Week Three: Sutures out, chemo started!

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

6 thoughts on “Week Three: Sutures out, chemo started!”

  1. My Shan is at exactly the same point as your lovely beagle – yesterday was sutures out and first chemo – so I was pleased to read your update and hear that “the King” is also handling it well. Best of luck and I hope you have a great trip.

  2. We have some leftover drugs I’ve been meaning to donate (Lasix, nausea, pain, etc), if you’re interested… Trust me, I know how quickly (and high) it all adds up. Here’s hoping the chemo keeps up with the low side effects!

    1. Thanks so much for the offer, Jen. I think we’re pretty much stocked up at this point, and we’d love to have a dog less fortunate take advantage of the kind offer.

  3. Great Job William on your first chemo! Wishing you success and happiness. So glad you have such great companions and support. Hope your pawrents return to you soon, but have a wonderful trip.

  4. Oh I loved watching you climb the stairs kiddo! You’re really getting around like royalty.

    Hey it’s too bad your servants are leaving town. Next week some Tripawds members are getting together at Fiesta Island! Did you know we have members in your part of the world? Give them a ring if you want to get together sometime, I know they would love to meet you. Maximutt/Maxidad, Angel Abby and even Wookie are all nearby! What a beautiful part of the world you live in. We will be there in December/January, it would be an honor to meet you!

    Take it easy and don’t party too hard when the people are gone!

  5. William …

    You never to cease to amaze me … I should be used to it by now … George and your mom were always one step ahead of the rest of the beagles. You look fabulous!!! The deck looks so inviting .. perfect for the CA pack! I know you are well cared for in Grampaw’s hands … better warn him about Hanky Panks! I have a feeling Grandpaw will have a few tales to tell. Ohio beagles are keeping you in our thoughts. Hugs to Izzy and the impish Hank!

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