Hi all,
First off, I wanted to let you all know how much the outpouring of support has meant to us. It’s been a rough couple of days (for me), and I really have been buoyed up by the “Tripawds Cheer Squad.” It’s one thing to have support from friends, but its another to have the support from people who’ve “been there” or are currently experiencing a lot of the same things we’re going through.
Secondly, I wanted to give a quick update… Rio’s cytology came back yesterday, and there were no big surprises. It was simply a confirmation of what we already suspected. After two nights of Google-mania, I have decided that we will give the Kinivet (masitinib) a try. We’ll monitor CBC and some protein-urine thing and recheck her ultrasound in 3-4 weeks. If at that time there doesn’t seem to be a significant reason to continue the meds, then we will stop. Fortunately, Rio has a wonderful dog-ter friend who has offered to get me the meds at cost, since they are newly approved and quite expensive.
Rio will also need to take benedryl and pepcid everyday from now on. There is a significant risk of degranulation, in which the Mast Cells basically explode and send histamines rampaging through the body. The risk at this stage is pretty high for stomach ulcers, bleeding, and anaphylactic shock, so the meds are precautionary. The benedryl makes her pretty sleepy, but I think the extra naps are good for her. (Gayle said so!)
When Rio started this journey at the beginning of this year, I told my husband I wanted to do a road trip with Rio. I’ve always wanted to see the Grand Canyon, and I want her to be there with me when I do. This summer has been pretty busy, and it’s been easy to make excuses for why it wasn’t possible to do this trip — who would take care of my clients, water my garden, where’s the gas money coming from, etc. I want you all to know, we are going! We are making the final plans and arrangements, but we are going. We’ll probably leave in a couple of weeks, stop and see some family and friends along the way, but Grand Canyon or Bust!!!! Those squirrels better look out!!!
The Wooooo!