Layah


Princess Layah
 12/27/2006 - 07/01/2018

Cherry Berry
07/21/2009 - 07/01/2018
Believed to be a stroke



Cherry Berry (left), her mama Layah 

Made the decision to let Layah go peacefully at BAVS.  

The sparkle left her eyes, she stopped eating, and refused to walk. She took naps on the spot where Cherry passed away on my bed. Layah was curled next to Cherry's head when Cherry died.


Thank you to Dr S for giving me 5 extra months with Layah. She was a fighter.

Same day as her daughter, 
hard to wrap my mind around that. 
Both gone same day. 








Snuggled in blankets
Pepcid's cut in 1/2
Layah had a "spot" on her left hind leg for several years. Didn't look like much. Was told to leave it alone unless It grows. It grew and It grew fast! End of December 2017 it started to grow and look angry.
November, 27, 2014

Below is a snap shot of what is going on. I have photos of the tumor 'It' (yes I named it) different stages. Not for the squeamish. You can use the links in the bullet list or scroll down.



Surgery to remove the tumor was out, can't get wide enough margins w/o amputation. (another tumor was found near lymph node) That would leave her with only 2 good legs. For now we are working on shrinking the tumor. Since it ruptured there is a chance she will always have hole even if the tumor dies (not enough good tissue to remove most of the tumor and then close it up). Hoping the radiation treatments shrink IT and she heals well. Edit: it has healed! 

Layah's Leg Story


 E-collar that works the best



Vet visit



Oncology Nurse Laura


  • January 23, 2018 Providence Vet in Alameda, CA
    • needle aspirate of growth, given Clavamox and Galliprant
  • January 24, 2018 Dx
    •  Mass Cell tumor on her left hind leg.
    • Continue with antibiotic and anti-inflammatory
    •  Started taking 1/2 a pill  2x's per day of PEPCID® and BENADRYL®.  
  • January 29, 2018 Bay Area Veterinary Specialists in San Leandro, CA
    • told to stop the Galliprant (last day January 28,2018)
  • January 30, 2018
    • Started drug therapy - Palladia 15 mg 3x's week
  • February 4, 2018 
    • Vomited 1x (ate too fast?)
    • Started Prednisone 5mg (2 pills 1x day for 14 days, 1 pill 1x per day for 14 days...
  • February 16-17, 2018
  • February 19, 2018 
  • Benadryl cut in 1/2
    • Started Radiation therapy (set up for 4 treatments, 1x a week)
    • Started on Clavamox and Tramadol HCL 50mg (for pain)
  • February after 1st Radiation Treatment
  • February 26, 2018
    • 2nd Radiation Treatment
    • Blood and urine testing (watching for side affects of Palladia)
    • There is wound granulation (happy dance)
    • Photo after treament
      • the area swelled late in the night (Me = little sleep)
  • February 27, 2018
    • Happy Dancer! Dr. S is very happy with her progress
    •  Layah's blood, urine came back normal!
      • Organs are not affected by the Palladia
    • Swelling last night was caused by dead tumor cells
  • Post 2nd Radiation Treatment (Feb. 26, 2018) Photos
  • March 5, 2018 - Missed appointment 
    • Photo - not looking well
    • Rescheduled for March 6. 2018


Locked key in Yaris


 Layah in Yaris with keys



De-stressing..food and nap
Locked Layah, keys and purse inside Yaris this morning. Just before I left, told my Dad, who was eating breakfast, not to open the door for anyone! Use your imagination on that one. Tow service text said 12 noon. Vanessa said 15 mins. Let's see who gets here first. 
Layah finally stopped crying, but still shivering. Called BAVS to reschedule for tomorrow.All is good Vanessa came to the rescue! She has a Yaris key. Thank you V!!!   
New e-collar
Layah was a little confused..no car ride..I needed to de-stress my self. Funny dogs recover faster then me.
  • March 6, 2018 - 3rd radiation treatment
  • March 8, 2018
  • March 10, 2018 
  • March 12, 2018 - Last radiation Treatment
  • March 14, 2018
    • 3am Layah Cried out & whimpering
    • Her leg swelled up. Don't know if one of the dogs stepped on it when they were re-positioning themselves. It's bruised and swollen. I held her till pain meds set in. 
    • Photo
  • March 16, 2018
  • March 22, 2018
  • enjoying Sun Beams
    •  Layah dropped both flower petals and got a few sunbeams before I caught her. Will know more Monday if she can be bathed etc
    • Photo 1 and Photo 2 of tumor
  • March 26, 2018
    • Took blood and urine samples will call with results in a few days
    • Continue with same drug treatment
    • Layah can now have a bath!! happy dance! 
    • She can also get some Sun Beams! Sonko and Cherry have their Spring/Summer colors on already.
    • Next check up - 30 days from today.
      • testing blood, urine; ultrasound and chest x-ray. 
March 26, 2018 - And since she lost a few ounces since last week..we went to McDonalds for burgers. Yep Layah got a plane one. She devoured it! I ended up with hamburgers, they gave me the wrong order. No patty for Layah! Went inside and was given correct order and got to keep the wrong one..more to share with the 4 legged kids.
  • .March 27, 2018
    • Dr. S. Called with the blood and urine test results.
      • Blood looks good
      • Urine - Elevated protein could be kidney failure
      • Running a test for creatinine levels and the results will determine next step in Layah's treatment.
        • High levels of creatinine is an adverse reaction of Pallidia 





Layah had her spa/bath tonight. Pure Paws Bare Essentials. She is wearing her slinky made by California Dogs!





  • March 28,2018
    • Benazapril ready to be cut 
    • Waiting for Dr. S to call - trying to be upbeat.
  • March 29, 2018
    • Missed Dr. S's call, she left voice message
      • Looks like Layah will have to be on another Rx
      • Calling BAVs in the morning (Dr. S is off on Fridays so will be talking to another Dr. who has been informed.
  • March 30, 2018
    • Layah started Benazaprill 5mg tabs - 1/2 tab every 24 hours
      •  for protein in urine
      •  urine check in 7 days
    • Requested copies of Layah's lab results
      • Will email when they have permission from the oncology department
    • Switched to generic famotidine
  • March 31, 2018
  • Dr. S said she can get some rays 
    • Leg photo
    • 2nd view
    • Layah vomited her breakfast after taking Benazapril (1 common side effect)
      • had to re-administer the famotidine and diphenhydramine
      • Tomorrow will give the Benazapril between meals and see how that goes.
    • Vomited her dinner. 
      • re-administered famotidine and diphenhydramine
        • so far keeping the small meat ball down
    • Might have to do several small meals. 
    • Will call Vet hospital in the morning or later tonight if she can't keep down small amounts of food. 
    • 3 of 4 that need cutting
    • She acts fine, spunky, and hungry.
  • April 1, 2018, 
    • Found old photo of Layah's rear!  
    • Circled the fluid filled "growth" or "bubble"
  • April 1, 2018
    • Called BAVS - Said to email Oncology and the Emergency dept. They were swamped with emergencies when I called
    • Didn't give Benazapril
    • Feeding small amounts of canned food every couple of hours. No vomiting.
  • April 2, 2018
    • No vomiting this morning
    • Called BAVS - gave information - will get back to me after consult with Dr. S
  • April 2, 2018
    • Got call back from BAVS with new instructions
      • Let Layah's stomach settle 
      • Wednesday April 4, 2018 start back on Benazapril @ 1/4 of pill with food
waiting for any vomiting
  • April 3, 2018 - diarrhea - might be from switching her food to canned RedBarn (she stopped eating all of her reg. food - Honest Kitchen and Nulo canned turkey)
  • April 4, 2018
    • Kept all food down since Sunday.
    • Also switched her back to Honest Kitchen and Nulo (doesn't clean bowl with HK but will beg for more of the Nulo)
    • Gave her 1/4 of the Benazapril at 12:05pm 
    • 1:52 pm still waiting to see if she keeps it down
    • 5:00 pm all good. Almost dinner time.
  • April 4, 2018 - 23 days post last radiation treatment

23 days post last radiation treatment
left leg

23 days post last radiation treatment
April 4, 2018

23 days post last radiation treatment
right leg


  • April 11, 2018
    • While bathing layah I found several lumps on her inner thigh of her left leg.
    • She had an appointment for blood draw Thursday at 11. To check kidney
    • Photo 1, photo 2 of new lumps
    • Photo of leg with original tumor
  • April 12, 2018 - Missed Layah's appointment, woke to a nasty headache, stayed in bed most of the day. The Critters didn't like that idea. I was able to take care of my Dad's needs and now this late afternoon sit in front of the pc. 
    • Appointment rescheduled for Tuesday April 17, 2018 at 12:30 with Dr. S. (Dr S will not be in the office on Monday).

inner thigh of left leg

another view of inner thigh

left leg 


  • April 16, 2018 - Layah's last dose of Palladia
New lesions are not responding to Palladia. Cancer cells can mutate and become immune to a chemo drug. I opted to not do an ultrasound on her organs. She has been having intermittent diarrhea. Could be from Palladia, Denazapril, or mass cells attacking her intestines.   
  • April 17, 2018
    • Blood - CBC/Chem panel
      • all clear for new chemo drug
    • Urine tested - results in a day or two
      • checking protein levels 
    • needle aspirate of  lesions - left leg inner thigh.
      • Positive for Mass Cell
    • 1st dose of CCNU (Lomustine) (oral)
      • given in hospital every 21 days
    • New Rx Denamarin
      • Protect her liver from the CCNU
    • Next appointment: April 24 for post CCNU check -& CBC/Chem panel

Waiting to be seen



New Rx


April 17, 2018 - about 9:30 pm Layah jumped out of bed and into the laundry basket of clean folded rag/cleaning towels that I had set on the floor. She puked there and a minute later puked on a reusable floor pad. And now she wants more food.


Enjoying Sunshine 
  • April 24, 2018 BAV's visit
    • Weight: 9.4 lbs (an increase of 0.4lbs)
      • It was noted she was losing weight with each visit
    • Mixture of results today. Kidneys are holding good.
    • White blood cells are low. 
    • Put on Baytril 22.7mg. antibiotics for 7 days. 
    • Take temp daily and closely watch. 
    • Lowered dose of CCNU for next treatment.
    • Dr S and I both agree the mass on her leg looks smaller 
      • But not the ones on her inner thight
  • April 26, 2018
    • Dr. S. From BAV's called and said she had Layah's white blood cell count check by another lab to confirm what their in house lab saw. It was confirmed. If she got an infection now (any type) it would be life threatening.
    •  CBC confirmed profound neutropenia
    • Asked for copy of recent blood panel 
      • Wbc: 0.93  Neu: 0.16 - Grade 4 neutropenia post CCNU
      • inquired about other means to raise the wbc.- Dr. S said it wouldn't work and might upset her gi
    • Pickup up Neupogen tonight at 7 pm. Will be 3 injections I can do at home, starting tonight.
4/26/18 helping with her blog - I love her sweet face.

  • May 7, 2018
    • The mass cells are growing fast
    • Giving her Tramadol HCL for pain
    • Layah has her 2nd treatment of CCNU May 8, 2018
      • If her white blood cell counts is good.


May 7, 2018


May 7, 2018
Early afternoon

May 7, 2018
9:30 pm

  • May 8, 2018 - BAV's 9:30 am No CCNU treatment (see above photos)
    • Weigh 9.3 lb (a loss of 0.09lbs)
    • Blood count good
    • organ function good
    • Mass Cells are CCNU resistant 
  •  May 8, 2018 New Drug regiment:  
    • Started Vinblastine, every 7 days (or 14 days, depends on her blood counts)
      • Intravenous 
      • 6-8 treatments
    • Increasing Prednisone dose 2 tablets every 24 hours for 14 days
      • then 1 tablet every day
    • Continue Denamarin 90mg until box is finished - empty stomach (early morning)
      • I call this her liver pills
    • Continue Benazapril 5mg - 14/ daily with food
      • Call this her kidney pills
    • Continue Pepcid 10 mg - 1/2 tab 2'x day
    • Continue Benadryl 25 mg - 1/2 tab 2'x day
    • Tramadol 50 mg - 1/2 tab 12 hours for pain (as needed)
      • Started giving May 7, 2018 when the tumors got angery
    • Cerenia tabs 16mg for loss of appetite, nausea and or vomiting (as needed)
      • Vinblastine can cause the above.

My rambling thoughts
May 8, 2018

Today was very emotional for me.  
The Palliada stopped working and started causing kidney damage. The radiation did what it was supposed to do but the mass cells are aggressive and back. The CCNU dropped her white blood count dangerously low, thought it was working with check 7 days after. That was short lived. They are growing fast and are angry. 

Caught by cat trap box
Had a good talk with Dr. S. I am coming to terms that my spunky sassy, yappy little one is on limited time.  We all are but it's not easy when you know its coming sooner than one would like. 

I asked questions. 

What if we just treat with the drugs she is on but minus the chemo? Layah would probably have a
few good weeks before we notice her organ and body loosing the fight.  

What if we do the Vinblastine? Layah could do as she did the CCNU, her white blood cell count dropping dangerously low, where even her own natural bacteria could kill her. The Vinblastine could also cause her GI upsets. If she tolerates the Vinblastine AND the mass cells shrink, Layah could have a few - several months. Dr can't really say, cancers react differently, mutate, become immune to the drugs. And no two patients will respond the exact same way.  

I have decided to go ahead and do the treatment with the Vinblastine. If it works I will do 1-2 more treatments afterwards. ($400-$500) per treatment and usual is 6-8 treatments. I will be honest, I don't have that kind of money and it breaks my heart to say/think that. . I have one credit card and it is almost maxed out. Sometimes I wonder where my gofundme account is or winning the lottery.  But God is good. 
May 9, 2018 - 24 hrs after Vinblastine treatment.

May 10, 2018 2 days post Vinblastine


May 10, 2018 2 days post Vinblastine


May 10, 2018 2 days post Vinblastine


May 10, 2018 
Layah is still enjoying life. She wants to be near by. And if not, she will let all of us know, including the neighbors!! She loves her food (and keeps it down). Loves snuggles under blankets with me and or her doggy or kitty friends. She still dances for treats. Loves to get some Sunshine. Smell the poppies growing wild in the backyard. Even the gross. She likes to hunt for the cat poo that was left by Cricket. (Cricket has for years gone outside with the dogs to go potty or just hang and then come back in with them). Loves to chew on chew sticks. Sonko can't have them anymore, he "eats" them, even though they are "veggie sticks" they didn't digest and he got rid of them by puking all over my bed and Cherry Berry. Layah was under the blanket so she was spared a 2 am bath. Life is going on here.



Getting ready for nap time


  • May 15, 2018 - BAVS vist
    • Blood cell count good
    • Tumors looked better than last week.
      • Bruising gone 
    • Gave 2nd dose of Vinblastine (upped the dose)
    • Layah napped in her papoose for about 2 hrs.
  • May 16, 208 
    • Layah is still in good spirits
      • I will take photos of her leg and underside a little later tonight. 







May 16, 2018



May 16, 2018



June 1, 2018 -

Been quiet over here.. flu type bug hit me, 102.7 temps, lots of coughing and aches.
Layah is still as sweet as ever. Good appetite, poops normal, urinating normally.

With very heavy heart and tears, May 15 was Layah's last chemo therapy. It seemed it was working.  But I just couldn't do it anymore. More tumors just keep on showing up. And the worst part is I can't afford the cost anymore.

All the dogs are feeling my mood and don't know what the heck to do with it. At night they are snuggling closer to me.

One of my other dogs, Sonko has had the most dramatic change. He doesn't want to leave the back of the house and/or yard. Not even to eat. I am sure it's a combination of situations that happened all in a short time. He is very very very sensitive.

  • A cat startles him - he cries
  • the canned air to deter cats from an area..terrified him. (it went off while he was eating in the kitchen) that is when the not eating started.
  • Sometimes it gets loud with raised voices (my dad's hearing seems to be going), Sonko hates loud voices. Plus the TV ..well its loud. And when my Dad is having a bad day..he yells.
  • I'm not spending time with the dogs. I have tried, but its soo hard and with Layah's special needs and my Dad's it hard.  
  • Having to round up the dogs quickly when there is a "big" mess to clean up so they don't add to the spread of the mess. 
  • and so much more
    • The Chinese Crested dogs seem to take things in stride. The PIO's are very sensitive.
The above is part of the combinations that I think have affected Sonko.

  • To get him to eat, used different flavors of canned, raw, kibble. He will eat if I hand feed him. tried different bowls and different rooms. In a crate/with door open and closed. Cold food, warmed food. 


I will add photos later...

TTFN



  • June 7, 2018
    • Layah vomited her snack last night 
      • I will not ever be giving those to my dogs again. They don't digest. 
  • June 8, 2018
    • Layah vomited up her breakfast. 

June 14, 2018
Layah vomited early before the sun rises.
Refused to eat breakfast
Vomited again 
Gave her pills hidden inside French fries. Also gave her something for her nausea. 
Not a good day.


Photos from the outline above




Tumor that grew fast


Measured just before first Chemo Treatment 1/30/2018


Getting ready to rupture




Tumor getting ready to rupture 


Partial rupture of tumor 


Partial rupture



Tumor ruptured  2/15/2018, painful. Hobbles on 2 legs.




Marks for radiation treatments 



1 of the many e- collars tried



An idea of where and how it looks



February 22, 2018 3 days post 1st Radiation 




4 days post 1st Radiation




Hours post 2nd treatment



Blue marks


Late night post 2nd treatment



3 days post 2nd treatment



5 days post 2nd treatment




5 days post 2nd treatment





March 5, 2018



Post 3rd treatments March 6, 2018


Simba keeping her company



2 days Post 3rd treatment 


2 days post 3rd treatment


off to the vets



4 days post 3rd treatment



4 days post 3rd treatment



How they sleep


5 hours post 4th/last treatment

5 hours post 4th/last treatment

Nap time


Bruised March 14 2018


March 16, 2018


March 16, 2018



March 19, 2018



March 19, 2018




March 22, 2018



March 22, 2018





March 31, 2018



March 31, 2018














Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Ramblings...

My Dad - Birthday and Surgery

Working out but not...