has anyone's dog had chemo

[kitla]

Toffee recently had a small spindle tumour removed from her leg, but the vet
wasn't able to take enough from around it to be sure it wont grow back (due to
its position). We're being advised to get her chemotherapy to be safe, we think
it may be a better option than waiting to see if it grows back as it could be worse
next time. I'm trying to find out as much as I can about the treatment before
we visit the vet on Monday as I think there's several options for how its done.

[p.penn]

Oh dear, poor Toffee. Sorry no experience of pet chemo, but I hope Toffee makes a full recovery.

[wendy]

What a shame.
Myself I haven't a good friend of ours had chemo for her staffy, when he was about 3 years old. He lived to a good age, about 12 I think and it didn't reoccur.
But it did ruin his stomach and he had a sensitive tummy after that. This was many years ago though.

[kitla]

Toffee already has a sensitive stomach Wendy, she often gets reflux-type sickness
if she doesn't eat before her morning walk & she's not long recovered from mild
pancreatitis. She's now on hugely expensive, but wonderful Lillys dogfood!
One thing I'm afraid of is the amount of dogs I hear of that have their leg removed
because of this, it may end up being the option if the tumour grows back. I'm sure
this wouldn't be possible for Toffee as she has arthritis, it doesn't trouble her much
but her back legs get shaky sometimes. So I'm worried about both options really.

[wendy]

Difficult decision....I am sure you will make the right one .

[kitla]

Our choices have now changed as the oncologist thinks Toffee's tumour grew too
fast for it to be low grade. The chemo offered may not be very effective, so the
options are 3 weeks radiotherapy or another op (by the specialist surgeon) to remove more tissue & hopefully get the remaining tumour cells. The op seems her best chance
& would be done next week, but we're dreading it, mainly the thought of her staying
at the vets for a week as she'd have a drain fitted. We can visit her every day but I'm
afraid she'll get really distressed when we leave. Just hoping and praying they get it
all out & we can put it behind us in a few weeks.

[jemberelli]

Oh no, will be thinking of you all. Hope the op goes well, poor Toffee

[wendy]

Yes, you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

[albertajune]

How distressing for you! If love and the utmost care can pull Toffee through this, all will end well.
It's no good saying try not to worry, because you understandingly are. As for having to leave Toffee and visit each day, you might feel a bit more sure of what to do when the time comes.
Take care

[kitla]

Toffee is coming home tomorrow after a harrowing week at the vet for her, and
for us, the great news is her results have come back & they've got it all out, she's
clear!!! Soooooo relieved!

[wendy]

That is brilliant news
How wonderful

[jemberelli]

Aww what fabulous news Sighs of relief all round - poor Toffee will be so glad to be home (and all of you!)

[KarenE]

That's great news for you and especially Toffee of course!

[amber66]

That's brilliant news, i am so pleased for you both.
Amber.

[Sara]

Thats fab news!

So very pleased for you xx