Help! I need to find some way to get my Sophie to and from her radiation appointment every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the next six weeks!
The one-time gamma knife procedure is out of the question due to the shape of her brainstem tumor (funky dimensions confirmed on last Friday’s CT scan). This [relatively] fast slice-n-dice procedure was my preferred approach due to the alternative’s requirement for eighteen repeat visits.
But eighteen fractions of radiation!? Apart from the stress on Sophie (eighteen anesthetic procedures, eighteen chances for bad things to happen), that means eighteen car trips to the Animal Medical Center in Cooper City, a sleepy-ish suburban enclave in western Broward County.
It means thirty-six, two-hour commutes (an hour there and back, at least) over the next six weeks. How I’ll do this I’m not yet sure but I do know one thing…it scares me…all of it.
One gamma knife? I can handle it, though I’ll fidget and stress as I wait in the lobby with my laptop. Eighteen fractions? Ughhhhh!
How do other people do this? Maybe they don’t have kids to drive around. Maybe they don’t work seventy hours a week. Maybe they hire pet taxis. Who knows?
I was able to find a pet concierge service—50 bucks a trip. That’s $300 a week. God knows I can’t handle that. Car pooling? Maybe. I asked. No one else getting radiation (currently) is driving from the South Miami or hereabouts. Great.
I didn’t want to whine about it. I didn’t want to let them know just how impossible this seems to me. As it is I can’t afford the procedure even with my deep discount. But I have no choice.
No three-day weekends for the foreseeable future. No evenings out on my dime. No dinner parties or new clothes or haircuts or face cream. No pedicures, no meat, no AC if I can get away with it.
Can’t get another credit card—I didn’t qualify this time… (how come when you really need it it’s not available, after decades of “You have been pre-approved!)
But I’m not so badly off, not when I consider my client’s distress:
"Help! My cat has kidney failure and I need to be in Japan for a year with my husband’s job. How will she ever get her fluids and her meds and her vet visits! Will I ever see her again?"
Luckily, this client found a long-term facility she trusts at a fee she can afford. A Godsend.
Me next, me next!
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Networking groups are great for this reason... http://frenchbulldog.meetup.com/149 What's better than a group of kind-hearted, like-minded frog-dog lovers that may even volunteer to trek Sophie Sue to and from appointments? Perhaps you could even barter simple services such as nail trims, or a free office visit (excluding prescriptions, vaccinations, foods, etc.).
Tatiana July 14th, 2008 09:54:00 AM
Are you afiliated with any rescue groups? I'm not local and I haven't been reading for long, but rescues generally have pretty broad volunteer bases. I'm sure if you asked for a favor they'd be more than happy to help. I know they'd be willing to barter for some trusted vet exams.
Kristie July 14th, 2008 10:07:00 AM
You're absolutely right, Kristie... Both the French Bulldog Village and the French Bulldog Rescue Network have local volunteers that already do home visits and transport dogs between veterinarians and foster families... That's an excellent idea.
Tatiana July 14th, 2008 10:12:00 AM
Dr Khuly, I think you have written about this in your blog a few times and maybe it is hard to see it for yourself, and I may be way off base and out of line here, but when do you draw the line. At what point do you realize that although you would like your pet to live forever that will not happen. How much longer will this procedue extend her life and what will the cost be to her and to you. If you will only be adding a few more months is it at the expense of her suffering and pain. If so are you doing it for her or you.
I recenlty had to make this choice with a dog I had for 15 years. It was very hard to do but I could see most of the time he wanted to just give up but would not because I asked him to keep going.
As I said I may be way out of line with this and please delete this message if you feel so.
Regenia July 14th, 2008 10:48:00 AM
When to draw the line is a very personal decision. We as an audience don't know what Sophie's quality of life is. I would imagine that Dr. Khuly would recognize suffering if she saw it.
I won't say that I haven't wondered the same thing myself since I started reading but I also think that if Sophie hasn't given up then we shouldn't give up on her.
Kristie July 14th, 2008 11:00:00 AM
Great question/comment--no offense taken. Sophie has made this really easy. She's almost normal. Though maybe she's a little sluggish, she's otherwise a happy simple Sophie Sue--as long as she gets lots of Prednisone. The radiation has a way of prolonging this level of life--without pred--for one year or more. Unless she has a complication 12 months is worth it to me. I'll be borrowing money for it (from loved ones) but my standard of living won't be too much altered beyond a few months of what I consider relatively minor sacrifices. The thing that really has me worried if I'm honest with myself is Sophie's comfort during the radiation. The staff there knows that I do not want her to be significantly uncomfortable before/during/after the procedure. If she stresses out (not a Sophie thing to do since she's at work with me in a hospital setting constantly) they've been told to let me know immediately.
Dr. Patty Khuly July 14th, 2008 12:26:00 PM
I'm sorry! I hope that you find a way and she's one of the little miracles that does great for years! I hope that your clients are reading this...maybe they won't complain so much about the charges when they see that it can be hard for vets, too. Since Daisy's death (and the $2400+ I spent in just 36 hours trying to save her), I've been worrying about what could go wrong with my new dog and having the funds to cover it. Their lives are worth more to me than money, but everything is getting SO expensive. Stupid economy!
Sarah July 14th, 2008 04:09:00 PM
Dr. Khuly, I'm glad to have the benefit of your response to Reginia. I was going to say something similar. First, I hope nothing but the best possible outcome for Sophie Sue. And secondly, I was only going to address what SS may go through obtaining these treatments, particularly the stress aspect, since her metabolism must be fragile.
But you are right, you can try it---if you see or sense that it is harmful in any way, you can call a "halt" to it. You have the benefit of being an "insider" , and surely have respect of your colleagues and won't be deceived or pressured to continue.
Barbara A. Albright/New Hampshire July 14th, 2008 05:31:00 PM
I second Tatiana's advice about forums, meet-ups, etc.
I am the organizer for an online Chihuahua forum and have made tremendous friendships online. We are scattered all over the U.S. and Cananda and have been there for each other whether just need to chat or whether we are raising money for a surgery or home foreclosure. Our group has been bonding for over 2 years, but we get new people joining every day and welcome them with open arms (they must be pre-approved by me, so there's no chance of BYB, Millers or scammers).
I would check out the Meet-up Frenchie forums and see what you can work out. I would also not recommend disclosing you are a Vet or about this blog - just so no one takes advantage of your professional opinion. JMHO.
Please keep us posted on Sophie Sue.
Creature of Habit July 14th, 2008 07:17:00 PM
So sorry to hear about your situation to which there are no right, wrong, or easy answers. However there are some really good suggestions above, and I hope you can get some help in making the trips.
I empathise with the conflict between taking care of SS and juggling family/work/etc, the sad reality check is that not many of us can afford to give up our jobs or take time off to work around such events. This can add to the stress, so make sure to take care of yourself somewhere in there too.
18 proceedures is a lot for a little doggie, but all you can do is be realistic when it comes to monitoring how she’s doing. If she tolerates it ok proceed, if she gets too stressed or uncomfortable stop. You know her best. The amount of money we spend / don’t spend , and the lengths we can go to or not go to, does not necessarily reflect the amount of love we have for our critters.
Anyways, each of my 4 dogs send you and SS a big sloppy lick of comfort and support as you have a good heart.
Circe July 14th, 2008 08:13:00 PM
Not to worry, Creature of Habit, no one expects free advice from Dr. Khuly and we promise not to bend her ear... There are other vets among the members and they're free to chime in or ignore health-related questions... We also keep a list of local veterinary referrals around our area for all the members to access from our files section... No one is obliged to participate in discussions and the members are free to dispense advice of their own volition... We're avid readers of Doolittler (she's a local, published in the Sunday paper, after all) and we quote her blog on a lot of different topics that are relevant to our breed... Please don't worry... We promise to behave.
Am happy to report that we've already lined up a couple of volunteer drivers for Sophie Sue.
Tatiana July 14th, 2008 10:23:00 PM
Sometimes our dogs surprise us in how well they do with medical procedures. I know my 13-year old golden retriever adapted quickly to a front leg amputation and was a trouper under chemotheraphy. Without all that messy human self pity, dogs take things as they come, good and bad. So I'm hoping the best for Sophie Sue! She may turn out to be an inspiration through all this, just as my dog was.
Arlene July 15th, 2008 12:24:00 AM
I've got no wisdom to offer - just a heartfelt "hang tough" to both you and Sophie. And - a quick 'thank you" for putting SS's well being ahead of financial and transportational complications!
Mike
Mike July 15th, 2008 12:36:00 AM
Best wishes sent your way for a good outcome on all fronts Dr K. May Sophie Sue get everything for a longer and happier life.
I have to add that this may be the first time I have ever heard a vet say things we clients say too. "I can't afford that and I need to figure out the logisitics." In a way I wish more vets could identify with the masses. (tho maybe they do and we are just clueless) It might make some of them less judgemental. It may be that we assume all vets can afford any vet procedures out there. I guess not after all. Could it be that vets are people too?
An enlightening post Dr. K. Thank you.
Marie July 15th, 2008 09:48:00 AM
Dr. K., when I was taking my dog for rad. Rx, it was 4 hours round trip, but only once weekly. I was lucky that the trips occured during a semester break, however more than once the trip was a little hairy due to snow and ice.
As it turned out, I had plenty of friends from this city making the trip at the same time. If gas would have been $4/gallon then, there would have been carpooling, I'm sure of it! Heck, I would have packed a Frenchie or two with me, no prob.
Some solution will present itself, I'm sure of it.
Deanna July 15th, 2008 04:55:00 PM
I had to do this for my 14 yr old son for 2 years. People are forced to cope with these decisions all the time for family members 2 and 4 legged.
You find a way to cope. Sometimes better if you have no choice but to rely only upon yourself. It's amazing what you can do when your choices are limited.
best of luck to sophie.
LorriM July 16th, 2008 02:14:00 AM
Hi Dr. K, we're in the process of getting 5 fractions (W, F, M, W, F) of stereotactic radiosurgery using the Varian Trilogy System at Colorado State University for our dog Abby jo's meningioma between her eyes. We drove from Minneapolis and have been in Ft. Collins for the past 1.5 weeks. Dr. LaRue (radiation oncologist) showed us the treatment-planning software and it is very precise and contour-conforming. We're 4 treatments into the 5 and very happy so far. Abby jo is doing very well, spacey for a while after each anesthesia session but otherwise normal. Her vision is unchanged so far. You could call and discuss Sophie's tumor location. 970-221-4535.
Nancy July 16th, 2008 11:26:00 PM
Thanks to everyone for all the help. Sophie's taking her radiation well--it helps that she apparently enjoys the run of the hospital after her sessions (she's such an easy dog and she loves everyone). I've been amazed by the generous support I've been offered by so many of my clients and the local Frenchie club. It's nothing short of amazing what people will do when you really need the help. Thanks, everyone.
Dr. Patty Khuly July 17th, 2008 08:14:00 AM
Nancy: You're in great hands. I've met Dr. LaRue. My team was not so confident about the radiosurgery in this location. A group at Penn said they'd try the radiosurgical approach but also confessed they really didn't feel completely comfortable talking me out of standard radiation.
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