Hey, it’s the “Queen Mum” here. I finally managed to get the computer away from Nova so I could give everyone an update on her health. Last week I called the oncologist to renew Nova’s piroxicam prescription (part of her metronomic therapy although she has remained off the Cytoxan). She surprised me by saying that she would not renew the prescription without updated bloodwork. Makes sense, I know, but I have been avoiding getting chest x-rays so I really didn’t relish the thought of going in there. Luckily, the oncologist was fine with me getting the bloodwork done at Nova’s regular vet. Emmy needed updated bloodwork too, so I took the whole crew into the vet this morning…. all 287 lbs of Great Dane. NOT an easy task!
To start, Nova has GAINED 13 lbs since the last time we were at the vet (September) so she is getting to be a little fatty! Last we were in there she was a svelte 133, now she is 146 and has this goofy little fat waddle right below her neck near her amp incision. I saw it flappin’ in the wind one day and just about had a fit, and had to feel her all over for hard lumps and such. NOPE, just plan ol’ flab. I guess that’s to be expected. If I laid around like a couch potato all day I would pack on the pounds too.
They did a CBC and blood chemistry panel. I guess the purpose was to make sure the Piroxicam was not taxing the liver or kidneys, which supposedly it can. Well, the bottom line is, it’s NOT. Both my vet and the oncologist said Nova’s bloodwork was AWESOME. So that’s great!
I have decided that I am not going to do chest x-rays until there is some sign that indicates things might have progressed. I have thought long and hard about it, and it just seems that we will enjoy life with Nova much more just living in the moment and not knowing if there are any mets. Seeing all the tragedies that have befallen so many of our much-loved Tripawds pals, it just seems to be the right thing for us. You can go in one day and get the “all clear” and your luck can change just a few weeks later. You never know. I would rather spend my time and $ loving Nova, rather than getting chest x-rays over and over. So that’s the plan.
By: krun15 on November 16, 2009 at 6:33 pm
Good news on the blood work!
I might point out that based on the pictures I saw her ampuversary day might have put 10 of those pounds on her.
Wow- 287 pounds- so I guess you wouldn’t be impressed by me wrestling my 34 pounds of pugs to the vet?
Karen
By: shiloanne on November 16, 2009 at 11:50 pm
Lol… I was going to say the same thing.. That 1 year ampuversary… But that is ok Nova you are still beautiful…. I agree with you on the x-ray thing… I wasn’t going to get anymore for Shilo for the same reasons…
You have a special girl there…. By the way we expect to get a trading card from the queen as well. Expect a PM, I just got a response with Shilo’s card so we should be getting them soon!! Yeah!!
By: Peyton's Path on November 17, 2009 at 11:24 am
Congrats on the blood work! That is exciting especially since it’s been a year! You keep enjoying life and Nova and Emmy every day! I think the extra pounds must have come from her pawty!!!
By: admin on November 17, 2009 at 12:52 pm
Great idea, you just keep on loving Nova … we do!
We also chose not to get frequent x-rays with Jerry, choosing rather to enjoy every moment rather than wait for potentially bad news we knew would eventually come. Thanks for the update!
By: jakesmom on November 19, 2009 at 7:17 am
Yay for the great bloodwork!! I totally agree also about not getting regular chest x-rays and just enjoying every single minute you have with Nova!!!
Post some more pictures of your giant babies!!!
Angel Jake’s Mom