The next day we returned to meet Dr. Lyons. He went over Lulu's radiation plan and estimates and explained the different symptoms and risks associated with radiation therapy. He also told us that he recommends a full dose of chemotherapy (5-6 months!) to really make sure that we get all of the bad cells out since they were already showing up in a couple of her lymph nodes.
It was so much information to take in all at once! The radiation treatments all require anesthesia and would take about 20-45 minutes to do. She needed 20 treatments so that would be 4 straight weeks of daily treatments. Before radiation, we would do a CT scan so that Dr. Lyons could create a 3D imaging plan for the treatments. As for side effects, he said we could expect them to start 2-3 weeks into treatment where we would see her skin start to turn into a raw, wet, carpet-burn like wound and there is a 50/50 chance that the hair would not grow back in that area. There might be other side effects too like vomiting and loss of appetite.
At the same time, Lulu would be starting chemotherapy which apparently doesn't have as many side effects as it does for humans. Chemotherapy is 40-47% effective and only 20% of the patients experience side effects. The treatment would take over the course of 4-5 months in pill form.
He reiterates that the best course of treatment would be to go with both options, ASAP, starting with the CT scan the following week. Not having pet insurance, going with the full treatment plan doubles our original estimate. The numbers start to become a blur and I decide to start a Care Credit account so I can worry about finances later and focus on what is best for Lulu.
Today's services:
Evaluation - Consultation
New Patient Set Up
Prednisone 10mg Tablets
No comments:
Post a Comment