Ginger update Thursday March 4

Sunny today, still chilly ... Ginger raring to go, other dogs no problems (threw ball for Snoopy, gave Banshee a sock as I let them out). Had a nice AM run, fed and kenneled, gave Ginger meds, went to work. Husband reports Ginger very lively today, took her sweatshirt off as relatively warm (50's). He took all dogs on several jaunts around property, all getting along fine, except he was brushing DB and Snoopy came up with a ball and DB jumped at Snoopy ... clearly, we need to give the other dogs more attention, they've been so helpful and understanding with Ginger ....  Got back at nightfall, had a dentist appointment that stretched on and on ... did manage to stop by pet store and pick up more food (and more balls for Snoopy), tried to find a tank top that would fit Ginger but couldn't... 3 dogs met me at gate, Ginger inside, got food, fed and kenneled, brought Ginger back in for evening meds. ... she is very lively, craving attention, she and the Damcat ... Damcat jumping in front of computer, Ginger jumping on my lap and putting her paws on my shoulders ... whoops, Damcat just swatted at Ginger ...  so I've banished Damcat to the couch with my husband while Ginger snoozes at my feet in the computer room ... Another good day for my sweet red girl!

Someone mentioned that I had said the chemo wasn't 'working' yet Ginger is doing so well... what I meant was, the chemo has not brought about remission (shrinkage of the affected nodes to normal) ... certainly the treatment Ginger  has brought Ginger back from the brink, and, she is having an excellent quality of life ... as long as the cancer remains 'stable' (not growing again) this will continue ... but, because of the placement of the affected nodes, a slight change could be devastating. This is the reason the vet has treated her so aggressively, using the stronger drugs ... to see if we can get the nodes to shrink. I want to emphasize, to any of you who may now or in the future have one of your pets develop this awful disease ... many many dogs go into remission very quickly, many have no side effects, many stay in remission for years, some apparently never achieve full remission but live for many many months ... the whole thing is very individualized, the treatment protocol varies (though the drugs are the same) ... the main thing I have always been concerned with is quality of life, we've achieved an excellent quality of life for Ginger... of course, I also want it to go on as long as possible ...thank you for all your prayers and support, I believe this is what has made Ginger's continued dance through the valley possible ...
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Mary Lou
DB,Banshee,Ginger and Snoopy(dogs)
Damcat
Callie in spirit (04/90-06/07)
http://marylouandcompanions.blogspot.com/
http://gingeroftheflyingears.blogspot.com/