Please note that some posts contains affiliate links & I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links Find out More

Bravo & Cancer Treatment Final Chemo Done! Ring That Bell!

by | Sep 24, 2020 | Dog Training & Care | 8 comments

It’s all about surviving canine bone cancer. We began to share our story about Bravo and his bone cancer diagnosis last spring, hoping it would help other dog bone cancer patients. He’d begun to limp just about the time the world went into lockdown due to COVID-19. Veterinarians only saw emergencies–and an intermittent limp wasn’t an emergency, right?

Until it is. Most of y’all have already read all the details, but here’s the short recap version, with a final note.

Bravo & Bone Cancer: Recap

By late April Bravo’s limp became more noticeable especially after Bravo played, so he had an appointment on April 21. Our veterinarian gave us medication with instructions to call if he didn’t improve in a month, so we could do X-rays. On May 19, we took Bravo back for a follow-up after he had a particularly hard weekend with increased pain. We got more pain meds, and scheduled an X-ray two days later–he had to be sedated to get good pictures.

That afternoon, May 21, 2020, our veterinarian called with the X-ray results that showed bone cancer. Later that day, a radiology expert confirmed the diagnosis. Our lives turned upside down.

Everything thereafter happened way too slow–and too fast. We traveled to a specialty clinic for a bone biopsy on June 3, but didn’t get the result until nine days later. During that whole week, we kept thinking–it’s a mistake, he’s too young, the biopsy will show it’s cureable… We live for hope, don’t you?

With the biopsy complete, Bravo visited an oncologist on June 15 for an evaluation and treating bone cancer recommendation. Two days later, his leg came off. Oh my doG, we anguished over that decision, especially in the first days after. But by the time his stitches came out June 29, and thanks to good pain meds and a brilliant in-your-face new puppy, he was ready for his first chemotherapy treatment June 30. And again on July 21, August 11 (plus X-rays), September 4, and yesterday was his last chemo on September 23.

RING THAT BELL!

What’s next? Osteosarcoma has a nasty habit of spreading to the lungs. Four months ago, his lung X-rays were clear. Midway through his five-series chemotherapy treatment another chest X-ray also showed no lesions. So he’ll get another picture of his chest the end of October, and if it’s still clear (please doG let it be so!), we’ll have him X-rayed once a quarter.

Meanwhile, Bravo still doesn’t know he was sick! To celebrate his completing the chemotherapy treatment, we had a fun afternoon playing with his “big ball” and eating peanut butter treats. Is he cured? We don’t know–and now we don’t care. He’s happy, he doesn’t hurt, and we’re ringing the bell!

Thank you to everyone who has shared prayers, concerns, and hope to lift us up during this journey. I hope something that we share here helps others if they ever must face a similar situation. Now, go love on your pets!

YouTube Button

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book giveaways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!

Amy Shojai, CABC is a certified cat & dog behavior consultant, a consultant to the pet industry, and the award-winning author of 35+ pet-centric books and Thrillers with Bite! Oh, and she loves bling!

 

 

 

8 Comments

  1. Lenita Fryxell

    So happy for all of you! We understand ringing the bell… October last year I was told I have a large grapefruit sized liposarcoma around my left kidney with a couple other things growing inside it. Radiation and surgery in February still working on getting all my strength back. But we rang the bell and first scan was clear. Next week we do another four month scan…
    hopefully all is well.
    Hugs to you and your beautiful pups!
    Lenita Fryxell

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Woo-hoo, that’s great news for you, Lenita! Ringing the bell for you virtually, too!

      Reply
  2. Carol Kraft

    I have been keeping Bravo in my prayers and will continue to do so. I just starting reading your books in the last year and I love everyone of them. Give Bravo a big hug from me.

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Thank you so much, Carol. Hug delivered–and he loves hugs!

      Reply
  3. marjogo75

    This made my day. Happy. Many of your fans live you real life experiences with you. Praise God

    Reply
  4. Jackie

    Congratulations on completing chemo, Bravo! We’ll be keeping you in our prayers for a clear scan in October. Sending hugs to the family.🤗😘🙏🏻

    Reply

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. Bravo's Cancer Cure Journey, a Joyous Update: X-rays are clear! - […] he completed five rounds of chemotherapy, we counted the days until his follow-up chest X-ray. That checks for any…

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Categories:

Recent Posts

New Year Book Bundle: 7 Hardcover Thrillers, Anyone?

Enter for a chance to WIN all 7 September & Shadow Thrillers–in hardcover.

Yes, you can purchase them from my bookstore at a discount. But you can enter the giveaway contest for free, and then “gift” the paw-tographed books to yourself–or someone who loves pet-centric stories.

The more you share the contest, the greater your chance to win. Fill out the form, and start sharing. Good luck!

Update on Cyprus Cats: New FIP Strain Identified

This past summer I reported on the apparent FIP outbreak among cats on the island of Cyprus. As thousands of cats quickly sickened and died from signs of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), experts puzzled over why. While the feline-specific illness tragically kills most infected cats (if not given expensive hard-to-access treatment), pockets of “outbreaks” had previously been limited to handfuls of cats in cattery or shelter population.

But in Cyprus, things changed. Here’s the update…stranger than fiction, but true.

How To Give Pets As Gifts

Giving pets as gifts prompts discussions every time the subject comes up. Most recently, we got our “gift puppy” and “gift kitten” when they adopted us, and we’re so glad Karma-Kat and Shadow-Pup are part of our holidays. But for many folks, this year means a new puppy or new kitten for Christmas. Learn how to gift pets–and please share your experiences in the comments!

The professionals used to say that the holidays were a TERRIBLE time to get a new pet–that impulse adoptions could leave the cat or dog without a home after the cute-holiday-thrills wore off. More recently, though, the ASPCA conducted some surveys and discovered that when done properly, these adoptions can be lasting, loving adoptions. So I had to re-think my advice.

Holidays tend to be hectic times when normal routines go out the window. Whether a baby, adult, or senior rescue cat or dog, new animals need the stability of knowing what to expect. In fact, some holiday schedules may allow you to be home more during this time to help the new kitty or pooch adjust.

Holiday pets take more work, true. But just think: you’re not only giving the pet to a person—you’re giving a special human to a waiting cat or dog, a fur-kid hungry for a loving, permanent home. Happy holidays, indeed!

Mystery Canine Respiratory Disease? What We Know

Each fall and winter heralds a rise in respiratory illnesses in people–and also in dogs. Like humans, dogs can contract a number of hacking, wheezing, coughing, yucky illnesses that make them feel bad. Canine respiratory diseases get lumped together as canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC). These are a constellation of different illnesses resulting from viral, fungal, or bacterial infections.

One of the most common, kennel cough, spreads easily from dog to dog. It gets its name because dogs housed closely together in kennels, boarding facilities, shelters, and similar places provide the perfect transmission opportunity. But recently, an apparent increase in dog respiratory disease has owners, and many vets concerned.

13 Pet Holiday Dangers to Avoid: How to Keep Cats & Dogs Safe

I write about pet holiday dangers every year. This listicle (and a fun infographic at the bottom) offers more than a dozen problems. I’ve included links to more detailed information for those wanting a deeper dive on all the must-knows for pet holiday safety!

Merry Cat-Mas & Doggy Ho-Ho-Ho! Here’s How to Create a Tree for the Pets

Have you decked the halls yet with your howl-iday decor? What do the pets think? Have they joined in the spirit of ho-ho-ho and wreaked havoc? Or do they ignore the festivities?

The Christmas tree might as well be an early holiday gift to your cats and dogs. Pets can’t resist the urge to sniff, claw, water—and scale the branches to reach the highest possible perch. Don’t blame your cat or dog. It’s normal for cats to compete for the top spot (literally and figuratively) to secure their place in kitty society, and dogs may want to “mark” the convenient indoor doggy signpost.

Protect your precious memories by pet-proofing to prevent breakage (yes, this happened to me!) And give your pets something “legal” to enjoy. Here’s how to create pet safe holiday fun for cats and dogs.

Playing Around…in SISTER ACT Musical!

From time to time, I’m blessed to participate in the local community theater productions. Sometimes, that means playing cello or keyboard in the loft, and other times, onstage. This month, I’m “playing around” as Sister Mary Martin-of-Tours, a nun in SISTER ACT musical. We open Friday December 1 and run three weekends (Thursday-Sunday matinee) through December 17th.

Cat Books Sale: “When you get a cat, there should be 4 requirements by law:

I was born to love pets & spread JOY! My books bring smiles, save lives, and reduce vet bills. So I put ALL MY CAT BOOKS ON SALE…cuz maybe you’ll want to “adopt” more of my 35+ award-winning pet books or share the purr-fect love with other pet lovers.

You can get ’em for full price on Amazon, BUT…

Dog Books Sale: “One of the best I have read…”

I was born to love pets & spread JOY! My books bring smiles, save lives, and reduce vet bills. So I put ALL MY DOG BOOKS ON SALE…cuz maybe you’ll want to “adopt” more of my 35+ award-winning pet books or share the purr-fect love with other pet lovers.

You can get ’em for full price on Amazon, BUT…

Counting Thanksgiving Blessings, the Pet Writer Way in 2023

Time for my annual Count My Blessings post. The past year has meant change, change, and more change, and that’s good and also challenging. But some things never change…I’m thankful to you—yes, those who read this blog, the cat book lovers, and the dog book lovers, and folks who have “adopted” my thriller series. And those who offered awesome applause and support any of the other venues mentioned…

Visit Amy's Website

Amy Shojai CACB is an award winning author.  You can find all her publications and book her to speak via her website. 

On Demand Writer Coaching

AmyShojai.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com http://amazon.com/.

Awards

Memberships