1st Month in Remission Recap, and 1 Month Oncology Re-Check

First Month in Remission

I am extremely happy to report that his past month has been everything we could hope for. Margarita regained her appetite, strength and desire to run and play in the yard. Her hair has filled in nicely, and her “piggy pink” pigment is returning.

Brian and I are overwhelmed with gratitude as love and support from family and friends continues to fill our hearts. I received this most thoughtful gift box from a very a special friend.

🐽Pig toy because I always say Rita has a piggy nose
🍸Margarita toy
💎 crystal guardian angel charm
⛺️Yappy camper magnet for our RV
🍪bags of yummy treats
🧦 GSP socks for me
📖 🦖T-Rex handbook since I always say Whiskey is a cross between a T-Rex / Velociraptor!

Since out last post, Margarita also received this amazing gift basket from the office manager at VSEC who is one of the sweetest gals we have met!

We also had the pleasure of spending time with friends at a dock diving event who passed on a very personal and special gift. The weekend that Margarita ended up in the emergency room we were supposed to attend at dock diving competition. We of course had to instead stay home that weekend. Friends of ours had brought a gift for us that weekend. This past week while we attended a competition at Hog Dog Productions, we met up with our friends who gave us this very meaningful gift.

This couple got a set of these glasses because they also had a dog who had cancer, who sadly passed. We are beyond honored to have been gifted this glass, and plan to make many toasts to Margarita during her journey. The man who makes these beer glasses has a Golden Retriever named Indiana Jones, who unfortunately was diagnosed with osteosarcoma just days after his seventh birthday. You can view Indy’s Facebook page by clicking HERE where Indy’s dad shares his beloved pup’s story of cancer.

1 Month Recheck

On August 8th, Margarita saw her oncologist, Dr. Risbon for her 1 month re-check. Her physical examination was normal and we are extremely grateful that there was no evidence to suggest recurrence of the lymphoma. However, the abnormal tissue felt during her emergency room visit now has developed what seems to be an additional mass of about 5mm.

Although this was not at all what I wanted to hear, I knew that Margarita would be predisposed to mammary tumors because she was not spayed until after 6 years of age when she came to us as a GSP Rescue of NJ foster dog. Dr. Risbon explained that mammary tumors have a 50% chance of being benign and a 50% of being malignant. Ideally, the mammary gland should be removed and submitted for biopsy. In many cases, even if the tumor is found to be malignant, Dr. Risbon explained the recommendation is for surgery alone (no chemo). The prognosis is 2-3 years if the tumor is found to be malignant. Due to the Dilated Cardiomyopathy brought on by the chemotherapy drugs, if surgery is to be performed, Margarita would need clearance from her cardiologist, Dr. Bossbaly. Margarita will see our primary veterinarian next week where we will discuss whether or not surgery is an option, or if we will continue to monitor the mass each month.

I am not going to loose faith, or diminish our hope for Margarita to have many more years ahead to enjoy life as she deserves after what she endured prior to her adoption. She has survived through more situations and illnesses than most dogs are able to endure. Even through her toughest times, she has met each challenge with such grace and courage. Even if what is thought to be a mass turns out to be malignant, we are confident that Margarita will once again be victorious.

Margarita will see Dr. Risbon again next month for a recheck.

1 Month Re-check with Rita’s Primary Veterinarian

On August 14, Margarita saw our primary veterinarian, Dr. Helen Campbell at Old York Veterinary Hospital. I am thrilled to report that the murmur discovered along with the Dilated Cardiomyopathy during week 15 of her chemotherapy plan sounds to Dr. Campbell like it has significantly improved to the point of not being heard with a stethoscope! This originally was thought to be permanent damage, so we are overjoyed to hear this news! This is also great news in the event the mammary mass is removed. We have put a call in to Margarita’s cardiologist, Dr. Bossbaly, at VSEC to see if we can get a sooner appointment than the original 4-month check up scheduled with Dr. Bossbaly in November in hopes to verify her improvement and hopefully reduce or stop her heart medication, Pimobendan. We have to keep a close eye on the mammary mass. If we do not see any changes in the mass in the meantime, Margarita will see Dr. Campbell again next month for a re-check.

Post 1-Month-Check-Up Treat

Margarita stopped at Wayback Burger !