Sam took Prednisone for six months. Prednisone (a steroid) acts as a mild chemotherapy to diminish the effects of Mast Cells not removed with surgery. We were told it has almost no side effects and could potentially prevent the dog cancer from spreading. "Almost no side effects" and Prednisone, is an oxymoron. Two of the most common side effects are a virtually constant thirst and a voracious appetite. At the time, we were still using a regular water bowl and she began drinking close to a gallon of water a day. We installed a dedicated line to a automatic water bowl
Not a canine care until more tumors appeared
We continued to enjoy this wonderful pet dog and her interactions with our other dogs. Sam was such a blessing to us! But "blessing" wasn't what our cat, Chewie, had in mind when they first met. Sam must have looked like a woolly mammoth to her, because Chewie's face showed SHEER TERROR. I thought we had the world's first flying cat, as quickly as she got upstairs. Chewie lived under the bed for nearly two weeks. Eventually, they almost became friends... Sam seldom misbehaved. On those rare occasions when she did, we would refer to her as "Osama bin Doggin" and scold her. Her newfie eyes would narrow into slits like she was getting ready to cry. On the whole, life was pretty normal and we were beginning to think she had completely whipped the Mast Cell tumors until another one showed up in May of 2008. After that tumor was removed, we had a reprieve until December when yet another developed and that too, was removed.
The New Year brought some hopeful news from our vet: Red Bank Animal Hospital in North Jersey was conducting a clinical trial of a new oral chemotherapy treatment for Mast Cell tumors. It had very promising results in a smaller study on different types of canine cancer, but especially Mast Cell tumors. So a nation-wide study was begun to determine the effectiveness and dog cancer subjects were needed. We promptly made an appointment with the animal hospital for an evaluation. A lot of paperwork and more exams were needed before Samantha was invited to participate. The doctor told us up front that the best way to save Sam's life was to have another surgery combined with the current standard IV chemotherapy. If we did that though, Sam would not be able to participate in the study.
I somehow got the idea that if this new oral drug was successful and made readily available, it would be less expensive for dog owners to get the necessary treatment for canine cancer. Pills would eliminate the time and expense of IV chemotherapy. The thought of saving dog lovers from facing the tough financial choices we made was exciting to me. I had often prayed that God would allow Sam to be as much of a blessing to others as she was to us. It just didn't seem right to hog such a wonderful blessing to ourselves. So we denied the surgery and traditional chemotherapy so Sam could be a part of a blessing to others.
The entire double-blind clinical study was to be done over the course of 13 weeks. Darlene changed her schedule and I put in for vacation days to cover the 2 to 3 times a week we would make the 90 minute drive with Sam to the animal hospital in North Jersey. This was all for naught though, when Samantha was disqualified after just one chemotherapy treatment. The exam on the following visit revealed that her Mast Cells had increased more than the strict limit of 20%. We found out later that Sam was part of the group that received the new drug. Unfortunately, it had no effect on her. In February, yet another Mast Cell tumor appeared in the same general area and once again she had surgery to remove it.
This was not looking good for our precious puppy...
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Bereavement
Dog Health
Dog adoption / Fun stuff / Misc.
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