Keeper of Odd Hours

Dad's good bye

2020-10-26T18:12:00.001-07:00

Feb 17th 2020 Sonko update

2020-02-18T12:32:00.002-08:00

Last evening Sonko actually wanted to cuddle!! He hasn't wanted to do that in many many months.

Sonko n me, She

Sassy, Simba, Sonko n Adam (l-r)

Sonko is drinking a lot of water. Food, well he is still picky but eating more especially if I make him taste it. Finding unique ways to get his meds down him.

Mashed potatoes and gravy

Jack Link sticks (hollow out the meat, insert pills, cap off with meat)

Canned dog food (not always a winner)

→insert name← I forgot name..pill hiders

With Sonko getting up and moving around more (to drink water, pee and see what is going on the the kitchen.) I have noticed that Adam has been very very vocal and up in Sonko's face. Sonko, just turns his head to the side and looks away. This behavior started yesterday (Feb 17, 2020) Adam has been hurt by Sonko recently. Its understandable with the way Adam is reacting. Going to be working on changing that behavior.

TTFN

Feb. 16, 2020

2020-02-16T23:45:00.001-08:00

good day today. Picked up Sonko's Rx (probiotic). I went and picked up my Rx for my DDS appointment on the 25th. Bought some wine. Had bought lunch at Mcdonalds..no shamrock freezes!!! boooooo was soo looking forward to getting one. Later.

Sonko usually plops on blankets on the floor by my computer. I looked down and he wasn't there. Humm. where did he go? So used to him not going anywhere these past months. Found him on the couch in the living room!!! yay!!! Good puppers!

Anyway it was a beautiful day today!

night!

Sonko n Immune-Mediated Muscle disease

2020-02-15T20:18:00.002-08:00

2/14/2020 - Talked with a vet from Park Centre Animal Hospital in Alameda regarding Sonko's latest urine culture results.

Some background:

Sonko, several of his siblings, his dam, and other close relatives have auto-immune issues. Several have an inherited immune-mediated muscle disease (IMM) or Lupus. So far 2 are in remission, 1 with IMM and 1 with Lupus. Some of the dogs have been euthanized due to complications of their disease. The age of onset of the known affected dogs is approximately 2-5 years. After onset of the autoimmune disease, some dogs' health have declined rapidly while in other the progression had been more gradual.

As of this writing there is no DNA test for IMM. There is a DNA test for Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) which is what I thought he had at first, but so many symptoms didn't fit. I personally had Sonko, Zara and Sassy tested for that - all are clear. DM is in the Peruvian dogs but can be bred out since there is a test for it. IMM is another story. For now we have to rely on honest and open communication between breeders and dog owners.

Before Sonko can start the steroid treatment, he needs to be clear of his UTI (staff infection). He was on 10 days of Clavamox. Urine re-cultured 5 days into the treatment was clear. The 2nd culture was 7 days post antibiotic treatment.

Back to the call.

The infection is back. After a good talk with the vet, I decided to go ahead and start the steroids (today, Sat. Feb. 15th), along with D-Mannose (to protect his urinary track). I was also given the choice to use a different antibiotic and the steroid but after weighing the pros and cons with the vet, that was not an option at this time.

Deep Breath...Here Goes...

Sonko's Treatment Plan

Prednisone 20 Mg Tab - 1 tab every 12 hours for 14 days
checking urine
then 1/2 tab every 12 hours for 14 days
then 1/2 tab every 24 hours for 14 days
then reassess
D-Mannose by Pure Encapsulations - 1/4th of human dose 3 times per day
Visbiome Vet High Potency Probiotic for Dogs - 2 caps daily

The steroid treatment worked on Sonko's niece, Evita (IMM), she is in remission. Note: she was treated earlier in the disease. She is 5 yrs old and Sonko is 7 years. Angle (IMM) was treated with a lower dose of steroid, didn't make it, she was around 2 years old. Lobo was treated and is doing well (Dx with Lupus). Others were not treated with steroids, didn't know what was going on. Zara starts steroid treatment soon.

Sonko's Symptoms

short-strided gait (when he used to have a beautiful gait, then became my clumsy one. That was the disease showing up) - Zara we thought she had injured her hind legs from jumping (she loved to jump and run). Sonko was gradual at first, Zara was sudden. Then she seemed to level off for a bit. Then Sonko deteriorated fast.
abnormal posture - He stands in a wide stance crouching
anorexia - so hard to get him to eat (used to eat anything you gave him with gusto)
dysphagia - noted a little bit of what is called oral dysphagia.
changes in physical appearance to muscle - atrophic
stumbles (want to keep him in bubble wrap, he injures himself)
depression (people who visit don't even know he is curled up by my desk, he gets up when its someone he knows - maybe) One of my Dad's care takers didn't even know Sonko existed. Till one day she saw him (not current caretaker..that is a story in it self..the caretaker saga).My Dad has one now that is perfect for the dynamics of this household.

So thankful for the few current and past Peruvian Hairless dog breeders and dog fanciers that are coming together to share, brain storm, research, DNA test, encouraging each other and not condemning each other. That is how it should be. Its for the preservation of the breed, to work at producing as humanly possible with the tools that are available to improve the health and well being of these beautiful dogs

Sonko getting Acupuncture, which help for time

Sonko's feet. He also knuckles over

https://peruvianhairless.breedarchive.com/home/index

Some reading for those interested:

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/musculoskeletal-system/myopathies-in-small-animals/polymyositis-in-small-animals ← This one has all of Sonko's symptons listed. "Clinical signs include depression, lethargy, weakness, weight loss, lameness, myalgia, and muscle atrophy."

https://www.mspca.org/angell_services/polymyositis/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S096089661300730X

What emotions am I to have now...

2019-11-21T13:37:00.000-08:00

Feeling numb..don't know what I'm really feeling.

Can't let feelings get in the way.

My Dad has been ill. He had a 103.1 temp on Tuesday, November 19th (its been down for past two days) he is refusing to eat, will only take some water/juice to take his meds or moisten his mouth. When his caretaker and I got him to stand for a few mins (to change pads, clothes etc) he got upset, he kept saying he didn't want to go with a tears in his eyes as he looks in the direction of where the hospital is located. We reassured him, he is staying and we need to clean him up. He relaxed then.

His last Drs visit; He informed his Dr (and later the head nurse of the home health) that if he got sick again he doesn't want to go to the hospital like last time.

I really don't know what to feel at this moment.

ttfn

Dad Admitted into Hospital

2019-10-03T11:59:00.001-07:00

Wednesday (10/2/2019) started out rough: New Caretaker (who is also new to care taking) arrived at the house. Lets just say Dad said some choice words and wanted the guy gone. After letting Dad settle down and give the caretaker a try, all went very well. (H= caretaker) H took dad for a walk (I also went), it was bonding for the two. Dad walked as far as he could then used the transport chair. Dad was smiling at the Halloween decorations and enjoying himself.

Fast forward a few hours. We are watching the Wild Card A's game. 😕 Around 5:30ish p.m. Dad started to feel uncomfortable. Made a trip to the toilet. Started vomiting. Later he was back in his chair and said he felt better. Started vomiting again.

Took him to ER around 9:30ish. V and I were with him all night. Was given anti-nausea drug (worked). After the CT scan of his abdomen (clear), lots of blood work (high white blood cell count) and chest X-ray (some area's suggesting pneumonia).

Don't know the numbers for the white blood cell count, but Dr said it was high enough to suggest infection that was heading to sepsis. Possibly due to pneumonia (possibly from aspirating when he was choking on his cereal/phlegm on Tuesday 10/1/2019) or urinary track infection. No urine for testing yet. The fluid push helped that later on. More blood taken for cultures (never saw those type of tubes before), then put on a broad spectrum antibiotic drip.

ER doctor admitted Dad and he was up on 3rd floor. He was still wide awake. V and I left the hospital around 7ish a.m. Just before we left they finally got a urine sample. checking for white blood cells. If they find them, then going to use internal catheter (used a condom catheter to get first sample) to withdraw clean catch.

After a few hours sleep, dogs woke me up. Needed potty break. So grabbed some breakfast and coffee with hot cocoa mix. Sat down to type this out. Vanessa just left for work. Now I'm getting sleepy. I am hoping Dad is sleeping. For him to be up for as long as he was, he should be asleep for at least 24 hrs.

FYI- Alameda Hospital recently put a new computer program into place for whole hospital. So it was, check, double and triple checking information. Which took longer, that is okay but wasn't okay with Dad (made him more anxious, agitated). All the checks were good.

Ok..falling asleep over here...Garbage cans can stay on the curb a little while longer (the dumpster bag was picked up and Dad's old power chair).

ttfn

Found Photos

2019-09-28T10:47:00.000-07:00

Found these photos while cleaning out a drawer in the dining room.
My Mom and Dad. My Uncle Paul and Aunt Kathy. Love them all.

Will always miss my Mom and Uncle Paul. My Dad talks about his little brother, "Good guy".

Howard and Barbara


Barbara and Howard

Uncle Paul and Aunt Kathy.

My Dad - Birthday and Surgery

2019-07-24T16:32:00.001-07:00

Today is my Dad's 85th Birthday! Had carrot cake with his breakfast (he loves carrot cake).

DoB July 24, 1934

He is doing well. No Rx pain pills since yesterday morning. 2 extra strength Tylenol are keeping pain away.

Keeping him hydrated. He had first glass of Kevita Sparkling Probiotic (Dr.s orders). Not a fan, but will drink it. Says the bubbles are weird. HATES yogurt of any shape or form. Doctor also wants Dad to drink lots of Gatorade but mix with water (watching the sugar content). Dads likes the Gatorade/water mix.

Dad has been good about leaving the bandages on his head alone. I see him start to touch it then he quickly pulls his hand away. There is a little fresh seepage today.

Another note: I purchased a "baby" monitor. Dad's voice is weak and very hard to hear him. What is nice about it: 2 parent monitors. I can leave one plugged in and take the other outside with me (still Sun drying laundry, no word yet if the no longer made part has been found).

Photos from July 22, 2019 (day of surgery).

Surgery for cancer tumors on scalp (2) and left ear. One on scalp needed a skin graft (from his arm). Unfortunately most of the ear had to come off, the tumor went deeper/wider than what could be seen. Surgeon said the ear canal was good. Shaped the "ear" so no loss of hearing and it can still be cleaned out (tends to have wax build up..a lot).

Just before surgery

Getting ready to go home

Home, eating light meal

Side note: The surgeon might have been the same one that took care of the cancer on side of Mom's nose. The cancer ended up going down into her upper jaw. She lost a tooth due to it.

I have a spot on my lower leg that needs to be looked at. Have the "spot" for awhile now. Its been flat for years. Now its starting to get a little taller. Color still the same just growing.

TTFN

Progress!!!

2019-06-22T14:19:00.002-07:00

Took on the 30 day challenge with Body Groove! June 1-June 30. I fell behind a bit..caught up and then yesterday I took steps backwards in WW and BG. :( but all is good, today is a new day! And I took progress photos today to keep me motivated. As I was told, the scale is not a good measurement. So I use the scale and how my clothes fit and how I feel!

The scale..it goes up and down, esp if I weigh every few days. I like my new scale lol it's connected to my phone via blue tooth. Hey I'm a nerd..and love this kind of stuff!! Always have!

My clothes, especially my pants are fitting a little loose and the ones that were fitting a little snug are fitting!

I am feeling better now. I'll be truthful it was a struggle for my body and mind, to adjust to less food and to healthier foods! Now when I have a cheating food moment..I regret it! Cause my body says ugh..it's time to bloat and acid re-flux kicks in!

I have a doctors order for some blood work..holding off a bit longer to see if my diet and activity change will result in better results! My sugars, cholesterol (the bad one) was getting higher and my blood pressure besides my weight.

Here are some photos of the progress..its slow going forward..just as long as its forward its all good.

July 7, 2018

June 22, 2019

May 27, 2019


July 7, 2018

June 22, 2019

May 27, 2019

ENT docots visit

2019-06-12T12:58:00.003-07:00

On our way to Dad's ENT appointment.

Dad is in panic mode. Bribed him with Martie's banana pancakes if he sees the Dr. today. It worked. He settled down some.

Dr. Moulton-Barrett, talked to my Dad,not at him or only to us. We had to adjust so we could see what he was drawing in regards to my Dad's ear etc. He explained everything to Dad. And told Dad that his lymph nodes hear his head are good. The cancer hasn't spread to them.

The 2 scalp lesions will need skin grafts (from his upper arm) stapled and protected from outside touching. His ear, well that one will be a little more detailed. Going to slide cartilage from lower ear to upper ear so his ear will look pretty normal, just a bit smaller than the other one. Dad needs to see his primary doctor for a pre-op check, for the surgery. And maybe something to help ease the panic and distress that he goes though. I am to work on getting the top "scaby" stuff off and his hair cut short. All will be good. We got this.

Dad shook the doctors hand on our way out. Surgery is set for July 22.

Dad knows what is going on...

2019-06-12T12:46:00.002-07:00

Vanessa took Dad out to brunch at Marties. I stayed home to do some cleaning and Body Groove.
While waiting to leave, Dad's primary doctors office called to reschedule his appointment. My Dad wanted to know who that was on the phone, since he knew it was about him. I explained it was his favorite doctor office. I wrote on his white board all his appointments for June and July. He read them line by line. Then pointed to the last one..Surgery..he "told me" (with hand and facial gestures) that he will be knocked out and his ear and scalp will be taken off. Yes, that is correct. He then proceeded with his sounds for no and turned away. I sigh..he turns back to me and laughs! He is happy about it...thank goodness.. I'm thinking he is getting lots of Banana Pancakes next month!

5 lb Milestone Surprise

2019-05-31T15:55:00.001-07:00

This arrived today! Good timing. Had a blow lots of points wed night with Five guys burger, fries and shake! After not eating that much and types of foods in over a month, my stomach was not feeling the love. Same with my Dad. Too much at once..and to think I could eat like that several times a week and my body was showing it.

Thank you WW with the surprise!

Ttfn

Baby Steps

2019-05-29T13:18:00.000-07:00

Today I did a few reps with the light weights (3lbs) .. My Dad laughed at me, so, I goofed off pretending to be straining all the time laughing. I handed him the 2 lb weights (one hand at a time) and said ok since you are laughing at me..how about you do it with me. He refused at first but I wrapped his fingers around the dumbbell. The look of surprise on his face when he could hold it. Then together we did 10 lifts each arm (so I did 2 sets :) He was laughing. Then it was on to his daily stretch.

Good Start for the Day!

And, yes the dogs were hanging all around him while he exercised, even Zara our house guest.

ttfn

Sassy

2019-04-28T16:13:00.000-07:00

Have a Sassy problem here. She thinks the little bed I put down for Simba is for her. She has a bigger one but it's not right next to me .

Tomorrow Will Be Better

2019-04-28T14:21:00.000-07:00

Didn't make it to Marties for brunch. Many reasons:

After being up most of the night with ice pack on my boob (calling doctor on Monday)
So many messes from cats gone wild
Dad in pain from sleeping on broken power lift chair, new one is on the way..please no delays!
Toilet clogged. Thank you Vanessa for taking care of it.

Now Dad is depressed about not going out to eat..says to put him in a home, cries, had to be soothed talked to take his pills and eat breakfast.

When ever he doesn't get his way he pouts, gets depressed. I know it's hard on him and he seems to rather have someone do everything for him, when he can do it himself. At times I feel like I'm being mean when I have him try before I help. Examples: open a very ripe banana, pack of cookies, his pills from his pill holder, pulling up his pants, taking his shirt off when getting ready to be changed.

I wish he would let me clean him up after a bowel movement. I'm allowed to take the messy pullup but not clean him. Which means going back in the toilet room to sanitize the toilet, walls, grab bars, sink, floor, door, walker. It amazes me where I find it. Gotta love him. Then clean him up anyways before putting on clean clothes.

With Pichu sitting on me, I'm watching Oakland Athletics vs Toronto Blue Jays game. Oh A's, almost.

Ttfn

Thinking of posting about...

2019-04-27T16:06:00.002-07:00

Life with caring for my Dad. The ups and downs.

Think its a good idea?

Hard to recount the sad scary moments and the eww ones. But a friend suggested I do (but I won't on FaceBook).

New Roof

2018-03-07T15:25:00.002-08:00

New Roof

April 2, 2018 to April 5, 2018

April 5, 2018:
So glad we had this done (not just due to home owners insurance), the roofers round dry rot and a broken brace, which was replaced. Now this little house can stand a little taller.

April 4, 2018 - 3:25 pm
Oh my... Sounds like someone is going to dropping into the house from the room/attic! They are working like crazy up there! Photos to follow when the leave for the day.

Weather note: the fog/clouds cleared up some and now they are back!!

4th day And Finished
April 5, 2018
Before the "big" storm is supposed to hit the area.

April 5, 2018 Finished!

April 5, 2018

April 5, 2018 back (showing the down spout was reattached)

3rd day

3rd day front

3rd day side

3rd day back

2nd day

2nd day front

2nd day back

1st day

Front 1st day

Back 1st day

Side/front, during 1st day

Back, during 1st day

back- gutter

back gutter

Before

Projected start March 12, 2018

Will have updates and photos

Rain Delay

Update: Going for April 2, 2018

Hope the rain holds!

March 11, 2018 -

Cleared off the back porch. Hoping the weather holds for the next 3-4 days!

Layah

2018-02-17T02:04:00.001-08:00

Princess Layah

12/27/2006 - 07/01/2018

Cherry Berry
07/21/2009 - 07/01/2018
Believed to be a stroke

Cherry Berry (left), her mama Layah

Made the decision to let Layah go peacefully at BAVS.

The sparkle left her eyes, she stopped eating, and refused to walk. She took naps on the spot where Cherry passed away on my bed. Layah was curled next to Cherry's head when Cherry died.

Thank you to Dr S for giving me 5 extra months with Layah. She was a fighter.

Same day as her daughter,
hard to wrap my mind around that.
Both gone same day.

Snuggled in blankets

Pepcid's cut in 1/2

Layah had a "spot" on her left hind leg for several years. Didn't look like much. Was told to leave it alone unless It grows. It grew and It grew fast! End of December 2017 it started to grow and look angry.

November, 27, 2014

Below is a snap shot of what is going on. I have photos of the tumor 'It' (yes I named it) different stages. Not for the squeamish. You can use the links in the bullet list or scroll down.

Surgery to remove the tumor was out, can't get wide enough margins w/o amputation. (another tumor was found near lymph node) That would leave her with only 2 good legs. For now we are working on shrinking the tumor. Since it ruptured there is a chance she will always have hole even if the tumor dies (not enough good tissue to remove most of the tumor and then close it up). Hoping the radiation treatments shrink IT and she heals well. Edit: it has healed!

* Layah's Leg Story

E-collar that works the best

Vet visit

Oncology Nurse Laura

January 23, 2018 Providence Vet in Alameda, CA

needle aspirate of growth, given Clavamox and Galliprant

January 24, 2018 Dx

Mass Cell tumor on her left hind leg.
Continue with antibiotic and anti-inflammatory
Started taking 1/2 a pill 2x's per day of PEPCID® and BENADRYL®.

January 29, 2018 Bay Area Veterinary Specialists in San Leandro, CA

told to stop the Galliprant (last day January 28,2018)

January 30, 2018

Started drug therapy - Palladia 15 mg 3x's week

February 4, 2018

Vomited 1x (ate too fast?)
Started Prednisone 5mg (2 pills 1x day for 14 days, 1 pill 1x per day for 14 days...

February 16-17, 2018

Tumor ruptured
Vomited after ingesting tumor's extudate

February 19, 2018

Benadryl cut in 1/2

Started Radiation therapy (set up for 4 treatments, 1x a week)
Started on Clavamox and Tramadol HCL 50mg (for pain)

February after 1st Radiation Treatment

February 26, 2018

2nd Radiation Treatment
Blood and urine testing (watching for side affects of Palladia)
There is wound granulation (happy dance)
Photo after treament

the area swelled late in the night (Me = little sleep)

February 27, 2018

Happy Dancer! Dr. S is very happy with her progress
Layah's blood, urine came back normal!

Organs are not affected by the Palladia

Swelling last night was caused by dead tumor cells

Post 2nd Radiation Treatment (Feb. 26, 2018) Photos

March 5, 2018 - Missed appointment

Photo - not looking well
Rescheduled for March 6. 2018

Locked key in Yaris

Layah in Yaris with keys

De-stressing..food and nap

Locked Layah, keys and purse inside Yaris this morning. Just before I left, told my Dad, who was eating breakfast, not to open the door for anyone! Use your imagination on that one. Tow service text said 12 noon. Vanessa said 15 mins. Let's see who gets here first.

Layah finally stopped crying, but still shivering. Called BAVS to reschedule for tomorrow.All is good Vanessa came to the rescue! She has a Yaris key. Thank you V!!!

New e-collar

Layah was a little confused..no car ride..I needed to de-stress my self. Funny dogs recover faster then me.

March 6, 2018 - 3rd radiation treatment

Everything seems to be going well.

Concern: fragile skin in treatment area.
New "collar"

Photo post 3rd treatment

March 8, 2018

Photo 2 days post 3rd treatment

March 10, 2018

March 12, 2018 - Last radiation Treatment

March 14, 2018

3am Layah Cried out & whimpering
Her leg swelled up. Don't know if one of the dogs stepped on it when they were re-positioning themselves. It's bruised and swollen. I held her till pain meds set in.
Photo

March 16, 2018

Still painful and swollen
Photo 1
Photo 2

March 22, 2018

enjoying Sun Beams

Layah dropped both flower petals and got a few sunbeams before I caught her. Will know more Monday if she can be bathed etc
Photo 1 and Photo 2 of tumor

March 26, 2018

Took blood and urine samples will call with results in a few days
Continue with same drug treatment
Layah can now have a bath!! happy dance!
She can also get some Sun Beams! Sonko and Cherry have their Spring/Summer colors on already.
Next check up - 30 days from today.

testing blood, urine; ultrasound and chest x-ray.

March 26, 2018 - And since she lost a few ounces since last week..we went to McDonalds for burgers. Yep Layah got a plane one. She devoured it! I ended up with hamburgers, they gave me the wrong order. No patty for Layah! Went inside and was given correct order and got to keep the wrong one..more to share with the 4 legged kids.

.March 27, 2018

Dr. S. Called with the blood and urine test results.

Blood looks good
Urine - Elevated protein could be kidney failure
Running a test for creatinine levels and the results will determine next step in Layah's treatment.

High levels of creatinine is an adverse reaction of Pallidia

Layah had her spa/bath tonight. Pure Paws Bare Essentials. She is wearing her slinky made by California Dogs!

March 28,2018

Benazapril ready to be cut

Waiting for Dr. S to call - trying to be upbeat.

March 29, 2018

Missed Dr. S's call, she left voice message

Looks like Layah will have to be on another Rx
Calling BAVs in the morning (Dr. S is off on Fridays so will be talking to another Dr. who has been informed.

March 30, 2018

Layah started Benazaprill 5mg tabs - 1/2 tab every 24 hours

for protein in urine

urine check in 7 days

Requested copies of Layah's lab results

Will email when they have permission from the oncology department

Switched to generic famotidine

March 31, 2018

Dr. S said she can get some rays

Leg photo
2nd view
Layah vomited her breakfast after taking Benazapril (1 common side effect)

had to re-administer the famotidine and diphenhydramine
Tomorrow will give the Benazapril between meals and see how that goes.

Vomited her dinner.

re-administered famotidine and diphenhydramine

so far keeping the small meat ball down

Might have to do several small meals.
Will call Vet hospital in the morning or later tonight if she can't keep down small amounts of food.

3 of 4 that need cutting

She acts fine, spunky, and hungry.

April 1, 2018,

Found old photo of Layah's rear!
Circled the fluid filled "growth" or "bubble"

April 1, 2018

Called BAVS - Said to email Oncology and the Emergency dept. They were swamped with emergencies when I called
Didn't give Benazapril
Feeding small amounts of canned food every couple of hours. No vomiting.

April 2, 2018

No vomiting this morning
Called BAVS - gave information - will get back to me after consult with Dr. S

April 2, 2018

Got call back from BAVS with new instructions

Let Layah's stomach settle
Wednesday April 4, 2018 start back on Benazapril @ 1/4 of pill with food

waiting for any vomiting

April 3, 2018 - diarrhea - might be from switching her food to canned RedBarn (she stopped eating all of her reg. food - Honest Kitchen and Nulo canned turkey)
April 4, 2018

Kept all food down since Sunday.
Also switched her back to Honest Kitchen and Nulo (doesn't clean bowl with HK but will beg for more of the Nulo)
Gave her 1/4 of the Benazapril at 12:05pm
1:52 pm still waiting to see if she keeps it down
5:00 pm all good. Almost dinner time.

April 4, 2018 - 23 days post last radiation treatment

23 days post last radiation treatment

left leg

23 days post last radiation treatment

April 4, 2018

23 days post last radiation treatment

right leg

April 11, 2018

While bathing layah I found several lumps on her inner thigh of her left leg.
She had an appointment for blood draw Thursday at 11. To check kidney
Photo 1, photo 2 of new lumps
Photo of leg with original tumor

April 12, 2018 - Missed Layah's appointment, woke to a nasty headache, stayed in bed most of the day. The Critters didn't like that idea. I was able to take care of my Dad's needs and now this late afternoon sit in front of the pc.

Appointment rescheduled for Tuesday April 17, 2018 at 12:30 with Dr. S. (Dr S will not be in the office on Monday).

inner thigh of left leg

another view of inner thigh

left leg

April 16, 2018 - Layah's last dose of Palladia

New lesions are not responding to Palladia. Cancer cells can mutate and become immune to a chemo drug. I opted to not do an ultrasound on her organs. She has been having intermittent diarrhea. Could be from Palladia, Denazapril, or mass cells attacking her intestines.

April 17, 2018

Blood - CBC/Chem panel

all clear for new chemo drug

Urine tested - results in a day or two

checking protein levels

needle aspirate of lesions - left leg inner thigh.

Positive for Mass Cell

1st dose of CCNU (Lomustine) (oral)

given in hospital every 21 days

New Rx Denamarin

Protect her liver from the CCNU

Next appointment: April 24 for post CCNU check -& CBC/Chem panel

Waiting to be seen

New Rx

April 17, 2018 - about 9:30 pm Layah jumped out of bed and into the laundry basket of clean folded rag/cleaning towels that I had set on the floor. She puked there and a minute later puked on a reusable floor pad. And now she wants more food.

Enjoying Sunshine

April 24, 2018 BAV's visit

Weight: 9.4 lbs (an increase of 0.4lbs)

It was noted she was losing weight with each visit

Mixture of results today. Kidneys are holding good.
White blood cells are low.
Put on Baytril 22.7mg. antibiotics for 7 days.
Take temp daily and closely watch.
Lowered dose of CCNU for next treatment.
Dr S and I both agree the mass on her leg looks smaller

But not the ones on her inner thight

April 26, 2018

Dr. S. From BAV's called and said she had Layah's white blood cell count check by another lab to confirm what their in house lab saw. It was confirmed. If she got an infection now (any type) it would be life threatening.
CBC confirmed profound neutropenia
Asked for copy of recent blood panel

Wbc: 0.93 Neu: 0.16 - Grade 4 neutropenia post CCNU
inquired about other means to raise the wbc.- Dr. S said it wouldn't work and might upset her gi

Pickup up Neupogen tonight at 7 pm. Will be 3 injections I can do at home, starting tonight.

4/26/18 helping with her blog - I love her sweet face.

May 7, 2018

The mass cells are growing fast
Giving her Tramadol HCL for pain
Layah has her 2nd treatment of CCNU May 8, 2018

If her white blood cell counts is good.

May 7, 2018

Early afternoon

May 7, 2018

9:30 pm

May 8, 2018 - BAV's 9:30 am No CCNU treatment (see above photos)

Weigh 9.3 lb (a loss of 0.09lbs)
Blood count good
organ function good
Mass Cells are CCNU resistant

May 8, 2018 New Drug regiment:

Started Vinblastine, every 7 days (or 14 days, depends on her blood counts)

Intravenous
6-8 treatments

Increasing Prednisone dose 2 tablets every 24 hours for 14 days

then 1 tablet every day

Continue Denamarin 90mg until box is finished - empty stomach (early morning)

I call this her liver pills

Continue Benazapril 5mg - 14/ daily with food

Call this her kidney pills

Continue Pepcid 10 mg - 1/2 tab 2'x day
Continue Benadryl 25 mg - 1/2 tab 2'x day
Tramadol 50 mg - 1/2 tab 12 hours for pain (as needed)

Started giving May 7, 2018 when the tumors got angery

Cerenia tabs 16mg for loss of appetite, nausea and or vomiting (as needed)

Vinblastine can cause the above.

My rambling thoughts

May 8, 2018

Today was very emotional for me.

The Palliada stopped working and started causing kidney damage. The radiation did what it was supposed to do but the mass cells are aggressive and back. The CCNU dropped her white blood count dangerously low, thought it was working with check 7 days after. That was short lived. They are growing fast and are angry.

Caught by cat trap box

Had a good talk with Dr. S. I am coming to terms that my spunky sassy, yappy little one is on limited time. We all are but it's not easy when you know its coming sooner than one would like.

I asked questions.

What if we just treat with the drugs she is on but minus the chemo? Layah would probably have a
few good weeks before we notice her organ and body loosing the fight.

What if we do the Vinblastine? Layah could do as she did the CCNU, her white blood cell count dropping dangerously low, where even her own natural bacteria could kill her. The Vinblastine could also cause her GI upsets. If she tolerates the Vinblastine AND the mass cells shrink, Layah could have a few - several months. Dr can't really say, cancers react differently, mutate, become immune to the drugs. And no two patients will respond the exact same way.

I have decided to go ahead and do the treatment with the Vinblastine. If it works I will do 1-2 more treatments afterwards. ($400-$500) per treatment and usual is 6-8 treatments. I will be honest, I don't have that kind of money and it breaks my heart to say/think that. . I have one credit card and it is almost maxed out. Sometimes I wonder where my gofundme account is or winning the lottery. But God is good.

May 9, 2018 - 24 hrs after Vinblastine treatment.

May 10, 2018 2 days post Vinblastine

May 10, 2018

Layah is still enjoying life. She wants to be near by. And if not, she will let all of us know, including the neighbors!! She loves her food (and keeps it down). Loves snuggles under blankets with me and or her doggy or kitty friends. She still dances for treats. Loves to get some Sunshine. Smell the poppies growing wild in the backyard. Even the gross. She likes to hunt for the cat poo that was left by Cricket. (Cricket has for years gone outside with the dogs to go potty or just hang and then come back in with them). Loves to chew on chew sticks. Sonko can't have them anymore, he "eats" them, even though they are "veggie sticks" they didn't digest and he got rid of them by puking all over my bed and Cherry Berry. Layah was under the blanket so she was spared a 2 am bath. Life is going on here.

Getting ready for nap time

May 15, 2018 - BAVS vist

Blood cell count good
Tumors looked better than last week.

Bruising gone

Gave 2nd dose of Vinblastine (upped the dose)
Layah napped in her papoose for about 2 hrs.

May 16, 208

Layah is still in good spirits

I will take photos of her leg and underside a little later tonight.

May 16, 2018

June 1, 2018 -

Been quiet over here.. flu type bug hit me, 102.7 temps, lots of coughing and aches.
Layah is still as sweet as ever. Good appetite, poops normal, urinating normally.

With very heavy heart and tears, May 15 was Layah's last chemo therapy. It seemed it was working. But I just couldn't do it anymore. More tumors just keep on showing up. And the worst part is I can't afford the cost anymore.

All the dogs are feeling my mood and don't know what the heck to do with it. At night they are snuggling closer to me.

One of my other dogs, Sonko has had the most dramatic change. He doesn't want to leave the back of the house and/or yard. Not even to eat. I am sure it's a combination of situations that happened all in a short time. He is very very very sensitive.

A cat startles him - he cries
the canned air to deter cats from an area..terrified him. (it went off while he was eating in the kitchen) that is when the not eating started.
Sometimes it gets loud with raised voices (my dad's hearing seems to be going), Sonko hates loud voices. Plus the TV ..well its loud. And when my Dad is having a bad day..he yells.
I'm not spending time with the dogs. I have tried, but its soo hard and with Layah's special needs and my Dad's it hard.
Having to round up the dogs quickly when there is a "big" mess to clean up so they don't add to the spread of the mess.
and so much more

The Chinese Crested dogs seem to take things in stride. The PIO's are very sensitive.

The above is part of the combinations that I think have affected Sonko.

To get him to eat, used different flavors of canned, raw, kibble. He will eat if I hand feed him. tried different bowls and different rooms. In a crate/with door open and closed. Cold food, warmed food.

I will add photos later...

TTFN

June 7, 2018

Layah vomited her snack last night

I will not ever be giving those to my dogs again. They don't digest.

June 8, 2018

Layah vomited up her breakfast.

June 14, 2018

Layah vomited early before the sun rises.

Refused to eat breakfast

Vomited again

Gave her pills hidden inside French fries. Also gave her something for her nausea.

Not a good day.

Photos from the outline above

Tumor that grew fast

Measured just before first Chemo Treatment 1/30/2018

Getting ready to rupture

Tumor getting ready to rupture

Partial rupture of tumor

Partial rupture

Tumor ruptured 2/15/2018, painful. Hobbles on 2 legs.

Marks for radiation treatments

1 of the many e- collars tried

An idea of where and how it looks

February 22, 2018 3 days post 1st Radiation

4 days post 1st Radiation

Hours post 2nd treatment

Blue marks

Late night post 2nd treatment

3 days post 2nd treatment

5 days post 2nd treatment

March 5, 2018

Post 3rd treatments March 6, 2018

Simba keeping her company

2 days Post 3rd treatment

2 days post 3rd treatment

off to the vets

4 days post 3rd treatment

How they sleep

5 hours post 4th/last treatment

Nap time

Bruised March 14 2018

March 16, 2018

March 19, 2018

March 22, 2018

March 31, 2018

Reflection

2017-08-07T13:07:00.000-07:00

I'm now sharing what I wrote down back in July 2017.

July 24, 2017 was my Dad's 83rd birthday. For me was a day of mixed feelings.

Being Blessed by:

Still having my Dad around
Being able to celebrate with him and Vanessa on his birthday
Eating chocolate cake (his favorite) and getting loose poops the 2nd day of cake ;)
Making him one of his favorite meals: Hot dogs and baked beans with a few chips.
To read to him his birthday card from my Aunt Kathy, my Dad's sister-in-law.. the wife of my Dad's younger brother who watches over us now. And I'm sure Uncle Paul is cheering his older brother on from the heavens.

About the card: thank you from my whole heart, (not just the bottom), Aunt Kathy for sending that card. When it arrived with the mail, I showed Dad the card. He set the card where he could see it every time he sat at the dining table, un-opened. Then on his birthday, I saw him take the card after breakfast and open it so carefully. He looked it over and then handed it to me to read. He had such love in his eyes. I was on the verge of tears. I gave him a card that night with the gift and cake from Vanessa and I. He was soo happy.

This reflection is not to shame anyone, just to let everyone, anyone know that just because a person who has Aphasia and their speech is hard to understand (even for me..we use hand gestures and I pretty much know his routine and what he likes so I can guess what he is trying to communicate, not always the correct guess.)

My Dad still has feelings and a sharp mind for an 83 year old, still loves his Raiders, little kids, animals, loves wild colorful hair and tattoos (even on strangers and tells them so). Of course loves the cute ladies. We tease, Dad and all his girlfriends, still the flirt, him and my Mom! :) Loves his family (he knows you are all busy and living your lives and still loves you for that).

His "visit" with you will be a hand holding, a hug, an I love you, an encrypted question on how your partner is doing or your kids or grand-kids (he knows).

About the birthday cards, neatly back in their envelopes, where he can see them every time he sits at the dining table.

The Deck - Building

2017-05-11T17:06:00.002-07:00

Deck May 2017

It's the size of the original porch, much less decking and more yard area.

Later, adding more checker pavers and the fountain, when fixed (solar pump).

ttfn

There Goes the Deck

2017-05-08T11:39:00.002-07:00

Herb Garden

2017-04-08T22:15:00.000-07:00

Welcome

🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿

Spearmint

🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿

Chocolate Mint

🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿

Cat Mint

🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿

Lemon Verbena and Lemon Thyme

🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿🌱🌿

ttfn

Polaroids Discovered

2017-04-08T13:03:00.004-07:00

Discoveries

Stack of Polaroids in my Mom's desk drawer...nope not scanning all of them.

My Mom was not the best photographer but she loved taking photos! Esp with new camera types! Humm..that is where I must of gotten my love of things tech! From her!

Lynette and Vanessa Avalos

Tiffany Avalos and me, Sheila.

Tiffany

Sheila Avalos

Lynette Avalos

Salvador Avalos III,,,😃

Rachel Avalos

Vanessa, Lynette and Sal Avalos

My Dad, Howard and my Uncle Lorenzo Lewis.

Greg Blevins and Chewy the kitty

Cheryl and Jenny Hansen

Lynda and Lito Lago

Lynda

Random Photos

2017-04-02T16:30:00.003-07:00

Random photos taken off my phone..not necessarily taken by me.

Window!!!

2017-04-02T15:56:00.000-07:00

Window is now operable!

These tools were used to open the painted window. Yes the soda was needed.

No glass was broken..I think I kinda had a close call but all is good.

Next will be to measure and see about getting a screen.

Of course my purple fan has to sit in the window. That is what purple fans do best.

Thank you Vanessa for the fancy window fan!! Loving it!

Not the window but its the yard which is an extension of my room.

ttfn