04.05.16
Baloo’s Big News!
Time really flies when you’re on three legs, and with the nice California spring weather, all seven of the dogs’ legs have been outside more, and I’m sorry to say, I haven’t been online much in the last two months.
Let’s get to the important stuff first…yesterday Baloo was given a beautiful “cancer-free” declaration at UC Davis, and we are one seriously happy family!
We had continued to have some ups and downs with Baloo’s treatment since February; some days mom and Baloo drove two hours to UC Davis only to determine that his white cell count was too low for chemo that given day, and go through it all again the next morning. The trips are hard on him, and visits to Davis typically also include imaging now to monitor the pesky shadow in his lungs for changes. Imaging requires sedation, the sedation turns him into an uncooperative 88# for the rest of the day. By 9pm he usually reminds me of friends from college about 15 years ago who had “one too many” – laying around moaning, and we try to bring him water and carry him off to bed.
But yesterday, the 4 month-1 week ampuversary, Baloo headed to UC Davis, and after the imaging and sedation (the tech swears Baloo enjoys being zonked out and rolling around on a giant gurney) our wonderful oncologist said she “jumped up and down” after hearing from the radiologist that there were no changes to his lungs. Osteosarcoma would be growing so rapidly that each of these progressive images in the last eight weeks. Because there are none, the little shadows they’d been watching will be referred to as archeology of oncology.
Long story short – the combination of the amputation and chemotherapy appears to have worked! I know better than to speak in absolutes, but for where we are right now, Baloo is done with cancer treatment. So, for anyone starting out with their diagnosis and journey who is reading this, not only did we feel like the amputation itself was a success regardless of the chemo…and for now, the chemo was a success too.
He’ll go back t0 UCD in two months for a checkup, but in the meantime, he’ll go back to being a standard 3 legged-senior citizen with a busy schedule of walks to keep, things to smell, stuff to chew up, and people to greet – and by about the 6 month ampuversary, it should be warm enough to swim again!
Soaking up California Sun – April ’16
Full speed ahead!
April 5, 2016 at 7:01 pm
Oh Baloo! So happy things are going well for you. It’s (almost) summertime and the livin’ is easy.
April 5, 2016 at 7:17 pm
You betcha!! 🙂 Thank you!
April 5, 2016 at 7:06 pm
CONGRATS Baloo! That is pawseome news!
xoxo
Julie and Buddy
April 5, 2016 at 7:16 pm
Thank you!! We sure think so!
April 5, 2016 at 7:51 pm
Yay!
I’m not sure if I pestered you about this before, but we have a group of Nor Cal Tripawd packs that meet up a couple times a year in Mill Valley. Our next meet is on May 14th and we would love to meet you and Baloo. I’m not sure where you guys are but since you are going to Davis I thought I would throw it out there!
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
April 5, 2016 at 10:21 pm
Hi Karen! We would love to come do a meetup some day :0) We’re pretty far North of Davis, but we’ll keep an eye on the tri-pack and hopefully make it down sometime. Baloo’s great joy at the moment is the occasional dog sighting, and I know he’d enjoy a meetup! Erin, Baloo (and Maverick too!)
April 5, 2016 at 9:31 pm
What awesome news! Way to go, Baloo!
Kathi and the Turbotail April Angel…and the Labradork
April 5, 2016 at 10:19 pm
Thanks to you all!
April 5, 2016 at 11:51 pm
Hooray for Baloo! Time to celebrate!
April 6, 2016 at 1:56 am
You bet it is! Thank you!
April 6, 2016 at 1:42 am
What fantastic news!!!! Congrats!!! That is a huge accomplishment and we’re all celebrating with you!!! I love those photos…. what a happy bunch!
Alison with Spirit Shelby in her heart
April 6, 2016 at 1:54 am
Happy for SURE! Thanks Alison!
April 6, 2016 at 4:01 am
This just makes my heart sign happy tunes!! SPECTACULAR NEWS!!
Baloo gets to be vet free and sedation free! He has to be ecstatic! Baloo is living life to the fullest and that’s the best “report” ever!
As usual, the pictures of Baloo and Maverick are just precious. Two very happy dogs and a very happy mom!
Seeing the photos of Baloo so joyful just being out in nature…pure bliss!
Thanks for the great update AND beautiful photos! Keep ’em coming!
HAPPY FOUR MONTH AMD ONE WEEK AMPUVERSARY BALOO! 🙂 🙂
Ice cream and steak for everyone! 🙂
Love!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
April 15, 2016 at 3:23 pm
Awwww YAAAY! You guys this is just so fantastic, we are beyond hoppy for all of you, congrats!!
Life life to the fullest and never apologize for not being here. Baloo wants you with him, not on your computer, so go out and have FUN! Summer’s almost here!!! WOOHOO!!!
P.S. Aren’t those UC Davis folks great?!