off any residual dead skin that may develop. We are not to feed Stella 8 hours before her appointment in case they need to anesthetize her.
Stella's discharge summary for this last week states: "There is slight evidence of radiation toxicity at the treatment site at this time. Continue to give the Gabapentin and Tramadol as needed for pain".
Although the radiation treatments are over we will always have to keep a watchful eye out for signs of any new tumors developing. We know this will be Stella's lifelong journey. We hope it is a boring one.
Our summary for Stella's radiation treatments:
We are exhausted.
Do we have any regrets?
Absolutely not.
One month, 20 treatments later and here we are. It has been incredible. The month has truly flown by and Stella has just sailed through her treatments without any complications. As I wrote in yesterday's post she didn't develop burns until the last few days so she's had very little, if any, pain and very little stress (in our opinion). Stella has been so adaptable, forgiving, trusting, and resilient and has remained her loving self throughout.
Today we asked the radiation therapist how they "know" if they got all the microscopic residual cancer cells. The answer is that there really is no clear cut answer to that question. Success is based on historical data of dogs with MCT's, known data specific to the Pug breed (in Stella's case), and time.
For now, the only thing we can think about is how grateful, fortunate and relieved we are.
Today we were given Silver Sulfadiazine Cream 1% to aid in healing. We are to apply a small amount to Stella's burn areas and treatment site 2 to 3 times daily. We will see the radiation therapist in 4 days for post radiation burn care; they said they will shave off any residual dead skin that may develop. We are not to feed Stella 8 hours before her appointment in case they need to anesthetize her.
Stella's discharge summary for this last week states: "There is slight evidence of radiation toxicity at the treatment site at this time. Continue to give the Gabapentin and Tramadol as needed for pain".
Although the radiation treatments are over we will always have to keep a watchful eye out for signs of any new tumors developing. We know this will be Stella's lifelong journey. We hope it is a boring one.
Our summary for Stella's radiation treatments:
- Mileage = 1372 miles
- Highway tolls = $35
- Trips to the hospital and back = 70
- Gas = (approx) $250
We are exhausted.
Do we have any regrets?
Absolutely not.
Time to rest...
...and heal.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Radiation Therapy Treatment #19
Spoke with the radiation therapist today. She stated the redness on Stella's arm is indeed burns from the treatments. At least they developed towards the end of her treatments so she will recover quicker.
The Gabapentin that was prescribed to Stella last week is for nerve pain. Today we were given a secondary pain medication called Tramadol (50mg tablets). They told us we should give it to Stella as needed (half a tablet every 6-12 hours) but said we could start giving it to her now as a preventive just as we are doing with the Gabapentin. Again we are opting to do this instead of waiting for signs of pain (which she still has not exhibited).
On today's pics you will notice that although I said the redness on her arm looked better yesterday it definitely looks worse today. Still not all that bad we think considering they anticipated burns would appear two weeks ago when she had many treatments to follow. Having it look like this now with only one more treatment to go, Stella can definitely handle it.
One more treatment and last day of boarding tomorrow...
The Gabapentin that was prescribed to Stella last week is for nerve pain. Today we were given a secondary pain medication called Tramadol (50mg tablets). They told us we should give it to Stella as needed (half a tablet every 6-12 hours) but said we could start giving it to her now as a preventive just as we are doing with the Gabapentin. Again we are opting to do this instead of waiting for signs of pain (which she still has not exhibited).
On today's pics you will notice that although I said the redness on her arm looked better yesterday it definitely looks worse today. Still not all that bad we think considering they anticipated burns would appear two weeks ago when she had many treatments to follow. Having it look like this now with only one more treatment to go, Stella can definitely handle it.
One more treatment and last day of boarding tomorrow...
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Radiation Therapy Treatment #18
Forgot to ask the radiation therapist about the redness on Stella's arm. She is always so excited to see us and comes bounding into the waiting room for hugs and kisses and treats that we completely forget anything is wrong with her and our minds go blank.
Hard to tell in the pics but the redness looks a bit better today.
2 more days...
Hard to tell in the pics but the redness looks a bit better today.
2 more days...
Stella likes to sit with her chin on the car hammock on the way home...
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...except when she's being bad...
...or playing with cheesy burger.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Radiation Therapy Treatment #17
Didn't get a chance to ask the radiation therapist about the redness on Stella's arm - but it looks no worse today.
Baby Girl seems tired and somewhat reserved this evening. We continue to give her the pain meds as a precaution and it does not appear she is in any pain.
3 more days...
Baby Girl seems tired and somewhat reserved this evening. We continue to give her the pain meds as a precaution and it does not appear she is in any pain.
3 more days...
Monday, May 23, 2011
Radiation Therapy Treatment #16
Last week of treatment - the countdown has begun. 4 more treatments and 3 days of boarding to go...
Today was uneventful as always.
Radiation therapist said it is fine to give Stella the pain meds, "just in case", even though she is not showing an outward signs of discomfort.
There appears to be more redness to the excision/scar area of her arm. We will ask the radiation therapist tomorrow if these are "burns".
Today was uneventful as always.
Radiation therapist said it is fine to give Stella the pain meds, "just in case", even though she is not showing an outward signs of discomfort.
There appears to be more redness to the excision/scar area of her arm. We will ask the radiation therapist tomorrow if these are "burns".
Sunday, May 22, 2011
3rd Weekend Off
Our intention was to wait to give Stella any of the pain meds until we started to notice signs of discomfort. We thought we would watch for signs like licking of the arm, not wanting to lay on that side, not wanting us to touch it in any way, not eating or playing, or any sort of personality change from her usual self. But then we remembered what veterinarians have always told us in the past; because of their natural instinct to protect themselves against predators cats and dogs will always try to hide any pain or discomfort for as long as possible. By the time one would notice any distress the cat/dog may possibly be in a great deal of pain at that point because they could no longer hide it. We do not want Stella to have any discomfort so we are choosing not to wait until she exhibits any. The hospital dispensed the pain meds and already stated they would have expected to see burns at this point so it seems to us that giving her the meds would not be detrimental to her health. Just because we do not see anything does not mean she does not feel something.
Our goal from day one was to do everything possible to assure that Stella stays as pain free as possible. We started giving her the pain meds this morning and will let the radiation therapist know tomorrow that we are doing so prophylactically.
Last week of treatment starts tomorrow....Stella is rested and ready.
Our goal from day one was to do everything possible to assure that Stella stays as pain free as possible. We started giving her the pain meds this morning and will let the radiation therapist know tomorrow that we are doing so prophylactically.
Last week of treatment starts tomorrow....Stella is rested and ready.
Some random pics as Stella gears up for her final week of treatment.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Radiation Therapy Treatment #15
15 of 20 treatments and 3 weeks completed!! 5 more treatments, just 1 week to go!!
Discharge summary for this week states once again "No evidence of radiation toxicity at the treatment site at this time".
We did notice today that the scar area of Stella's arm has turned reddish in parts (this is hard to see in the pictures).
The radiation therapist told us that because they would normally have expected burns to appear by now, as a precaution and because they will not see Stella for the next two days (her usual weekend rest days), they are dispensing a pain medication to us in case Stella should show signs of discomfort.
As needed, she is to take Gabapentin 100mg, 1 tablet by mouth every 12 hours. The hospital did not give her a dose today as Stella seemed fine. We will watch her closely for any signs of discomfort. Incidentally, Gabapentin was one of the pain meds prescribed to Stella after her herniated disk repair and MCT removal 6 weeks ago.
Discharge summary for this week states once again "No evidence of radiation toxicity at the treatment site at this time".
We did notice today that the scar area of Stella's arm has turned reddish in parts (this is hard to see in the pictures).
The radiation therapist told us that because they would normally have expected burns to appear by now, as a precaution and because they will not see Stella for the next two days (her usual weekend rest days), they are dispensing a pain medication to us in case Stella should show signs of discomfort.
As needed, she is to take Gabapentin 100mg, 1 tablet by mouth every 12 hours. The hospital did not give her a dose today as Stella seemed fine. We will watch her closely for any signs of discomfort. Incidentally, Gabapentin was one of the pain meds prescribed to Stella after her herniated disk repair and MCT removal 6 weeks ago.
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