| We started Syd on the Metronomic protocol a week or so ago which consists (based on his weight) of 75mg cytoxan/cyclophosphamide weekly, and 15mg piroxicam and 300mg doxycycline daily. On 5-24-04, we were blessed to have a generous and unselfish CBC list member, who's beloved dog had succumbed to this horrible disease, offer to sell me the remaining bottles she had for her dog that was never used at a reduced cost. We just received that and started Syd on the artemisinin today. Based on his weight, he is getting 270mg, but since they come in 100mg capsules, we have been okayed by Dr. Hahn to give him 300mg instead. I worry about the cytoxan as we have to make sure he drinks lots of water or fluids 2-3 days after we give it to him every week. I give it to him on the first day off I have so I can try and get him to drink and go outside to potty a lot to prevent any bladder irritation. So far, that's a real chore getting him to drink a lot. I started putting some salt (like kosher or sea salt) in his food to help him become thirstier. So far, Syd seems to do well with everything. I haven't noticed anything different about him, except he is more tired now. But that could be because it's starting to get warm and humid here and I'm sure that affects him, even if he didn't have lung mets. Our next x-rays are scheduled at K-State for June 17th. By that time, he will have been on the protocol and arte for almost a month, so I'm hoping I hear those sweet words "they have shrunk" or "stabilized". His 9th birthday is just a mere 20 days or so away. Hang in there, boy!!!! |
