Month: October 2012

Hello Tripawds World:

I just realized I am one month into my life as a tripawd, and I must admit I can’t complain.  I still get to do all the things I love, and now can use my tripawd status as a means to leverage more love and attention (insert evil laugh).  My pawrents got back from their European tour in one piece (well, mom picked up some stitches and a nice shiner from a fight with a surfboard, and the surfboard won), and were thrilled with how much progress I made while they were gone.  The best part is that they have jetlag and get up before dawn, but stay in bed with me and give me mucho snuggle time.

I admit I felt a bit low energy after my first round of chemo, but I rebounded quickly and now zoom around the house (particularly when someone says the magic “treat” or “biscuit” words).  I have no problems at all getting up and down the stairs and around the yard, and I’m going to the park regularly with the rest of my pack.

One thing I didn’t think about is sunblock!  As you know, I’m quite a sun lover, as demonstrated below.

While my hair is growing back, it isn’t quite yet back to pre-surgery form.  Plus, I don’t have a ton of hair on my belly, and my little leg is no longer there to guard my lower tummy.  So, as you can see, I got a bit of a sunburn!  Now my pawrents lather me up every morning with some non-toxic sunblock so I can enjoy some QT on the deck.

My next round of chemo is next week.  Then I’ll be 1/3 of the way through!

Best,

HRH King Will-Beagle III

P.S. My mom wanted me to pass on thanks to everyone for all their kind posts, and that we’d love to meet up with fellow tripawds in the San Diego area.

 

Hello World!

Yesterday was so eventful that I passed out before getting my entry posted last night.

Mom and Grandpaw took me to go see Dr. Burke, my oncologist, and Dr. Aiken, my surgeon.  Dr. Aiken gave me the thumbs up to get my sutures out and get the chemo party started.  Dr. Burke also examined me, and took a blood sample to make sure I was ready to start my chemotherapy.  Interestingly, the diagnosis was not as firm as we thought, so it still appears the tumor could have been the sarcoma or lymphoma.  We decided not to move forward with additional testing, because the treatment would be the same for either type.  Dr. Aiken took out my sutures, and then we headed home with the chemo pill.  Dr. Burke thought it was best to take the pill at home where I am comfy and relaxed.  I have an appointment with my vet at Sunset Cliffs Animal Hospital next week to have my blood drawn to check my white blood cell count levels.  I return to Dr. Burke in 3 weeks for my next round of chemo.  I will also start taking some mild antibiotics on Friday to help ward off any sort of infection while my immune system is a bit sluggish due to the chemo.

After the vet appointment, I joined Henry and Izzy at the dog park for my first park outing post-surgery.  I was zooming around the park for the first 30 minutes, but then I pooped out a bit and took a nap under a tree while Izzy and Henry were racing around like crazy beagles.

After a good snooze and dinner, Mom and Dad gave me my chemo pill and some anti-nausea medication just in case the chemo upset my stomach.  The chemo pill made me very sleepy, and Izzy kept me company during my snooze.

I slept pretty well through the night, but had a few moments of restlessness.  I woke up, got some quality snuggling time in, and then was ready for breakfast!  I ate a wee bit slower than normal, but I ate my full breakfast and haven’t had any trouble keeping it down.  I’ve snoozed a lot today on our new deck with the Henry Beagle.  I really missed snoozing in the sun, so it was really excellent to be out there.  As you can see, the bruising is almost entirely gone from my belly, and my scar is healing quickly.

Just in case you’re curious, Mom took the video below of me this morning in the backyard.  I always liked to walk along the retaining wall, but I was worried that I’d have problems with doing this with only 3 legs.  But as you can see, no problem!!  Also, I am having no problems with the stairs on the new deck (even covered with moisture from a super foggy morning in Point Loma).  Click on the link “WB on Deck” below:

WB on Deck

My pawrents are leaving for Europe tomorrow morning.  I tried to talk them into packing me away in their carry on bag (I weigh less with only 3 legs!) but I should stay home and makes sure that Henry and Izzy behave for Grandpaw.  I told them to bring home some yummy French cheese for me, because I have only three legs (yes, I’m soaking it for all its worth).

Hugs and many kisses.

Guillame III