22/2/13
Today was a day I had been looking forward to, another milestone and a day to hopefully kick the crap out of any cancer cells that may be lurking, but also a day I’d been dreading, one where her body is pumped full of toxins.
The plan the oncologist has drawn up for Buffy consists of 6 treatments of carboplatin with a chest x-ray before the 3rd and 5th treatments. Buffy will also have a blood test before each treatment to check her blood count. Carboplatin affects the bone marrow’s ability to produce blood cells and platelets. Whilst a small drop in the count is expected a large drop can mean other issues will arise like infection which then causes more problems that Buffy’s body may not be able to deal with.
Common side effects with Carboplatin are loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and possible diarrhea but they are less severe than other treatments. Poor Buffy’s not going to be able to make a move outside without me hovering to see if one of these nasties has her in their grips.
I found a free PDF on-line called Caring For Your Dog With Carboplatin Chemotherapy which might be of interest to anyone contemplating or facing this treatment. The link (which will bring up a dialogue box at the bottom of your screen allows you to open the PDF or save it) is – www.animalhospitalofantioch.com/refId,22733/refDownload.pml.
It’s very early days yet but Buffy has eaten lunch (2 chicken breasts) and is currently napping in one of her weird positions.
Tags: bone cancer, Cancer, Canine, Carboplatin, Chemotherapy, Dog, Great Dane, Oncologist, osteosarcoma, Tripaw
By: Karma on February 23, 2013 at 4:43 am
I understand exactly how you feel about hovering over her for a few days looking for symptoms. By Brendol had her first chemo on Monday, which is also the Carboplatin and will be 4 to 6 treatments. I’m not sure how the vet is deciding between the number, but that is what he quoted me. I guess Brendol and I are on day 5, and she has done great, so no effects this round. I have read that some times the effects can be a bit cumulative, so they may not start occurring until later in the treatment plan. But no signs after #1 is great news to me. Thanks for posting the the link to that article. I will check it out.
And I love the censure of your photo… very clever.
By: merilyn on February 23, 2013 at 3:56 pm
I never thought to ask – why 6 treatments, why not 5 or 7? A question for our next visit, if I remember. I’he also read that Carboplatin breaks down slowly (which is supposed to be good) but it does mean there is a cumulative effect. I’m dreading the blood tests because if the count goes too low the treatment will be stopped but fingers crossed.
Oh, and I thought I should give Buffy a little bit of “privacy” if I’m going to continue posting pictures of her on the Internet. Should have thought of it sooner.
Hope all goes well for you and Brendol. Good luck.
By: Amanda on January 30, 2017 at 8:13 am
I know these posts seem like a long time ago for you, but they are still helpful to people like me, reading about carbo with our own Danes. Thank you.
By: merilyn on January 30, 2017 at 10:40 am
I’m glad they can still help.