Monday, May 31, 2010
The swelling in Jack’s cheek is much better – you really have to know where to look to see it. Jack is feeling like his old self now – well, at least like an older version of his old self… He was really full of it this morning. A quick internet search confirmed that Ebbetts Pass (http://www.scenic4.org/) opened this weekend – and that could mean only one thing: lunch at The Growler in Murphys, CA. We packed lunch for Jack and Jenny, loaded up the car, and headed for the mountains. Our last trip to The Growler for lunch was in October shortly after Jack started chemotherapy. We were optimistic that we would all take at least one more ride over in the spring – and today was the day.
We were amazed at how much snow was still up there, and having only been over Ebbetts Pass in the fall, it was something to see. Jack really had a great day – he was up and alert for the whole ride, barking at 
motorcycles and watching for chipmunks. Everybody was having so much fun, we decided to continue on to Angels Camp, then north on Hwy 49 to Jackson, and back home on Hwy 88. Sure, it was a big ride, but we made a lot of stops along the way, the scenery was spectacular, and we couldn’t think of a better way to spend the day.
Adopting the ‘free’ dog your co-worker rescued from the desert and picking up dog food, dog tags, and new collar on the way home - $35
Taking him to the vet for an initial check-up and having him neutered - $200
Finding out 9 years later that he’s got lymphoma and taking him for chemotherapy - $5,000
Getting to spend an additional 33 weeks of fun with your best buddy in the whole world - priceless
Friday, May 28, 2010
There is never a dull moment living with Jack. On Wednesday afternoon, Linda went to scratch his head and face (like always) and he flinched and pulled back. Huh? That night, John gave him a scratch before bed and Jack gently nipped at his hand when John touched his face. Double huh? By Thursday morning, Jack's left cheek was obviously swollen. This is not where his old root canal is located, so we were at a loss but all kinds of worst-case scenarious went through our heads.
Off to Dr. Schneider yesterday after work, which revealed an open, draining hole on the inside of his cheek. How the heck did THAT happen? She said it looks like it's been there for a few days. After numbing it a bit and then cleaning it, we went home with instructions to put a hot compress on there 3 times per day over the weekend. Dr. Schneider also changed his antibiotics to one better suited to such injuries.
Jack was incredibly brave as Dr. Schneider poked around in there. He's not all that fond of the hot compresses at home, but Linda is undeterred.
Considering all of the scenarios we feared, this is the best case scenario! Already this morning his tail was thumping when Linda got out of bed, and he's still eating with gusto.
There's a song by a British band that has become Jack's theme song. The band is Chambawamba and the song is Tubthumping. Seriously. The lyrics to the song are: I get knocked down, but I get up again. You're never gonna keep me down... That describes our Jack perfectly.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Jack had another great visit with Dr. Beebe in Sacramento last Thursday. We really like her... it's worth the trip down there! She said he'd be sleepy for a few days after his acupuncture treatment, and he was. But all weekend he was very relaxed and happy, and acted like the goofy Jack we love so much.
We talked with her again about his chronic sinus infection that he's battled since last September. He's been on and off antibiotics, but most recently has been on meds now for 2 weeks. The bogies are pretty much gone... but experience tells us that every time we stop antibiotics, the infection comes roaring back. Although x-rays don't show an abscess, we have always believed that it's because of the root canal he had on his upper right molar about 6 years ago (the sinus infection is on the right side of his nose). At the time, we were cautioned that it would save the tooth for a while but that eventually the tooth would have to come out. Little did we know at the time that he would develop heart disease and now cannot handle anesthesia, and so the tooth can no longer come out!
When Linda said "I think the sinus infection is because of the root canal," Dr. Beebe said "Root canal? You didn't tell me he had a root canal. Of course that's it!" She believes root canals can spread infection throughout the body and cause a lot of problems. We've read that theory in other places as well. Darn that tooth! We wish we could take it out, but lesson learned
. As a result, Jack might have to be on a low dose of antibiotics for the rest of his life. Needless to say, we won't do any more root canals on our dogs in the future.
After leaving Dr. Beebe we spent the night in Davis (about 30 minutes away). Jack and Jenny love it there. Friday morning we took a short walk over to campus and met up with some ducks on the lawn. Jack took off after them and even tried a short gallop to chase them! He's definitely hurting and has lost muscle tone, but the interest and enthusiasm are still there.
The photo here was taken on the way home from Davis, with thoughts of those ducks still dancing in our heads...
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Jack, aka The Big Kahuna, has had several good days. Last night he enjoyed a spontaneous yet animated play episode with Jenny in the back yard. Clearly SHE thinks he's feeling better. We've noticed she won't play with him sometimes and we think it's because she can tell that he's sick and he probably smelled different while on chemo. But last night she decided he needed a couple of well-timed boddy-blows (she likes to hurl herself at him from a running start... when we see it about to happen, we yell "INCOMING!" to try and warn him). At one point he decided he'd had enough of her crap... gave her a warning bark... and starting smacking her around. The whole thing didn't last long, but it was delightful to see!
Tomorrow the whole family is heading to Sacramento f
or a visit with Dr. Beebe. In addition to Jack's usual appointment, Jenny is due for a follow-up visit of her own. Dr. Beebe has an amazing way of putting a positive spin on things and making us all feel better, so we'll be curious to hear what she thinks.
We haven't posted a photo in a while, and to be honest, we haven't taken any good pictures recently. Here's one from a few weeks ago of Jack happily napping on the bed. We call this "Canine Sprawl." That's a king-size bed he's taking over...
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Jack was better this morning than he was yesterday – each day we are noticing a little improvement in his energy level. This morning he was very alert, barking up a storm and bouncing around while I was fixing his breakfast. He still has some drainage from his sinuses and we’re not sure why – after seven days of antibiotics it should be clearing up – it’s much better than it was last weekend, but not completely gone yet. Linda was talking to a co-worker whose mom recently finished chemo – she said that her energy level kept dropping for another month after her last treatment before she started to notice that she was feeling better...and then it was gradual improvement each day. If Jack’s experience was anything like that, his one-month mark would have been last Friday. We can’t reverse the arthritis in his hips and back, but if the rest of him feels ‘better’ that would explain why he’s been in such a good mood the last few days. Jack met Linda at the door when she arrived home Thursday and Friday – tail wagging. After watching a slow, steady decline for so long it’s been nice this week to see some improvement.
Today marks 31 weeks since his diagnosis. In some ways, each Sunday is a little celebration – when Jack was diagnosed with lymphoma and given 4 – 6 weeks to live we knew if we didn’t try chemotherapy he’d be gone by Thanksgiving. We’re happy to report that the chemo worked, and as of today he’s in remission. To us, every week beyond those original few have been bonus time with and for Jack.
So what now? With the ‘drama’ of chemotherapy behind us, we’ve settled back into a normal routine. We do most of the things we’ve always done – we just don’t do them very quickly, or for very long. Jack makes sure he’s included in everything that’s going on around the house and often lies right in the middle of the action. We’re convinced he’s paying full attention even when his eyes are closed and it looks suspiciously like he’s dreaming…
We learned at the beginning of this journey that the average length of survival for a lymphoma dog that goes through chemotherapy is one year from the date of diagnosis. Of course, some live much longer and sadly there are those that don’t survive the treatments. We are blessed that Jack is still here, and this is one time when being ‘average’ will be a good thing!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Just a quick post to let everybody know that Jack seems to be feeling a little bit better each day. The antibiotics are clearing up his sinuses, and after a consult with Dr. Beebe and Dr. Schneider we have decided to keep him on the antibiotics for two – three weeks. We can tell by the way he acts that he feels better. His voracious appetite is intact, he’s much more alert and engaged, he’s quick to follow Linda around the house again, and last night he jumped up on the bed with us for a cookie party. After sharing his biscuits with Jenny, he jumped down, went to bed, and slept through the night. It’s the first time in several weeks that he hasn’t gotten us up at least once.
Our strategy going forward is pretty simple – we’re going to do whatever it takes to keep Jack happy and comfortable. That includes stepping up the pain management for his arthritis, keeping the acupuncture appointments, and working with our ‘Dream Team’ to make sure that he enjoys his remaining time with dignity and respect.
And we’re continuing to plan fun activities in the near-future. In fact, Jack has been feeling well enough lately that we’ve made tentative plans for Jack’s “Summer Vacation” in June. If we make it – it’s going to be a new adventure for us all.
Monday, May 10, 2010
We are now at 30 weeks since Jack's diagnosis of lymphoma back in October. That's 7 months! We believe he is still in remission - a test is necessary to confirm it and we don't want to put him through it. In the last 7 months, we have heard about dogs who have been in remission for a year... two years... or more, but they have typically been younger dogs or dogs otherwise in good health. We have also met and heard about dogs who have come out of remission while still on chemo - or dogs who couldn't tolerate chemo - and we are very sad for them and their owners. Jack handled his treatment amazingly well. It has been an incredible journey.
The interesting thing about the last 7 months is that Jack is now 7 months older. Anyone who has an older dog knows the kind of changes that can happen in short periods of time. For Jack, his heart disease has continued to progress with the onset of high blood pressure a few months ago (although he is still not in congestive heart failure... hooray!) and his arthritis is worse.
Thanks to chemo, the "Jack Clock" didn't stop last fall. We are here, 30 weeks later, thanks to chemo. We always said we hoped to know Jack as a little old man... and we do! We didn't lose him prematurely to anything else.
In the last two weeks, we have really seen him slow down. Dr. Beebe put him on some different supplements to try and help his aches and pains and we increased his anti-inflammatory drug to the maximum dose for his weight. In the last few days he seems brighter and acts like he's feeling better. Still, the unmistakable signs of age are there.
Compounding those aches and pains... his nose bogies became a worrisome color last week and then turned bloody again over the weekend. We believe this is a function of allergy season. Nevertheless, he's back on a short course of antibiotics.
It's tough to watch a beloved pet get old and frail and know that it's up to you to decide what is best. They can't tell you what hurts, and you can only comfort them with a soothing voice and gentle tummy rub (Jack gets lots of those).
We don't know what lies ahead in the coming weeks or months. Any prayers or positive energy you might send his way, we would be very grateful. He is our best buddy and a central member of our family, and we will continue to do everything we can to make him happy and comfortable for as long as he's meant to be here.
Whenever someone makes a comment about spending so much time and effort on a dog, we reply that family comes in many shapes and sizes. This is our family.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
We had a good trip to Sacramento on Tuesday to visit Dr. Beebe. She could readily see that Jack is hurting and wasn’t feeling well. He didn’t get up to greet her when she came in the exam room. To date she’s been treating his anemia and trying to help him through the chemo and then pneumonia – other than acupuncture, she’s done nothing much for his arthritis. As of today, we’re switching gears to pain management and to try and stem the tide of his “mature dog” arthritis.
Before our appointment, we stopped by “Squirrel Park” in Sacramento, which is officially called East Portal Park. We saw a couple of squirrels, but mostly we made a few new friends which pleased Jack no end. First was a 4-year old male husky named Taylor who was quite full of himself (and off leash) who came over for a very animated “hello!” Next was an interesting duo of Coltrane (a 3-year old standard poodle without a haircut) who looked a lot like a Muppet, and Chili, a young female Kelpie. I thought for sure Jenny would take issue with Taylor and Chili, both of whom were off leash, but she didn’t! She was a very good girl and happily made friends. She did, however, take a snip at Coltrane. I think all that fur spooked her!
Interestingly, I talked to the lady walking Coltrane and Chili, and would you believe it? She’s Dr. Schneider’s neighbor. That would be Jack’s vet, Dr. Schneider in Carson City who did his chemo treatments, and here we were at a neighborhood park in Sacramento. AND, Chili the dog is a patient with Dr. Rinehimer for acupuncture in Carson City. How’s that for a small world?
Here is a picture of Jack, Jenny, Coltrane and Chili (you can just see Chili’s face next to her Mom).
It’s always nice to make new friends, especially ones in far away places who really live only a few miles up the road.
Monday, May 3, 2010 Jack had a good and busy weekend. The weather finally looked like spring, and we took advantage with yard work and short rides in the car to bark at things. He continues to surprise us with acting stiff one minute and then dashing out the door to chase birds the next. We're not sure what to make of that, but we've totally got his number! If you want Jack to go out, just say "Jack.... BIRD! BIRD!" and out he goes like a flash.
Yesterday marked 29 weeks since diagnosis. And yes, we remember and celebrate each week! Without chemo, they gave him 4-6 weeks, so 29 is a HUGE number. The more the merrier.
He no longer goes for weekly check-ups on his lymphoma like he did when he was getting chemo, so we attempt to check his lymph nodes at home for any signs of swelling or enlargement. So far, nothing, and we believe he remains in remission. As we have said all along, his appetite is terrific. I mean... he'd eat us out of house and home if we let him! A good sign, indeed.
His energy is down a bit, though. He doesn't greet Linda at the door when she gets home and now he doesn't always jump up when he sees her walk through the door. Eventually he gets up and comes over with a wagging tail, but the enthusiasm has subsided a bit. Still, he follows her through the house and is happy for any and all rides in the car. He is definitely interested and engaged. And did we mention his appetite is still good?
Jack has always had really bad seasonal allergies and it's getting to be that time of year, so that might be bothering him. We're not quite sure yet what to do about those allergies this year. With all that he's on and all that he's gone through, we're hesitant to give him his allergy desensitization shots or antihistamine medication. He always has a short allergy season in the spring, and the worst is in July and August when the pine pollen peaks.
Tomorrow we'll enjoy a nice, snow-free drive to Sacramento to see Dr. Beebe and see if she has any suggestions about things. At this point our focus is to keep him as comfortable and happy as possible, for as long as possible. He's still here... we love the big guy... and that's all that matters.