Post by darcysmum on Mar 7, 2011 12:44:41 GMT
Darcy is a Deerhound who was born on 6th April 2002. She became a member of our family when she was about 10 weeks old.
All was well in Darcys world until 16th October 2007 when she was five and a half years old. On that morning, she walked across the room, screamed and held up her front right leg. There had been NO warning - no lameness, no nothing - in fact, the day before, she had been playing rough with one of our other dogs and bouncing around on her front legs whilst play-bowing.
Darcy was x-rayed that day and her bone tumour was found. Whilst she was on the table, we were given the choice of euthanasia or amputation. Given the fact that Darcy was an otherwise healthy dog who was not frightened of the vet or vet treatments, we opted for the amputation.
We had to wait 14 days for the results of her bone biopsy and when the results came, they confirmed our worst fears of Osteosarcoma. UK statistics show that in 98% of cases, dogs with Osteo have already had a spread of the disease before you are aware that the disease is present at all.
Based on those figures, we always maintained that someones dog has to be within the 2% who have not been cursed with metastases. And then we just crossed our fingers and hoped that our dog fell into that 2% bracket.
After amputation came a course of Chemotherapy (Carboplatin alternating with Doxorubicin - four doses in total, administered three weeks apart). Darcy coped admirably but she did loose most of her fur after the end of treatment. It grew back over time and now she's just as hairy as she was before!
We have held various parties at home for Darcy to celebrate 12 months post diagnosis, then 24 months and then 36 months last October. We have also held two fundraising parties in a local park, for Darcys 7th and 8th birthdays.
On 25th August 2010, Darcy became extremely ill and was referred immediately by our own vet to a specialist centre in Chester (UK). As if seeing off that evil Osteo was not enough of a challenge, Darcy was now to be diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy. She was so unstable on that day that we were not allowed to bring her home. I remember the cardiologist phoning me at 9pm that night and asking me how far I wanted her to go with her treatment of Darcy. It may come as no surprise to you that I took a deep breath and told her that she was to offer Darcy whatever suitable treatments there were. Darcys Cardiologist, Emily, has since told me that on that night, she really thought that there was not going to be a good outcome. But over time, she has learned that Darcy is not your average patient...
So, now we are preparing to celebrate Darcys 9th birthday on 6th April. To say that it's a miracle is something of an understatment. On 6th April, Darcy will be 42 months post diagnosis/amp.
Darcy wants to raise as much money as possible to be used for research into Osteosarcoma. If you have a look at our In Memory forum, you will understand why.
All funds raised will be sent to Dr Couto and his team at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine - Greyhound Health and Wellness Program. You can visit their website here greyhound.osu.edu/ And this article is also definately worth a read www.thelantern.com/campus/ohio-state-s-greyhound-whisperer-1.1715726
As well as research, Dr Couto and his team also offer a consultation service for owners, vets and anyone else who may need to have x-rays looked at to see if a lesion looks to be osteosarcoma. That consulation service could save time and in turn, a life.
The team at OSU are aware of our fundraising plans and we will be paying all funds that we raise here directly to them, via their on-line giving 'button'.
If you have not come to us via Facebook, you may want ask Darcy to be your friend. This is her profile page www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002176687686
And if you are a Facebook member, you will be able to view Darcys photo montage (with sound) here www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=102082743207615
