From:  "farrand_je" <farrand_je@y...>
Date:  Fri Aug 30, 2002  9:49 am
Subject:  Canine Osteosarcoma: Belle Update

It's been 1 month since our hardy beagle, Belle, had her tumor and
three ribs removed at Univ. of Illinois. She is now a temporary
resident at Auburn University for radiation therapy (Auburn is one of
the very few institutions that has a Linear Accelerator with
Electrons; best for her situation over the more common Cobalt type).

She has had 7 treatments, 6 more to go. Eating well, baying at the
grad students and weaseling her way into peoples offices instead of
the ward with the other dogs. Chemo hasn't started yet, though. Her
white blood cell count needed to come up, which it did. For some
reason it hasn't risen the two-hundred more points Auburn would like
to see (target: 3,000; currently 2,800). No sign of infections; bone
marrow aspiration shows good production of cells. So they have added
Prednisone to her routine hoping to suppress her own immune system
from fighting with itself (her own immune system being the prime
suspect).

My wife went to visit last weekend and the two of them had a great
time at "Woofstock", local fundraiser for the Humane Society. This
weekend my oldest son and I get to go hang out with her. Long drive
but she's worth it!

Every day is a gift at this point. One month ago, our only other
alternative was to let her go.

I "lurk" alot and have shed a few tears at each struggle. A lot of
bad news lately. Hopefully, Belle is providing a little good news.

Good luck in your own fights.

Date:  Fri Aug 30, 2002  11:05 am
Subject:  Re: [Endless Love] Canine Osteosarcoma: Belle Update

That is great news that Belle is doing so well. Her roaming into the offices
made me chuckle!! I hope that she has a long remission and you get to spend
as much time with her as possible. I agree - each day is a gift!! That is
how I am feeling about my Sassy girl!!

Jen & Sassy
Jake
Norm

Date:  Fri Aug 30, 2002  11:17 am
Subject:  Re: Canine Osteosarcoma: Belle Update

Hi
Thanks for the good news. I'm so happy to hear Belle is doing well we
all could use this kind of news. Keep up the great work Belle and
keep baying and eating well. Soon Belle will be home with you and
your family.
Hugs
Shirley & Angels Fuzz, Ziggy, and Tippy

Date:  Fri Aug 30, 2002  4:00 pm
Subject:  Re: [Endless Love] Canine Osteosarcoma: Belle Update

Thank you so very much for such a gentle update on Belle. I am delighted
to hear she is eating well, holding conversations with the graduate students
aand "weaseling" her way into peoples offices! God bless her little heart
:O)

How wonderful that your wife and Belle had such a nice time at "Woofstock."
I know you will all have such fun this weekend also.

As always, keeping Belle in my warm prayers.

Victoria

Date:  Fri Aug 30, 2002  6:24 pm
Subject:  Re: [Endless Love] Canine Osteosarcoma: Belle Update

I had to smile while reading about Belle. I can just see her wiggling her way
into the offices! Sounds like she is feeling good and doing as well as you
could expect too. When you go see her give her a big hug from us and tell her
we are praying for her.

Lynda and Angel Flirt
Lymphoma - Bridge Baby 4/3/00

Date:  Fri Aug 30, 2002  6:37 pm
Subject:  Re: [Endless Love] Canine Osteosarcoma: Belle Update

I was delighted to read Belle's update. She sounds like a wonderful little
beagle, and I know that you are delighted to hear her bay again. Enjoy your
weekend with your little darling, and give her our prayers and strong wishes
for her speedy recovery and return to her wonderful home.

Janet and Bonni Dog