Update on Phoebe, Our Furbaby With Cancer
Our precious Beagle/Basset mix, Phoebe was diagnosed with cancer in December 2013. I first wrote about her experience in Our Dog Has Cancer: This Is Her Story which you can read here. I thought I might just give a quick update.
Phoebe’s tumors have grown back with a vengeance. We were told that is common with her type of cancer which is squamous cell carcinoma. I wrote more about her type of cancer in Canine Cancer: Phoebe’s Story Part II which you can read here. If you have read her Part I story you know that we had an unusual experience with the Vet we were using. We took Phoebe to a wonderful Vet who takes care of our grand dog. He is a good Vet and we like him, don’t get me wrong. He treated her with meds which are proven to make a difference with cancer. Unfortunately, Phoebe was not able to tolerate the side effects of those meds. The Doc talked to me about making tough decisions. My husband and I discussed those decision. It is not time for that. I am not sure I can do that.
The thing that bothers me the most is how uncomfortable Phoebe may really be. Just as with a human with cancer, she has good days and bad days. She has not lost any weight. She tips the scale at a whopping 67 lbs.! She has actually gained 2 lbs. in the last 2 months. She is still chasing squirrels in the yard and she loves to frighten the cats in the house. It’s just those ugly tumors on her belly that remind us of how sick she really is.
Phoebe had an appointment today with another Vet for a second opinion about treatment. Vet #3 and #2 are in agreement. They both recommend Chemo and Radiation if we want to go that route. We do not. The result of today’s visit to the Doc is that Phoebe is on antibiotics, anti inflammatory and pain meds. I’m fine with that. She will be having an ultrasound next Wednesday to determine just how invasive her cancer has become. Once we have the results of that, we will be better equipped with the knowledge necessary to make decisions.
Phoebe got a brand new memory foam bed last weekend. We thought it would help her aching body to be more comfortable. She now has 3 beds and prefers the old worn out looking one the best.
I share Phoebe’s story just in the event that someone else may have a precious fur baby going through something similar.
This just breaks my heart! And I hate that you are faced with such tough decisions. Phoebe looks like such a sweetheart!
Thank you for those kind words Alli. She is a sweetie.
Poor baby! I hope she’s able to remain comfortable–how funny that they all seem to like the worn-out beds and toys the best. We have a beagle too–love that breed! 🙂
Aww, thank you Dee. Yes, we thought she would enjoy a nice new memory foam bed but no, she prefers the old worn out one. LoL