tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27910793121829591712024-03-13T03:20:46.274-07:00bespeakmemeLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05254648718835066164noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791079312182959171.post-34733532868226937582011-04-27T14:24:00.000-07:002011-04-28T18:18:35.738-07:00Another alternativeI found a new alternative medicine veterinarian for Cas (months ago!). I decided on <a href="http://www.coastalholistic.com/">Coastal Holistic </a>in Pacifica, CA after a few referrals. We've been to about 6 acupuncture appointments there<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1S49jYsHYfR5QqpO1BrkL8mf1hkcufGVnxVqbdM0AO1wxoqAE-9A8VJD3Zseh3bOOULX6BYlotBmVq8KSVnHkJwprHgo4BzWwKZh_EsfueUDWgKcVydS7undCLIDI0NtOb_lAOTNuFA/s1600/IMG_1706.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1S49jYsHYfR5QqpO1BrkL8mf1hkcufGVnxVqbdM0AO1wxoqAE-9A8VJD3Zseh3bOOULX6BYlotBmVq8KSVnHkJwprHgo4BzWwKZh_EsfueUDWgKcVydS7undCLIDI0NtOb_lAOTNuFA/s320/IMG_1706.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560810532356941874" border="0" /></a> so far. I take him once a month; they advised treating him two weeks after his chemotherapy treatments.<br /><br />The first vet we saw was Dr. DeLeeuw. I was recommended to see Dr. Molly Rice, but unfortunately, she was out of town and booked until early December. I didn't want to keep Cas waiting that long, so we took a chance on Dr. DeLeeuw.<br /><br />She was very sweet, and I felt comfortable talking with her.<br /><br />Starting with our next visit, we saw Dr. Rice. She likes to treat him with acupuncture followed by chiropractic adjustments.<br /><br />Aside from that, I discussed alternative medicine options for Castor with Dr. Rice. She prefers to wait until her patients are finished with chemotherapy to use alternative medicine options (herbal chemo's).<br /><br />So, we waited.<br /><br />In the meantime, she had us give him probiotics (Jarro-Dophilus) and fish oil pills. She also helped us decide on a food - finally! We chose <a href="http://www.orijen.ca/orijen/products/regionalRed.aspx">Orijin's Regional Red</a> formula. It was the only non-raw food diet she would feed her pets. (I am not yet willing to deal with the time and costliness of<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkTsvwcqdZnvpBOPBzr53x0VBDL3WCBoeCdg8C8GHktfH2PW00iIlu5Ubxg7q1dDkFDbqEaV8H-3Q0xtW-2z-6cDk1Br1cT8OwjjMWxn8gkftBOIKw4DXNj0N5yBheMEGZaWgyIEpCXU/s1600/IMG_1807.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkTsvwcqdZnvpBOPBzr53x0VBDL3WCBoeCdg8C8GHktfH2PW00iIlu5Ubxg7q1dDkFDbqEaV8H-3Q0xtW-2z-6cDk1Br1cT8OwjjMWxn8gkftBOIKw4DXNj0N5yBheMEGZaWgyIEpCXU/s320/IMG_1807.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560808743203657554" border="0" /></a> a raw food diet. I also am unconvinced that it's orders of magnitude better than something like Orijin.) I think it's kinda awesome that it has wild boar in it. (Danes were bred to hunt them!)<br /><br />She also reiterated what many others have said: Turmeric Rocks!! She said we can just sprinkle some on his food. Many believe it to have many, many fabulous healing properties, including protecting against cancer. Here's a 2007 Scientific American article, "<a href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=spice-healer">Spice Healer</a>," about the history of is medicinal use.<br /><br />Cas really doesn't mind going to Coastal Holistic. It's quite amazing, given his usual trembly fear. It's probably all of the freeze-dried anchovies that Dr. Rice bribes...I mean gives him.<br /><br />Cas finished chemo about three months ago. We just started him on a low dose of <a href="http://holleypharma.com/page/meul/ArteMin_-_High_Quality_Artemisinin.html">Artemisinin</a> a couple of weeks ago. Her plan is to have him on it for a month and off for a month. So far he's handing it fine; it's such a small dose for him. Dr. Rice said she didn't want to change a lot with him, since he's doing so well. (YAY!)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMi6-ighwi5m1rCqOrhpqNC6sXZOcdZgZ0hoq4TAIL2FtK_VBLPkk0sv42VzwEgdXGGsiUJ2uuhPstnLhUARl6P_G5z1OwVwwoRCaZ1hFAo75eMPJQLj_u__AbhZ9ppX6_72OVa6cfLsw/s1600/IMG_1817.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMi6-ighwi5m1rCqOrhpqNC6sXZOcdZgZ0hoq4TAIL2FtK_VBLPkk0sv42VzwEgdXGGsiUJ2uuhPstnLhUARl6P_G5z1OwVwwoRCaZ1hFAo75eMPJQLj_u__AbhZ9ppX6_72OVa6cfLsw/s320/IMG_1817.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560810527462566994" border="0" /></a><br /><br />She also highly recommended putting him on a blend of mushrooms. In fact, she said that is the number one thing she'd give him, and any pet for that matter. She says they help with many ailments and give amazing boosts to the immune system. I have not looked into support for those statements yet, but I plan to soon.<br /><br />Specifically, she recommended he eat Corioles (a.k.a., "Turkey Tail") and a blend of Maitake and Reishi from <a href="http://www.gmushrooms.com/Health/index.htm#CV">gmushrooms.com</a>. I may start him on some soon. Maybe.<br /><br />I will say that my experiences with Coastal Holistic and Dr. Rice have been fantastic. More importantly, Castor has had great experiences (for vet trips, anyway). Dr. Rice has said, repeatedly, that she is so happy we do this for Castor BEFORE he has any major musculo/skeletal problems. She said she usually doesn't get to see animals until they are in bad shape, when there's limited help she can provide.<br /><br />The acupuncture and/or chiropractic manipulations help his muscle and spine tremendously. If nothing else, it really eases pain and tension in his body. Rob and I massage him pretty regularly. Before our last visit, when I ran my thumbs down along side his spine, his back muscles twitched like crazytown. Right after his treatment: no more spasms. None. It's incredible how much it helps him.<br /><br />Cas and I both fully recommend acupuncture (and chiropractic care), especially for beloved tripawds...as long as you find the right vet!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(Note: We never heard back from Dr. Fong about a refund. I've just let that go. He lost the best doggie patient ever.)</span>meLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05254648718835066164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791079312182959171.post-74646556676406976142011-03-01T07:51:00.000-08:002011-03-03T07:53:08.356-08:00The best word ever, lately.Cas had his 5th chemotherapy treatment on December 29th. Another typical treatment. I took him in on January 27th for his 6th and final treatment and the nerve-racking part: chest rads.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLoNo-kyF-cvWXk5OUb-6iePTfGUJh5ibi6byaZW7R10JqMmUS6MWApzswheC-KJGoR6VqInHIx9lerELo2gaTg0WwSYU4JuY9VWJ9t-DNbO4VO9EWzYjg7bFIBYtphPWtcta1iHmX6E/s1600/cas+car+ride.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLoNo-kyF-cvWXk5OUb-6iePTfGUJh5ibi6byaZW7R10JqMmUS6MWApzswheC-KJGoR6VqInHIx9lerELo2gaTg0WwSYU4JuY9VWJ9t-DNbO4VO9EWzYjg7bFIBYtphPWtcta1iHmX6E/s320/cas+car+ride.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579876381911718466" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Considering metastases</span><br />I have made it something of a policy to not entertain thoughts of metastasis, but I found myself really nervous at his 5th visit. It probably had everything to do with a woman I met in the waiting room. As all do, she inquired about Cas, smiling and telling us how sweet he is. She was there with her dog for her 6th treatment. Osteosarcoma.<br /><br />She said, "but they found it in her lungs." Still waiting to meet with the oncologist, she didn't yet know what her options were. She looked at me as though she missed being where I was 4 weeks prior. Also, as if I were going to be in her situation in another 4.<br /><br />That day, as Cas was being treated, I spent my time researching lung metastases and options for treatment. I discovered such useful things as inhalant chemotherapy and pulmonary metastasectomies.<br /><br />Did you know that a dog can survive with about 55% of normal lung capacity? They have 4 lung lobes on the right side and 2 on the left. In some instances of lung cancer, you can have whole or partial lung lobes removed, aka pulmonary metastasectomy.<br /><br />In fact, I found a very interesting, seemingly good, though not "for dummies" (i.e., a bit jargony and technical) book, <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=wprLBe_0U5QC&printsec=frontcover&vq=osteosarcoma#v=onepage&q=osteosarcoma&f=false">Small animal clinical oncology</a>, by Stephen J. Withrow and E. Gregory MacEwan. (You can read some of it through its Google books preview.)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OCbDY7eiQ3kpHN4ieN2T7dPK6-89t8y_C5-aHM7KFR8fNroBkJmLf1HXidrshagz5XYrQlkGftwDvIgjemDTHD1dviNruV20-WAs_ibPlSzuku_NhR-cTM1OruJLjntf4L2Q0vTuBnk/s1600/Cas+and+Hoshi+sleep.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 303px; height: 227px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OCbDY7eiQ3kpHN4ieN2T7dPK6-89t8y_C5-aHM7KFR8fNroBkJmLf1HXidrshagz5XYrQlkGftwDvIgjemDTHD1dviNruV20-WAs_ibPlSzuku_NhR-cTM1OruJLjntf4L2Q0vTuBnk/s320/Cas+and+Hoshi+sleep.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579871842461021058" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Needless to say (though perhaps I already have), I got a bit carried away by my fears. I was reassured by the UC Davis staff that I could wait to take chest rads until our next visit, so I took Cas home and tried to Ctrl-Z my concerns and sleep it off with the kitten. (Bed hogs!)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br /><br /><br /><br />The Last (planned) Chemo Visit</span><br />The funny thing is that I wasn't nervous at all that day. Rob confessed that he was, and it was very mildly contagious. For the most part though, my nerves were dormant.<br /><br />We dropped Cas off. The plan was to get chest rads and, if all was clear, administer his final dose of Carboplatin. They would call when he was ready to go.<br /><br />After about 2 hours, I assumed that his lungs were normal. Otherwise, they would have called already. (Right??) About another hour passed, and the call came.<br /><br />"Castor's ready to go home," a brief, yet loaded statement.<br /><br />Dr. O'Brien came out to chat with me after I had Cas back, sitting in my lap.<br /><br />(I exchanged emails with Dr. O'Brien the week prior where I complained about one of their tech's attitudes at visit 5 and told her I wanted time to chat about how to proceed at his next visit. She was extremely friendly, kind and apologetic about my experience with the tech. She was very approachable and had the sweetest things to say about Cas.)<br /><br />She told me the good news, that his lungs had no sign of metastasis. (Woo hoo!) He had his 6th dose of chemo, and now, we would just need to check his lungs every 3-ish months.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ql0hFliDIFKEQ428ahpWyWk1DcOJUtb2TNbS92Rb0eXKRe8PF-t3QIgXcFqRe0Hr0YM6bF-Kp_IxYJ1hFvuQQ1AbfQNf9VCQPMjFzLduRtPIS0F0er3P8cELOu-Bsw5oUeQEiRBZ4pw/s1600/cas+v+day+hearts+1.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ql0hFliDIFKEQ428ahpWyWk1DcOJUtb2TNbS92Rb0eXKRe8PF-t3QIgXcFqRe0Hr0YM6bF-Kp_IxYJ1hFvuQQ1AbfQNf9VCQPMjFzLduRtPIS0F0er3P8cELOu-Bsw5oUeQEiRBZ4pw/s320/cas+v+day+hearts+1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579873074084340114" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I asked her if there were any other treatments I should consider. For example, another dane osteosarcoma survivor, Nova the Great, was put on a daily dose of Piroxicam and another chemo that she didn't continue using, due to sensitivity. Dr. O'Brien didn't think there was any evidence in the literature to support that route. She said there was nothing more to do, in her opinion.<br /><br />She said we had already done the best for Castor. Now, we just keep enjoying our time together and come visit our old friends at Davis every few months. (YAY!)<br /><br />As for symptoms of metastasis, I read that they can exhibit flu/cold symptoms. O'Brien said they can but might not. A recent client brought in her dog, saying "he just seems off." Indeed, in that case, it had spread to his lungs. She said that usually people will just sense that something's wrong.<br /><br />(I am considering putting him on Artemesenin, but our alternative medicine vet, Dr. Rice, suggested we wait until his body has a break from the chemotherapy. We will talk about it at our acupuncture visit in early March. I'll post about it then.)<br /><br />I can't express how happy I am that Cas doesn't have to have chemo anymore, that his lungs are clear, that he is happily, hoppily by my side every day. Though I enjoyed our Davis day trips together, I'm sure he'd much rather romp at the park and have me work next to him on our apartment floor. Sounds good to me too (we have a lot of comfy pillows).<br /><br />The best thing I heard that day and in many, many days surrounding it was something O'Brien slipped in a tad nonchalantly. After she told me the results of his chest rads, she said, "so we consider him to be in a full remission now."<br /><br />Remission.<br /><br />The proverbial music to my ears.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Cas ♥ Treats!</span><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FN-UWao37Uk" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="510" width="640"> </iframe><br /></div>meLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05254648718835066164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791079312182959171.post-68453637721623074082011-01-24T18:27:00.000-08:002011-02-03T23:10:52.210-08:00A Noted Ampuversary<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >It was Castor's 5 month "ampuversary" today!<br />Woo Hoo!!</span><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRveKy4x8X0KAbIhXKCEx_CCjMuVeqrnKgonWxcyTlgzIHM0onuoa5b8bO5BBDCpJuNJ5py7bC3Uh3cZelHeX1Z3qLrXGJNsuJPbdAJcmKnMRJHXrNKLTe_NTVvR3asYWVirwUV2RBCw/s1600/cas+me+couch.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 240px; padding: 10px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRveKy4x8X0KAbIhXKCEx_CCjMuVeqrnKgonWxcyTlgzIHM0onuoa5b8bO5BBDCpJuNJ5py7bC3Uh3cZelHeX1Z3qLrXGJNsuJPbdAJcmKnMRJHXrNKLTe_NTVvR3asYWVirwUV2RBCw/s320/cas+me+couch.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569721799688313186" border="0" /></a><br />It's been a long 5 months; it really seems more like a year.<br /><br /><br />I feel like I've spent more quality time with Cas, more time really appreciating him since his surgery than I did at any time over the previous 6 years.<br /><br /><br />It really only took 2 months for him to be his usual, playful self. I remember the first time I saw him running on 3, chasing after a chocolate lab, trying to sound all ferocious. It was awesome.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I never thought he'd be running like this so soon:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/WASwUF5W53Y?rel=0" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" width="425"></iframe></div><br /><br />I spent some time watching some videos of him as a quadruped the other day. The video that really took me back is probably not so exciting for you to watch, but it really stirs me up.<br /><br />It's the day we left San Francisco for Santa Barbara. I took him to his park, Collingwood, as usual. It was our last walk home from the park, and I was weighed down by the finality of our departure. I wanted to capture his adorable prance, because I knew I'd never see it again.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/cq7G5LhlPm4" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" width="480"></iframe></div><br /><br />It was pretty heavy as was, but I also had "Adia" stuck in my head. Some soundtrack for that morning. Jeez. Drama Queen, huh?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CJC4USrkLeI?rel=0" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" width="425"></iframe></div><br /><br />This is no sob story, though. In fact, I learned that Castor <span style="font-style: italic;">can</span> prance on 3 legs. Happy Day!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/s0AJ3mqMlLM" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" width="425"></iframe></div><br /><br />It was weird, at first though, to see him walking around so casually in these videos. It really struck me how much more difficult it is for him to just walk around. Not that he knows that. You can't tell these non-humans that it's supposed to be hard. They just don't listen.<br /><br />He's happy as ever. I honestly think that, aside from his puppyhood days on Summerland Beach, he's never been happier.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NjA3IMeY97k" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" width="480"></iframe></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXy7jBDLQsEW9TZOCLjOmEEMONIqJeLT0m3Riyz637U_RH6ceWPiVubUHkVcNSDfyJBD08M0baJgiEubwrKl1aDoKU2A6aO8uHT2Mm6LWLPfvP8xtHv5DqqVxPUnxU0kIXF-qrX7VLIow/s1600/IMG_1744.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXy7jBDLQsEW9TZOCLjOmEEMONIqJeLT0m3Riyz637U_RH6ceWPiVubUHkVcNSDfyJBD08M0baJgiEubwrKl1aDoKU2A6aO8uHT2Mm6LWLPfvP8xtHv5DqqVxPUnxU0kIXF-qrX7VLIow/s320/IMG_1744.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569717972170099362" border="0" /></a><br />Shortly after watching him on 4, I saw his tripawd-ed-ness as strange for the first time.<br /><br />It was one of the weirdest experiences, looking at him and just noticing the oddness of his stance. I saw that something was missing for the first time. This was the first time that I really <span style="font-style: italic;">noticed</span>.<br /><br /><br />A breath later,<br />I left that fleeting moment outside of the dog park where I found it, and we went in to play.<br /><br />And as with most days, it was the best part of mine.<br /><br /><br />Ever since that moment,<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNS7DQ5Bb-Y8ZyDHLcgHOZYJEXa_HsI1nFtay7BabIBlnLBal4Q46jbOCSnekYtgow4lJ6-P8wPNBWyyCmaAw3xaUBYueXCBHDV0qXIdpDphXUPddcpqOC00PsClyKVyaGG6ZAvPzyrs/s1600/cas+me+couch+3.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 192px; height: 255px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNS7DQ5Bb-Y8ZyDHLcgHOZYJEXa_HsI1nFtay7BabIBlnLBal4Q46jbOCSnekYtgow4lJ6-P8wPNBWyyCmaAw3xaUBYueXCBHDV0qXIdpDphXUPddcpqOC00PsClyKVyaGG6ZAvPzyrs/s320/cas+me+couch+3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569721123397409538" border="0" /></a>he's just been Cas again.<br /><br /><br />No more.<br /><br /><br />No less.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">See how much we all love him:<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FDK_R2DcaU0" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" width="480"></iframe></div>meLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05254648718835066164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791079312182959171.post-60903555579896589132010-12-28T12:48:00.000-08:002011-01-10T12:02:52.740-08:00Presence on the 25thOkay, so I've become a bit of a knitting addict over the past year. It's true. This time of year, <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0G0NHCa-ajxHnNljyDoUX_maxi8hgfZ2jO2abgJJloROlY9tNIQqEZyqkm5MuHGmppFXcVhYRSnpNvqscbQ4C9C8igrnHgFRghZmo_uTZA9e6E2U5SWgNba4GAG39iHQfHQS_G37rTs/s1600/IMG_1687.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 129px; height: 173px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0G0NHCa-ajxHnNljyDoUX_maxi8hgfZ2jO2abgJJloROlY9tNIQqEZyqkm5MuHGmppFXcVhYRSnpNvqscbQ4C9C8igrnHgFRghZmo_uTZA9e6E2U5SWgNba4GAG39iHQfHQS_G37rTs/s320/IMG_1687.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557823040144388530" border="0" /></a>though provides a great reason to indulge in my addiction.<br /><br />I made my mom this cute hat and scarf. The hat is from a pattern I bought, and I designed the scarf to match. My first cable project was a success. Yay! My mom loved them too. I still have to get pictures of her in them.<br />(Yes, I am posing funny. Good call. =P )<br /><br /><br />We all had a lovely time together on the Christmas. I am not religious, but it's wonderful to have <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyc478exc7Qwhu7URpGG0LAkea_2fTBXNXgWjL_Vhtg-XUtRYjOioUcVtUv02foVOF0LBrFcyCTcub0hU-xNaCziHprxayGiGuaJFePSwDzqUSte73d1ZDjflROLG_iwa2MKeOZBoXQAQ/s1600/IMG_1714.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 157px; height: 209px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyc478exc7Qwhu7URpGG0LAkea_2fTBXNXgWjL_Vhtg-XUtRYjOioUcVtUv02foVOF0LBrFcyCTcub0hU-xNaCziHprxayGiGuaJFePSwDzqUSte73d1ZDjflROLG_iwa2MKeOZBoXQAQ/s320/IMG_1714.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557823046518414754" border="0" /></a>a day to focus on gratitude for loved ones and to spend lots of quality time together. And since the 25th is already part of a tradition in that vein, I decided I'd go with it.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbInynfjQkZgiP7UDoCLd2lajupXKNr3YIYcwcO0VirsH_TRPgfvvJqqwtgPWPtmnYBtBqNmWxEiK4o7m07H75TLsfKts23BIq9jhCLBJ4YaQf-Vd7EPQQTAeil0SSz1HaI1ay8-rBdY/s1600/IMG_1768.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 172px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbInynfjQkZgiP7UDoCLd2lajupXKNr3YIYcwcO0VirsH_TRPgfvvJqqwtgPWPtmnYBtBqNmWxEiK4o7m07H75TLsfKts23BIq9jhCLBJ4YaQf-Vd7EPQQTAeil0SSz1HaI1ay8-rBdY/s320/IMG_1768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560430585480122514" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Plus, both from lack of funds and aversion to super-consumerism, our house managed to have a great balance of presents, goodies, and QT.<br /><br />So, we had a few presents, some lovely lights, and made food all day. This chocolate candy cane cake (from Cook's Illustrated) is unbelievably moist, rich, and addictive. Thankfully, all the dairy and sugar hurts my belly if I eat more than a little. So, moderation wins this time!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIwk3kN8s_Lc1OkQrMe7lKQmTKkr_XTK_9YTLU-IOkQpDB2ZWqJoKJ8ha_N2ceOw3EcoMtS1S5DlBPwu9haeQs7LEDfOe7bbIJrgQ-alJPbfo-rQHkCvLuMtDkr9T8tVAo_XDF5pT2_I/s1600/IMG_1763.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 235px; height: 176px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIwk3kN8s_Lc1OkQrMe7lKQmTKkr_XTK_9YTLU-IOkQpDB2ZWqJoKJ8ha_N2ceOw3EcoMtS1S5DlBPwu9haeQs7LEDfOe7bbIJrgQ-alJPbfo-rQHkCvLuMtDkr9T8tVAo_XDF5pT2_I/s320/IMG_1763.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560361925804337746" border="0" /></a><br />We had a special house guest for the holidays too. Olivia, the (thank-the-lords potty trained!) persian. (I've had some bad uriney experiences with others of her breed.) She was a doll, and she learned to tolerate the kitteny advances of Hoshi pretty quickly.<br /><br /><br />I let Cas sleep in...okay, and myself. After all, I was up until 3am wrapping presents, though to be fair, I didn't start until 1-ish. Plus, most of that time was occupied with present - a Tartine bread book. (Aside: <a href="http://www.tartinebakery.com/">Tartine</a> is the best bakery I've ever encountered. If you're in San Francisco, you MUST try it. Yes, you may spend some time in <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1AjdRyQ406l515Q47XQ8vgBSUwFk0cN0SjUbhDAv39_VZCNhSjxWHOsrrN8eLXIva0t43b905ZaQjPFFfc5ilMn17vTTNUEzfsAgPPRLGrI7ILO6YHU_38J4yOFXcyLzMzixTKaW9UE/s1600/IMG_1993.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1AjdRyQ406l515Q47XQ8vgBSUwFk0cN0SjUbhDAv39_VZCNhSjxWHOsrrN8eLXIva0t43b905ZaQjPFFfc5ilMn17vTTNUEzfsAgPPRLGrI7ILO6YHU_38J4yOFXcyLzMzixTKaW9UE/s320/IMG_1993.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557818812243568978" border="0" /></a>line. So worth it, though. We get bread from them every week. Yum!) I created a cute little carrying book cover using a Bi-Rite handle bag. (I bet you can't wait to see it unwrapped...)<br /><br />I pretty much lost steam after that one, but luckily, there were only a couple more to wrap. A few for Cas and one for Hoshi, the kitty sis.<br /><br />Cas sniffed out one of his gifts right away. Bully stick! Score!! (gross. I know, but he loves 'em.)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;" 425="" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pX0ndI-MEnk?hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pX0ndI-MEnk?hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">(The video's a bit long, but I know some of Cas's family wanna see every second. Really. It's not that I don't want to take the time to edit it. I don't know why you'd even think that. Ridiculous, really. Many people want to see all of this... Really. They will.)<br /></div><br />Our dane meet-up group had a secret dane deer gift exchange, and Castor <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlk1Ik196XTNGXQ7_R4uRL4Iv4hMJOt1cXANov0y654bhO55UyRkffAcg834t0q0dLRL0A45x8CnXIfe0RgpGtPz9qXE20kPgL2Zc-m5zRMfGreUPUt3J-yfleivKU9ezFi7qqVDkXJA/s1600/IMG_1719.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlk1Ik196XTNGXQ7_R4uRL4Iv4hMJOt1cXANov0y654bhO55UyRkffAcg834t0q0dLRL0A45x8CnXIfe0RgpGtPz9qXE20kPgL2Zc-m5zRMfGreUPUt3J-yfleivKU9ezFi7qqVDkXJA/s320/IMG_1719.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557823052554975666" border="0" /></a>scored big time! A large, green box arrived a few days before Christmas, and we finally go<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46-ZEbY-cyzGm3-ixGqwPnWlTC8YbZkHi5kp81AEhMyrtT-7e0VjbH2dWwvqzwyg664UirujhMfH1VzpWWe-N8ecEqfgoknX6wS9N6VBKzZ4a8AdKhZc__erYVBFvLP9zp3ijcyoXG6g/s1600/IMG_1726.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 187px; height: 248px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46-ZEbY-cyzGm3-ixGqwPnWlTC8YbZkHi5kp81AEhMyrtT-7e0VjbH2dWwvqzwyg664UirujhMfH1VzpWWe-N8ecEqfgoknX6wS9N6VBKzZ4a8AdKhZc__erYVBFvLP9zp3ijcyoXG6g/s320/IMG_1726.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560430592134474242" border="0" /></a>t to see what was filling it. OMG there were 1,000 toys inside. Cas's emotions ran the gambit - curiosity, excitement, boredom (as I struggled to detach all of them from the box), glee, and finally, overwhelm (see: right).<br /><br />There were so many, after they were all freed up, he froze, eyes glazing over. Time for a break, it seemed.<br /><br />So, I put them all away except for the fuzzy one that he just loves to nibble on. Nibble, nudge, nibble, nudge, ... ad nauseum.<br />=)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;" 425="" height="344"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GYyitRqXf0o?hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GYyitRqXf0o?hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object></div><br /><br />Hoshi's turn! We got her a cute little brown mouse that makes chirpy noises every time you tap it. She was less curious t<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAOsEIWXO5W88iu3pQwRyq9vAxtxRlkD-DygAsbxXV1iThmvPPd6EF-ltWW3ZVgVjpxqAi0a1MdJ6fm_GAmFWuet8wAQSdJf_ozYFPMUqTB_-4M2H3yXt_q6CLd95D7pI9KPm31kOJlU/s1600/IMG_1741.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 289px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAOsEIWXO5W88iu3pQwRyq9vAxtxRlkD-DygAsbxXV1iThmvPPd6EF-ltWW3ZVgVjpxqAi0a1MdJ6fm_GAmFWuet8wAQSdJf_ozYFPMUqTB_-4M2H3yXt_q6CLd95D7pI9KPm31kOJlU/s320/IMG_1741.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557823057574647986" border="0" /></a>han I'd expect from a cat, but eventually she wrestled a bit with her new, chirpy friend/foe.<br /><br /><br />A week later, after assuming that she must have lost it, she reunited herself with it as I was trying to sleep. It turns out it was hiding just behind the head of my bed... Did I mention that it chirps incessantly? (Just listen to the soundtrack of the Castor video above.)<br /><br /><br />Anyway, she doesn't leave it alone now...unless of course, we hide it from her. (Wah ha ha.)<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HnlIHTcvGrWkwN5tp3rsg6u75YYgNrHxpSNZDWTUmAleytGHe799YvkcCzMVaUDgRZT-Im5eTcYwv2b_w7vbOoykVa-50O5HNygIgWuWUWqN3txZGXKt0P1oxmRr_H5SzZWfKFY7dxQ/s1600/IMG_2480.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 113px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HnlIHTcvGrWkwN5tp3rsg6u75YYgNrHxpSNZDWTUmAleytGHe799YvkcCzMVaUDgRZT-Im5eTcYwv2b_w7vbOoykVa-50O5HNygIgWuWUWqN3txZGXKt0P1oxmRr_H5SzZWfKFY7dxQ/s320/IMG_2480.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557815938731485138" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7dO2glLRzWpY2H21vNRkH0zjvFUqltFi34njIKuIXzodVAi_vQGJ5degLy-SygEKzc6gx3AtKUuJfGxmN8TtSd7Ab0jf0Y7dr5aBWw3nfomCk6hdPXV3wU98yjbhD9Kr7tHMYNkgb5Y/s1600/bi-rite+tartine+book+cover.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 152px; height: 111px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7dO2glLRzWpY2H21vNRkH0zjvFUqltFi34njIKuIXzodVAi_vQGJ5degLy-SygEKzc6gx3AtKUuJfGxmN8TtSd7Ab0jf0Y7dr5aBWw3nfomCk6hdPXV3wU98yjbhD9Kr7tHMYNkgb5Y/s320/bi-rite+tartine+book+cover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557816673472398610" border="0" /></a><br />On to people presents. Well, Rob got some yarn, sweetness note cards, and, as I mentioned, an awesomely packaged bread book. ;-)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNq2eDv81TQIXrU9owWypqU_6bGzs17z_Pz-GsMvt62mzHXKNmhKWsn84IHjoRy9d6aP6jf9qMXo8b5BLy3RCoGR0N5Qd61jzt5jbYIFiit5l4mbAxGZanVJWhNRC_KdhNMi2UF0EuTbI/s1600/IMG_1759.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 177px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNq2eDv81TQIXrU9owWypqU_6bGzs17z_Pz-GsMvt62mzHXKNmhKWsn84IHjoRy9d6aP6jf9qMXo8b5BLy3RCoGR0N5Qd61jzt5jbYIFiit5l4mbAxGZanVJWhNRC_KdhNMi2UF0EuTbI/s320/IMG_1759.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560361442764402690" border="0" /></a><br />I got some Addi turbo knitting needles (yay!), a Mary Oliver poetry book (ahh...), and a "curiously awesome" Koi toy. It's a fish that lights up when in water. Think of it as a plastic, fish-shaped, color-changing, floating candle-replacement for a curiously awesome bath time experience. (It <span style="font-style: italic;">is</span> pretty awesome.)<br /><br /><br />After all the cheer, toys, goodies, and way, way too much Aimee Mann and Sinatra Christmas songs (yes, possible), we all veg'd a bit. We watched Angel on the couch with Cas.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipT7EvDFbpHSTQtXKXwkgIvPLf9cn2HJgaB7jOxVtMinaD93waVxcjA9knRC9ef8MpynVT5nwMiaWWqdbu_Jw92cW-7frY1IwGWu-pWv7v6EVm784qc8D87j6gsCETzV6ZqycIWzt-cA/s1600/IMG_2505.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 177px; height: 236px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipT7EvDFbpHSTQtXKXwkgIvPLf9cn2HJgaB7jOxVtMinaD93waVxcjA9knRC9ef8MpynVT5nwMiaWWqdbu_Jw92cW-7frY1IwGWu-pWv7v6EVm784qc8D87j6gsCETzV6ZqycIWzt-cA/s320/IMG_2505.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560369747788126370" border="0" /></a><br />Afterward, he retired to the floor cushions next to his bed. It seems he likes variety. Even if that means<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnlvbM5EHB0rTYv_nsblGiHVueV5z6ChAsASvLHQMmkW7SJa9XvQ3Vq5ghNXeY9CapGQMiiJMGnMSgl2_HfJi8rPj9bHLCikK3jIWorMIQE6vZ4yexDk4PmJi2FEyiasPSPk9rQiaCK4/s1600/IMG_1933.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnlvbM5EHB0rTYv_nsblGiHVueV5z6ChAsASvLHQMmkW7SJa9XvQ3Vq5ghNXeY9CapGQMiiJMGnMSgl2_HfJi8rPj9bHLCikK3jIWorMIQE6vZ4yexDk4PmJi2FEyiasPSPk9rQiaCK4/s320/IMG_1933.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557834441148973298" border="0" /></a> scrunching into a tiny ball to experience it. He has tried to curl up on our little 16x16 couch cushions before. No joke. What a goof.<br /><br />I had such a beautiful time. Even without snow! I hope you all experienced oodles of warmth, laughter, and color too. ♥<br /><br />The best part of this holiday has been reconnecting with loved ones from afar and spending time with those here, especially Cas. I have never been so continuously grateful to have him in my life. Every day. That's the one great thing that's come of his battle with cancer...You know, the thing he beat the S out of, the thing that is G-O-N-E...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Oh, how I love this boy!</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii87MmFb6RIHlFFQnotg-itfeVB3QiYwRpMOKbZWsnNL9BINth70pUwflXOfHCxIolFZOX0uZ3It4UFqlI508LD-Ax0ZqwdCfQ8dAV_GnV0Z8E6OROKiRJ0CRhYafDmwABCFz1Zpz1134/s1600/IMG_1942.JPG"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 247px; height: 330px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii87MmFb6RIHlFFQnotg-itfeVB3QiYwRpMOKbZWsnNL9BINth70pUwflXOfHCxIolFZOX0uZ3It4UFqlI508LD-Ax0ZqwdCfQ8dAV_GnV0Z8E6OROKiRJ0CRhYafDmwABCFz1Zpz1134/s320/IMG_1942.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557818817965443586" border="0" /></a><br /></div>meLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05254648718835066164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791079312182959171.post-74902180553340650832010-12-14T11:19:00.000-08:002010-12-22T12:43:46.594-08:00The FourthAt three weeks, I took Cas's blood again for All Pets to run a CBC. Assuming his numbers would be fine, I was not concerned with getting antibiotics from Davis ahead of time. The doctors had <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvmnQPonkdH1oXqM3ila6nE4B4q9HLbSZ2NjBQbmETscU10rFMik7oXvlWgHiWnbRF-Q0VdP8MtYbAmYTqgcrE1DnMHIViUzZU5DECzyEEH97LdijcwEpxpNxP8jK8kEzqKdGQ2h25aU/s1600/IMG_1829.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 283px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvmnQPonkdH1oXqM3ila6nE4B4q9HLbSZ2NjBQbmETscU10rFMik7oXvlWgHiWnbRF-Q0VdP8MtYbAmYTqgcrE1DnMHIViUzZU5DECzyEEH97LdijcwEpxpNxP8jK8kEzqKdGQ2h25aU/s320/IMG_1829.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552848328830649778" border="0" /></a>reduced his dose by 15%, after all.<br /><br />I had to wait until Friday to get his CBC results, due to Thanksgiving.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Another drop off</span><br />It seems Cas is just really sensitive though, because his WBC was down again. This time, it was 770, even lower than the last time (when a dose reduced by 10% left him at 980). (Ugh.) So, I picked up a few days worth of Clavamox from All Pets* to get me through to weekend until I could speak with someone at Davis.<br /><br />Monday, I spoke with Dr. Obrien at UC Davis about his numbers. She definitely wanted him on antibiotics; ideally he would have been on them since Wednesday or Thursday. I explained that he had been on them since Friday afternoon but that I they were about twice as expensive here. She said that since he'd been on them for a few days and his numbers were likely rebounding by now, I could discontinue them.<br /><br />She also told me he was more anemic than before (i.e., his red blood cells were down too), so they would consider lowering his dose slightly more than last time. However, she also didn't want to lower it much, as a lower dose could affect efficacy.<br /><br />Over the weekend, it started getting colder here. And drier. I assumed that's why Castor coughed periodically throughout Saturday night, but it worried me. To some extent, when treating cancer, I imagine anyone can get ensnared in the waiting game. Waiting for metastasis.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ROT1zLpUKDtjaaR2-lapajaXdjspt66SIRvhfzkJyjCESpy4m51zQzUSiKP__baDksng144PXGltDdlnNvaNHDcGwgLgq5bgaY7yl3vlzMVl_60Q3vdF9M36vWsFoc3hLONftw7vW4Q/s1600/IMG_1878.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ROT1zLpUKDtjaaR2-lapajaXdjspt66SIRvhfzkJyjCESpy4m51zQzUSiKP__baDksng144PXGltDdlnNvaNHDcGwgLgq5bgaY7yl3vlzMVl_60Q3vdF9M36vWsFoc3hLONftw7vW4Q/s320/IMG_1878.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552848322634936610" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I wholeheartedly assume, stubbornly at times, that that will not happen to my boy. However, signs of even slight respiratory distress are not kind to me. Beyond that, he's more susceptible to infections while his WBC count is so low. That concerned me too.<br /><br />He coughed a bit the following day, but by Sunday night he was back to normal. I told Dr. Obrien, but she didn't seem worried, especially after telling her how high his spirit and happy his attitude is.<br /><br />It's quite amazing to me that he seems entirely unaffected by the chemotherapy, save the first evening, but on a cellular level, he's rather sensitive to it. Thankfully, it doesn't stop him from enjoying himself.<br /><br />Obrien said we could take chest rads this week, if I wanted to, but she would be surprised to see anything after only 4 weeks. (The last set on November 4th was clear.) I told her I'd monitor him; she said to call her right away if anything worsened.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday, December 2nd</span><br /><br /></div>Fortunately, Cas was back to normal. Nothing worsened. And we were back at Davis again.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">A different drop off</span><br />This was a rather uneventful and short trip. We dropped him off and went to our mainstay of sustenance (veggie burger and garlic fries place). Shortly after getting to Mishka's for some work time, they called to say he was ready. It was very quick.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQjTDFt_08QX9sNvrcIVWidQQ3ln7yNw1gWtVbocBvVJ8mkvPBaFkzoRZxbW7RCSBAEwgtLOrGmRt8zZNEEZxbcoPRA_OVwPyF6gZrDdq5e58k_jzYsxTYDvzVyh2YKJbAJ5bHH1PRi74/s1600/IMG_1918.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQjTDFt_08QX9sNvrcIVWidQQ3ln7yNw1gWtVbocBvVJ8mkvPBaFkzoRZxbW7RCSBAEwgtLOrGmRt8zZNEEZxbcoPRA_OVwPyF6gZrDdq5e58k_jzYsxTYDvzVyh2YKJbAJ5bHH1PRi74/s320/IMG_1918.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552845665056976514" border="0" /></a><br /><br />One thing I don't love about UC Davis so far, is that I feel, at times, that I'm inconveniencing the busy Docs. When I email Dr. Obrien questions, for instance, she answers them in a terse manner. While I prefer Dr. Cadille's responses though, Dr. Obrien does answer every question. I am confident that all the doctors and hospital technicians pay careful attention to his case and that he gets great care there.<br /><br />When we picked up Cas, I asked to speak with Dr. Obrien. We chatted for a few minutes. After the team (that's awesome, btw!) discussed Castor's case, they decided to leave his dose alone. They didn't want the chemotherapy to become less effective. Rather than lower it, we would just put him on a prophylactic course of antibiotics at 3 weeks. This time, it's Baytril.<br /><br />So, I can check his blood levels at 3 weeks again, but I don't have to. He'll be covered; we're assuming his WBC count will drop low again. And we'll continue, on course, in 4 more weeks.<br /><br />Only two more to go!<br /><br />They also listened to his lungs, per my request. She said they sound fine; he looks great. It's so wonderful to hear such good news. Castor is still doing extremely well! =)<br /><br />He's such a goof too. Watch him telling the Big C to stay away:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/OHl1fDLUJFo?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/OHl1fDLUJFo?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="480"></embed></object><br /></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />*Note: After checking prices for Clavamox 375mg tablets at my old vet, also in SF, I was astonished by how much All Pets charged me. I knew Davis was ultra low, but two other hospitals in town, including SFVS, which is known to be pricey, charged $2.45 and $3.60 per pill. All Pets charged me $4.50 per pill! Outrageous, in my opinion. The "practice manager" said she'd look into the prices, at some point, but that right now, that was a "fair price." It is beyond me how that's a fair price for them, and another clinic about 5 miles away manages to sell the same meds from the same manufacturer at almost half the price. I called with a good attitude. I tried to be fair, explaining that I really love their clinic but was feeling rather upset about this price discrepancy between them and other local vets. I am not a happy customer now. Bad customer service. Bad manager. I never once felt that she was speaking from a service place, understanding place, or a friendly place. I felt like she was talking very carefully around the issue and not validating any of my feelings. Bad.</span>meLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05254648718835066164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791079312182959171.post-70458557300278481232010-12-10T14:10:00.000-08:002010-12-14T11:16:35.539-08:00An apology goes a long wayI have an update for the <a href="http://bespeakme.blogspot.com/2010/11/or-alternatively.html">Or Alternatively...</a> ordeal. After a round or two of phone tag with me, Rob was able to connect with Dr. Fong on the phone two weeks ago. (Yeah, I'm behind.) Rob told him of a couple of our concerns, explaining our overall unsatisfactory experience at his consult.<br /><br />Basically, he told him we felt uncomfortable asking questions after several of mine were left unanswered and that he seemed to not be present. His response?<br /><br />It was as good as it could have been. First, he apologized that we didn't have a good experience. Then he spent some time going over a few examples that Rob gave, including the giving of treats to Castor. He asked if Castor was okay after the visit. (Fortunately, he was.)<br /><br />Before getting off the phone, he offered to speak with someone at SFVS about getting us reimbursed for some of the consult. He also provided Rob with his email address, offering to answer our questions by email if that was more comfortable for us. He did both of these things without prompting, which deserves to be noted.<br /><br />Though I'm told there was a bit of defensiveness at first (who wouldn't be?), Dr. Fong validated our feelings, apologized, and offered solutions for us. That is good customer service. I will still take Castor to the new alternative veterinarian in Pacifica for future acupuncture, mostly because I still don't feel entirely confident that I will be fully able to communicate my needs to him. I really appreciate Dr. Fong's response, nonetheless. (I received terrible customer service from my regular vet in SF the same week, which made me appreciate his even more. More on that later.)<br /><br />Maybe he was just having an "off" day when we came in, and maybe not. Either way, I have no complaints about how we left things. Hopefully, I can get better information from him via email. I might as well try.meLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05254648718835066164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791079312182959171.post-77301220695323813792010-11-24T09:34:00.000-08:002010-12-08T14:26:40.049-08:00Seeing double<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTQjhTARcVVQQ1DbiazN8dak_rAOO45j0BBE2Z8WbILS4d7IQXVGE8uvU8lGnli6rHphl5f_KMIZ8AN4v16aiJsTErgNmz7vfQtOxGSvRgokb4L6Hc2AHOvbO1HMBRZl-n8ATKoSU7io/s1600/Cas+solo+and+moms.jpeg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 215px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTQjhTARcVVQQ1DbiazN8dak_rAOO45j0BBE2Z8WbILS4d7IQXVGE8uvU8lGnli6rHphl5f_KMIZ8AN4v16aiJsTErgNmz7vfQtOxGSvRgokb4L6Hc2AHOvbO1HMBRZl-n8ATKoSU7io/s320/Cas+solo+and+moms.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548420828346744402" border="0" /></a>I received a beautiful email from a woman, Shelly, introducing herself and her boy, Solomon, to me about 2 months ago. She had been an avid viewer of Cas's videos, as she was preparing for her boy to have an amputation. Cancer strikes again! (grrr...)<br /><br />Solomon is an adorable fawn dane too. He lost his rear left leg exactly one week after Castor. (awww...) We decided to organize a 2-dog Tripawd Great Dane Meetup. (woo hoo!)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday, November 18th</span></div>At 10 years old, he's getting along fabulously. Castor was his perky, prancing self too. It's so great to form communities around our special (danes), and now, even special-er (tripawd danes), beloved dogs.<br /><br />They didn't play much together. Solomon was a tad nervous in a new environment, and Cas can't leave his rope alone some days. Still, it was great for us moms to chat about our challenges, our joys, and our gratitude for these amazing pups.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/AN60oVIXu5A?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/AN60oVIXu5A?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="480"></embed></object></div><br /><br />We didn't get great video footage of them playing; we were too busy enjoying ourselves. (Totally <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEOhqpuYAlJ3ycvRpTNhr1mfGy06lE2crjfA9JW6InHH3vJ8geOCa-kl6N9cZCUmkwU_HaPS0lezBobVRqUVQgwLh8EhM9vQfNlE6MAjBDgchH-IqqCiUqDkvwSFjwnVoMm5UrSf6JoXU/s1600/cas+posing+on+solo+first+date.jpeg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEOhqpuYAlJ3ycvRpTNhr1mfGy06lE2crjfA9JW6InHH3vJ8geOCa-kl6N9cZCUmkwU_HaPS0lezBobVRqUVQgwLh8EhM9vQfNlE6MAjBDgchH-IqqCiUqDkvwSFjwnVoMm5UrSf6JoXU/s320/cas+posing+on+solo+first+date.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548420838059514610" border="0" /></a>worth it!) Still, Cas is always ready to be photographed, it seems.<br /><br />Though Shelly and Solomon have had a difficult time, first getting misleading (or at least incomplete) information about Solomon's condition in April, things are looking up now. Solomon's condition was reassessed after they moved to California in August. The oncologist in Berkeley recommended amputation, something Shelly originally thought impossible.<br /><br />The great news is that Solomon actually had a different type of bone cancer, chondrosarcoma, one that they think surgery will cure. They keep checking the lungs for lesions, but the outlook is good. Great, huh?! Go Solomon!<br /><br />I showed Shelly a few things Jackie, the PT, showed me, including muscle massages and how to strengthen Cas's back leg with modified squats so as not to hurt his knee. While we were there, might as well take a rest.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CK5qQHRaW1Y?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CK5qQHRaW1Y?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="480"></embed></object></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQgeuDyB7Sc8TD4bwvaqzv6fymUnJsA3wl4wvjXLk-ey48y3cShxN1L3v6is4cUKMesmHEGRRGzfs7tMbbCTL2u5H6KF5uEx6TOaL6sEqvKgRWwMvgkdKzdjQ_t58gINiJ7UE_Ctc1eg/s1600/IMG_1790.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQgeuDyB7Sc8TD4bwvaqzv6fymUnJsA3wl4wvjXLk-ey48y3cShxN1L3v6is4cUKMesmHEGRRGzfs7tMbbCTL2u5H6KF5uEx6TOaL6sEqvKgRWwMvgkdKzdjQ_t58gINiJ7UE_Ctc1eg/s320/IMG_1790.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548416664238668050" border="0" /></a>After the fun, I watched Solomon while Shelly brought the car closer to the entrance of the park. He was so worried. So was I! I kept worrying he would bump his head or trip over things, pacing back and <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCT1DUpnrq7l-0UUu6CPtxL2-MnHijQ3K9bM2FcprP9AQR-qFwwr7LbkSXZG2Uh7YLlMd7dZ1squB9gQkUJsX7TWbY4nGvZtmvz7mTkuMefa89lL49jSw0XdWlgqI2tpM4H79LDU0SKc/s1600/IMG_1792.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 197px; height: 243px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCT1DUpnrq7l-0UUu6CPtxL2-MnHijQ3K9bM2FcprP9AQR-qFwwr7LbkSXZG2Uh7YLlMd7dZ1squB9gQkUJsX7TWbY4nGvZtmvz7mTkuMefa89lL49jSw0XdWlgqI2tpM4H79LDU0SKc/s320/IMG_1792.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548416660663479810" border="0" /></a>forth. I forgot he and Cas aren't <span style="font-style: italic;">exactly</span> the same. Solomon sees everything just fine. =)<br /><br /><br />Cas and I look forward to many more play dates with this sweetheart, who is so damn lucky to have such a dedicated mom.<br /><br /><br />Of course, her and I are luckiest.meLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05254648718835066164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791079312182959171.post-67527088560191853102010-11-21T09:41:00.000-08:002010-12-08T14:25:30.106-08:00Three down, three to goI got to vet tech it up again the week before Castor's 3rd chemo appointment. Since Cas hates going to the vet so much, I decided it'd be really good for him if I could take his blood at home for his CBC. My wonderful vet clinic said they'd send it to the lab for me. So, Cas was spared a fearful trip, and I got to brush up on my tech skills. (Fun! I know it may sound weird, but I miss it.)<br /><br />It went great. Cas is one of the best patients ever. The results this time were better, but not good enough to be sans antibiotics. This time his WBC count was just below 1,000. Oh well, we put him on the gold-priced Clavamox again, and waited for Thursday. He is still not having any noticeable side-effects from his treatments. He is perky, hungry, happy, and pooping like a champ. (That's right!)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday, November 4th</span><br /></div><br />One of the very best things about our trips to Davis is cuddling up with Cas in the car. In Auntie <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnqhmFNOY4kI_mxQ7rCPZgIqN-D3tLoh2ENwPLsqFQwLkQJUHN_b_T5SfAT8nOZSi_wGfK6h8hXEC4MbM5KAj5g-BGFRROZTDZUjuy8Is_rWfU6o5k4xbfcPe_dFhdAF8BwkWuLXac7Y/s1600/IMG_1736.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnqhmFNOY4kI_mxQ7rCPZgIqN-D3tLoh2ENwPLsqFQwLkQJUHN_b_T5SfAT8nOZSi_wGfK6h8hXEC4MbM5KAj5g-BGFRROZTDZUjuy8Is_rWfU6o5k4xbfcPe_dFhdAF8BwkWuLXac7Y/s320/IMG_1736.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546609037423175938" border="0" /></a>Robyn's Element, we get to nap in back, but this time Cas managed to snuggle up while I drove my car. Adorable Boy!<br /><br />Another four weeks, another dose of carboplatin, but this time, Cas was up for chest rads too. Though my mantra is positive thinking our way to victory over this disease, I couldn't keep my nerves on board. I was anxious this visit. Only a bit though.<br /><br />His CBC was normal as expected, so they gave him another treatment. This time, to try to avoid the big leukocyte drop, the doctor lowered his dose by 15% of the original.<br /><br />She explained that since he barely dropped below 1,000, he shouldn't need antibiotics again. His numbers should hold above that with this further decrease in chemo. Sounds good to me since Clavamox is ridiculously expensive. Plus, I could do without shoving my hand into Castor's mouth twice daily.<br /><br />We left him with the professionals and went to work at our favorite Davis coffee shop, <a href="http://www.mishkascafe.com/">Mishka's</a>. I waited to here the (pretty) assuredly good news. He was only there for a few hours, and the tech called me to come back.<br /><br />"He's ready to go home."<br /><br />I usually appreciate brevity, but settle down there tech. "How were his chest rads?"<br /><br />"The doctor can talk to you about them when you get here."<br /><br />Lameriffic (not to be confused with lamériffic). Okay, well off we go.<br /><br />Cas came loping out to us, and the Doctor soon after. And his chest...looks...GREAT! No lesions!!! Sweetness to the millionth power. She explained that everything looks great; he's a great patient, and so on.<br /><br />Before we left she asked if we had any pictures or videos we could give to the surgeons. Apparently, they are so impressed with how well he gets around, because of his size (and eyesight, I imagine), that they want to have something to show other clients. That was the second best thing I'd heard all day.<br /><br />Four more weeks until our next visit, and we'll check his lungs again at the 6th treatment, assuming all goes well until then.<br />I took Cas home, let him sleep it off. He is like a <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-hGwg3rKDVhSLQPWJzaKwLqFrXHV8qPY4QqKJ7m8y66DFER7NZmVXLdVaUv1yECwqlzO9uAFdBNiuGdBDBjbWsKt5mKOd_esym8q1cMmCkcn0m7VdSn6W_GAlVNWcRixd7b6RtG-ztg/s1600/IMG_1775.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-hGwg3rKDVhSLQPWJzaKwLqFrXHV8qPY4QqKJ7m8y66DFER7NZmVXLdVaUv1yECwqlzO9uAFdBNiuGdBDBjbWsKt5mKOd_esym8q1cMmCkcn0m7VdSn6W_GAlVNWcRixd7b6RtG-ztg/s320/IMG_1775.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547641714702056562" border="0" /></a>lump of bricks the night of chemo. He dreams like crazy, and I let him have 90% of my bed.<br /><br />Despite his fatigue, he always eats dinner and always plays like a goof the next day.<br /><br />I <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">love</span> this boy!meLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05254648718835066164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791079312182959171.post-11554442515939756772010-11-10T15:38:00.000-08:002010-12-14T11:18:32.777-08:00Or alternatively...As I've said, I want to do anything and everything that will help Castor fight off the rest of this <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMJRn1aaKCMqBNDnKUJf_APuz3eOkzv3jsHo8SmHTgNsH53Cc4iuz5Lo2szRrJlOXY-JTxw1lzCSc-QU5lwQJbXF3oPu5-ad8DfxHGIynt9gm5-KtqkpREdR2rU3bvwT1uKNHEbXocj70/s1600/Cas+cute+in+hallway+30oct10.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMJRn1aaKCMqBNDnKUJf_APuz3eOkzv3jsHo8SmHTgNsH53Cc4iuz5Lo2szRrJlOXY-JTxw1lzCSc-QU5lwQJbXF3oPu5-ad8DfxHGIynt9gm5-KtqkpREdR2rU3bvwT1uKNHEbXocj70/s320/Cas+cute+in+hallway+30oct10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542134726501142450" border="0" /></a>disease (which, let's face it, is probably gone already ;-) ) and be as happy as he always has been. After such praise from Jackie, the PT, and urging from my mom, I decided to make an appointment with an alternative medicine vet.<br /><br />My friend, Mike, took his dog to one in San Francisco to treat her lymphoma. He had no complaints. Granted, his memory of this time and of her treatments is fuzzy to the point of nada. Anyway, with two recommendations, I chose to see <a href="http://www.sfvs.net/Services/AlternativeMedicine.html">Dr. Fong at San Francisco Veterinary Specialists</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, October 19th</span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Oh where, oh where has my doctor gone?</span><br />I did not want to deal with another vet hospital visit almost as much as Cas didn't want to go. However, we must investigate all options. I definitely want to try acupuncture. As this was Castor's first visit, I was warned ahead about the initial $166 consult with Dr. Fong. (Ugh, but ok.)<br /><br />We arrived on time to the building and were given a garage door opener to find park in a spot in their garage. However, we drove through the garage only to see that all the spots were full. So, I had to drop Cas off, and then go find parking. It took a while.<br /><br />Once we were in the clinic, they took us to a large set of carpeted stairs, asking, "Is he okay to walk up the stairs." "No," I said without hesitating.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihaxQSgM0-91UAtlyhYQbZ1memj5X96udsic4RugkvFbLatUmx0MeYEpFgSvQv2IRb_8eLxzFD0y4p4Rl0ZjI2xOZT3sD4THfDRVmErubGH3wKHzJ-a7vHVa8mGxQUPcIKc-YvXW4Tzgg/s1600/Cas+on+stair+cart+19oct10.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 178px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihaxQSgM0-91UAtlyhYQbZ1memj5X96udsic4RugkvFbLatUmx0MeYEpFgSvQv2IRb_8eLxzFD0y4p4Rl0ZjI2xOZT3sD4THfDRVmErubGH3wKHzJ-a7vHVa8mGxQUPcIKc-YvXW4Tzgg/s320/Cas+on+stair+cart+19oct10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542446206593756338" border="0" /></a>No problem, though. They had a mechanical lift contraption for taking heavy boxes and heavy doggies up the stairs. It was so incredibly slow though. I mean, I took a stair every 10 seconds as I stood next to the lift holding Cas.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOyA8zRj0FVExkdKuorQhfdtAK6O9XKLZH-r0Bi2VM3LO_4SCyGA0hZSmkYiMzEgNi3ofpA280kEf4QYpPbhf5R1_BQc5cmqM37MXliGBbiBDBmzNew5V84eDLh1uluYc8Ao6cJldlhs/s1600/cas+on+stair+cart+3+-+19oct10.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 227px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOyA8zRj0FVExkdKuorQhfdtAK6O9XKLZH-r0Bi2VM3LO_4SCyGA0hZSmkYiMzEgNi3ofpA280kEf4QYpPbhf5R1_BQc5cmqM37MXliGBbiBDBmzNew5V84eDLh1uluYc8Ao6cJldlhs/s320/cas+on+stair+cart+3+-+19oct10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542134739346640610" border="0" /></a><br />It was pretty amusing, but also made us even later getting into Dr. Fong's exam room. He made some comment, under his breath, "We're starting about 30 minutes late, but..." and trailed off. Not a great first impression, though I understand his frustration.<br /><br />I'm not sure what one expects from a $166 consult. I'll tell you that I've had two $150 consults for Castor in the past 3 months. They were each at least three times as illuminating as this one. For a quick recap, skim the following, else read it in full.<br /><br />He started by informing me that how well they do and how long they make it depends on how strong their will to live is. That is usually related to how strong their connection with their owner is. He observantly noticed, "He seems to have a fairly strong will to live now."<br /><br />Um. What could I say? How about, "well, duh?" (Yes, you're picking up on sarcasm. I do do that occasionally.) I appreciate that perhaps Fong sees many dogs that are doing really poorly. For instance, Mike's dog had advanced lymphoma. She was in bad shape when he saw her, and the disease moves aggressively. However, one must be able to adjust to the patient at hand. It felt rather inappropriate for him to even bring this up. It felt like he was not very present.<br /><br />One of the first questions he asked was, "Does he have diarrhea?"<br /><br />"Now?," I ask.<br /><br />"Ever," he replies. I explain that he doesn't now, but he's very sensitive to food. If, for instance, someone sneaks him a treat, he may have bad diarrhea for a few days. To further support my thesis that Fong was not there with us, about 20 minutes later, he gives Castor a treat. Then another. And one more before we've left. <span style="font-style: italic;">(Seriously?!</span>)<br /><br />Now, either he was not even listening to me, just going through the motions, or he was testing my theory that treats give Cas the big D. You can decide for yourselves.<br /><br />In fact, that was a theme throughout this visit. It amazes me, because I associate alternative medicine with energy work and mindfulness. Though he mouthed related concepts, it never felt like more than lip service.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">So cooooold</span><br />He explained that in Chinese medicine one tries to find a balance between warm and cool in the body. Typically, we (animals included) either run hot or cold. For Castor then, we want to choose foods, which are classified as heating or cooling, that will help bring him into balance. He explained that some dogs always bury themselves under the covers or sleep curled up. Alternatively, dogs may lay flat out, avoiding cover. Those could be symptoms of a dog being cold or over heated, respectively.<br /><br />Then he asks, "So, what do you think Castor is? Hot or cold?" Don't even get me started on how subjective and wishy-washy that question is. Seriously. But then <span style="font-style: italic;">I'm</span> supposed to decide. I figured he would have some way of contributing to this assessment, and I have a reason for that thought.<br /><br />When I moved from Santa Barbara, I decided to finally go see this Chinese medicine doctor in Los Angeles that my friend had been urging me to see. He had testicular cancer years before, and was convinced of the powerful effects of his care, including herbs and acupuncture. I had a visit on my way out of California. I don't remember much of it, but I do remember his diagnosis. He sat in a chair next to me, examining my forearm and running his hand over my back, sans touching. He kept saying, "so cold. So cold. Like ice water."<br /><br />"I <span style="font-style: italic;">am</span> always cold," I thought. I believed it. Somewhat anyway.<br /><br />Well, I didn't continue on that path for myself, but here I am with Dr. Fong. Less impressed. I guessed he might be on the hot side. So, he proceeded to explain which foods are cooling, said he'd send me home with a list.<br /><br />I wanted to get his opinion of the food I currently feed Castor - 1/2 Innova (adult), 1/2 Canine Caviar (split pea & venison). I have asked both Dr. Cadile and Dr. Obrien for their opinions. Dr. Cadile especially, gave me thoughtful feedback on the ingredients. (Innova is a great food* and the ingredients in the other sound wonderful, though they don't offer much in the way of carbohydrates.)<br /><br />And Dr. Fong's response? He reiterated that he wouldn't change his entire diet, just supplement it with some of the cooling foods, for which he would give me a handout with recipes. Upon looking at the ingredient list for Caviar, he just said that we didn't want Omega 9's but Omega 3's were good. The only other thing he said was venison and chicken were both warming proteins.<br /><br />Given that food is a big component of his counsel, I am underwhelmed with such base responses. More of that to come...<br /><br />Eventually, after a lot of thought and deliberation with Rob, we think Castor's pretty balanced. Maybe he can be slighter warm, but nothing too obvious. Sometimes he curls into a ball. Other times, he lays flat out. He pants, but he also lays in the sun. Being 130 pounds, he certainly doesn't burrow under the covers, so that diagnostic tool was out from the get go.<br /><br />For the time being, I will not be changing his diet.* I may get another opinion, and I will look into it further. I am still curious. Until I have time for more research though, he can be warmed with venison. It's winter time, anyway.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Do you have any more questions that I can avoid answering?</span><br />Perhaps some of you have noticed that I like to soak up all possible information from veterinary professionals. Also, I do not like to be spoken to like I can't understand complicated conditions or concepts. I value open and fruitful communication with people, especially those I pay to help Castor.<br /><br />Let me give you some highlights of this type of exchange <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> in action. (Of course, I am paraphrasing, but I have a pretty awesome memory.)<br /><br />Dr. Fong explained to me that we want to support the entire body, but in particular, the kidneys, because they support the bones. Since he had bone cancer, we need to provide extra support to that system. I wondered, as I am like to do, if there was extra support to provide to the lungs, since that's the most likely place of metastisis. I asked:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Q:</span> Are there areas or organs that support the lungs or respiratory system? And do we provide extra support there, via acupressure, acupuncture or supplements, to decrease chance of metastisis in his lungs?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">A:</span> (A pause and what may be a teeny weeny chuckle followed by...) Well, the lungs actually support the skin. In Chinese medicine certain organs support specific organs, and the kidneys support the bones. ...<br /><br />You get the idea. An iteration. Nothing new, i.e., no answer.<br /><br />He mentioned several times our object being to support his immune system during his time with chemo, because the body needs extra support. I felt a contradiction there, so I asked:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Q:</span> The oncologists have warned me not to use antioxidants much or at all to avoid interfering with the chemotherapy. After all, the goal is to break down the cells, to suppress the immune system. How does that fit in with the type of support you are suggesting?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">A:</span> He acknowledged that common concern. He said, however, that we must still support his body. He used the analogy of a brick house. If you take a few bricks out, it's okay. But if you continue taking them out, one at a time, eventually the house topples. We want to avoid that destruction, so we must put bricks back even while the oncologists knock some down.<br /><br />Fine, but that is not an answer to my question. I asked and followed up with more very specific medical questions. Were his antioxidants targeting different kinds of cells? The Carboplatin targets fast-growing cells (e.g., cancer and those in the intestinal track). Do his supplements target certain cells or systems? What are they doing?<br /><br />And there were a few more that unfolded similarly. He did not answer many of my questions. Honestly, I don't know why.<br /><br />At a few points during our consult, Dr. Fong paused, saying, "Do you have any questions about anything?"<br /><br />And each time, I thought, "Um. Yeah. Could you answer one of the several I've already asked."<br /><br />I was seriously stumped. I felt incapable of asking any more questions. I felt inhibited. I felt disconnected.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Let's not ignore the big dog in the room</span><br />Though the doc met Cas at the bottom of the stairs, I still found it odd that he didn't come over to him when we came into the room. Every vet I've ever been to has come over and greeted Cas. In fact, they usually smile and say how great he is, or something similar.<br /><table style="margin-top: 0pt;" border="0" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr><br /><td>Dr. Fong didn't interact with him at all until he came over for the "exam." The quotes are to indicate that what followed barely qualifies for that label. He looked at his gums and tongue, commenting on their color. It was pretty healthy, though a tad on the purple side (a sign of heat, I think). I don't think he listened to his heart or lungs or did any other typical checks.</td><br /><td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFw5VftD4uPiVg5E9nhrcShM0Xndnc1bRdV01FHJ7PAzl1K8GA3u1N0Oc-MLiCBt6oDeb-BCsdDOF6CbNWxK2BNOqBmWwCPuQzdUmHY2PLNKGRnF3mShDh0C-z1RDNC0zBL4gyL99vXGI/s1600/IMG_1080.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 341px; height: 453px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFw5VftD4uPiVg5E9nhrcShM0Xndnc1bRdV01FHJ7PAzl1K8GA3u1N0Oc-MLiCBt6oDeb-BCsdDOF6CbNWxK2BNOqBmWwCPuQzdUmHY2PLNKGRnF3mShDh0C-z1RDNC0zBL4gyL99vXGI/s320/IMG_1080.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542453200698891490" border="0" /></a></td><br /><td>He looked over Castor's structure a bit and asked how he got along on 3. He gently pressed his thumbs down along side Castor's spine, testing his muscles for pain. I requested he give Castor acupuncture treatment. Thinking Cas seemed slightly painful in his lower lumbar region, he put a needle in that area, and he put others in various places.</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br />He did provide me with some information on acupuncture. It's done to remove blockages in energy. In Chinese medicine, the (or perhaps one?) goal is to help the body's energy flow freely. The problems we have, including Cancer, are caused by blockages in this flow. I assume increasing obstructed energy flow is what lifts their energy post-acupuncture.<br /><br />I mentioned acupressure points when he was casually (bordering on carelessly) placing the needles. He said something to the effect of yes, there are some points in the feet that can help with pain. He didn't show me any. Ever.<br /><br />I felt like there was absolutely zero interaction going on between Dr. Fong and I. The only time I felt warmth from him was when he joked with Rob and I about something un-vet related. I believe it was a gender stereotype joke about how I was the boss in the house. [Wink. Nudge.] (Can you imagine how amused I am by those?)<br /><br />He did seem like a nice-ish person, but only when he was present. Maybe he was having a bad day. I don't know.<br /><br />As I've said before (see: <a href="http://bespeakme.blogspot.com/2010/09/time-for-some-therapy.html">last paragraph</a>), one MUST feel empowered to ask questions. One must continue to ask, until they understand. I did not feel that with Fong. That means, he cannot be our vet. It's unacceptable, regardless of who is to blame.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">That will be $10,000 for the herbs and analogies, please.<br /></span>(I exaggerate, but still.) Everything is expensive in San Francisco. True story. Still, I fell ill from shock at the price tag on our underwhelming visit to SFVS.<br /><br />$465!!<br /><br />As I mentioned, the consult was $166. The acupuncture was $100. The rest was three herbs he told me to start Castor on, one for immune support and two fighting cancer. I wanted to try them, for obvious reasons, like "why not?" It would have been nice to get an estimate, as every other vet has given me in the past, especially when things may be prohibitively expensive. Oh well, at least now I know.<br /><br />Two supplements for cancer were Artemisinin and Chih-Ko and Curcuma, and Immugen was for immune support. Artemisinin is used to treat Malaria, and Dr. Cadile told me it was a very promising area of research for canine cancer. Unfortunately, she tells me, there has not been a clinical trial completed yet. (I have to say that Dr. Cadile has been incredibly helpful, warm, and always ready to respond to my inquiries. All that despite the fact that I will probably never spend another cent at the hospital where she works. At least not on Castor. I wholeheartedly recommend her!)<br /><br />At Castor's dose, the Artemisinin was about $80 for a 10 day supply. That's at the $73/bottle price SFVS charges. Online, through the company's website, the same bottle of <a href="http://holleypharma.com/store/item/fo7b/Products/ArteMin_100.html">Artemin100</a> is $42.50. (Currently, they have a special for buy 3, get 1 free too.) So, SFVS is marking up by almost 100%. Ridiculous.<br /><br />I may use it. I may not. But I will definitely order it myself online.<br /><br />The <a href="https://www.drshen.com/sevenforests/chih-kocurcuma.htm">Chih-Ko and Curcuma</a> is a Chinese herbal cocktail used to treat cancer. I don't know anything else, beyond Dr. Fong's prescription. I'll keep asking and looking for more information. Honestly, I can't remember what he said about it. Something, but not much.<br /><br />Finally, <a href="http://www.holisticpetinfo.com/proddetail.asp?prod=Immugen">Immugen by Thorne</a> is an immune support supplement. I've said enough about this above. The jury's still out on whether it's a good idea or not to give this in conjunction with chemotherapy.<br /><br />After discovering all of this, I returned the supplements to SFVS. So, I only spent $266 there in the end. And too much time. The acupuncture was worth the fee.<br /><br />As for the rest, I plan to call Dr. Fong (and/or the owner of SFVS) to discuss my experience. I plan to ask for some or all of my money back for the consult unless he has a reason for his absenteeism and offers to further explain things that need explaining.<br /><br />I will update on<a href="http://bespeakme.blogspot.com/2010/12/apology-goes-long-way.html"> responses</a>, if I get any. As it stands, I wholeheartedly discourage you from taking your pet to Dr. Fong. As for SFVS, they are incredibly expensive. Even for San Fran? I don't have anything to compare it with at the moment.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br />Please, try again</span><br />I want to make clear that I do <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> think my experience with Dr. Fong is indicative of alternative medicine doctors, including veterinarians. It was unfortunate to have a stereotypical encounter. But that's all it was. One encounter. There will be more, and I look forward to them being much more fruitful, especially in comparison to the alternative.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMGKkEjI4AsUsszq8YKbeEu6cLY_mxjJq1OyoCwhJHKx9MiyIB570uWFmneOdPJunzE4v9oyUJZXHUWtUoEVRMQho8qFR6sHIHnTQadOWQSBO2ML14BK1-mk2ThDRrJNWfUMWkbjzw9Oo/s1600/cas+and+mel+restore+sanity+-+30oct10.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 295px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMGKkEjI4AsUsszq8YKbeEu6cLY_mxjJq1OyoCwhJHKx9MiyIB570uWFmneOdPJunzE4v9oyUJZXHUWtUoEVRMQho8qFR6sHIHnTQadOWQSBO2ML14BK1-mk2ThDRrJNWfUMWkbjzw9Oo/s320/cas+and+mel+restore+sanity+-+30oct10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542134744871219458" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday, October 30th</span><br /><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Go Sanity!</span><br />About a week after our less than good visit, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert hosted the <a href="http://www.rallytorestoresanity.com/photos/">Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear</a>. Rob and I took Cas to play with Scarlet and Mike pre-satellite rally in SF.<br /><br />He played a ton, just like when he was on four. It was such a great day. Warmed by Castor's play, inspired by laughs and sane speak (Thank you Jon, Stephen et al.), I'm ready to enjoy another week.<br /><br />In the spirit of sanity, I will say that everybody has bad days, even veterinarians, one assumes. I imagine some people have enjoyed their visits with Dr. Fong and felt in good hands. I didn't. Is he the worst vet? I highly doubt it. In fact, I worked for a insanely unethical veterinarian in Santa Barbara, CA, who could be in the running for that disti<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjV6FwJzilgXkumIAi9ipX32KsixmdHyXU2AclXP9G0B8UpmEQTrosOFXfWY-BwkLsf0cmG2pV4SSDFs3abCDW3vtIftWuvyWJ1L1TeQ5lH16H9xmAt6uUYsmdaSng_mkZWwXomPRULPk/s1600/RRS+-+not+hitler.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 229px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjV6FwJzilgXkumIAi9ipX32KsixmdHyXU2AclXP9G0B8UpmEQTrosOFXfWY-BwkLsf0cmG2pV4SSDFs3abCDW3vtIftWuvyWJ1L1TeQ5lH16H9xmAt6uUYsmdaSng_mkZWwXomPRULPk/s320/RRS+-+not+hitler.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542465782765680738" border="0" /></a>nction. He lied to clients, didn't follow sterility procedures, and emotionally abused his staff regularly. (If you're in SB, feel free to email me to make sure you don't see him.)<br /><br />In contrast and based on first impressions, I'm sure Dr. Fong actually cares about his patients. Still, our visit to SFVS was not up to my standards.<br /><br />The most important thing is to know what you want, and don't settle for less.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XAPquTOAwqg?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XAPquTOAwqg?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="480"></embed></object></div><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">*Though Innova has been a great food, as I mentioned before, I do plan to stop buying it. Their company was purchased by Proctor & Gamble, a company that experiments, unnecessarily, on animals. I am not against all animal testing, flat-out, at the moment, but I am against dumping Tide detergent or nail polish into bunnies eyes. Or whatever similar cosmetic testing goes on there. NOT okay! I don't care how great the food is; I can find as good or better sans the barbarity. Grrrr, P&G...</span>So, while P&G is not Hitler, it does suck!meLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05254648718835066164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791079312182959171.post-34353420245334146122010-11-01T13:38:00.000-07:002010-11-04T16:58:52.170-07:00A little massage with his chemo<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">I know, I know. It's been a while since my last post. I know life just isn't the same without my (potentially lengthy) stories about Castor, but it's been one of those 3 weeks that is busy busy. I try to keep the actual dates posted before the stories though. (You're welcome. =P )<br /><br />**OH, and I'll add pics and video to this later today.<br /></div><br />Thursday, October 7th<br /></div><br />And then, we were off to Davis again...weee!<br /><br />To be honest, I don't mind our excursions. It's a whole day to be with the boy, to work casually from a cafe I don't spend enough time in to be sick of, and I get to take naps on the way home with Cas in Dabs's backseat.<br /><br />Too bad Robyn has school this week. No napping for me, but Castor's getting what he needs. Plus, there's garlic fries waiting for me!<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />20 questions for the PT</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"></span><br />We went first to Oncology to have a CBC done. This time, as expected, his levels were back to normal. After the blood test, we waited for our physical therapy appointment. He would have chemo administered afterward.<br /><br />Jackie Woelz, the physical therapist, is very warm and very accessible. Every person I mentioned his physical therapy appointment to at Davis immediately replied, "Oh. Jackie's so great, isn't she?!" Indeed, she is.<br /><br />We talked about his situation and our typical routines - diet, exercise, home set-up - for a long time before she assessed Castor. She let us stay in the courtyard just outside of her building the entire time. Castor loved that. He soaked up the sun while we chatted.<br /><br />She started with one simple question. "What do you want to get from this visit or from physical therapy?"<br /><br />I want to do whatever I can to help Castor stay as healthy as possible in his 3-legged body. For this visit, that means I want to figure out any exercises and stretching I can do to keep him flexible, strong, and sans pain. I mentioned that I wanted to be shown stretches to do for him each day to keep the range of motion in his joints ranging on.<br /><br />I had a lot of questions for her. Like:<br /><ul><li>What stretches should I do?</li><li>Are the stairs okay to do as we have been?</li><li>Should he have acupuncture?</li><li>What about chiropractic adjustments?</li><li>How long should I take him out to play and exercise?</li><li>Isn't he cute in his harness...er, i mean, is this a good harness for lifting and assisting him?</li><li>How do I know if he's too tired?</li><li>How much should I limit his activity, if at all?</li><li>Anything else I should know? (This is a good question in general. After all, they're the experts.)</li></ul>I have the, perhaps annoying, tendency to cut vet professionals off a bit. It's just a consequence of my preparedness and research combined with my itty bitty amount of patience. They seem forgiving.<br /><br />So, after minimal prompting I explained that yes, I had covered all of our slippery surfaces in the house. Yes, I raised his food and water. Yes, I had cut back and altered our pre-amp play time and walks.<br /><br />Namely, no more urban hikes up and down the hills of our concrete neighborhood. We also don't typically hang out at the dog park for an hour. Most days, we go out to a grassy park in the morning for 30 minutes and in the afternoon/early evening for another 20-30 minutes. She was very pleased. Grassy ground? Check. More frequent, shorter trips out? Check.<br /><br />It's not good for Cas now, as it wasn't as a giant breed puppy, to go out for "warrior weekends." He needs regular, moderate activity. And that's what he gets.<br /><br />There is one sign to show me when his body's tired. She said to pay attention to the turnout in his rear leg. When his quad muscle is feeling fatigue, he may turn his paw out for support. That action locks his knee, which prevents his leg from buckling. However, it's dangerous for his knee. When that starts happening, it's time to go!<br /><br />And getting out of the house? Fortunately, I had video on my phone to show her our trip down the stairs at home. I explained that though it sucked to have stairs at all, we were trying to minimize the impact on his joints and avoid and falling accidents by using both his Ruff Wear and Walk About harnesses.<br /><br />She thought his trip down the stairs was great. (YAY!) She said it was really good that he dropped his head down so low, which would help keep him balanced and take weight out of his rear leg. It's really a result of his extremely poor vision. (Does he see at all now? I do not know. Not much, if any.)<br /><br />She was familiar with and said the Ruff Wear harness was great, with one caveat. She didn't like the under part. Especially with a dog Castor's size, the slender straps that for the underside of the harness are not very supportive. I have worried that they dig into his (massive) chest. He sometimes makes an airy, grunty sound when we catch him as he hops out of the car, like the wind's being knocked out of him.<br /><br />The other Ruff Wear model, the double back, has a full size underside, in the shape of the top. She recommended that, if possible, noticing however, that it is a bit heavier. She showed us one, and it's much heavier duty. I may invest in one, or she suggested I try altering his harness by attaching some heavy fabric to the bottom straps. A good excuse to practice sewing? Perhaps.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Walk, Stay, Sit, Lie</span><br />After all of the talking, Castor was ready for a rubdown. But first... We had him stand and walk to show Jackie how he do. She said he looked great!<br /><br />He has great extension in his rear leg as he walk/hops. She examined his spine and said it was minimally curving with his new structure. It barely curves at the end to accommodate his new tripod posture. Upon running her thumbs down along his spine, she also didn't think he was in any notable pain.<br /><br />She seemed very impressed with and happy about his physique and movement.<br /><br />I explained that I was re-teaching him to do down dog (adho mukha svanasana). Thankfully, I taught him that last summer. I thought it'd be great for his shoulder movement. She agreed, though only because I explained that Rob supported his rear with the WalkAbout harness during his attempts. Cas is getting it; he can do almost anything for a carrot!<br /><br />I also mentioned squats. Should I be having him sit and stand and sit and stand and... to build up his rear leg muscles. She was not keen on this idea. It's hard on his knee and his joints. She gave me a modified exercise though. Positioned behind Castor, she bent her knee on the ground under him. She had him sit on her thigh, which is halfway to the ground. Then stand. It's like people sitting down into a chair during physical therapy. Much better.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Massage me already!</span><br />Finally, (says Cas) we got him on his side. (Another command my smart boy knows ;-) ) I explained the stretching book I'd read along with some of the exercises. She was not familiar with it, but did recommend the book "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Four-Paws-Five-Directions-Medicine/dp/0890877904">Four Paws, Five Directions</a>," for a guide on acupressure points. (HaHa! My mom's been suggesting that for more than a year now.)<br /><br />To make a long story less long, she is more a fan of massaging than stretching dogs (and one would assume, cats, ferrets, and horses too). When she tried to, for instance, extend Castor's front leg (shoulder extension), he resisted her, big time. And my boy's strong!<br /><br />Basically, if your animal patient resists, you can really hurt them. If I work on Cas for a while, just rubbing his muscles deeply, he relaxes a lot. Then I can usually stretch him for a while. She said the massaging part was plenty to keep his muscles supple and long.<br /><br />So, I will not be stretching him, unless he asks for it. Instead, I'll be requesting a few down dogs after we get back in the house and his muscles are warm. Then at least once daily, I'll give him a good rubdown.<br /><br />The most important muscles to keep supple are his triceps, trapeziuses, and his rear leg muscles. She also said I could gently to moderately draw my fingers or thumbs down along either side of his spine. NEVER on his spine. <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />And What Else?</span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><br />She wholeheartedly recommended acupuncture. She has many clients who receive acupuncture and have had tremendous success with keeping up their energy, for example. She says she can guess by seeing them if they've just had a treatment or are in need of another.<br /><br />She gave me the names of two people her clients have used for acupuncture, one in SF and one in Berkeley. There is someone who does home visits near Davis too, but that's not so pertinent to us. I will make an appointment with the SF doctor next week.<br /><br />As above, she suggesting hitting acupressure points too. I was referred to the book mentioned above for that.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Castor and I get A+'s</span><br />Other than that, keep it up! That was her recommendation. He looks GREAT! I'm doing great! Everything is great! We will see her if and when he needs more help.<br /><br />She said, "you both get A plusses." It was partly for assessment, and partly encouragement. Sweetness. I haven't had one of those since I started grad school.<br /><br />FANTASTIC. We couldn't be more pleased. And grateful.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">And just when he thought it was over...</span><br />And as if to reinforce Castor's love of Jackie, we took him to see the poking, prodding docs in the other building again. =\ We dropped him off for his chemo treatment.<br /><br />We left for lunch. Fries! Yum.<br /><br />We came back about an hour later. Thankfully, they were quick and on top of things.<br /><br />He was given 90% of his initial dose. Hopefully, his WBC count would stay above 1,000 this time. I would have another CBC done in 3 weeks this time around. And they would see us next time.<br /><br />Everyone says he looks great. Well, yeah he does. My little 3-legged rock star!meLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05254648718835066164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791079312182959171.post-88761816721705314462010-10-22T17:15:00.000-07:002010-10-22T17:43:48.056-07:00Playing with his kind<div style="text-align: center;">Saturday, October 2nd<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsCg6DdlrTxrfnyJMUQw7TXuTOhwwYRsK4Ie2XlnqjfWlx-raO5lG4Fdj12JQnefpiE_5Paf3_LESDwrETLpMK7uLe2wghX6pnH4AEQWqSIf7d-EGRPEKPOJR1ardq_-mJOam0liIJs0/s1600/cas+dane+meetup+run.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 228px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsCg6DdlrTxrfnyJMUQw7TXuTOhwwYRsK4Ie2XlnqjfWlx-raO5lG4Fdj12JQnefpiE_5Paf3_LESDwrETLpMK7uLe2wghX6pnH4AEQWqSIf7d-EGRPEKPOJR1ardq_-mJOam0liIJs0/s320/cas+dane+meetup+run.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531030922617628162" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />We went to our first <a href="http://www.meetup.com/Bay-Area-Great-Danes/">Bay Area Great Dane</a> meet-up since Cas's surgery<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCFOd8jaf_x7ZQRzjJuYmvs-LAnFYJ_SptspqEz-yAeu_OYcz0J7w0eHRVHu9_gZYFh_naVIjm8uAylfCV8I2esnTg-CeUY1qnC_QRIh2930gaVLc3ivzXd4LD8xynqR4T7XoqxQ1MiI/s1600/cas+dane+meetup+1.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 208px; height: 155px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCFOd8jaf_x7ZQRzjJuYmvs-LAnFYJ_SptspqEz-yAeu_OYcz0J7w0eHRVHu9_gZYFh_naVIjm8uAylfCV8I2esnTg-CeUY1qnC_QRIh2930gaVLc3ivzXd4LD8xynqR4T7XoqxQ1MiI/s320/cas+dane+meetup+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530952543082182546" border="0" /></a>the weekend after our non-chemo Davis trip. This was a joint meetup with the Sacramento group, so there were about 30 danes there! Cas was reunited with some of his Dane friends. Sweetness.<br /><br />It was quite a trek for him to get up over the hill to the Dane's spot at Point Isabel, but he did it happily. He played a bit, stood a lot, and reveled in all the attention. It was a big workout for him, but he did great!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNaKTLX7Wug4WrLJ_EpUproiANKTfNRKgP2y_AQwZunwzFL4c8TXXNDSowW8bL5OXhj2xWldcyDFaXJT6BlN2U9kdK5xihd_ynCnH8BkctrwU7TeEccCXMeBtKkjiMn_wXtu02SeSd_g/s1600/cas+dane+meetup+mel+sleeps+car.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 156px; height: 208px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNaKTLX7Wug4WrLJ_EpUproiANKTfNRKgP2y_AQwZunwzFL4c8TXXNDSowW8bL5OXhj2xWldcyDFaXJT6BlN2U9kdK5xihd_ynCnH8BkctrwU7TeEccCXMeBtKkjiMn_wXtu02SeSd_g/s320/cas+dane+meetup+mel+sleeps+car.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530952551090168690" border="0" /></a>And we both (okay so me more than him) got to nap it off on the drive home.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96WNk6h044wlZTa40SINUZHcMQtYjLPltGpd63UboVIArAMcHi9f7d32eCYqQB1H2mEP9sp0GgF9QUXkgdY4-_NKbau3pnqFnnJ0B7pFq7l1mLY-i2uEfutxpXpIwVc1JfrbybZULBjo/s1600/cas+dane+meetup+with+clown+mel.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 171px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96WNk6h044wlZTa40SINUZHcMQtYjLPltGpd63UboVIArAMcHi9f7d32eCYqQB1H2mEP9sp0GgF9QUXkgdY4-_NKbau3pnqFnnJ0B7pFq7l1mLY-i2uEfutxpXpIwVc1JfrbybZULBjo/s320/cas+dane+meetup+with+clown+mel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531030265208364674" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I made him sit for a break in the middle. That way he could rest and I could make weird faces. Can you find the bed head in this picture? =P<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />He is gaining confidence every day, though he is a bit nervous when dogs are running fast near him. Last week on our morning park trip, two huskies were running around in huge circles when Cas decided to make his way toward me in the center of the park. Well, they ran right behind him, FAST, and Zoe ran right into his nub. (Zoe is an adorable husky who I can't help but think of as Hoshi in a Husky suit. Hoshi is my sweet grey kitty.)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsGQ0qCyLs3fsd-bPCPMrXkjDoZ5qp9vBFCnfp3Ms2O32MvHV_SopBid6Gy9jRTLBItEvaq4iShxO8jOzj_gls7P__4wstyZ03bHr7YpRFoEVlpzt8FNYlyvp_G-UwReH1wQSY89J01w/s1600/cas+dane+meetup+of+we+go.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 207px; height: 277px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsGQ0qCyLs3fsd-bPCPMrXkjDoZ5qp9vBFCnfp3Ms2O32MvHV_SopBid6Gy9jRTLBItEvaq4iShxO8jOzj_gls7P__4wstyZ03bHr7YpRFoEVlpzt8FNYlyvp_G-UwReH1wQSY89J01w/s320/cas+dane+meetup+of+we+go.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530952546668908930" border="0" /></a><br />He started yelping and crying and looking back at his hip. It was horrible. Absolutely horrible. I ran over and put his bum on my lap to take all the weight out of his back leg. He kept crying. About a minute later he was hopping tentatively around again.<br /><br />He was fine. I think he was more scared than anything. He's still a tad trepidatious when dogs run crazy-style around him. Understandably so.<br /><br /><br />He has resumed his marking all over the park again, so I know that he's feeling like the big dog around here again. Just watch him show this stick who's boss.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Thdqot5vBHo?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Thdqot5vBHo?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="480"></embed></object><br /></div>meLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05254648718835066164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791079312182959171.post-53983967311106136482010-10-14T12:41:00.001-07:002010-10-15T16:11:06.175-07:00Castor almost has seconds<div style="text-align: center;">Thursday, September 30th<br /></div><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">No second chemo yet</span></span><br />I took Castor for a blood test two weeks post-chemo to check on his white blood cell (WBC) count. The oncologists have to monitor the levels to make sure they don't drop too low. The normal range for a WBC count in the dog is around 6,000 to 17,000 leukocytes (a blood component by any other name would smell as ...well...bloody?) per microliter.<br /><br />At Davis, they will not administer chemo drugs if the WBC count is below 2,000. If it's below 1,000, they put the animal on an antibiotic course to safeguard against any infections that might arise, given their low immunity.<br /><br />Castor's CBC (complete blood count) was normal at the two week mark, so we went to Davis on the 30th for his second chemo treatment. Again, he was to get treatments every three weeks for a total of six treatments.<br /><br />Rob, Robyn, and I dropped him off and ventured into the six-block area of downtown Davis to find sustenance. The plan was for the hospital to run a CBC prior to treatment, treat, and go home. It takes a couple to a few hours each time.<br /><br />It was on the short side of that when a tech called to let me know Cas was done. Almost rhetorically, I asked, "so everything went fine?"<br /><br />"No, we couldn't treat him today," he says.<br /><br />"Ha ha," I thought. I do like smart asses, so I just chuckled. Just to make sure though, "are you kidding?"<br /><br />"No, really. His white blood cells were too low to treat him today."<br /><br />My heart sped up, and suddenly my fancy for garlicy fries vanished. (Poof!) And though I waited patiently for further explanation, the line was mute. It turns out he needed an invitation to provide further details. Odd.<br /><br />After failing to be reassured Cas was alright, I decided to just speak with someone (else, preferably) in person. We finished eating in about 2 minutes and left for the hospital.<br /><br />After speaking with someone (else - yay!) when I picked Cas up, I felt better. Apparently, some pets' counts dip down again around the three week mark. The tech explained that his body can uptake the chemo again from his kidneys as it's being processed causing that second dip in the numbers.<br /><br />His WBC count was about 700, so they sent us home with Clavamox...again. =\ It doesn't seem to be worryingly abnormal. It just means he'll have to be on a once-every-four-weeks schedule. We would have to go for another visit next week.<br /><br />Fortunately, we already had an appointment with the physical therapist the following Thursday. Unfortunately, Cas would have rather not visited with the oncology staff again. Oh, well. We've already agreed to roll with the punches, to expect the unexpected.<br /><br />On the bright side, we learned more about chemotherapy and what to expect from Castor. I was also reminded of the power of support and solidarity.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Being there, wherever there is</span><br />In the waiting room, we met a couple with a beautiful mastiff, just diagnosed with Cancer. He had a seriously large tumor on his spleen. ("I've never seen a tumor that big with a dog still up and about," said the vet, clearly oblivious to the impact of her unnecessary candor.) Talking to them took me briefly back to the first day I found out about Castor's tumor.<br /><br />I was grateful to be in a less hysterical, more familiar place. I found a place of acceptance, which allowed me to find a path of care and treatment. The optimism with which I managed to imbue Castor's and my path has made all the difference.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubUeMCLZzsRVqMeZH1-MbkVzwgzEMDHKwTY6PqsFwNp-iBg7TPXwi7pkHPauvopbVXYrotHcDjeoaSvLphB8G9MFJk0FsJYu6SURMGv32rIjdKZGYf9ws5SE4owAb-BYCbLOqMR4gCL4/s1600/cas+head+in+paws+cute+27sep10.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubUeMCLZzsRVqMeZH1-MbkVzwgzEMDHKwTY6PqsFwNp-iBg7TPXwi7pkHPauvopbVXYrotHcDjeoaSvLphB8G9MFJk0FsJYu6SURMGv32rIjdKZGYf9ws5SE4owAb-BYCbLOqMR4gCL4/s320/cas+head+in+paws+cute+27sep10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528411114186407778" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Still gently wafting his head in disbelief, the mastiff's friend said, "it's just not fair," after I told him why Castor was at the hospital. I could only smile and say, "it's so great that we get to help them through it though." Of course, despite my sincere gratitude, I could hardly keep my tears in their tear duct home.<br /><br />Then, I decided to let them roll on down. There's nothing wrong with expressing these emotions. It's not about defeat or grief. It's all about love.<br /><br />It was good to feel my love, feel their love, and share our burdens, if even for a few minutes. As Cas hopped out to me, wholly excited, full of love, and dragging the tech behind him, they both said, "that's the prettiest dane I've ever seen."<br /><br />My thoughts and prayers are with them all. ♥meLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05254648718835066164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791079312182959171.post-20643808380456569612010-09-21T13:48:00.001-07:002010-09-25T12:44:21.286-07:00Fade to colorI haven't been that inspired to write about Castor's and my experiences lately. It seems that this ordeal has faded into the background quite a bit. A good thing, for sure. Still, I don't want to get complacent and stop being grateful for time with my boy. Hasn't happened yet.<br /><br />The fact is tha<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-KnMY8ucwUkwAXANy_Ow6PlewlcifCGiqmCgc65ryjJlvcXrjfAJChjLadykaWvZz7-rQTw9P741UxHxkdd4EqzLmBMbJhZ2gvtHsGWSQjbSXW264D0pIXl2iLztfMzQY9-DV-cFL1Y/s1600/cas+in+his+gear+with+me+huggin.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-KnMY8ucwUkwAXANy_Ow6PlewlcifCGiqmCgc65ryjJlvcXrjfAJChjLadykaWvZz7-rQTw9P741UxHxkdd4EqzLmBMbJhZ2gvtHsGWSQjbSXW264D0pIXl2iLztfMzQY9-DV-cFL1Y/s320/cas+in+his+gear+with+me+huggin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520871844717696642" border="0" /></a>t Castor's mostly adjusted to tripawd life. And me to it. Now, it's time for me to readjust to <span style="font-style: italic;">my</span> life. Certainly, that entails spending lots of time at home with him; fortunately, I work from home 90% of the time. However, I also have begun to leave the house more regularly to work nearby.<br /><br />Many say to me that Castor's lucky to have me, that I'm doing everything I can for him. I believe that and appreciate the thoughts. I know that I have handled these transitions really well. My veterinary background, including our friends still in the business of saving animals, my fortunate work situation, and my immense support system are to thank.<br /><br /><br />I started worrying that I was also tapping into my survival instincts of long-ago. You know those people who "thrive" in crazy, stressful situations? Children who grow up in alcoholic homes can become unfeeling, controlling perfectionists who seem to have unimaginable situations under control, when really they are just sweeping the floor to spite the people shitting in the house. Or something like that. I don't think that's what I'm doing now though.<br /><br />I am not in denial. And certainly, I've been feeling a lot. Am I a bit controlling? Well, honestly, yes. Especially with regards the boy. (And how to brew tea, how to clean the bathroom, where to keep the blankets, ... Yep, there's lots to let go still!) However, progress has been made. Lots of it.<br /><br />This time around, I seem to be not losing it or clinging to it, but rather focusing more deeply, with an almost intuitive sense for how to navigate the chaos. Now, I am staying present for the ups and the downs.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Speaking of vertical movements</span><br />The stairs are an obstacle best overcome by two people. With Rob's help, Castor travels up and down our stairs with ease. Rob's shoulder on the other hand...Well, Castor takes the last four steps in one big leap. I'm working on changing that, but he doesn't seem to understand. Hitting bottom probably never felt so soft.<br /><br />Here's us taking him up and down. It might not be too clear, but sometimes he's just pawing at the ground. Usually I use the Walkabout rather than just carrying his rear.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PPFeV-837JQ?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PPFeV-837JQ?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FdB7thuaF4s?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FdB7thuaF4s?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /></div><br /><br />We're casually looking for a new place to live sans stairs; however, most places are not nearly as fabulous, small, crappy, more expensive, in less desirable areas, or most commonly, still have stairs. Also, we love our landlord, Dr. Color.<br /><br />The only real problem currently is that it requires two people, one strong enough to carry most of Cas's weight. He seems to carry 80-95% of his weight in his front legs now, especially going down stairs. He attempted a handstand the other day, floating his back leg of the stair for a couple of seconds. That's my little yoga doggie (Dogi??).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Getting the house in order</span><br />We have finished making the house tripawd friendly. They tend to slip a bit more than on four <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySOxK7FLgyUI9r-AqrvSaHH-fkLgq4Qm-vXWxFShf2QSwokTyJw-qPzrScL9zKUQ62uFQIxCw_wJMtcRL0uhSf9lyKI076IKVY4tyd0gvTJBJqbip7hb8QOzci2Fax2raukH-r5Y7D18/s1600/cas+with+cas+feeder.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 186px; height: 248px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySOxK7FLgyUI9r-AqrvSaHH-fkLgq4Qm-vXWxFShf2QSwokTyJw-qPzrScL9zKUQ62uFQIxCw_wJMtcRL0uhSf9lyKI076IKVY4tyd0gvTJBJqbip7hb8QOzci2Fax2raukH-r5Y7D18/s320/cas+with+cas+feeder.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520877528929501266" border="0" /></a>paws, so we had to sufficiently cover the hardwood floors. I discovered a new use for yoga mats. We bought a couple to place over random slippery floors. Bonus: walking on cushy yoga mats feels awesome too.<br /><br />I also found a cheap-ish way to raise his food and water bowls. I bought two seven-gallon buckets, and Rob cut big holes in the lids <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUf8THihPvBoG3A47UmdNtxzajIJFzMZC3HSAk7exkArgIXIVAQ_62FrMWkSJtgPTSUUhx9DREbrKNqMBmDXBeqkR28vUDuUNT0pYx6QcTH003O-JF6uY_kk0JagX0YTOTA_kWeeNIIo/s1600/cas+feeder.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 179px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUf8THihPvBoG3A47UmdNtxzajIJFzMZC3HSAk7exkArgIXIVAQ_62FrMWkSJtgPTSUUhx9DREbrKNqMBmDXBeqkR28vUDuUNT0pYx6QcTH003O-JF6uY_kk0JagX0YTOTA_kWeeNIIo/s320/cas+feeder.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520877522758513666" border="0" /></a>to hold stainless steel bowls. The bowls fit snugly, and although the buckets are not so attractive, that will soon be fixed too. I found a pleasing fabric to place over them. I just have to sew them up a bit. Sweetness.<br /><br /><br /><br />I still want to buy him these <a style="" href="http://woodrowwear.com/products/power-paws/">ridiculous(ly cute?) socks</a> for wearing in the house, but I've thus far resisted the sweet, consumptiony urges emanating from deep within my bowels. Useful? Probably. Needed? Not really. My mom did get him some <a href="http://www.ruffwear.com/Barkn-Boots-Grip-Trex?sc=2&category=11">Ruff Wear booties</a> though, for outdoor trips.<br /><br />I have just begun to let Cas stay home alone too. Sure, for only an hour or less, but I'm easing into it. The I only time I left him alone, for an hour, after we were back in San Francisco, he licked his suture enough to cause that tiny infection. Since his suture is healed and no infection lingers, it's safe now. (Go Clavamox!)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Why so somber?</span><br />I'm used to Castor being remarkable for his beauty and sweetness, but not for what he's lacking. I completely forget that seeing a dog hopping around, missing a leg, especially one as big as Castor, is arresting. Then someone at the park puts on their pouty face and asks, "Aw. What happened?" That's actually not so common, thankfully.<br /><br />I welcome people's reactions and questions. I would much rather talk to people about such things. Awkwardness, discomfort, and pain often come from silence. (Another lesson from my adventures in childhood.) Fortunately, most people are willing to ask questions and many don't seem altogether unfamiliar with tripawds.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPamWx8ag-bYFtEoHYUvzS9zlbd-VX-CJOmwiwAYCD81Ks4sHUj8oIr6b29QrzZ5OcoIDyA7z2dYI_Utmhz3akMJGWtrvI_7P6e_vVJlFKvklPaimpYIBad4iqhL8jzz9XpgAouYte688/s1600/cas+yawn+scream+cute+7sep2010.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPamWx8ag-bYFtEoHYUvzS9zlbd-VX-CJOmwiwAYCD81Ks4sHUj8oIr6b29QrzZ5OcoIDyA7z2dYI_Utmhz3akMJGWtrvI_7P6e_vVJlFKvklPaimpYIBad4iqhL8jzz9XpgAouYte688/s320/cas+yawn+scream+cute+7sep2010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520934561208425458" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Still, it's a tad jarring when people seem sad about his new architecture. To me, he's Castor. He's not different at all. Certainly not diminished in any way. Clearly, things about him are different, but I don't even think of him as having had four legs. Difficult to explain, I guess. (Or I'm just failing at an easy task? Either way.)<br /><br />Do you ever feel a sense of loss when thinking about the times you didn't have hair under your arms? Maybe it's like that. You don't even think about it, right? I really don't mind shaving.<br /><br />Perhaps that's a weird analogy. Be that as it may, the only "Aw, I really miss ..." moments I've had have been thinking of our hour long walks up the hilly neighborhood. No biggie.<br /><br />Speaking of hair, Castor's hair is growing back. (Like that transition?)<br /><br />I must say I adore his little nub. Before if I ever wanted to stop Castor in his tracks, I would just rub his inner thigh. He would stop immediately. He loves it. Now, if I rub the inside of his left hip, he lifts his little nub out. It's adorable!<br /><br />So there you have it. Castor can do no wrong in my eyes. That's unconditional love.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Partner yoga</span><span><br /></span><span>I've st</span><span>arted Castor's stretching and strengthening routines. I'm still figuring out the details, and we're starting off slowly. </span>After we go out for a short but exhausting walk/run in the afternoon, I have him do two to three squats, i.e., have him sit and stand. I have Rob hold his walkabout harness to help ease his rear's descent, if need be. He's doing great. I reward him with carrots, of course.<br /><br />After that, I have him lay down on his left side, so I can start by stretching his right rear leg. I am reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Healthy-Way-Stretch-Your-Dog/dp/1929242549/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1285179867&sr=8-4">The Healthy Way to Stretch Your Dog</a>, a book about...well, can you guess? Since it's important to stretch when the muscles are warm, I want to work the back hip first.<br /><br />From there, I stretch his right shoulder and elbow. The I get him to flip over. (That's the hardest part!) It's not a great to flip Danes over their backs, so I have him sit up to change sides. Anyway, he's so good about it all. I'll put up some videos of specific stretches once we've seen the physical therapist at Davis. Then I'll know I'm not screwing it up. =)<br /><br />After our first session, he got super playful. Enjoy this cuteness!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6_YXHtCSwJ0?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6_YXHtCSwJ0?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object></div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Go get 'em!</span><br />Oh, yeah. Cas is back to playing. He fell once and almost a few times, but he's getting it. He's running after dogs, running after Rob, and tossing sticks around. So cute.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;" 425="" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FS3Dxm49Uoc?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FS3Dxm49Uoc?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></div><br /><br />The most popular comment pre-amp was, "you got a saddle for that thing?" (Nope, you aren't the first one to think of that. ha!) The number one comment now is, "it's only been three weeks?!" If you are facing the amputation question, it has been my experience that they figure it out. These creatures are so unbelievably resilient. You will be amazed. Certainly, if your loved one faces other challenges - arthritis, other compromised limbs, etc. - then it might not be so easy, but Castor's near blind and totally rocking it on three!<br /><br />He's been feeling so good for the past week and a half. The chemotherapy didn't cause any side effects that I noticed. The night after he seemed a bit uneasy. I thought he might be nauseated. No diarrhea, no vomiting, and no missing meals though. By day four, the Carboplatin should be out of his system too.<br /><br />For the first three to four days we had to be careful with his urine, i.e., avoid getting on our skin. The problem with that is whatever gets on his skin will inevitably get on mine. (He sleeps in my bed.) So, I had to try to keep it off him. The problem with that? He pees on cement at least once daily, and it splatters like crazy.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3d-8Ci7JrUZiBwcACnhMOaapodJFzy6MmE7s9bTarFEQAgkm4EAJMxSLLKvbgE9mv6CHZVpZj2eU8wLrgVXFPmqU1q2FlzUCU2pYoEMB6XJXEgLjG3XrWuYkpTjDkkrbGYtFP-5jGfU/s1600/Cas+rests+head+near+me+in+car.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 257px; height: 343px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3d-8Ci7JrUZiBwcACnhMOaapodJFzy6MmE7s9bTarFEQAgkm4EAJMxSLLKvbgE9mv6CHZVpZj2eU8wLrgVXFPmqU1q2FlzUCU2pYoEMB6XJXEgLjG3XrWuYkpTjDkkrbGYtFP-5jGfU/s320/Cas+rests+head+near+me+in+car.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520871849852981586" border="0" /></a><br />You should have seen me trying to get a pee pad under him outside. I followed him around in circles, hunched over, pee pad in hands. Just as he'd start to squat, I'd toss the pad down, he'd hear it, look back at me with indignation and start walking around again. It took about four times on average.<br /><br />Too bad for you, there's no video - maybe next round. It was hilarious.<br /><br />We were all happy to leave day four behind us. Without any notable problems with the chemo, he can continue getting the same dose, and we can keep kicking the S out of this cancer. Yay!<br /><br />His next treatment will be September 30th.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />(He snuggles with me in the car too! ♥)</span><br /></div>meLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05254648718835066164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791079312182959171.post-75349378414551419282010-09-15T11:52:00.000-07:002010-09-15T20:44:34.274-07:00Time for some therapy<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Days 14 and 17, mostly - Sept 6th, 9th and beyond </span></div><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Staple remover, stat.</span><br />Okay, not stat, per se, but it definitely was time to take the staples out on Monday, day 14 post-op. I have a staple remover (another artifact of my tech days) and did it myself. I planned to do it Saturday or Sunday, but I was a bit worried about the top where there was some irritation and it didn't look completely closed. The bottom was beautifully sealed and clean. Typically, they are taken out 10-14 days after surgery.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLM5PD9kM0vIa4-kmh44Q66fUE-l_uNZn6TjeGMrgSlG7nEUJuOLqf91Z33DEoYQr_Xup25InUmimM7R4fFZngc7BEuADRnNIuTEyXK5BCurZ1h_VL_iRi3QbajBqWdrEZ6TQJlKzNYsY/s1600/cas+staple+irritation+-+day+12.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 220px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLM5PD9kM0vIa4-kmh44Q66fUE-l_uNZn6TjeGMrgSlG7nEUJuOLqf91Z33DEoYQr_Xup25InUmimM7R4fFZngc7BEuADRnNIuTEyXK5BCurZ1h_VL_iRi3QbajBqWdrEZ6TQJlKzNYsY/s320/cas+staple+irritation+-+day+12.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />After noticing a little pink and bumpy irritation, I decided they may be doing more harm than good. (He's got a couple more layers of internal sutures anyway.) The staples definitely had irritated his skin in certain places, especially one area, near the middle, where I had been noticing a bit of yellow puss. It wasn't seeping from the suture so much as hanging <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjHPQRLL6OnjlFVWKFRVkyhZ76hTZrx99m5BSmWbsOHufs0MVTX5LzL1X-9qpF0WRKafHZokRDJTX_8QI6vlFoPlFxcZCFKXYr9vxu_s1U_yXznO5WZLNhjoa8oRnHJbv7pBvur48cO_M/s1600/cas+staples+and+remover.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 184px; height: 138px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjHPQRLL6OnjlFVWKFRVkyhZ76hTZrx99m5BSmWbsOHufs0MVTX5LzL1X-9qpF0WRKafHZokRDJTX_8QI6vlFoPlFxcZCFKXYr9vxu_s1U_yXznO5WZLNhjoa8oRnHJbv7pBvur48cO_M/s320/cas+staples+and+remover.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>around a bulbous skin protrusion just external to the suture. I had been warm compressing it for a couple of days, two or three times daily. It was getting better - shrinking - but still wasn't gone.<br /><br />Over the next couple of days it kept healing. All of the other areas healed up nicely. On Wednesday, Sept 8th, there was still slight discharge around the middle part. The vet could look at it the next day though.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">It's chemo time!</span><br />They say to start chemotherapy between weeks two and three post-amputation. I decided to set up an appointment with an oncologist at the <a href="http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/vmth/small_animal/oncology/default.cfm">UC Davis Small Animal Hospital</a>, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7NWHEBhAWGEdMNqvWB6qb9cxIyHne6HOZ4KoHfpIis5B8KIvDoFQqpXX0Ny00q1e_i3DziTsJBQPzHXC4WB2CNbY5JwVlkBoNqocn3AL_WUcNYVAkCcDl3DOtLdLea25sLlawomGzKU/s1600/cas+and+mel+on+way+to+davis+trip+1.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7NWHEBhAWGEdMNqvWB6qb9cxIyHne6HOZ4KoHfpIis5B8KIvDoFQqpXX0Ny00q1e_i3DziTsJBQPzHXC4WB2CNbY5JwVlkBoNqocn3AL_WUcNYVAkCcDl3DOtLdLea25sLlawomGzKU/s320/cas+and+mel+on+way+to+davis+trip+1.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>based on glowing recommendations from many vets and dog owners. Not only is the hospital state of the art, it also offers cheaper prices, a lot of personal attention, and opportunities to participate in clinical trials. At about 75 miles from home, the distance isn't so bad either.<br /><br />Robyn (aka, Dabs) drove Cas, Rob, and I in her car, so once again, I got to ride in the back with Cas. We left at 9am and returned at 7pm. Long day. Also, a successful day, so no complaints here.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Let the s</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">haking recommence</span><br />Although Castor was not pleased to be in another hospital, he seemed less terrified this time. It was probably a combination of lots of moral support and the size of the hospital diluting some of the scary smells. Less likely, he's getting more used to our visits. Regardless, I enjoyed his lack of teeth-chattering fear. (Shaking is sad but understandable. When the teeth get involved, it's heart wrenching.)<br /><br />The exam and consult was long. Long but pleasantly thorough. A senior vet student took us back to an exam room and started by getting a rather comprehensive case history on Castor, not just on his osteosarcoma but everything from puppyhood on. She was friendly, accessible, focused, and clear. After she took his vitals (e.g., weight, temp, listened to heart and chest), the oncologist, Dr. O'Brien, came in to finish the exam and discuss his treatment plan. (Exercise: If Castor weighed 136 pounds pre-amp and 130 today, how much did his left leg weigh?)<br /><br />On examining Cas, O'Brien said the, "he's in great shape," that I am, fortunately, so accustomed to hearing. His suture site looked mostly great too, aside from that bit of puss that wouldn't leave. He'll be enjoying a 10-day course of Clavamox now. (Weee...more antibiotics! [that's sarcasm tinged with gratitude.])<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Our drug of choice</span><br />On to the chemo options. Basically, I could do none, do Carboplatin once every three weeks for six treatments, or participate in a clinical trial. The trial was monitoring dogs receiving either six doses of Carboplatin (as in my second option) or alternating doses of Carboplatin and Doxorubicin (Doxo) for a total of six treatments. Were Cas to participate, one of the two tracks would be randomly assigned to him. Unfortunately, there was no discount involved, and unfortunately the second, Doxo can have, usually after 6 doses, negative side-effects on the heart. Since Great Danes are already prone to having heart problems, he would have to have an ultra sound on his heart pre-treatment.<br /><br />All in all, I left the conversation with nothing in the pros column for Doxo. In answer to my questioning, O'Brien said that there was no difference in survival rates between the two drugs noted in the current literature. Plus, Doxo is a bit trickier to administer. It requires an IV drip and can be very bad if it doesn't go directly into the vein. Worst case could lead to amputation. Of course, this has never happened there and is probably very rare. Still, another con for Doxorubicin.<br /><br />Beyond that study, Jen had heard about a current clinical trial at Davis involving inhalant chemotherapy administered to post-amp osteosarcoma dogs. I asked O'Brien about it, but there were drawbacks to this study as well. On the good side, most of the treatment would be free. It is a purely experimental study using chemo administered as an inhalant, because osteosarcoma generally presents secondarily in the lungs. There were no previous data to look at though. Also, the doctor running the study is out of town until October. We all thought it best not to delay Castor's chemo.<br /><br />So, I decided between the Carboplatin and the Carb/Doxo clinical trial. It seemed the only benefit to the trial was to be of service to the veterinary community. I definitely considered that when making my decision; however, given the heart concern and the potential added expense of the ultra sound, I opted to go with my original plan.<br /><br />Honestly, by the time I went to the first oncologist, Dr. Cadille, I was pretty informed and tentatively set on a path for treatment - amputation and chemotherapy. I spent the week after Castor's (pretty sure) diagnosis reading a lot about osteosarcoma and speaking with Jen about surgical options. (Not to mention all the research that Dabs did, as well.) Still, I imagine that without that research, I would have felt sufficiently informed at the end of this Davis consult to make a confident decision on how to proceed.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Carboplatin, it is. So, now what?</span><br />After deciding on Carboplatin, we went into the side-effects. O'Brien reiterated the positive news that 85% of dogs experience no visible side-effects. The other 15% experience some nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. Maybe 1% end up in the hospital. (For those of you who like anecdotal evidence, she'd only seen that at Davis twice, and they treat a lot of dogs.)<br /><br />What's the difference? Why don't they lose all their hair and end up sick-as-hell, in bed until it's over? Well, she said, we treat dogs' cancer differently than humans. We worry more about quality of life, not wanting to sacrifice happy time for more time alive but feeling miserably. It makes sense, given the significantly smaller life spans of dogs than humans. The trade-off, I suppose, is that in humans we strive to eradicate the cancer. In dogs, perhaps, we just look to slow it down. Still, I think there is room for us, as humans, to give a little more weight to the quality of life issue when treating cancer in other humans. (There was an excellent New Yorker article, <a href="http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/08/02/100802fa_fact_gawande">Letting Go</a>, about this a few months ago.)<br /><br />As for the potential, mostly gastrointestinal side-effects, they gave me Metronidazole (aka, flagyl) and Metoclopramide (aka, reglan) in case of diarrhea and vomiting, respectively. If he is to suffer these problems, it should happen around day three. If not, yay!<br /><br />So, I am to monitor his mood, bowels, and desire to eat and let them know, at our next visit, if anything was out of the ordinary.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">My dog is not average</span><br />That brings me to a topic I've already touched on, namely, <span style="font-style: italic;">median survival rates</span>. Vets love to talk to me about this, it seems. (And it's not because they know I'm a mathematician. Rob inquired about the distribution of the data after O'Brien said, "median," and she backed away from the Land of Math very cautiously, perhaps so as not to arouse its predatory instincts by turning and running.) For completeness's sake, I'll say that O'Brien observed the survival rates of dogs with osteosarcoma after diagnosis as being:<br /><ul><li>0-3 months without treatment; dog dies from pain, usually after breaking their bone</li><li>3-6 months with amputation and no chemo; dog usually dies from lung cancer</li><li>12 months with amputation and chemo</li></ul>How do <span style="font-style: italic;">I</span> interpret these numbers? Well, I assume my boy will have<span style="font-weight: bold;"> total remission</span>. Period. If you want another anecdote, one that I find particularly useful, check out <a href="http://nova.tripawds.com/">Nova the Great Dane</a>. Her 19-month ampuversary was in June, and her lungs are still clear. You see, a median is just a certain type of average. A median survival rate of 12 months means that half of the dogs lived less than a year and half of them lived longer. It's that simple. There is no reason to assume Cas will fall on either side of that line, so I believe he'll follow after Nova. (Planting seeds of joy, remember?)<br /><br />For instance, at the time of writing up one study of 35 dogs with osteosarcoma who were treated with Carboplatin and Doxo, 7 dogs were still free of lesions and 24 died from metastases. The median survival time of this study was 320 days. The longest surviving dog at that time, then still metastasis-free, was at 974 days post-amputation.<br /><br />A median is a prophecy, not a prescription.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Will this tea and essence of flower cure my dog's cancer?</span><br />I only jest. Really, I had plenty of things to talk about besides the chemo drugs. I want to make sure I do everything possible to help my dog's battle be won. Of course, a teaching veterinarian at UC Davis will have different views than, say, the Great Dane Lady, but the more opinions, especially differing ones, the better, right?<br /><br />I'll be honest; I am a skeptic. That's who I am, and I love that about myself. I want to believe that people have cured cancer with many things, even an alkaline diet, but (in the case of alkaline diet, anyway) I tend to believe it was something else entirely. I have not been presented with evidence that a person's (or dog's) alkalinity can be altered enough to affect cancer cells, nor that feeding them no carbohydrates will starve their cancer cells but keep the others healthy. I will try herbal, holistic, or alternative (take your pick) treatments, but I do expect some evidence, some data, some something to show it's viable. Something, in fact, more than testimonials on the internet. (Sorry, but I know the difference between science and anecdotes. Both great for different things.)<br /><br />Over the past few weeks, I have read or been told about many different cancer-defeating weapons and some supplements and treatments that just support bone and overall health. For instance, among other things, people have recommended I try:<br /><ul><li>high-fat, high-protein, low-carb diet</li> <li>alkaline diet</li> <li>Essiac tea</li> <li>Milk Thistle Dandelion (non-alcohol formula only for pets)</li> <li>Yucca</li> <li>Vitamin D</li> <li>probiotics</li> <li>accupuncture</li> <li>physical therapy</li></ul>So, I asked Dr. O'Brien, as well as others, their take on some of them. Her responses, to quickly paraphrase, were the diets are crap. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Physical therapy</span> is a great idea. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Accupuncture</span> may help with his pain, but everyone thought he wasn't actually in pain anymore. "His pain is gone now," the senior student said. (She was very sweet and helpful.) I stopped his Tramadol (pain med given post-surgery) a day prior, and I am stopping his Metacam (an NSAID) for the time being. I'll just be using it as needed, if I see limping, etc., which I don't anticipate.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Milk Thistle Dandelion (MTD) </span>is actually used by them sometimes (in a drug mixture) for liver support; however, Carboplatin isn't filtered through the liver (like Doxo) but through the kidneys (or "the kids," as I affectionately refer to them). So, while it wouldn't hurt and in some cases does help, his liver is functioning great and none of his drugs are liver-taxing. Thus, no MTD for Castor yet. <strong>Probiotics</strong> are fine too, unless he's having bad diarrhea, in which case some docs opt to not risk the "good gut bacteria" getting outside of their domain via the blood system. No one really knows if they're good elsewhere in the body.<br /><br />For diet, most commonly you will see "<span style="font-weight: bold;">high-fat, high-protein</span>." The idea is that carbs feed cancer cells, so you want to try to starve them a bit. The problem? All cells feed on carbs. So, per Cadille and O'Brien, theoretically it makes sense, but practically, there's no data to support it helping in a fight against cancer. At all. However, independent of this topic, I had decided to switch Castor from Innova to Canine Caviar after finding out that Proctor & Gamble bought Innova. (P&G have been longtime animal experimenters, which I do not support.) Canine Caviar (CC) seems to be a great, whole food-type, "holistic" and independently run brand. There are other great brands for sure, but I chose this one.<br /><br />I started Castor's transition to CC right after finding out about his tumor, and before knowing the facts, so I chose the high-fat, high-protein <a href="http://www.caninecaviar.com/Venision%20And%20Split%20Pea.aspx">Venison and Split Pea</a> formula, which really lives up to its name (caviar prices!). No vet I've asked has heard of Canine Caviar, but I was told the ingredients sound great. ("Really high fat and protein though.") O'Brien and others have said Innova is a great food too. After Castor's slight post-op picky-ness, I decided to continue feeding him half-Innova, half-CC for the time being. I may switch to something altogether different in the near future. Not sure yet, though. For now, they're both great foods, and he is tolerating the high-fat and protein in the CC.<br /><br />Assuming he's getting a complete diet, which he is, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Vitamin D</span> is not necessary. In fact, I was told that it can cause problems if he gets too much. No Vitamin D - check.<br /><br />As for <span style="font-weight: bold;">Essiac Tea</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Yucca</span>, these are two of the go-to alternative medicine (or whatever you want to call it) cancer remedies. My mom tends to lead me down this path and she has had success using such options on many of her animals for many years, including her dog who died of osteosarcoma. (Yes, this is an anecdote, plus it's from my mom. How biased can I get, huh?) So far, I haven't been told negative things about either. I intend to investigate, at least yucca, further soon. I'm most likely try these two alternative options on Castor thus far. I picked up some Essiac but haven't used it yet. As for yucca, the Canine Caviar I'm feeding happens to contain it already.<br /><br />Finally, as I hinted to earlier, the<span style="font-weight: bold;"> alkaline diet</span> seems, from my reading and conversations with vets, to be bogus. The body regulates it alkalinity to be within certain bounds. That can't be overridden, nor would we be necessarily dandy-er if it could be. No evidence to support and lots of evidence to the contrary equals me think hogwash.<br /><br />The take-home message for supplements and food was feed a complete diet, don't let him gain weight (cause he's perfect now), and be careful with antioxidant-type supplements. The thing is that they help prevent cellular breakdown, but that's exactly what we're going<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmec9tgleaqVBfPSCPVE1pY_KaBWCZJBwaBdhhQiHmERe-GVWH9kGfOrkMzi9NEtN0BE_9RQCGH5Hvh6vTCQOUCHMobUdt836tlpV1EooUALIOxGldaadrO8DGtaCZeHLDa3hqVrMjKxU/s1600/cas+mel+rubs+6sep10.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmec9tgleaqVBfPSCPVE1pY_KaBWCZJBwaBdhhQiHmERe-GVWH9kGfOrkMzi9NEtN0BE_9RQCGH5Hvh6vTCQOUCHMobUdt836tlpV1EooUALIOxGldaadrO8DGtaCZeHLDa3hqVrMjKxU/s320/cas+mel+rubs+6sep10.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> for now. We want to breakdown the cancer cells. So,<span style="font-weight: bold;"> lay off the antioxidants</span> for a while!<br /><br />I did set up an appointment with a <span style="font-weight: bold;">physical therapist</span>. The vet and student raved about her! It is great to at least consult with a pt for your pet's new tripawd life. There are lots of home stretching and strength training that can greatly benefit them. I plan to start Castor's therapy and work-out regime right after our consult. More on that later<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Blood, x-rays, and drugs</span><br />We left Castor with them for the treatment. It would take a couple of hours. They have to take chest rads (x-rays) to get a baseline for future sets. He will have two more sets taken during his six treatments. This set came out as clear as the last, i.e., very. (YAYAYAYA!!!!)<br /><br />He also had a blood panel done. His blood looks great. Better than most, she says. =) He will have to have a CBC (complete blood count) done 10-14 days after this treatment. It's done to monitor his white blood cells, making sure they don't drop too low (i.e., neutropenia).<br /><br />The Carbolplatin was then administered into his vein (no need for an IV drip with this one, remember).<br /><br />We picked him up about 4pm. He came running out, tail a-wag! He adjusted so quickly to life on three. Everyone was impressed by his resiliency.<br /><br />They said he was a fantastic patient! (I am not surprised.) We picked up his scripts, paid the bill (ouch, but not super ouch), and set up another appointment for the 30th.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hRdUQi11guFZky0GqMlSNyrdheJ2drTldl4AXRb1QqI0DJDL28VZGW8nupJAIke84L6q4edGLqLCZVgb7ORqZykNKXpjrI8z93BN7x2QIYNIfcrHYoP3jH7AE8b2Gtik_TXbscKhPVA/s1600/cas+in+harness+park+7sep10.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 208px; height: 156px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hRdUQi11guFZky0GqMlSNyrdheJ2drTldl4AXRb1QqI0DJDL28VZGW8nupJAIke84L6q4edGLqLCZVgb7ORqZykNKXpjrI8z93BN7x2QIYNIfcrHYoP3jH7AE8b2Gtik_TXbscKhPVA/s320/cas+in+harness+park+7sep10.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>On the way out, we spoke with the physical therapist briefly. She said it sounded like we were doing well, except for one thing. Oh, the horror on her face when we mentioned the 12 stairs at home. "I would move," she said. Simple, direct. Okay, I guess we'll look into it. For now, with his <a href="http://www.ruffwear.com/Web-Master-Harness?sc=2&category=1131">Ruff Wear</a> harness (How cute is he in it?!) and the <a href="http://www.walkaboutharnesses.com/harnesses/">Walkabout harness</a> for his rear that we just ordered (by her recommendation), Rob and I pretty much carry him up and down. He floats along the steps carrying between 0 and 15% of his weight. Good enough for now. (My boy hops <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">and</span> flies!!)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Always Questioning</span><br />One more thing. (I promise.) As a former vet tech, I appreciate being able to have meaningful, informative discourse with vet professionals about my boy. I got that from my first trip to Davis, as well as my discussions with Dr. Cadille and Dr. Wright<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTs3F9Hq31tLg0F927LZpC2ff5rMvWZVhF_xjxZLd3Xu-51ybpyfactvSZnA8i-QAR0YF0mIisQlFRF-bwb-FOiugr4bFg9NoZmVRhMs_aPSYw-G7zi1P1ssFC9-Sl73aXZwvgWgAPg0/s1600/cas+mel+park+in+harness+7sep10.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTs3F9Hq31tLg0F927LZpC2ff5rMvWZVhF_xjxZLd3Xu-51ybpyfactvSZnA8i-QAR0YF0mIisQlFRF-bwb-FOiugr4bFg9NoZmVRhMs_aPSYw-G7zi1P1ssFC9-Sl73aXZwvgWgAPg0/s320/cas+mel+park+in+harness+7sep10.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>. (Thank you all!) I can't say enough about making sure, if you ever go through something as involved and important as this, that you understand what your doctors are telling you. They are there for you; in fact, you're paying them for that support. So, don't ever feel bad about asking more questions, even the same ones again!<br /><br />There was once, that I can remember now, that I felt my question was not answered at all by O'Brien; it was a little far afield though, so I let it go. (I was curious as to the different mechanisms of the two drugs of choice for osteosarcoma. So, alas, I am still curious, but those answers can wait.) Other than that, I feel very informed and supported. I have had all of my (many many) questions answered. I even email O'Brien and Cadille to ask more questions as they arise. They always get back to me quickly.<br /><br />I never agreed that, "there are no stupid questions." Sometimes questions do seem stupid to those you're asking. So what? Sometimes people get sick of answering your questions. True story. And? That's fine. What's most stupid is making decisions based on information you still have questions about. If your doctor doesn't answer you or gives you reasons to feel uncomfortable asking, find a better doctor. So, speak up. Ask your questions.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Any questions?</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWh_eIYzPJQMPyijvKc13OkCRDHtpQK74p5IUreD0eMUKgzi9WEecEXtHhtVWKIjo-WAyUvOZxIHtq7e8zflBuBdJz1B-UDJ5aGtrcy-E2XyE1xSsSkwj7UE0NL5_nLAWNqcOQAqRrzxo/s1600/cas+tongue+lick+5sep10.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWh_eIYzPJQMPyijvKc13OkCRDHtpQK74p5IUreD0eMUKgzi9WEecEXtHhtVWKIjo-WAyUvOZxIHtq7e8zflBuBdJz1B-UDJ5aGtrcy-E2XyE1xSsSkwj7UE0NL5_nLAWNqcOQAqRrzxo/s320/cas+tongue+lick+5sep10.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></div><br />______________________________________________________________<br /><br />p.s. - Here is the report I mentioned above, if you're interested: Kent, M. S., Strom, A., London, C. A. and Seguin, B. (2004), Alternating Carboplatin and Doxorubicin as Adjunctive Chemotherapy to Amputation or Limb-Sparing Surgery in the Treatment of Appendicular Osteosarcoma in Dogs. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 18: 540–544. doi: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2004.tb02582.x (Enjoy!)meLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05254648718835066164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791079312182959171.post-84518643025626021352010-09-10T22:03:00.000-07:002010-09-12T13:37:25.594-07:00Everything's coming up roses...period.I guess it's time to create another bead; Castor had his first chemo treatment Thursday.<br /><br />Oh, yeah, the bead talk probably needs some explaining. Please forgive me a seeming digression from the Land of Castor.<br /><br />As I've mentioned, I themed my last yoga class around life as constant change and brought our focus to the transitions. Many describe Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, near 200 sweet aphorisms which, taken together, systematize Raja Yoga, as the threads of a mala. Sutra translates as thread. I find this metaphor animates a beautiful approach to a spiritual practice.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL67qdkTJyqHf8_afjeYhWAKYiKD3gm_tH5utJ2e1ihm8BPq-D8eImPvcq0nrJpFquUBK0_a9Wa60i5yQ2m12R3GUcFkY5lQnSOF7sonwGEVgw5tT9vUXxtCWiczdGgtWGSRjgNK2b-gU/s1600/mala+on+altar.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL67qdkTJyqHf8_afjeYhWAKYiKD3gm_tH5utJ2e1ihm8BPq-D8eImPvcq0nrJpFquUBK0_a9Wa60i5yQ2m12R3GUcFkY5lQnSOF7sonwGEVgw5tT9vUXxtCWiczdGgtWGSRjgNK2b-gU/s320/mala+on+altar.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515714239102852946" border="0" /></a><br />The sutras are so bare - many of them not complete sentences - so as to be elegantly universal. The practitioner gets to imbue the teachings with specifics, with texture, with herself. One gets to put their beads onto this thread, creating a unique path. ("Truth is one. Paths are many.")<br /><br />In this time of change and even chaos in my life, I see the mala in a slightly different way. Each of our lives are continuous, unique entities floating around in this ecstatic universe. They each fumble around, soaring and falling into and around each other. Sometimes we come together, often we never meet. The Yoga Sutras, or any other spiritual teaching one follows, provide us a path, some guidance on our ups and downs and back and forthing. As are our lives, the threads of Yoga are traveled continuously.<br /><br />As humans, however, we love to interpret time discretely. We have "the big moments," those moments we label as important, as devastating, as life-altering. These are like the beads on our mala. They are the revealing moments with which we decorate our lives. In the past, many of mine were colored in tones of regret and shades of anger.<br /><br />I will never forget the time my mom picked me up from high school. A non-exceptional Wednesday. I got quickly into her car, a half-blue, half-primer gray Camero with T-tops and the word "Fluffy" painted in primer gray on the rear left side. (Thank you, mom's boyfriend.)<br /><br />Immediately, I knew something was wrong. It was probably what my mom didn't say to greet me. Then I noticed her red eyes. She'd been crying. A lot.<br /><br />I was not surprised by her words, which seems odd to me now. Perhaps I just don't remember my surprise. "It's your dad." That's all I needed to hear. He was gone. I was in shock - no tears, few words, even fewer breaths. He was gone. It was really happening this time.<br /><br />What does this mean? What do I say now? What should I do?<br /><br />"Surreal" comes to mind, now that I know that word. Back then, at 17 and still living in Englewood, CO, I just fumbled with my, "what happened?," and other such nonsense. He fell down, hit his head on the coffee table, and bled to death. I know it sounds rough, but unfortunately, there's no way to make a death like that sound peaceful and clean. He had been drinking. More precisely, he was drunk.<br /><br />The most unfortunate part? He died alone, and I wish more than anything I could have been there to comfort him. He was living by himself, about four hours from my house. A life-altering moment.<br /><br />On August 13th, a seemingly normal Friday afternoon, I put the most recent bead onto my thread. More upsetting words. "It looks like cancer." Followed by more shock and more questions.<br /><br />What now? What do I do for him? ... You get the idea.<br /><br />This time was different though. He's not gone. Though I spent the first day and night grieving, I have spent all of my time since then spending time with him. He's not gone. Grieving him has no place here now.<br /><br />What I have learned from that 15-year old bead to this one is, well, a lot. Specifically, I've learned that, "The big moments are gonna come. You can't help that. It's what you do afterwards that counts. That's when you find out who you are." (Joss Whedon via Whistler in BtVS)<br /><br />So, yes, we like to decorate our malas with beads. Sometimes pretty and, in my past, all too often melancholy. We get to <span style="font-style: italic;">choose</span> them though. Now, I try to cultivate a strong, serene thread with tiny, beautiful beads, accenting but not weighing down my loyal thread.<br /><br />Thich Nhat Hanh, a Buddhist teacher, encourages us to ask, "what's not wrong?," as we pass through our uncertain days, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp2aEpPA06M6PgpBhDjsBYEYGBhpFtFJnhSyFK9byRYgQ0_Xm-Jlh4aoVK2BOnZY6IkkbOWG-7qUMThwZ-htCtNKev873uKgGmAY1Tpfirpeg_qkOyvQvMMBDijKoK1je7pGcpPKnPQuA/s1600/cas+and+mel+on+way+to+davis+trip+1.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp2aEpPA06M6PgpBhDjsBYEYGBhpFtFJnhSyFK9byRYgQ0_Xm-Jlh4aoVK2BOnZY6IkkbOWG-7qUMThwZ-htCtNKev873uKgGmAY1Tpfirpeg_qkOyvQvMMBDijKoK1je7pGcpPKnPQuA/s320/cas+and+mel+on+way+to+davis+trip+1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515714231459868146" border="0" /></a> planting seeds of joy not pain. Though I created a new bead for Castor and the Big C, it is not an ugly moment I remember with anger or regret. I remember a gift. I was presented with the opportunity to do for Castor what I could not do for my dad. I will hold him through this transition. I will, with immense gratitude, comfort him through all of his remaining stages of life. And, by goddess, I will plant seeds of healing and optimism.<br /><br />As we begin the next phase of his treatment, chemotherapy, I remind myself that real living is continuous, is breathing, is moving from one place to the next. First we walk, then we hop. Nothing wrong with that. As long as I am supporting Castor, as long as that is what I do next, I will enjoy finding out who I am.<br /><br />Everything's coming up roses. That's all there is to it.meLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05254648718835066164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791079312182959171.post-54171882283767044612010-09-06T17:38:00.000-07:002010-09-11T19:48:10.077-07:00Home is where three paws meet cement<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Day 10 - September 2nd</span><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXz_1ajRafasvs026Omz4CJ1RoD8rd3zHqJpf9nMcKMeJ8c0aiT8btBe57KUQW5nxJSKsyBjfUWgAR4PoAATijcQEZoOy8DYAr-5LtUqin6yhd2rWcjJbO5bvADHCVADCPO-rljyQ29E/s1600/cas+bed+hog+-+day+10.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 178px; height: 237px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXz_1ajRafasvs026Omz4CJ1RoD8rd3zHqJpf9nMcKMeJ8c0aiT8btBe57KUQW5nxJSKsyBjfUWgAR4PoAATijcQEZoOy8DYAr-5LtUqin6yhd2rWcjJbO5bvADHCVADCPO-rljyQ29E/s320/cas+bed+hog+-+day+10.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514727075133191874" border="0" /></a>It's also where the ♥ is, of course. And the Castor...<br /><br />After a short night's sleep, we awoke ready to tackle the day.<br /><br />Ok, so that's me talking with my thinking-positive hat on. I was tired. And Castor, well, he was enjoying most of the bed. I slept better than<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6h2PZ0m4x10o9HcgFMM0wtJQ9eD3tHCB9a3vZEAQk6gOK7StKZMxuFQ5k9sOWdjzBJQe6YwW2PZTDnNB_Knu1WMRxclZ73kVhxeD4K_iO73giAD0bkdLmipS-5nZsnAcxXGU1LYvpg2M/s1600/cas+bed+hog+my+space+-+day+10.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 146px; height: 195px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6h2PZ0m4x10o9HcgFMM0wtJQ9eD3tHCB9a3vZEAQk6gOK7StKZMxuFQ5k9sOWdjzBJQe6YwW2PZTDnNB_Knu1WMRxclZ73kVhxeD4K_iO73giAD0bkdLmipS-5nZsnAcxXGU1LYvpg2M/s320/cas+bed+hog+my+space+-+day+10.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514727087925075266" border="0" /></a> you would think after seeing the room Cas left for me. (Yep, this is exactly how we slept. I had that space to the left of his bum. He's so generous, huh?)<br /><br />I'm so happy to have this little bed hog still by my side, though.<br /><br />Before adventures with Cas, it was time for me to teach yoga at Laughing Lotus. It was very healing to create a class designed around the theme of living in transitions. It was also healthy to focus on non-Castor beings for a couple of hours. Plus, I had everyone do a bunch of 3-legged dogs, in honor of my boy. Cute.<br /><br />Afterward, I headed home. Time for stairs, cement, and hills. Bring it.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br />Thank </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><s>god</s> </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">me he's trained</span><br />There are commands Castor learned that I knew were important. "Sit," "stay," and "slow down" come to mind. Now, some are essential. Think: "go potty," "step," and "up." Perhaps the latter two need some explaining.<br /><br />This January, after a trip to Santa Barbara during which Cas seemed trepidatious and rather clumsy, we went to see an eye doctor. He was diagnosed with progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). The vet estimated he had about 10% vision left. It's gotten worse since, though his growly cuteness the other day (see last blog entry) proved to me he still sees something. Not much though.<br /><br />You will notice that Castor's eyes are glowing <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0x0zMpTRY3W7pi1x9_XvxnFAhAR6SpmTGqv78ZnYZ8MgB8XPCH9h3J43oP0zeYsSm8ZWiZhbX6XSxB9_-M0zLzAC236edXFrVWs2Mut3CwiF_Zp2BYcwGWzw8cxXXFEHYwVuj6gzMf4/s1600/cas+bath+time+glow+eyes.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0x0zMpTRY3W7pi1x9_XvxnFAhAR6SpmTGqv78ZnYZ8MgB8XPCH9h3J43oP0zeYsSm8ZWiZhbX6XSxB9_-M0zLzAC236edXFrVWs2Mut3CwiF_Zp2BYcwGWzw8cxXXFEHYwVuj6gzMf4/s320/cas+bath+time+glow+eyes.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514757308716623682" border="0" /></a>bright green in his bath time picture. Rather than absorbing light, his retina reflect light. This had been going on for quite a while before I noticed him having trouble seeing. During a sunny day out, for him it's dark as night.<br /><br />On the way home from the ophthalmologist, to help him see better in the house, we purchased several new lamps.<br /><br />The next month, our electricity bill doubled.<br /><br />And so, I officially became Castor's seeing eye human seven months ago. I had to train myself to be his guide. I still let him be off leash most of the time. He listens when I tell him slow down, wait, and over here. And he would never step into the street without me. How he knows he's reached the corner, I still don't know. I learned to pay close attention to him and his surroundings.<br /><br />The important additions to our language became words for stepping up and down. I chose "up," for obvious reasons, and "step," because "down" was already taken. (I didn't want him to lay down at the end of a sidewalk, after all.) A few weeks later and with the addition of gentle tugs on his collar, it was impossible for most to notice he was nearly blind.<br /><br />Except, of course, for those unfortunate few who he runs straight into at the dog run. They know. Zero serious injuries, so far. =)<br /><br />With his new challenges, I am grateful that we've overcome the lack-of-sight obstacle. The biggest difficulty his vision presents now is that it's not easy for him to adjust to new environments. So, the idea of moving to a new place without stairs, for instance, is not without it's drawbacks. Also, the new ramp for my car is a very mixed bag for him (see: below).<br /><br />All in all, I have never been so proud of myself for his training. It's one thing to show off a dog that won't beg at Holiday gatherings. It's another to support a highly adaptable, confident tripawd. Soon, we'll review and relearn "down dog," but for now, I'm letting him get used to hopping around. He's already got being adorable down.<br /><br />(Note: Jen was invaluable during the first year of training. Without her mentorship, the inevitable and tiresome, "who's walking who?," questions would be justifiable.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Down we go. On three...</span><br />Our Castro apartment comes complete with fantastic bay windows and is filled with beautiful things and thriving plants. Unfortunately, one must climb twelve marble stairs to enjoy it. This morning Castor had to find his way back down on three.<br /><br />Thankfully, there were four sets of hands to help. If just for reassurance, Castor, and perhaps I, needed them. It went ok. We got him down safely, averting his first plan to jump down about six stairs in one giant leap.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/quEkreKpFX8?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/quEkreKpFX8?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object></div><br /><br />Thank you hands! Along with hands, however, there were also four human mouths creating a bit too much audible chaos for the boy (and you, the viewer?). Hence my newly adopted only-meL-talks-to-Castor rule. This has been a successful dictatorial decision so far, if I do say so myself.<br /><br />All teasing myself aside, it was just too much having everyone try to give Castor commands. He was frozen with confusion. He listens best to me and loves to please, so we all agreed it was the way to go. The stairs are getting easier and easier as we learn how best to help him.<br /><br />Going down is easier on his rear legs and tougher on his fear of falling. When he climbs up, I try to take weight out of his rear leg. Hear wears a ruff ready harness now, so that we can lift some of his weight off of his joints. There's a delicate balance to find where we help but don't freak him out. He still has to feel grounded on his own three paws.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Gawd, a ramp too?!</span><br />We decided a ramp was the way to go for getting Cas into my car. The one we found, however, is only 17 inches wide. Not wide enough. He kept stepping off the side and usually ended up clawing his way to the top. You can check out the drama for yourself. This first time was actually not one of the worst attempts.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Nv3R9Tc3gaw?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Nv3R9Tc3gaw?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object></div><br /><br />Still, I decided pretty quickly to ditch the ramp. I just park perpendicular to the street now, rear tires to the curb, and help lift his rear into the car. It's quicker, more familiar, and my beetle isn't too far up from the ground. The way out is even easier. I support his chest with my arms, and let him down easy. It's like giving him a big, arduous hug. No more ramp.<br /><br />I will look for a wider ramp for times when we need something, but for everyday trips (i.e., the everyday trips to the park we'll be having now), it'll be a quick hop in and out.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The grass is always greener at the park</span><br />At least all of this effort was getting us somewhere fun. We ended up at Dolores Park. He was happy to be in grass again. We found a nice shady area to sit in. There was a sweet couple sitting <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFKzL1n2-a_igYtFckZwY_-9cQKbhjeZRIaLee7tPDS9eZwzQb1xEZuHNZJVPhUo0grrHlFX9K_UlCkf55OGzEe2YJz5OxFjwMvUT3VD9FhlyLui1-fAsnd6ie4ncKmZZ5qyJYaq4EBY/s1600/cas+mel+dolores+park+-+day+10.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 215px; height: 161px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFKzL1n2-a_igYtFckZwY_-9cQKbhjeZRIaLee7tPDS9eZwzQb1xEZuHNZJVPhUo0grrHlFX9K_UlCkf55OGzEe2YJz5OxFjwMvUT3VD9FhlyLui1-fAsnd6ie4ncKmZZ5qyJYaq4EBY/s320/cas+mel+dolores+park+-+day+10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514775677476999874" border="0" /></a>nearby inquiring about Castor's situation and recovery (you can see them in the background of the picture to the right). Almost immediately, he demonstrated his ability to poop on three legs.<br /><br />Yep. Rob even caught it on video by accident. Again, I'll spare you the images. They understood, of course, and we were all happy he went.<br /><br />We spent some loving time in the ridiculously warm (for San Francisco) weather. Mom, Matt, Rob, Cas, and I breathing, laughing, and <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYit7ZuRmx8z9yNriHHaJJ1YC27cSZL8QPSVm2wGjiSveYHmvG8AORfYZWRf1nDXJBVBXFNQj1PqMbLeSu6wsBDFuXfw8G-cY1khY6Ion0-pp1e6BbdBbm6JqhCdD6tJg2VKhSR2O12OI/s1600/cas+mel+park+-+day+10.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 188px; height: 251px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYit7ZuRmx8z9yNriHHaJJ1YC27cSZL8QPSVm2wGjiSveYHmvG8AORfYZWRf1nDXJBVBXFNQj1PqMbLeSu6wsBDFuXfw8G-cY1khY6Ion0-pp1e6BbdBbm6JqhCdD6tJg2VKhSR2O12OI/s320/cas+mel+park+-+day+10.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514774683710046322" border="0" /></a>appreciating each other. Well, Castor didn't laugh so much <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8wM6GrtOoNOi7p3JtCS43PR2cwbf2-L2G7_Ez5Wxza3RVuwcQxPT5lH-c8jsIf9-e5hbDXUyLMWQ3iBq7VTDiKr-uWMVneiyZZC3y_ssFqoyunFAbqvCIQT3Zee_WdgacFL8RDdDzak/s1600/cas+gma+kiss+-+day+10.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 145px; height: 193px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8wM6GrtOoNOi7p3JtCS43PR2cwbf2-L2G7_Ez5Wxza3RVuwcQxPT5lH-c8jsIf9-e5hbDXUyLMWQ3iBq7VTDiKr-uWMVneiyZZC3y_ssFqoyunFAbqvCIQT3Zee_WdgacFL8RDdDzak/s320/cas+gma+kiss+-+day+10.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514774665733004946" border="0" /></a>as grunt. But I know that's his way of saying he's pleased.<br /><br />After a couple of hours, we headed back. The adjusting is so much more pleasant surrounded by family.<br /><br />At home, I gave Cas a long massage, and put an ice pack on his left hip. The swelling is gone. The bruising is gone. He is down to 50-100mg of tramadol once to twice daily, and almost over his 14 day Cephalexin course (antibiotics). I will take his staples out on Monday.<br /><br />Time to start setting up the first chemo appointment. I still have to decide between VSA in San Mateo (pricey but sweet Dr.), UC Davis (cheaper and maybe some clinical trials), and a practice in Los Angeles (very far => more car rides => ugh).<br /><br />I'm leaning towards UC Davis at this point. We're supposed to start 2-3 weeks post-op. Stay tuned.meLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05254648718835066164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791079312182959171.post-19781074918900938592010-09-03T17:48:00.000-07:002010-09-06T17:41:25.998-07:00On the road again, again<div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Days 8 & 9 - August 31st and September 1st<br /></div><br />The blogging has been a bit stopped, because readjusting to SF and having multiple visitors have taken my full attention. I'm back now. Let's catch up! (Note: I have uploaded, possibly too many, videos to my youtube channel, bespeakmel. Some are embedded in my posts, but there are more, if you just can't get enough. ha!)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47farY5pfF7oPQENjm6ZqoJUd0GeXx6E-br93IM9XlZxuQyPXTEJpvpb-uJ7Mh8Vqw1W_yEHIO3gfrS2J6q7xP8vWuhUTbRDgog07XUpUvhLr9sRgE7AWbcWsjynlYykHorKRaEiQtMQ/s1600/Cas+bruising+-+day+8.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 191px; height: 144px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47farY5pfF7oPQENjm6ZqoJUd0GeXx6E-br93IM9XlZxuQyPXTEJpvpb-uJ7Mh8Vqw1W_yEHIO3gfrS2J6q7xP8vWuhUTbRDgog07XUpUvhLr9sRgE7AWbcWsjynlYykHorKRaEiQtMQ/s320/Cas+bruising+-+day+8.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513892482580144754" border="0" /></a><br />Castor's recovery is going fantastically still. His bruising is almost gone. He's hopping happily around the yard and house. He's demanding attention. In a cute way, of course. I've started giving him only 2 tramadols twice daily (down from 2.5 pills three times daily, right after surgery).<br /><br />Me? Well, I'm hanging in there. I think the constantly being on guard and at Jen's finally started to get to me on Tuesday. And then there was the imminent departure thing.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Let the ughing...er, transitioning begin</span><br />Ugh. That about sums it up.<br /><br />Castor and I have become really comfortable here in Santa Ynez. The grass, the friends, the animals, the pleasing dry air (the last one is to be read sarcastically). And now, it's time to go back to our little home in the hilly city. (duh duh duhhh...)<br /><br />Yesterday, I started feeling pretty irritable and more than a bit nervous. I have done a hell of a job at staying grounded and cheerful through the transition from quadru to tri. This new transition, from grassy space to marble stairs, is really testing my inner peace though. Also, I'm reaching exhaustion at this point.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/82XCw3x-Vxo?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/82XCw3x-Vxo?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object></div><br />As Castor soaked up the last day with his Auntie Jen, I worried about him adjusting to life in the city. We sat on the grass for several hours yesterday. Our only concern was the sodding flies, a small price to pay for the beautiful breeze and gentle sun also keeping us company. The simple sounds of horses nickering and leaves shuffling soothed me. And Castor's silly growl gave me the giggles.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="250" width="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/eQ53WGTPvnE?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/eQ53WGTPvnE?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="250" width="300"></embed></object></div><br /><br />I love those sweet moments when I am grateful for the oft-unnoticed pulses of life. (Thank you, life!)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Ready or not</span><br />Matt came back to pick us up on Wednesday morning. Cas greeted him with wags and kisses. I did a good job greeting him with smiles, despite my rising stress level. It's good to have such understanding, loving help. I can support Castor, but without my friends, I might not be holding myself up too well at this point.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/J5hSmwjW32s?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/J5hSmwjW32s?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object></div><br /><br />So, we loaded up the Bug. Just like our first big move together to Madison, sans the kitties. I made a pillowed palace for him in the back, and we put all of our stuff on the luggage racks. Off we go!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Are we there yet?</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2FEWj8XFV3Tml4qXm5DZT67bAmpJ4KiGcvpdWDmKAvll5IjQBq8gfeUjE81CGCQ_lXXx5AJYka-tswibS-arGHcu8B5GGO7OAOBuAklFpiMCR_a-3DL8Lfe6CbLHnAkUiMMYq3hMrf_g/s1600/cas+in+car+to+sf+panty.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 173px; height: 231px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2FEWj8XFV3Tml4qXm5DZT67bAmpJ4KiGcvpdWDmKAvll5IjQBq8gfeUjE81CGCQ_lXXx5AJYka-tswibS-arGHcu8B5GGO7OAOBuAklFpiMCR_a-3DL8Lfe6CbLHnAkUiMMYq3hMrf_g/s320/cas+in+car+to+sf+panty.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513902422138875794" border="0" /></a><br />I kept thinking, after about 45 minutes in the car. Thankfully, the last 3 hours went pretty quickly. Castor decided to be adorable, which distracted me for a while. While Matt and I argued about the dangers of texting, I breathed deeply.<br /><br />"Gawd, I need some alone time," I thought.<br /><br />In the same breath, I felt gratitude for all of Matt's help, especially letting Cas lick all over his face. (You say bad, bad breath, I say awww.) So, I tried to let the texting go, and Matt tried to let me do some of his texting for him. We compromised. How cute. (I still maintain that texting, eyes on the road or not, makes driving too dangerous to be acceptable. Plus, it seems that most states have <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113078186&ps=rs">already made it illegal</a>. So, =P, Matt. )<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/aDAUyRi_6cQ?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/aDAUyRi_6cQ?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object></div><br /><br />We got to SF at about 8pm. It does feel good to be home. Plus, finally some summer weather here. It was 85 degrees when we arrived. Great weather, bad timing. Cas was panting like crazy. A fan and some ice cubes later, we settled down for the evening.<br /><br />I don't remember how getting up the stairs happened, but it did. Tomorrow will be filled with stairs. Up and down. For tonight, we rest. I think his favorite part was being reunited with my (excuse me, our) queen bed.<br /><br />My mom also flew in tonight for a visit. I'm so glad she's here, and I know she understands that the excitement in this trip will revolve around Castor's trials. The two most important creatures in my life are here, and I am filled with love. Not to mention the several others here with us that are high on that list.<br /><br />Did I mention love?<br /><br />Alone time can wait a little longer.meLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05254648718835066164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791079312182959171.post-29453207896766033072010-08-28T17:42:00.001-07:002010-08-30T18:42:23.251-07:00AdventureLand<div style="text-align: center;">Day 5 - August 28th<br /><br /></div> Jen's house, in Santa Ynez, is a c<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHJd6kkoeSFaZ6KTe9l_SFkb_8SfQPQGwn839iOWr3WciPfNPgUWIYEH2TT29frdYVf7UUpIbMo4ds9ph1XSsL_uvHXn_gmCzmOBplx9JIjLBmDhEaKU1VcfT-9kvDid_hYqM4o8PP3U/s1600/dogs+and+mini+at+jens.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 159px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHJd6kkoeSFaZ6KTe9l_SFkb_8SfQPQGwn839iOWr3WciPfNPgUWIYEH2TT29frdYVf7UUpIbMo4ds9ph1XSsL_uvHXn_gmCzmOBplx9JIjLBmDhEaKU1VcfT-9kvDid_hYqM4o8PP3U/s320/dogs+and+mini+at+jens.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510962803995275874" border="0" /></a>razy awesome place. There's lots of visitors, 3 other dogs, 1 miniature horse, many fish, tons of space, and a <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTCTuNAH56XiSMODlziZhMa76Ml312RFTffzzUra51En-gF7EHUPS-l_fBuaj3U_KyMEyxPG7jGURa7IYU7xU4nAn-K92PcP6OkZiEBWyklwVIC4zxjiiWm8iVib0Pr9j2gyjYx5x4SXw/s1600/marius+the+pit.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTCTuNAH56XiSMODlziZhMa76Ml312RFTffzzUra51En-gF7EHUPS-l_fBuaj3U_KyMEyxPG7jGURa7IYU7xU4nAn-K92PcP6OkZiEBWyklwVIC4zxjiiWm8iVib0Pr9j2gyjYx5x4SXw/s320/marius+the+pit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511321670823665410" border="0" /></a>huge, grassy backyard here. The horse, Jiminy Cricket, just hangs out in the backyard, grazing and occasionally chasing the dogs around. There's also a snake (which they're looking to get rid of) and a rat who was promoted from snake food to pet after he survived more than two weeks in the snake's cage.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Castor and I have really missed being surrounded by animal people.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Tough love</span><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">It seems to be working. He's eating normally now, and I think it's because I s</span><span style="font-size:100%;">topped pampering him. I started feeding him standing up, like he's used to. He's also drinking.<br /><br />No more breakfast in bed for him. No more superfluous treats either. It's time to get back to routines and adapt for his acclimation to a healthy tripawd life. That means no gaining weight, lots of massaging and stretching, lighter walks, and more strength training. Squats, here we come! (Sit. Stand. Sit. Stand. ...)<br /><br />I saw a really helpful video on the tripawd website. It is a series of 3 interviews with doctors at C.A.R.E. in Santa Monica. If you're interested, the exercises and stretching part is <a href="http://tripawds.com/2010/02/19/canine-rehabilitation-exercises-and-stretches-with-care/">here</a>. I might take Cas there for a consult too.<br /><br />I guess my hard-ass philosophy on training will come in handy now, as will his incredible obedience and strength of will. It turns out all those times I wouldn't let him jump in and out of cars were great for his adaptation now. Plus, no treats or overfeeding have kept him lean.<br /><br />It's also good that I'm a yoga teacher; I have a sense for giving adjustments, and I can practice honing those skills on him.<br /><br />He's in great shape for what's coming.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Get off my back already</span><br />Castor is done being slung around. I only help him now if there's a big step. Not only is he getting around well, but I'm no longer nervously shadowing him. He's got it!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj18CByMkA-8y7bxeqXAihuqGdk_Z3K088wGac7kU_tadS8FYCte6X-g02ZJEJ-MvnzzYyE6dFVyoMjPv2_HEK3nLnNb4h0v-WBscIRytlSXHX-18I094KEZkLCCqYjRsUCcGeg-fu6dn0/s1600/jen+kisses+cas+day+5.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj18CByMkA-8y7bxeqXAihuqGdk_Z3K088wGac7kU_tadS8FYCte6X-g02ZJEJ-MvnzzYyE6dFVyoMjPv2_HEK3nLnNb4h0v-WBscIRytlSXHX-18I094KEZkLCCqYjRsUCcGeg-fu6dn0/s320/jen+kisses+cas+day+5.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511310718144932082" border="0" /></a><br />He walks (hoppily), pees, and he even pooped this morning. I didn't know how he'd manage, but apparently, if you <span style="font-style: italic;">have</span> to go, you just do it. I'll spare you the picture. (LOL. Perhaps my documentation has gone overboard.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Cas and Jiminy sittin in a tree...</span><br />Seriously, how weird is it that in Jen's backyard is a miniature horse named Jiminy Cricket who belonged to Michael Jackson? Surrealy weird, that's how. (Again, I am absolutely serious.)<br /><br />He's adorable though, if a bit mouthy. Minis negotiate space differently than other horses. He moves more quickly. Apparently, me made it into the house one day when the sliding door was left open. Not a good, since there's mostly hardwood floors. They got him out unscathed, thankfully, after a worrisome slip.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPe9VQoznIbDmN4amFKWm7kXib-pNafUJE0yRVn40Qp8H0bnsnk39D5FrQ7wAhEgoeuLBwsRpnSGO74Fg77CTWz-9Ix8AliN97ZzgVUrwS8gBhiMqS1LD9FpzB9eCPvs0Tfu3efV0duk/s1600/jiminy+the+mini.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 173px; height: 184px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPe9VQoznIbDmN4amFKWm7kXib-pNafUJE0yRVn40Qp8H0bnsnk39D5FrQ7wAhEgoeuLBwsRpnSGO74Fg77CTWz-9Ix8AliN97ZzgVUrwS8gBhiMqS1LD9FpzB9eCPvs0Tfu3efV0duk/s320/jiminy+the+mini.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510963789314115122" border="0" /></a>Jiminy has been in his stable since Cas arrived, just in case he decided to chase him around or try to bite him like he has Maya and Doodle, the Burnese Mountain Dog. He was out today though, so Jen and I decided to see how it went.<br /><br />Cas hopped out, and immediately, Little Man (Jen's affectionate name for Jiminy) came trotting over. Cas was staring so hard, with both ears and eyes, his forehead wrinkled all up. Jiminy's never taken such notice or interest in a dog.<br /><br />Perhaps the stallion was thinking, "finally, a mate!"<br /><br />To prevent any attempt at mounting or nibbling, Jen and Steph were right there with us. Cas sat down (he can do so with so much grace already), Jiminy stood; and they sniffed eachother, muzzle to muzzle, for at least a minute. It was adorable.<br /><br />Unfortunately, no pics or video, because I was too concerned with his safety at the time. We are going to try to get some before I leave though. Stay tuned.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jQI1I83_dF7Hc9HCdDx3uuQmIEuDu2j8Q8ekVwsNPCUZMBS6XL6du2aEM7iNMBcIgmkLTG9TYdrKoKifyyDzjRUltgW2pJ5iEX4l8NsUOooa7kRV2qVxnsQR_MU53mhuVzGoOHIyp-A/s1600/maya+the+lab.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 122px; height: 163px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jQI1I83_dF7Hc9HCdDx3uuQmIEuDu2j8Q8ekVwsNPCUZMBS6XL6du2aEM7iNMBcIgmkLTG9TYdrKoKifyyDzjRUltgW2pJ5iEX4l8NsUOooa7kRV2qVxnsQR_MU53mhuVzGoOHIyp-A/s320/maya+the+lab.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511321680876173138" border="0" /></a><br />Anyway, he had a blast outside. He hopped around with the dogs, B-lined for the horse stable fence after Jen escorted Little Man inside. I actually had to hold his collar to slow him down. It was fantastic, save an ultra sad moment where he sat/fell at the wrong angle on his incision. He whined several times. Heart wrenching.<br /><br />But he got up again, no problem. No tearing; no seeping. Thank goodness.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">A brief absence</span><br />I went to a party at Eric's house this evening. It was the first time I've left Castor alone since being here. He was fine; I'm such a worrier. Anyway, it was good to spend time with non-Castor friends.<br /><br />Sarah, Eric's wife, is amazing. She has so many animals. A rabbit, several dogs, 3 birds, fish, I imagine, some horses, most of which she's rescued. She is a Veterinarian too. Her and Eric have 3 kids. Currently, Sarah is pet sitting 2 labs for friends...for 3 months!<br /><br />One of her birds is quite a love; he loves people. And by loves, I mean is known to scream if he's not getting attention. So cute, I was tempted (and encouraged by Sarah) to bring him home. The following isn't the best video (too dark), nor does it show him at his most cuddly (with Sarah), but it's a taste.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="250" width="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8UnrmuuaUhM?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8UnrmuuaUhM?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="250" width="300"></embed></object></div><br />A highlight of my evening was coming home. Cas was so excited to see me, I was worried he was going to hurt himself, hopping around like a goofball! A ridiculously cute goofball. I missed him too.meLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05254648718835066164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791079312182959171.post-3704083824052069982010-08-28T16:27:00.000-07:002010-08-28T17:41:36.845-07:00He's feeling better<div style="text-align: center;">Day 4 - Friday, August 27th<br /><br /></div>Today, he is obviously feeling better. He's pawing, marking, and wagging. He wants to play with Matt and follow around the other dogs. In fact, he had to go right over to Matt when he heard him callously playing with Maya, the lab.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FB30YRmNk4s?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FB30YRmNk4s?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQStdXaJOSvAHqvg5p2rjksEg3JygsCmshdG-cE851HZj0NBThgLYk_BYuW8Q8MDEkcv14Xd-kChAqHfUfOOa5D2qKHmqJ6sdwy3ed6l8_fGrH29mdF1eRDCpCn3aJbEizJ5tijzWfbw/s1600/cas+bruising+day+5.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 159px; height: 119px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQStdXaJOSvAHqvg5p2rjksEg3JygsCmshdG-cE851HZj0NBThgLYk_BYuW8Q8MDEkcv14Xd-kChAqHfUfOOa5D2qKHmqJ6sdwy3ed6l8_fGrH29mdF1eRDCpCn3aJbEizJ5tijzWfbw/s320/cas+bruising+day+5.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510610598932907842" border="0" /></a><br />The bruising is also better. It may look bad, but it's so much better.<br /><br />We're both adjusting so fast it's almost hard to comment on what's going on, since it's starting to feel like the new normal. My days are immersed <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifAnVbyJiaZCu3UbeqV_4TAduo3Kdj4yeQ9leVY0ZVJDnBQumSvjQh3XMc0SrQRu2LR10Mo94GjciwyLvNzX1BMf8ia3WS9jNCugER2YxX4j_GjGwEW6wrR0qFB-oW0NugH3aK9O-x6gY/s1600/cas+and+mel+working+and+resting.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 186px; height: 144px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifAnVbyJiaZCu3UbeqV_4TAduo3Kdj4yeQ9leVY0ZVJDnBQumSvjQh3XMc0SrQRu2LR10Mo94GjciwyLvNzX1BMf8ia3WS9jNCugER2YxX4j_GjGwEW6wrR0qFB-oW0NugH3aK9O-x6gY/s320/cas+and+mel+working+and+resting.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510617431234024514" border="0" /></a>in Castor. I take him out; I massage him; I sit with him and blog about him; I talk to people about him; I encourage him; I feed him; I give him pills (worst part!); I feel optimistic about him; and I experience swells of gratitude for those who are supporting him.<br /><br /><br />I didn't realize how much I was also being supported until Dabs and Matt both left Friday. I forced myself out of the house to go to a yoga class. I haven't been away from him since the surgery was over.<br /><br />It was really good for me to get away, but by the 3rd hour, I was anxious to get home to him. It felt like 2 days. (Thanks for watching him, Matt.)<br /><br />Feeling the imminent departure of Matt and Dabs' absence, when I got home, I started feeling something I haven't yet felt. I had brief moments of feeling bad for his current state. Matt just replied, "you saved him!," when I questioned what I'd done.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7wW_82Pm00GN0g_iNl5Nxnh3_RbF55xrDiZ7492XRAuVHgyXNPnHKj3ew7SOU12UXUuYH_lhWOEwA6_YXPnQk6LNoQBZoPkn6EkpJKCg5HQbxuKvByPtYbsIkDMrNIULERCVPCYKUVzU/s1600/cas+with+matt+day+4.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 143px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7wW_82Pm00GN0g_iNl5Nxnh3_RbF55xrDiZ7492XRAuVHgyXNPnHKj3ew7SOU12UXUuYH_lhWOEwA6_YXPnQk6LNoQBZoPkn6EkpJKCg5HQbxuKvByPtYbsIkDMrNIULERCVPCYKUVzU/s320/cas+with+matt+day+4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510624016602441282" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I know with absolute certainty that I am doing the best thing for him. Not me, but him. (They just happen to coincide right now.) Still, this is an emotional time, and my grief was probably catalyzed by hearing statistics of remission.<br /><br />I do not wish to consider the survival averages at this point. I know that he has no sign of lesions in his lungs. I know that he is the same happy dog of 2 years ago. I know that he is in the best physical shape of his life. I know that everything is going the best it can be.<br /><br />He demonstrates his strength and ability to adapt every moment. The best thing I can do is not only believe that he can win this battle, but envision him happy and healthy for years to come. That is what I am asking everyone to do. What can it hurt?<br /><br />If I have to face something worse, I will face it then. Thankfully, I have yoga and the spirituality and tools it's given me to deal with the ground falling out beneath me.<br /><br />I know the statistics. Fortunately, I also know what averages are, and he is not an average.<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> He is an amazing creature who has always pulled up the average.</span> Why should remission be any exception?<br /><br />So, I expect the best of all outcomes. I am not going to grieve my boy. He is here with me and beautifully happy. And I will certainly not grieve his leg. It's just a leg. Humans <span style="font-style: italic;">may</span> let that redefine them, but thankfully, dogs don't.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYftXsFnoL9RBGn1zwKFE0A9ahTuKhViMAOANW86rAMwapLuqIEmN-P9x6kyvhB3G_MyxG6ZnaSYXnR14JQqfaDWRAploaoBqvsvOmpkxnqFP0r6Ys5kjvagkSic5yeW4GpXjmMBBmx4/s1600/cas+and+dabs+day+4.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 109px; height: 145px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYftXsFnoL9RBGn1zwKFE0A9ahTuKhViMAOANW86rAMwapLuqIEmN-P9x6kyvhB3G_MyxG6ZnaSYXnR14JQqfaDWRAploaoBqvsvOmpkxnqFP0r6Ys5kjvagkSic5yeW4GpXjmMBBmx4/s320/cas+and+dabs+day+4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510623062692149986" border="0" /></a><br />And Dabs was right, he's adorable hopping around. <span style="font-style: italic;">Adorable</span>.<br /><br /><br />Right now, though he's not 100%, he's just crazy about having his favorite people around him. He gets to see his grandma and rob soon too! Then all his doggie friends soon enough.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">For now, we're looking forward.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJ7FKUWd_kpvGCBmCNjWlHHEbxT3TIYb2Cxj9T_O0ZYfd1XI78KeSUYMGYTfYiOfFOIt2kd6E8ppxMI_IXsX0C1ERWdiofxYJFs13oSJe_M5tESFbvibBsNULWJvI8TKtPoVP_hI-WLw/s1600/cas+and+mel+looking+forward.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJ7FKUWd_kpvGCBmCNjWlHHEbxT3TIYb2Cxj9T_O0ZYfd1XI78KeSUYMGYTfYiOfFOIt2kd6E8ppxMI_IXsX0C1ERWdiofxYJFs13oSJe_M5tESFbvibBsNULWJvI8TKtPoVP_hI-WLw/s320/cas+and+mel+looking+forward.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510622362580158018" border="0" /></a>We now know he's up for life's adventures. And so am I.<br /></div>meLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05254648718835066164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791079312182959171.post-14334661513467217142010-08-27T23:18:00.000-07:002010-08-28T16:39:06.191-07:00He peed!<div style="text-align: center;">Day 3 - Thursday, August the 25th<br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Hooray!!!</span><br /><br />I never thought I'd be so happy to see him pee. It reminds me of the time I celebrated his long-awaited dump on concrete in NYC. He waited 5 days that time. He was quickly rewarded with a carrot. People looked confused by my pride.<br /><br />Yesterday, everyone was on board with the woo-hoo-ing, though. He's already figured it out. He peed the 2nd day after surgery, and every day since then. He even marked after the other dogs here.<br /><br />Poop? Well, he needs to. These are the few activities that seem to be more difficult with the loss of a hind leg. Hopefully tomorrow he'll make it happen.<br /><br />And he'll get another carrot. Definitely. =)meLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05254648718835066164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791079312182959171.post-43614327219489263202010-08-26T18:38:00.001-07:002010-08-28T16:39:49.084-07:00The day after<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Day 2 - Wednesday, August 25th</span><br /></div><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:120%;" >A very not cool change</span><br />All was going so well, it was especially upsetting when he started doing poorly. After a few-step stroll in the house, he felt very hot. (It doesn't help that it's hot as F here right now!)<br /><br />Yep. His temp was 105.5. Not good. (Normal dog temp is 100.5 - <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzAjSkCV3LFkAQqyrsG-XNCrmCmc37eDmMrVEhnrwJdyL-hk6I-IA0oSSNGx54pHDccZLkuCvlEIiTDx546Uyag5EkrkAYpL6bpBIu0DeRRvrLYnZI74rsi5TCo5e4ojHwtI4pfvcXVo/s1600/cas+with+fever+and+mel.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 183px; height: 247px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzAjSkCV3LFkAQqyrsG-XNCrmCmc37eDmMrVEhnrwJdyL-hk6I-IA0oSSNGx54pHDccZLkuCvlEIiTDx546Uyag5EkrkAYpL6bpBIu0DeRRvrLYnZI74rsi5TCo5e4ojHwtI4pfvcXVo/s320/cas+with+fever+and+mel.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510151858118373378" border="0" /></a>102.5.)<br /><br />Thankfully, Jen is here and invaluably helpful. We gave him cold fluids, soaked him in ice water dipped towels and iced his hip area. I was very worried when he started having really labored breathing, holding his head out as if he couldn't breathe well.<br /><br />Suddenly, all of my calm and focused demeanor drained out through a hole the floor (one can only assume). It was a scary couple of hours for me. I kept treating his fever, and Jen kept monitoring him. After a dose of Metacam (an NSAID), he started getting better.<br /><br />It seems that this is, most likely, his reaction to pain. Ugh.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:120%;" >Cas on his own 3 paws</span><br />Thankfully, he was up on his feet later that day.<br />In fact, he was up on his feet, all by himself!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/k_oLI2SmyM0?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/k_oLI2SmyM0?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object> </div><br /><br />So, he's already eating and walk-hopping. He's recovering and learning <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6-rENk20iFgIxHj2y5EBUW5MMbKNqi17Z1Mx2x9dagwJ9WMclz9BRFnywnAeAz-KW1q6bl8H9GJZuSVhSTS73gAPQyAqRdyFcTuc7MKQj1AkLitCEiNz_rM4EkciUOYHj5Gfy_xzSSc/s1600/cas+bruising+a+lot.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 172px; height: 128px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6-rENk20iFgIxHj2y5EBUW5MMbKNqi17Z1Mx2x9dagwJ9WMclz9BRFnywnAeAz-KW1q6bl8H9GJZuSVhSTS73gAPQyAqRdyFcTuc7MKQj1AkLitCEiNz_rM4EkciUOYHj5Gfy_xzSSc/s320/cas+bruising+a+lot.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510164137757590386" border="0" /></a>so fast. He doesn't want to drink much, but so far he's willing to eat kibble soup. (I'm so tricky.) The site is definitely swollen and has LOTS of bruising (see: picture at right). All normal, though painful looking.<br /><br />Still no peeing or pooping. That's going to be a challenge the first time. He'll figure it out though; they all do!<br /><br />His personality is starting to shine through the sutures and bruising now too. When the paw came up, inviting (or was it demanding?) some chest rub action, I knew he was doing alright. It melts my heart every time.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:120%;" >Gratitude as great attitude</span><br />I can't say enough about how the support of my best friends who were able to be here in person has helped me and Castor. Dabs has been constantly at my side helping since I heard the news. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEg8-k5jd2CL0tB2QG38CH2acWpDtpn8pGEeWFAhw6_Ai-6wwJqooq1l65r5gPLyK9KH0nx_RUXh4TnZzZGPKkGqeFzBAy3vjkCwtiPmuOEO_rqc4YocIgaZLeDVS0Z-_-kNPi0qAWZA/s1600/cas+and+hoshi+share+pillow.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 227px; height: 171px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEg8-k5jd2CL0tB2QG38CH2acWpDtpn8pGEeWFAhw6_Ai-6wwJqooq1l65r5gPLyK9KH0nx_RUXh4TnZzZGPKkGqeFzBAy3vjkCwtiPmuOEO_rqc4YocIgaZLeDVS0Z-_-kNPi0qAWZA/s320/cas+and+hoshi+share+pillow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510166359889187010" border="0" /></a>Matt, Cas's poppa, was able to come out from Madison to be here. Castor's roommates, Rob (a human) and Hoshi (his kitten sister), can't be here, but they send love to him every day.<br /><br />Eric performed Castor's surgery with skill and love, and I am so grateful to him and everyone at <a href="http://www.carehospital.org/">CARE</a> who helped out.<br /><br />Jen has been <span style="font-style: italic;">invaluable</span> in his surgery (literally. she scrubbed in for it.) and the ensuing days recovering, both from her love and her experience. Her and her roommates, Sarah and <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5qwB2xVkmqvOjyFpBoWgLH4MlT1PRfr7QD03EFHRGquH9hdKCJ-FA0XKl6jL_SZQbAj31kQACOkwaL02RYR4ByoIZVH-74RvCd3deZpsAjL8C7Bpua8l_MqDJ3NNLG2rFx5-icX8YzA/s1600/cas+with+me+and+jen+2.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 222px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5qwB2xVkmqvOjyFpBoWgLH4MlT1PRfr7QD03EFHRGquH9hdKCJ-FA0XKl6jL_SZQbAj31kQACOkwaL02RYR4ByoIZVH-74RvCd3deZpsAjL8C7Bpua8l_MqDJ3NNLG2rFx5-icX8YzA/s320/cas+with+me+and+jen+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510166671508220674" border="0" /></a>Stephanie (humans); Maya, Doodle, and Marius (doggies); and Jimini Cricket (the mini horse previously owned by the King of Pop...Seriously!) have generously welcomed us, and the entourage, into their home.<br /><br />I can't imagine having other people care for Castor in the hospital or going through this recovery in San Francisco. Not only has being here, surrounded by loved ones and more nature than concrete, been vital for him; it's been essential for my serenity and sanity in all of this craziness.<br /><br />And to those of our friends who are supporting from afar, in prayers, words, and/or money, I am so grateful. I can't possibly list you all here, because, fortunately, there are too many of you. However, you are all helping Castor through this ordeal, and I can't express how much that means to me.<br /><br />The other people I'm grateful to are those who put theirs and their dogs experience with cancer and amputation out there for me to read. That is one reason I'm documenting everything here. I want Castor and I to be of service to anyone who has the shit luck of having to go through this.<br /><br />I've heard gratitude defined as great attitude. Of course, I would not have chosen this path, and I cannot say I am grateful for what Castor is going through.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">I can say that I am grateful for being able to support him through this. He has given me unconditional, devoted love his entire life. I am absolutely grateful to offer the same to him now.</span>meLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05254648718835066164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791079312182959171.post-2854383864947923222010-08-26T10:09:00.000-07:002010-08-28T17:04:07.951-07:00Get that cancer off of him<div style="text-align: right;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Surgery Day - Tuesday, August 24th</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Time to smell the grass</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4YRXDELr7bgUc4VaB4if4BeIbLvPuX3QAQFq0223RP2EjKgkX944PPgy2FLeuDLQrT4E6fJ1WK_-ME1n_nY1awOVhrnwOC9ianINN_pkEqj70WQpYrvviYK3tR0xsY_a2oHDnM9tjv0/s1600/cas+get+up+sx+day.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 172px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4YRXDELr7bgUc4VaB4if4BeIbLvPuX3QAQFq0223RP2EjKgkX944PPgy2FLeuDLQrT4E6fJ1WK_-ME1n_nY1awOVhrnwOC9ianINN_pkEqj70WQpYrvviYK3tR0xsY_a2oHDnM9tjv0/s320/cas+get+up+sx+day.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510129654460535730" border="0" /></a>As per his usual, Cas did not want to get out of bed in the morning. Even this airbed we're sharing.<br /></div></div><br />Before surgery, we stopped off at the park again. There were ducks, and turtles, and doggies, oh my!<br /><br />So beautiful, yet so <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fCeismzsLn2o4Qy5uIlr5k1gv32ZlAOZF6AiYjxO0VoQ4e5MCBzakEUUs0XB3pCqOIWDEQWmU2pxdEoPzzOW5ZZbDn9aclRBUl_lA6myNbVakd0FFGsDzpQlSRd8uar4xYjh5dimOKg/s1600/cas+smells+grass.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fCeismzsLn2o4Qy5uIlr5k1gv32ZlAOZF6AiYjxO0VoQ4e5MCBzakEUUs0XB3pCqOIWDEQWmU2pxdEoPzzOW5ZZbDn9aclRBUl_lA6myNbVakd0FFGsDzpQlSRd8uar4xYjh5dimOKg/s320/cas+smells+grass.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510129215701141234" border="0" /></a>few people. It's incredibly peaceful. And, apparently, it smells interesting too!<br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><br />Amputation</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;">It was a short stop, and then a quick ride to CARE Hospital. He was less nervous with his Auntie Jen there. His teeth were not chattering, a common occurrence at the vet. A quick chat with the surgeon, the fantastic and thoughtful Dr. Eric Wright, recapping what I've spent my last week and a half learning (Summary: Osteosarcoma - very bad. To stop pain, remove leg.) and some procedure and recovery information.<br /><br />Cas gets to keep his hip and a small portion of his femur since the tumor was in his distal tibia. This means he will heal faster, and his muscles won't eventually atrophy as is the case with complete amputation of limb. He'll have a little bum muscle. Yay!!<br /><br />I was no longer anxious or grieving. I am ready. I am ready to have this cancer taken off his body. I am ready for his rehabilitation. I am ready to have a happier pup. I am ready to deal.<br /><br />So, with a big hug from my dearest Jen and a kiss to Cas, I left him in the back while they prepped the meds for his transformative nap. I was so thankful to be leaving him in the hands of not only skilled professionals, but close friends.<br /><br />I spent the next many hours busying myself with catching up on the rest of my life - emails, writing, knitting, yoga - and fundraising for Cas. And waiting.<br /><br />I waited patiently until about 2:30.<br /><br />"Mom, I'm outta surgery," relays Jen via text message. "He did great. Hope ur ok he's fine." She even sent me a cute (though, perhaps strange for non-techs and vets) pic of my boy zonkered with his tongue all hanging out. (adorable!)<br /><br />The surgery couldn't have gone better. His closure is beautiful. He spent several hours sleeping it off and was expected to stay overnight.<br /><br />Then came the call. Apparently, he was not loving coming off the narcotics. He wouldn't stop whining unless he was being cuddled by Jen, who, oddly enough, had work to do at work. So, we all decided he should spend the evening at home with us. ♥<br /><br />Dabs and I went to get him, and he had just been walking around (i.e., <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqRmlirDvQLAgwVWhoUhu6tTHt5jMqpTyKeQ8Eiwi_2RIeH3QYNEHw3V6SrpinuM1zueIoBE5dL_FrmjRyFCfBlINhKRHg9eV7pORbFHoVVg2uYLZcj-gQZ1jAZs9f4vNutsr3sgr4te0/s1600/cas+mel+holds+at+CARE.JPG"><img style="float: right; width: 145px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqRmlirDvQLAgwVWhoUhu6tTHt5jMqpTyKeQ8Eiwi_2RIeH3QYNEHw3V6SrpinuM1zueIoBE5dL_FrmjRyFCfBlINhKRHg9eV7pORbFHoVVg2uYLZcj-gQZ1jAZs9f4vNutsr3sgr4te0/s320/cas+mel+holds+at+CARE.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509823521956242962" border="0" /></a>with two techs' help and a sling) outside looking everywhere for me. When I got there I just sat down with his head in my lap and comforted him. Another tech friend, Tina, sat with him for 2 hours before I arrived. Such sweet people we know!<br /><br />I finally saw his incision as we left. OMG! It's so painful looking, as are most surgical sights, I imagine. I have to just believe Jen (which I do, of course) when she says it looks great. It's all about perspective.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Not sleeping sucks</span><br />I slept next to Cas the whole night. (I'm surprised by how comfortable sleeping on a bunch of pillows can be. No more will I feel sorry for Cas sleeping on his doggie bed, instead of my bed. That is not to say that he won't sleep on my bed at night. =)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEa2V3EWudCA0M70mu34Awlz4U0R7FRupjDxPt8iDSjmD9AEBH1LguNNTaI3Fk36xHmehVjJOK9voYt5DHNQ-f1xbVEC63-zRb9FL-RksOipbA6Ly_knhlEpRicNCO9QYkn4PWAzKsKw/s1600/cas+and+mel+lay+day+of+sx.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 251px; height: 188px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEa2V3EWudCA0M70mu34Awlz4U0R7FRupjDxPt8iDSjmD9AEBH1LguNNTaI3Fk36xHmehVjJOK9voYt5DHNQ-f1xbVEC63-zRb9FL-RksOipbA6Ly_knhlEpRicNCO9QYkn4PWAzKsKw/s320/cas+and+mel+lay+day+of+sx.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510162426209583954" border="0" /></a>I wanted to know if he needed me for anything through the night. Boy, did he!<br /><br />I am sure it sucked more for Castor than for me. Neither of us slept. He whined a lot, not from pain; coming off of drugs makes them wig a bit. Understandably so. I think I dozed of for 5 minutes here and there. Finally, around 3:30am, I woke up Jen and he got a little more pain meds.<br /><br /><br />He, and therefore I, was asleep for about 2 hours. Sweet! Ah, the little things.<br /><br />Very little sleep won't stop Cas, though.<br /><br />The next morning, we were up and hopping around. The getting up part was a challenge, but only a little one with Jen on team Castor! I am so proud of him; he's such a rockstar! Check him out getting around with almost no help less than 24 hours post-op. He even ate a small amount of chicken.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_Q0AUUUaJFc?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_Q0AUUUaJFc?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">(Jen's got the touch!)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/C8prFiqpsPo?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/C8prFiqpsPo?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">(The video turns sideways toward the end. Dabs is learning to record as Cas learns to walk. haha!)</span><br /></div><br />The recovery is going really well. Some dogs I've read about didn't get up for days and wouldn't eat a thing. We're lucky his spirits are so high.<br /><br />With that, I am so optimistic. Go Castor!<br /></div>meLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05254648718835066164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791079312182959171.post-17077831430130644202010-08-24T12:19:00.000-07:002010-08-27T09:56:34.111-07:00Another day as a quadruped<div style="text-align: right;font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Monday, August the 23rd</span><br /></div><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5q92Fi1MGLKlTqlhSCqnw-DJBhmoBBbWAgQp6e5feOfKbkZMSjp4jJDRHFhUTIT-L5r9yYRUwJXHWTavU50twNZBpbTvnLGtX4-WuhJ-dfbAOPd2FGXhRRvB_oht42dgvdAPZ6-g-9Xk/s1600/cas+and+mel+hug+in+dabs+car.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 195px; height: 146px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5q92Fi1MGLKlTqlhSCqnw-DJBhmoBBbWAgQp6e5feOfKbkZMSjp4jJDRHFhUTIT-L5r9yYRUwJXHWTavU50twNZBpbTvnLGtX4-WuhJ-dfbAOPd2FGXhRRvB_oht42dgvdAPZ6-g-9Xk/s320/cas+and+mel+hug+in+dabs+car.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509746916160170002" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I couldn't help but sit in the back of the Element with Cas on the way to the hospital Monday morning. I have become quite clingy, at this point. We drove to the park for a pleasant hour, pre-anesthesia.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSuoOs9W2DRzxh4qM4ZS16rw-svzvXB8Azz5isFSiCPeFcDGTlrrJ1wIUMhje-JpsJIu503hJH6jqzsRRvEnQHOsaE-c2PCYzpwacNDu4Q01yImX5V1-thv-G2EykXMkgJj-ZX4EoH54/s1600/cas+and+a+lil+princess+cropped.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSuoOs9W2DRzxh4qM4ZS16rw-svzvXB8Azz5isFSiCPeFcDGTlrrJ1wIUMhje-JpsJIu503hJH6jqzsRRvEnQHOsaE-c2PCYzpwacNDu4Q01yImX5V1-thv-G2EykXMkgJj-ZX4EoH54/s320/cas+and+a+lil+princess+cropped.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509745626323564002" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">As always, he loved the smallest dog around. He and Princess were instant friends. Everyone's always amazed at how gentle he is...except for the standing on your feet thing. (Ouch!) It was gorgeous and way warmer than I'm used to now. At 9am, Cas was seeking shade.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">This whole ordeal couldn't have gone better. We have this familiar, idyllic place to immerse him in during the most stressful part of his rehabilitation. He is surrounded by some of his best human friends, all ready to help and to cuddle.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Just as we're about to leave, I've worked up the best attitude for the drop-off. Then Jen calls. They have a few emergency surgeries to deal with first. We end up rescheduling for tomorrow.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">It's better - Cas will have more attention and time from his Jen. There will hopefully be less going on in the hospital.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">So, we wait until tomorrow.</span>meLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05254648718835066164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791079312182959171.post-30163620918026573512010-08-23T14:42:00.000-07:002010-08-26T10:08:26.500-07:00On the road again<div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Sunday, August the 22nd</span><br /></div><br />We left San Francisco Sunday at 11am.<br /><br />I know that I'm doing what's best for my boy, and I haven't been feeling emotional like the first couple of days after I found out about his leg. This morning though, was hard. I found myself in a bicker-fest with Dabs. Then, walking to the dog park, I started to tear up watching him prance down the street. (It's so adorable!)<br /><br />"He won't be able to prance around anymore!" But Dabs assures me, "he'll do something else that's adorable after the surgery." She's right. He can't help himself. =)<br /><br />Again, I practice staying in the moment. We had a blast at the park and then piled into the car. Next stop: Santa Barbara.<br /><br />I must mention that Cas is about the cutest little traveling companion ever. He's been all over with me. His first couple of years were lived in Santa Barbara until I moved for grad school at University of Wisconsin.<br /><br />Our first road trip was moving to Madison WI. It was...well, the term "packed like sardines" comes to mind. Picture me, Castor, Matt (6'2"-tall guy), two cats, and luggage enough for 3 months. Oh, and we did that trip in my Beetle! (As my first road trip, I decided that road trips sucked. I was wrong, but that trip was less than ideal.)<br /><br />From Madison, about 3 years later we took another trip to San Francisco and back. Then to Buffalo. Then back.<br /><br />Last summer we spent four months in NYC after another road trip from Madison. We loved our time in Chelsea, including several cab rides to Central Park,<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhaLl1wtZlqLz2_-LPKD3AqEowZsH2zpEyT3BYJE6pzQOIPmD-IqZ-V6PN7cHeGXt2lfRikDwT3QbETfsU8rOA3NoEiqLIWLLjL_Td2bY8mE6rgUAKqGkRvz0PLBD8XJoeu23aXr3nPeI/s1600/IMG_3687.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhaLl1wtZlqLz2_-LPKD3AqEowZsH2zpEyT3BYJE6pzQOIPmD-IqZ-V6PN7cHeGXt2lfRikDwT3QbETfsU8rOA3NoEiqLIWLLjL_Td2bY8mE6rgUAKqGkRvz0PLBD8XJoeu23aXr3nPeI/s320/IMG_3687.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508732179635324770" border="0" /></a><br /><br />where he enjoyed playing with doggies, smelling the flowers, and drinking from the fountains.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3rCIQV3XcmipfCON_K-TDtPDfdiBjauWTrMTEvjXdZI15n80RFOzBMfCXY9k7VJYwzSRIumJhU7cMHa1ctxMB1Ivql932OJGBEvP53NNGar0s-NCmIn2fVBFv7LYjERoo-eI4YpD_Msg/s1600/IMG_3647.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3rCIQV3XcmipfCON_K-TDtPDfdiBjauWTrMTEvjXdZI15n80RFOzBMfCXY9k7VJYwzSRIumJhU7cMHa1ctxMB1Ivql932OJGBEvP53NNGar0s-NCmIn2fVBFv7LYjERoo-eI4YpD_Msg/s320/IMG_3647.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508732193909706770" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Our last trip from NY to Madison, and then all the way back to SF, ended last September.<br /><br />So, he's used to traveling, anyway.<br /><br />He found more room than ever in Dab's car this time. I even provided him with an ample pillow supply. Still, his lips seemed to need more space. (adorable!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6a0vC0CGoTTnNMLdye6T9yfJh7g-1J4f28YuMxFS8gmVL1uRHb9ICx1oywCF_g_KxDirjQ4Jx64tK29keRwceE1jgxbBJO1neuAggFJIhwzObqZUXQbHqkPI9NpT05XvAnSFDlGLsZO4/s1600/cas+lips+dabs+car+3.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6a0vC0CGoTTnNMLdye6T9yfJh7g-1J4f28YuMxFS8gmVL1uRHb9ICx1oywCF_g_KxDirjQ4Jx64tK29keRwceE1jgxbBJO1neuAggFJIhwzObqZUXQbHqkPI9NpT05XvAnSFDlGLsZO4/s320/cas+lips+dabs+car+3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508742526466878866" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We headed straight for Summerland Beach when we arrived. He grew up digging on this beach, so I wanted to spend a couple of hours R&Ring here. It was a beautiful day, as per SB's usual, except of course for the ridiculous amount of oil in the water. (WTF? I used to swim around in this ocean.)<br /><br />I continued to feel anxious periodically. I don't have an <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_m4uaK96PHP_7xPhwewVFZ-EPyDFBiDDcAYpA2uvhm_BNZ58fJCiYHgg_gs1bfjvB_6JiX6Mpyq9BG8SxMMVr4uYdMzZhzy-ohopPwUE5thWZHT9VW_Aipxps4azaBpkkKodrMGeZWo/s1600/cas+mel+summLand+beach+day+b4+sx.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_m4uaK96PHP_7xPhwewVFZ-EPyDFBiDDcAYpA2uvhm_BNZ58fJCiYHgg_gs1bfjvB_6JiX6Mpyq9BG8SxMMVr4uYdMzZhzy-ohopPwUE5thWZHT9VW_Aipxps4azaBpkkKodrMGeZWo/s320/cas+mel+summLand+beach+day+b4+sx.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508745411222289746" border="0" /></a>anchor right now. I feel uprooted and nervous. The last two yoga classes I taught this week were for grounding down, especially in times when you feel the earth slip away from underneath. I practiced for Castor and for myself, searching for harmony between my inner and outer worlds.<br /><br />External worlds don't adjust for us, we have to find a beautiful balance aligning ourselves, from within, to what's around us. I'm working on that. Castor is my inspiration.<br />Cancer is my catalyst.<br /><br />Tomorrow is a big day. Surgery is at noon.<br /> One big, divine breath at a time. I'm ready...set...meLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05254648718835066164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791079312182959171.post-48477608179282689052010-08-20T17:47:00.000-07:002010-09-27T11:57:47.024-07:00We all need a little help sometimes<div style="text-align: center;">Today, Castor needs our help.<br /><br />I am grateful to speak for him and ask for your support.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICKV5_f7I-PZ04ZUIZ-hgt_RnQP2NmDAnogUT9XbCAMx2kS5Cdybwf6a6zKfL2b0Db87mvbskntodW0jtd_qtFF3h0mhEHzcySyFkY1olSLJW_42BEv3Nq5tkH1JbTF7MLKTbCy5h8Qw/s1600/cas+sits+on+me+at+park.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICKV5_f7I-PZ04ZUIZ-hgt_RnQP2NmDAnogUT9XbCAMx2kS5Cdybwf6a6zKfL2b0Db87mvbskntodW0jtd_qtFF3h0mhEHzcySyFkY1olSLJW_42BEv3Nq5tkH1JbTF7MLKTbCy5h8Qw/s320/cas+sits+on+me+at+park.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507661533198022194" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Please read the letter below!</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">You can <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">donate</span> any amount via the<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">PayPal Donate button</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br />on the top right side of this screen.</span></span></span><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /><br /><a title="View Castor Donation Flyer on Scribd" href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/38255445/Castor-Donation-Flyer" style="margin: 12px auto 6px; font: 14px Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; display: block; text-decoration: underline;">Castor Donation Flyer</a> <object id="doc_723329859792220" name="doc_723329859792220" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf" style="outline: medium none;" height="600" width="100%"> <param name="movie" value="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf"> <param name="wmode" value="opaque"> <param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff"> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"> <param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"> <param name="FlashVars" value="document_id=38255445&access_key=key-y6vh6ppxn2jap4llgcu&page=1&viewMode=list"> <embed id="doc_723329859792220" name="doc_723329859792220" src="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf?document_id=38255445&access_key=key-y6vh6ppxn2jap4llgcu&page=1&viewMode=list" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="opaque" bgcolor="#ffffff" height="600" width="100%"></embed> </object><br /><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >He can't wait to get back to his playmates, especially his gf, Scarlet:</span><br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzlwXXfUi5XiSHAo4u_ipG9Q5MoGLqaecoFS0UocK2iUOrDQK1ipOE__BYQcX1UkZEwhBALJYTtvcPNYyp8fA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>meLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05254648718835066164noreply@blogger.com0