Skin in the game

When the vet told us that Syd was sick our first instinct was to do as much internet research as possible. We needed answers and we needed them fast. We wanted to be as prepared as possible to screw this cancer up. As you may have noticed, I really hate cancer. I wanted to know what would treatment for Lymphoma entail? How much was it going to cost? Was there a viable holistic option? How long would my dog live? Was he in pain? Would the treatment cause him pain? Sadly, there was not a lot of information available. My hope is that this blog will provide some of that information for other families that are going through the same thing. My other hope is that writing this blog will provide an outlet for me that stops me from blurting out during meetings "my dog has cancer" when people ask me how I am. It creates an uncomfortable moment for all involved.

On Tuesday August 7th, 2012 we took Syd to the vet. Gabby called me at work and told me that she was worried about Sydney. He was lethargic and not particularly interested in eating (a clear sign that something is wrong with Sydney) and he had large lumps under his neck. We had been watching what we thought was a gland for about a month. Knowing what I know now, I am sad that I didn't take him in to have it checked out the minute we felt it. I wanted to watch it and see if it was getting bigger before I tortured him by taking him to the vet. Syd REALLY hates the vet. When I went home to pick Syd up for his appointment and felt how large his lymph-nodes where I knew that we were not in for good news. His formerly pea sized lumps were now the size of small plums.  The vet that we saw that day was a vet that was new to the practice. She examined Sydney and told us that she was fairly certain that he had Lymphosarcoma. The vet took some blood, gave Syd some antibiotics on the off chance it was an infection, and sent us home to wait on the results. Vet bill #1 was $257.00 - yep, they charged me nearly $300 dollars to tell me they were pretty sure my dog had cancer. Ain't that a bummer.

 If she was correct and Sydney did have cancer he would have to be treated at the other vet in town. The other vet is the primary veterinarian to our other animals. We switched practices with Syd in hope that it would alleviate his dislike of the vet. Moments after leaving the vet I was already frustrated by the waiting. After speaking with my sister Annie we decided that skip the first waiting step and schedule and appointment for a consult with the oncologist as soon as she was available. Her next available appointment was for Thursday morning. So we were back to waiting. Syd had a fever of 104 and with the limited information that I was armed with I was afraid that Syd was going to die before we got the results of the blood test, or had a chance to meet with the oncologist. I had no idea how sick he was, how long he would be safe untreated, and if he was in pain. What I knew with certainty is that he was not himself. My sister Erinn called Pieper Olsen (the vet who would handle the chemo if he had cancer) and gave them the details of the day. They thought it would be best if we brought him in. I am glad we called Pieper and took Syd in that evening. They were able to help us get a jump on the process and have some of the tests that were necessary to figure out just what we were dealing with. They took samples of his Lymph-nodes for cytology, and give him subcutaneous fluids to help keep him hydrated and potentially bring down his fever.  Vet bill # 2: $265.00 for an exam, Lymph-code aspiration and fluids. After trip two to the vet we were off to wait some more.

We met the oncologist at 10 am on Thursday morning. I am thankful that my sisters were able to be there with me that day. The oncologist agreed that yes it was very likely that Syd had lymphoma. She was still waiting for the results of the cytology, (they had called that morning to say that the cytology results were still pending and we could change his appointment to the next day, but I couldn't wait. I wanted answers) but she too felt certain that this was cancer. She presented the options. Option 1.) Chemotherapy. Syd would have 19 weeks of treatment. He would visit the vet weekly and be given one of a list of drugs that would hopefully put his cancer in remission. 85% of dogs go into remission by following this course. At the 1 year mark 50% of dogs are still alive, at the 2 year mark 20-25% are still alive and a lucky 10% make it to the three year mark. Most dogs do not suffer the same complications from chemo that people do. We also were not locked into the full 19 weeks. If Syd did not respond positively we could decide to stop at any time. A complete round of chemotherapy would cost us in the neighborhood of $4000.  Option 2.) Take Syd to North Carolina for an experimental bone marrow transplant. While it is still considered experimental it is the only way to achieve a "cure". The transplant costs a cool $15,000. That is before you factor in travel, lodging and any other treatment that he may need to support a transplant. Option 3.) If we were not interested in or unable to pay for options 1 and 2 we could use palliative care and keep him comfortable for the time that he would have left.  Option 2 was well out of our reach and Option 3 was out of the question - so option one it was. In addition to chemotherapy I also wanted to attack Syd's cancer in a few natural ways. The vet recommended CVS brand Fish Oil and Maitake Mushroom supplements.  In order to "stage" the cancer Syd needed to have additional test, ex-rays and an ultrasound. We were at the vet office for 2.5 hours while they ultra-sounded, x-rayed, blood tested and urine checked. Vet Bill # 3: $680.00 - We still had a sick dog without a definitive diagnosis.

About an hour after we left the vets office she called back and said that they had received the cytology reports back and that we now had a 100% certain diagnosis (there went my last damn glimmer of my dog doesn't have cancer hope.) We know knew 100% that Syd had stage IV lymphoma and he could come back and have his first chemo treatment that day. I was pissed off that he didn't have stage III and I wanted to attack that jerk cancer even harder. I also wanted my dog to feel better. So my sister Cady took him back for his very first chemo shot less than an hour after we had a definitive diagnosis. Round #1 of Chemotherapy and prednisone to reduce the swelling $77.00. Maitake supplements: $48.00. CVS brand fish oil: $6.15

I also would like to say Syd's oncologist at Pieper Olsen in a lovely lady and the entire staff treated him very well. I am not sure that I am ready to admit to liking Dr. DeRegis yet, after all she is the your dog has cancer dr., but I believe that Syd's best interest is important to her.

So in short, for the people who are trying to find information like I was - 72 hours with a dog who has cancer has cost us $1333.00.

The good news is that between the antibiotics, the chemotherapy and the steroids we are already seeing an improvement in Sydney. He is less lethargic and seems more like his old self. Thank you to everyone that has reached out and told us that you are thinking of us. It means a lot to us.

Stay tuned for next weeks adventure in kicking cancers ass. Today I believe that we are going to be one of the lucky ten percent.