Autumn
john and susan ... - May 4, 2011
Dog Breed:
Age:
13 years old
Sex:
Bio:
Autumn became a part of our life about 12 years ago; she was a lost dog who we rescued after finding her running through our town. Autumn was full of life and spunk as our family (including our black lab Isis) welcomed her into our home. She turned many ordinary days into adventures with her energy and mischief.
In 2007 Autumn became very ill with an auto immune disorder/anemia. We took her several hours away to a wonderful specialist who treated her for many long months until she recovered fully. Autumn was known as a miracle dog at the veterinary center as well as among our family and friends, as she made her remarkable comeback.
Upon returning to her specialist in March of this year for a re-check, Autumn was diagnosed with oral melanoma after undergoing a biopsy procedure. We met with the oncologist at the facility and have begun the vaccination treatments. However the doctors do not feel this course of treatment is enough for such an aggressive form of cancer. The next step in Autumn's treatment is surgery- the schedule remains pending. Autumn's "dad" has been recovering himself for the past 1 1/2 years from brain surgery/coma. Our own funds have suddenly been drastically cut by a change in his disability insurance. We remain hopeful that the Riedel & Cody Fund will find it possible to help us out.
Type of Cancer:
Treatment Status:
In Treatment
My pet is a cancer survivor:
N/A
Details you'd like to share about your pet's cancer:
Autumn has received 2 vaccination treatments to date and has responded well to doses of piroxicam. The oral tumor has begun to grow back and surgery has been advised.
On May 5 we met with Autumn's surgeon for consultation and pre-op testing.
She was admitted for surgery for the next day. A mandiculectomy was performed and she seems to be recovering well. She was discharged late on the 7th, and of course she was very relieved to be back in her own home. Right now the most difficult part of recovery seems to be adjusting to the E-collar which she wears to prevent scratching open the sutures. It's quite comical to watch Autumn navigate through doorways and around people with this wide cone-shaped collar. She remains on an a post surgery antibiotic, and pain meds only as needed- but seems to be having no discomfort at this point. Appetite is just great and each day she regains more of her spirit.
Autumn will return to the veterinary hospital on Tuesday May 17 to have the sutures removed and receive her 3rd vaccination treatment.
The jaw bone was biopsied and we are awaiting results which will determine the next steps of advised treatment.
On May 26, Autumn's surgeon reported good news to us- the biopsy came back clean of cancer cells within the bone...we are able to proceed now with the 4th melanoma vaccine, scheduled for next week with her oncologist. We are most grateful to the exceptional team of doctors who are giving Autumn the best of care, as well as the team of support from the Riedel & Cody Fund for their kindness and generosity.
It is now the Fall and Autumn continues to receive treatment from her oncologist- Chlorambucil and piroxicam are given orally daily. Autumn is monitored every 4-6 weeks at the veterinary center with routine tests. She seems to be tolerating the medications and her doctors are pleased with the results. We are thrilled to see how perky Autumn remains when chasing our cats around the house or taking a daily walk to the park.
1 comments
Susan, thanks for posting
Susan, thanks for posting Autumn's profile and picture. She's beautiful!