Chemotherapy - Treating Lymphoma in a patient for a positive outcome

Day 1 Chemotherapy for a patient – a diary

 

I thought I would write a bit of a diary for one of our very special patients having chemotherapy. (hope to post weekly)

 

We have diagnosed “Billy” with Lymphoma last week. He is having some further tests done in the USA over the next few weeks to try and “type” the cancer for us to further target this disease.

 

With the expert help of the VOC – Veterinary Oncology Specialists, we have set up a protocol for chemo with only a 10% chance of sickness that would require hospitalisation, with maximum chance of medium term remission and with a chance of cure (10-15%).

 

We have had incredible support from one of our Lab specialists at Symbion Pathology (Bruce Duff, David Taylor, Doug Haywood) (http://www.vetnostics.com.au), and also Tony Moore at VOC (http//:www.vetoncologyconsults.com) who has been clear, prompt and just knows the answers to the difficult questions we ask.

 

It is a worrying time for his family, they are distraught, and also want to give him the best chance possible.

He had 2 medications this morning and is home already.

We will see him each week for his chemo, and on the mean time he is on other supportive medications.

 

Modern technology and science will allow us to give him the best chance. We will post updates for his progress, with what we hope is going to be continued good news.

 

Dr Steve Rose