GratefulDawg
Posted : 12/30/2008 9:30:05 AM
Cyclops had a bone marow test and some ultra sounds. The good news: There are no signs of cancer in her x-rays, ultra sounds or bone marrow test.
The Bad news: She is not creating new red blood cells. The doctor said that there are 5 phases in the creation of a new red blood cell and that Cyclops is getting to the 4th phase and something is happening before #5. She said that its a little unusual for it to develop that far before being killed and that most dogs it happens between 1 and 2.
If none of that makes sense to you, then I feel better that I am not alone. I have no idea what they are talking about. Also I have no idea why they are saying this is not IMHA but yet her immune system is killing her baby red blood cells. I thought that *WAS* the definition of IMHA. Regardless what they want to call it, the drug treatments and everything else seem to be the same.
Now we are at a crossroads. The doctor wants to put her on Cyclosporine. The estimate is 800.00 per month just for the drug. On top of that will be the weekly blood work. I really don't think that we can do that for more than a month.. maybe 2. Most of what I read on the internet does not show any statistics that Cyclosporine has a better long term prognosis than Azathioprine. The doctor on the phone said that the Cyclosporine woud work faster and might prevent the need for another transfusion of blood.
The doctor said to plan on 6 months. She said they'd taper it down when possible to possibly save money later. But no guarantees. Needless to say that doing this would mean no way I could explore Chinese medicine or acupuncture - something I was planning on doing had the costs stayed the same as Azathioprine.
Yesterday when she asked about the Cyclosporine I said yes.. whatever it takes. She said fine she'd change the medicine. After I got off the phone and got back to reality I realized I must be an idiot for saying yes. So I think I have to call them today and end up sounding like a horses ass and tell them no to the Cyclosporine. This drug is only 40 dollars less than my mortgage payment. I wish I could afford 2 mortage payments per month, I'd have the house paid off by now. You see.. this is no longer a choice I get to make - I think I have no choice but to refuse the Cyclosporine treatment. My wife is going to call the drug maker Novartis Animal Health and ask for assistance or a price reduction. I am not very optimistic about what their answer will be.
Cyclops came through the bone marrow test fine. Her PCV is holding steady at 21. Her appetite is still good and her spirits are still high. I will update tonight and tell you all how I handled telling the teaching hospital that I can't afford the drug of choice. Wish I would have bought myself some time and said "I'll think about it" but I was just caught up in the moment about getting her results.. happy as hell she was still stable and I just spoke before I thought.
I am certain that if I told any of this to someone who either dosen't like dogs or just thinks dogs are objects they'd send me to the insane asylum. My own father told me to euthanize "the poor thing" the second she was diagnosed. He said you can't afford it and its just making her suffer. I wish things were that black and white for me. I love the dog as much as I would if the dog were a person. Having emotions really complicates everything dosen't it?
Once again.. thanks for giving me a place to document my thoughts. Thanks for your suggestions and your well wishes.