It’s been one amazing month with Hyde learning to be a tripaw. hydePod the TriPod has accomplished so much and managed to make me smile everyday with something new  to celebrate! Everyday with him is a blessing!

When the vet told me about his tumor I literally had to hang up the phone 3-4 times because I was so distraught my little guy was suffering and had no clue what was in store for him I couldn’t make it through a full phone call. My friends, family and incredible roommate really help me to dig deep and be the leader Hyde needed. Everything happens for a reason and he and I were destined to be apart of  a pack. I’m thankful for everyone who posts stories and information about their pets on here because it really helped me to understand what to expect, ask and find more options!

I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Hyde over the next month!

It’s been three weeks since surgery. Over the last week I’ve seen so many incredible changes in Hyde. Before surgery he was so miserable, I really never dreamed we’d be doing our old activities and getting back to our old routine. I’m so thankful to be in the place we are in.

Hyde napping on a Saturday after a beautiful walk in the sunshine

Patiently waiting for breakfast

So happy to take an afternoon walk in the sunshine

Hyde sniffing under the fence of the neighbor’s house- he and a little girl dog have a talk through the fence friendship.

It’s been one week since he’s been on his supplements and eliminated starches or processed foods from his diet. I went back to school this week so although I received the book about how to provide Hyde with a balanced raw diet I have not had a chance to fully read through it, so he’s still on partially cooked foods (meat and veggies only.) I believe he feels like a king. He’s so happy to eat. He’s so excited about his food options. He can’t stop licking his lips before and after he eats!

Meat and Veggies- eating like a king- enjoying every biting

I have seen his energy level rise, his comfort and balance increase. We’ve been going for longer and longer walks which is great. I was hesitant at first because I didn’t want to do too much too soon. Hyde is pretty determined and pretty demanding when it comes to his wants so I gave in. 4 times this week we went around the neighborhood, adding up to 20 blocks a walk. He’s getting stronger on the stairs too. Going down is much more challenging then going up, but when he smells other dogs around his speed picks up greatly. I really thought having a tripaw would mean we were moving slowly, but Hyde has always been fast and he’s really not letting this slow him down.

One thing I wondered about was if others found their dogs to forget that they are missing a leg, or be startled when someone touches that area. I have petted him a few times where he has twitched his body or jumped. He wasn’t in pain, but he seemed nervous. A few times he’s went running to get a stick and it appeared like he forgot he didn’t have a leg and fell on that side. It’s never hurt him, I think just more embarrassed by the fall. Has anyone experienced this?

Jordan

Diet: 

Note: The vet is recommending a RAW diet for Hyde since we are not going to be doing Chemo/Traditional treatments. Since this is not something either Hyde or I have experienced she gave suggestions for reading material and/or already formulated diets that we can try. For now she suggests that we begin feeding raw food as a snack for 1 week, then we’ll replace one meal for 1 week and finally replace both meals.

His diet must now only be meats and vegetables. Cancer feeds on simple sugars so no rice, potatoes or grains.

Right now, I’m still cooking for Hyde:

Foods he is eating: 

Ground beef,pork, turkey

chicken, lamb, deer, liver

Eggs

Kale

Broccoli

Carrots

Cauliflower

Spinach

Celery.

Supplements: She gave us 5 new supplements to support him. He takes these 2x per day (AM/PM) with meals.

1. Vital Immune Probiotic – boosts immune system and digestion. (Important not to take if on antibiotic)

2. Hoxsey with Boneset Herbal Formula – Specifically helps to fight Osteosarcoma

3. Si Miao San – A chinese herbal formula to help digestion and supports anti-cancer activity.

4. Mushroom Complex Powder- contains 8 species of medicinal mushrooms to boost his immune system/anti-cancer activity

5. Cellular Max Forte – supports body’s “killer cells” that fight cancer.

Prior to our visit we had supplements we were taking. She suggested to continue taking these, also 2x per day. (AM/PM)

1. Vitamin E- Omega 3’s + Joint Support

2. Krill Oil- Omega 3’s + Joint Support

3. Fish Oil – Omega 3’s + Joint Support

4. Cosequin DS – Joint Support

5. CTR Support (Physiologics- antioxidant protection for joints) also has anticancer supplement (turmeric) inside.

6. Ligaplex II- Joint Support.

Taking Medicine: 

Prior to our visit when Hyde would take pills I would hide the pill in Cheese. Since that is not something he should be eating anymore I made him “Hyde Meatballs” today. 🙂 I will start hiding pills in the meatballs which consist of:

Ground Pork, Eggs, Spinach, Carrots and Celery. I made them in the traditional meatball format – stove then oven until done. My little taste tester thought they were great 🙂

“Raw Snacks” – 

I bought NorthWest Naturals Raw Turkey Cubes to begin introducing Hyde’s body to raw meat.

I bought Bison Bones for him to try too.

Cookies- 

Even though his old cookies were “healthy,” this vet recommends no processed foods at all. So I bought Freeze Dried Liver Treats (he tested them in the vet’s office) called “Becker Bites.”

Exercise: Strengthening his core is important. Getting him to jump onto the counter for a treat with his front paw will help stretch out his body. If he’s laying on his side we can help stretch him, front/back paw to help him contract his ab muscles and build up strength.

We’re also alternating every other day between walking outside and stair training- taking it at Hyde’s pace.

I imagine that his protocol will be changing, but our next check in will be 2 weeks from now. Then we’ll go visit her at the beginning of summer.

Hyde was wagging his tail in his dream last night! I think he must have been imaging a lot of people saying what a good boy, or handsome boy he is and then giving him human food! He’s always smiling! I love every second of it!

Jordan

Yesterday we visited a new vet, Natural Pet, (http://www.naturalpetfamily.com/)  in Bourbonnais, IL for the first time. I was recommended to check them out by my primary vet. I had anticipated our visit because the phone conversation we had about a week ago was so welcoming and open. I am thrilled to tell you that our visit went exceptionally well and the energy on the phone was the same in person. I came to the meeting with a written form that included my goal for his treatment, specific questions I had for her, a list of his current supplements and medicine, and a list of the foods he had been eating since surgery.

When Hyde walked in he went crazy with excitement. He found a vase filled with tall, stick-like, bones and poked them with his nose. (Yes I bought him one later on). He peeked in every room, smelled all the bags of food and talked with a dog who was barking at him around the counter. When we went into the room I was taken aback by the furniture. Each room had a couch and a chair. Hyde picked the red chair to wait for the doctor to come in. Him being silly Hyde started me out knowing that we were in a good place.He felt so good that while we were waiting he was even able to do a trick I thought only 4-legged Hyde would do. Check him out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrEshlrl9VE

The doctor greeted the humans with a handshake and then sat on the floor with Hyde and rubbed his belly and petted him. Hyde wagged his tail each and every time he heard how handsome he is and what a good boy he is. One of the first things the doctor said was,  “I literally read every word of his report.” Then we had a discussion of if I was questioning doing chemo/traditional treatments or if I would be interested in getting an additional blood panel done (last completed in Sept 2013 when he had ACL surgery).

My question to her regarding the blood panel was: “Would having the information from the blood panel change the way that you would approach his treatment if I’m going to only do natural remedies to support him?” Her answer was that no it wouldn’t change her approach, but it would give me a better expectation for how serious of a situation we are in…. I don’t know why I feel this way, but knowing how much time I have isn’t my concern. My concern is doing whatever I can to spend everyday knowing Hyde is happy and living a happy life. If treatment would be the same with or without that information, then I don’t need to know.

We talked about her plans for him, his diet, exercises to build his strength and when I would need to see her again. Before she left to write up the report/protocol I said I had a few specific questions for her and wondered if she would be able to take a minute. She spent several going over each question I had (regarding supplements/foods I read/researched about) and if she didn’t already have an answer she researched the item before I left and gave me an answer. I’m completely satisfied and exceptionally grateful that we were able to get an appointment at Natural Pet. The doctor was so knowledgable, obviously pet friendly and extremely open to discussing plans. I appreciate her time so much. Over the phone the receptionist said typical appointments are about 1hr. She spent 2 with us and that time is something I cannot thank her enough for.

I will be writing another post tomorrow with the specific protocol we are using. It will consist of human food (soon RAW diet) and supplements to boost his immunity.

Yesterday Hyde’s stitches were removed- I was surprised at how fast of a visit it was. We were in an out of the vet within 30 minutes. Everyone thought he looked great and was so happy to see him. I could hear them in the background… Hyde slow down, Hyde this way, Hyde you’re so cute. At one point he broke free from his leash and was running throughout the back. They smiled and said “he’s so quick.” Silly Hyde- Happy Hyde- that’s all I’m looking for.

There is a little bit of bruising on his lower chest/ab area, but really everything is looking great. I have 2 t-shirts I sewed up for him, in case Chicago’s weather gets bad again, or I leave the house. I’m sure some licking is OK, but Hyde can get carried away sometimes and I don’t want him to do too much, so the t-shirt is just in case.Doctor said we could give him a bath in a week. (He needs one badly)

My goal after the stitches was to learn stairs. I have an elevator in my building so we’ve been lucky so far, but he was missing his old routine, so once the stitches came out he would be ready. I video taped his first 4 sets of 10 stairs, training with turkey bacon.

You can see by the editing, I have a bit too much time on my hands being on Spring break from school, but I’m so proud of him and so happy that I’m lucky my job allows me time off where I can spend it with him. Check out my little You tube star doing stairs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOhAcEJF4z8

To get to my place he’ll need to walk about 20 stairs. He’s a determined little man, I think he’s going to do just great!

You can also see his video of his first walk 3 days ago: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTa_SQINulw

Day 12 – Hyde is done with his Rimadyl, so yesterday and today he has been on Tramadyl (1 pill -2x per day) glucosamine (1 pill-2x per day) and 1 fish oil pill each day. I’ve changed his diet from dog food to human food. Over the last several days I’ve been researching “The Cancer Diet,” and finding information about what foods he should eat to help him fight off and slow down cancer. There was nothing wrong with his dog food, he was eating Blue Buffalo Life Solutions Formula, which is great dog food, but I felt that he would be happier eating human food. Happy Hyde = Motivated Hyde = Stronger Hyde!

To say Hyde is spoiled is an understatement… but what I tell him is good dogs get good things and he’s simply the best. I bought a carpet to put under the couch so he wouldn’t slip jumping up or down. I was supposed to wait until the stitches come out (Wednesday), but as you can see Hyde tested out the new carpet and he’s happy as can be in his old spot.

I scheduled an appointment for this Friday at a Natural Vet. It’s called “Natural Pet Animal Hospital and Apawthecary” it’s Dr. Karen Becker’s practice in Bourbonnais, IL, we’ll be seeing one of her colleagues. I had a chance to talk with 2 vets today, one traditional and this one. Over the phone I asked questions about cost, typical treatments, and how open/closed minded they were to trying various therapies. I’ve been researching and finding different supplements, food diets, treatments that people have done to support their dogs, I wondered if I brought some information with me, how open they would be to discussing it/using it etc. The traditional vet immediately acted like I was crazy for thinking of doing anything but Chemo/Radiation. The Natural Vet said we want to work with you, talk things through and do whatever is best for Hyde. I understand everyone has their own path/beliefs. I just like the feeling of someone working with me, also not ruling out possibilities, and looking at Hyde, not the treatment.

Here’s my thoughts for now: From everything I’ve been told/read about Chemo/Radiation will “double” the amount of time I have left with Hyde. So if I have 2 months, I’ll get 4, 4 months I’ll get 8 etc. Some dogs are really effected by the treatment and others don’t skip a beat. Chemo/Radiation slow down the rate of cancer, but they don’t cure the dog. For now, the side effects seem to great of a risk for me. I don’t want to chance the time I have left with Hyde is spent dealing with side effects/illness. I want him to be happy and strong and I believe I can find the right protocol with natural remedies/supplements and supportive diet that will do that for him. I’m very excited to hear what this doctor will help me with- I will share all about it afterwards.

I took Hyde to the vet this morning because over the last 2 days I noticed he was extra tired. Yesterday when petting his neck area he cried twice and while eating his food he yelped. His tail has been between his legs so it’s obvious that something is off. I wanted them to take off his bandage and check the stitches, make sure there was no infection. They did and said he was looking good, but there was a little redness, skin irritation around the area and a tiny bit of swelling. To be safe they gave me an antibiotic to take. Simplicef 200mg. He should take it for a week. They also iced his area and put a cream around the red parts to help soothe it.

Then, to my surprise, the results came in. I had been waiting 10 days (today is 10) and called 2x to see if they were in. I guess they came in late last night and the doctor thought she would wait until Monday to call me because “she wanted me to have a good weekend.” I guess what she didn’t realize was that not knowing, to me, wastes time and was upsetting me more.

Hyde’s tumor was Osteosarcoma. They took the lymphoid around it (which was swollen) and GOOD NEWS it came back as “reactive lymphoid hyperplasia and edema” which means that no evidence of metastasis were found in the lymph node area and we caught the cancer early.

The doctor said that at best I should prepare for a year with my guy…… and then went on to talk about chemo and radiation and all sorts of things. Truthfully, I’m really leaning towards a homeopathic approach and want to do everything I can to support his life being happy and “healthy,” and strong. I’m not sure that chemo and radiation would support that plan. I have contact information for a few vets in the area that focus on the natural approach, I have yet to get through, their lines are busy, or they are closed- but that’s one plan I have. I will also contact traditional oncologists and hear that perspective too– nothing is ruled out– but I’m leaning towards the natural approach.

Yesterday was the first day of Spring and Hyde was smiling away on our after school walk. I was a little worried about him not greeting me at the door because he was too busy sleeping. As I was worrying we went outside, he wanted to walk to the end of the block and the. Even found his first stick of the season! When we got back inside he found a bone and was very much himself. Today he’s till seems tired and also didn’t greet me, but I’m hoping that’s only because I’m working on reducing his medicine.

I’m still anxiously waiting for the biopsy results to come in. The doctor said 5-7 days, it’s been 9, and no word yet. I’m really leaning towards doing a homeopathic approach, boosting his immune system and changing his diet,but I haven’t started yet because I don’t know what I’m dealing with… how long should it take to hear something? Should I contact an oncologist on my own, I thought my primary vet would be recommending something, but this is happening so slowly!

One step farther on the recovery journey today, Hyde dogg got his Fentnyl patch removed. At the vet he showed off how good he was feeling by standing on his back two legs to greet a fellow patient and then jumping on his back two legs to greet the nurse that operated on him (for the amputation and previous ACL). The nurses and staff were all talking about what a happy dog he is. That is kind of the theme of his recovery, everyday we see more of the Happy Hyde that he’s been.

I didn’t know that we still have to be watchful of Hyde over the next few days so that he doesn’t lick the area where the Fentnyl Patch was… it was recommended we still use the cone, but we were able to secure a sock and cover over it to keep him protected. (Anything to avoid that cone!)

The doctor also wants us to reduce from 3 tramadol pills a day to 2. I had been trying this earlier last week, on a day he was doing SO great, but the next two days  he just seemed to be more uncomfortable- so I went back to 3. Finding a schedule that will help him to be comfortable all day, and sleep through the night is difficult!

My goal over the next few weeks is to put together a plan that includes what medicines/supplements he gets at each time throughout the day.

Did people do this on their own? Did their oncologist or primary vet help with this?

** Special Thanks to the roommate of the year who took time out of his day to take Hyde to the vet today, so I didn’t have to miss work. It’s not wonder Hyde has adopted him as the best friend of all best friends!! **

Hyde was all smiles when his first visitors (my parents) came to see him today. The company had him very excited, acting like nothing ever happened to him. The visit definitely wore him out, he’s been soundly sleeping ever since they left. I’m very excited that he has an appointment at the vet tomorrow to get his Fentnyl patch removed. That will make me feel less anxious about his every move, and whereabouts. AND from what I’ve read and discussed with others, after the patch is removed I’ll see my Handsome Hyde even more like himself.