Sharon7
Moderator
How many more days does Gavin have for treatment, Cindy? I know it must be hard waiting for the bad side effects to happen. At least it sounds like his spirits are still OK. I know he'll be SO happy to see you again.
Gavin's radiation treatment
- Thread starter Cindy
- Start date
Cindy
Premium Member
Gavin was a happy boy when I picked him up at 11 last night 
he slept with me for 4 hours before he jumped onto the floor (I was hoping he wouldn't try that considering his leg, but I guess he does need to keep up his muscle strength. But no more bed for him). He is sleeping again right now in one of his beds. No cone as I am here to supervise, but the leg is bad enough I don't know how much longer he will leave it alone.
We have treatments 14-17 next week, then the last 2 the following Monday and Tuesday to finish up Jan 6. I was told side effects will increase another week and then heal up over about a month.
Pictures:
Gavin at the beginning of his treatment. They use markers to show where they are radiating, his leg was a tad red because they had used a red one that bled. No tenderness, burns, or anything at this point, just bald from shaver . week one (treatment 1-4)
<https://clkreder.shutterfly.com/3224>
My returning from holidays. So After treatment 13. Big difference.
redness and soreness. Gavin flinches when I put the cream on. The dark purple lines are marker, but everything else is red/light purple. looks raw.
<https://clkreder.shutterfly.com/3223>
<https://clkreder.shutterfly.com/3222>
he slept with me for 4 hours before he jumped onto the floor (I was hoping he wouldn't try that considering his leg, but I guess he does need to keep up his muscle strength. But no more bed for him). He is sleeping again right now in one of his beds. No cone as I am here to supervise, but the leg is bad enough I don't know how much longer he will leave it alone.
We have treatments 14-17 next week, then the last 2 the following Monday and Tuesday to finish up Jan 6. I was told side effects will increase another week and then heal up over about a month.
Pictures:
Gavin at the beginning of his treatment. They use markers to show where they are radiating, his leg was a tad red because they had used a red one that bled. No tenderness, burns, or anything at this point, just bald from shaver . week one (treatment 1-4)
<https://clkreder.shutterfly.com/3224>
My returning from holidays. So After treatment 13. Big difference.
redness and soreness. Gavin flinches when I put the cream on. The dark purple lines are marker, but everything else is red/light purple. looks raw.
<https://clkreder.shutterfly.com/3223>
<https://clkreder.shutterfly.com/3222>
trini
Forums Sage
Hi Cindy...so happy you are home with your boy...I am sure you feel better being with him and he obviously was overjoyed to see Mom and be back home again.
His leg does look sore, but it will be worth all the current negative side effects to give him more happy, healthy years with you.
Here's to much better things to come in 2016!!
Trini
His leg does look sore, but it will be worth all the current negative side effects to give him more happy, healthy years with you.
Here's to much better things to come in 2016!!
Trini
ghggp
Moderator
Wow, you both are so very brave! To go through all of this with strength and support for each other! You just warm my heart.
I said it before and will say it again. Thanks for all your posts with details that will help others on this forum that might need knowledge and support!
I know the love that you have for Gavin is limitless... He is glad to have mom home.
No more bed, jumping up and down is probably for the best, at least for now!
Blessings being sent to you!
I said it before and will say it again. Thanks for all your posts with details that will help others on this forum that might need knowledge and support!
I know the love that you have for Gavin is limitless... He is glad to have mom home.
No more bed, jumping up and down is probably for the best, at least for now!
Blessings being sent to you!
Cindy
Premium Member
I am incredibly humbled by how much Gavin trusts me.
Here is he, hurting and sore and he doesn't know why. Going back to the vet's every day and it only gets worse. And all he does is show me he loves me, snuggling with me on the couch and letting me apply the radiation burn lotion even though it hurts his sore paw to be touched.
We as people can learn so much from dogs...their love is so precious.
:sadsmile:
Here is he, hurting and sore and he doesn't know why. Going back to the vet's every day and it only gets worse. And all he does is show me he loves me, snuggling with me on the couch and letting me apply the radiation burn lotion even though it hurts his sore paw to be touched.
We as people can learn so much from dogs...their love is so precious.
:sadsmile:
Mally's Mom
Forums Enthusiast
And their love is "unconditional"........what a wonderful gift that is, as well.
Continuous prayers going out to you for Gavin's "total" healing.
Note: Something random..........I love the name Gavin.
Sharon7
Moderator
Awww, what a good boy. It always does give me a lump in my throat when I think how much our dogs go through without understanding why.... I have dragged Ally to the vet about 3 times a week for exams and lab work and procedures, she gets so frightened and my heart bleeds. I wish I could tell her I'm only trying to help.
But there is the light at the end of the tunnel for Gavin, you guys will be so happy when it's over and he's healing. They put up with so much without fussing... you are right, we could learn a whole lot from them about grace.
But there is the light at the end of the tunnel for Gavin, you guys will be so happy when it's over and he's healing. They put up with so much without fussing... you are right, we could learn a whole lot from them about grace.
Cindy
Premium Member
He was extra tired today, which could be because of the treatments or because he was at the vet's all last week or because of the meds he is on. Will know more tomorrow I suppose. Gavin licked his leg a few times today when I was distracted, so I need to either be more vigilant or have him in the collar more. I think I need to order a new one, BTW. He has been wearing it so much (and eating while wearing it) that it is getting kinda icky with dirt/food residue on the inside. I tried wiping it clean, and that worked OK, but don't know how long that will last. I do Highly recommend the Comfy Cone, tho.
Oh, Gavin's breath smelled different when I picked him up, kinda sweeter (but not in an fruity way if that makes sense). Hasn't changed much even though I have brushed his teeth and given him a dental treat. Will have to ask if that is common on prednisone.
Oh, Gavin's breath smelled different when I picked him up, kinda sweeter (but not in an fruity way if that makes sense). Hasn't changed much even though I have brushed his teeth and given him a dental treat. Will have to ask if that is common on prednisone.
Caro
Moderator
Not just for those going through it. I've never known a dog go through radiation treatment so I am finding it really informative. I had wondered how a dog would cope and it fills my heart to hear Gavin is handling it so well. Bless you both.
Cindy
Premium Member
Monday (Treatment 14):
visible appearance is the same. Vet tech told me they are changing the angle of therapy to reduce impact on his paw pads.
He is in good spirits. He ran (on 3 legs) up the stairs to the vets anticipating Bailey (vet tech's daughter who plays with him) this morning. She couldn't play with him today, but will be there tomorrow. His appetite is the same as always. He is drinking and peeing more but that is the prednisone.
He is gonna be asleep soon (Tramadol). Breath is still a tad off, but vet tech didn't think it was an issue. Will brush his teeth again tonite.
When I picked him up he was all happy and being silly.
So I asked for a tramadol refill..just looked at the bottle. He is supposed to get 1/2-1 pill every 8-12 hours and is currently getting 1/2 pill twice a day since that is what the vet started him at. I think things are gonna get quite a bit worse. They gave me 60 more pills, which is 20 days at max dose or one pill 3x a day. At current dose of 1/2 pill twice a day that is a 2 months supply. I think I will increase him to 1/2 pill 3X a day; one in the early AM, one when I pick him up, and one before bed. I did notice him being uncomfortable last night in the very very early AM.
visible appearance is the same. Vet tech told me they are changing the angle of therapy to reduce impact on his paw pads.
He is in good spirits. He ran (on 3 legs) up the stairs to the vets anticipating Bailey (vet tech's daughter who plays with him) this morning. She couldn't play with him today, but will be there tomorrow. His appetite is the same as always. He is drinking and peeing more but that is the prednisone.
He is gonna be asleep soon (Tramadol). Breath is still a tad off, but vet tech didn't think it was an issue. Will brush his teeth again tonite.
When I picked him up he was all happy and being silly.
So I asked for a tramadol refill..just looked at the bottle. He is supposed to get 1/2-1 pill every 8-12 hours and is currently getting 1/2 pill twice a day since that is what the vet started him at. I think things are gonna get quite a bit worse. They gave me 60 more pills, which is 20 days at max dose or one pill 3x a day. At current dose of 1/2 pill twice a day that is a 2 months supply. I think I will increase him to 1/2 pill 3X a day; one in the early AM, one when I pick him up, and one before bed. I did notice him being uncomfortable last night in the very very early AM.
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