Chemotherapy

[Lisa D Allen]

Moses underwent chemotherapy for osteosarcoma; that and amputation almost 
immediately after diagnosis have kept him in remission and he is doing 
extraordinarily well.
His first three chemotherapy treatments consisted of adriamycin and 
cisplatin (excuse spellings) and his fourth treatment consisted of 
adriamycin and carboplatin, which was used instead of cisplatin for this 
treatment because a STAT, regular urinalysis showed that his specific 
gravity was a bit low.  Chemo. was administered by the oncology department 
at Boston's Angell Memorial Animal Hospital.
Except for one day, after his second chemo., when Moses had a case of the 
"blahs" (tired with no appetite), Moses had no side effects from the chemo.
Each chemo. treatment cost one thousand dollars, which included STAT 
bloodwork, hospitalization for the day, monitoring, urine tests, any 
medication, and the chemo. drugs.
I mention the price for a couple of reasons.  Cancer is a very big problem 
in the breed and people need to know that it is an expensive one as well.  
To me, Moses' health is his birthright, he is family and his life is, to me, 
every bit as sacred as yours and mine; I do not put a price on that which 
sustains health and happiness in a family member.  Particularly with the 
Rescue problem bound to increase in Berners and the Average Joe not feeling 
in his heart as I do, there will be an increase in the number of dogs who 
present with enormous medical challenges, some that can very definitely be 
overcome with the proper medical care and treatment.
Lisa Allen

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