Today we are 25 days post-amputation. Since Finn’s diagnosis on March 13, we have seen 5 different vets, he has been on 9 different prescription medications and I’ve had countless moments of regret and meltdowns. Since about day 8 of surgery recovery, Finn has had symptoms that he was experiencing pain and discomfort. Until this point, no one has been able to tell me what’s wrong or has even believed me that something was wrong. Yesterday though, we went to a new vet (hopefully our last) who I reached out to as he was also a certified veterinary acupuncturist and I was desperate for help. I can’t begin to tell you how amazing our appointment was. He took a lot of time with us, he explained things thoroughly and he believed me. He explained the difference between western-medicine thinking and Chinese-medicine thinking and his blended approach. We went through Finn’s symptoms and he explained all about how acupuncture can help him. We also discussed other herbal supplements. It was SUCH a relief to have some understanding and answers.
The plan now is to continue acupuncture for the next 4 months. As for medications, we will keep him on his low dose of gabapentin for now, add in herbal supplements (the vet has them on order so I’m not sure exactly what they are yet) and CBD oil (I actually had ordered some before our appointment so I asked the doctor what he thought about adding that to his regimen. He said as long as it was a high quality, reputable brand and full spectrum, he was absolutely for using it.).
No change to our overall cancer treatment plan. Finn will get his next immunotherapy vaccination in about a week and a half. Chemo will start a week after that. He will continue to get acupuncture and herbals throughout for treating both the cancer and any side effects of the chemo.
For what it’s worth, today has seemed to be a more comfortable day for my big pup. I hate getting my hopes up, but I need to maintain a positive attitude. I was reminded during acupuncture that Finn picks up on my energy. And I know I’ve done a terrible job of keeping the right energy for him lately. Definitely something for me to work on…
I hope our experience can be helpful to someone else on this journey who is struggling. Again, I don’t know if what I’m doing is the right or wrong thing anymore, but yesterday definitely felt like a breakthrough of answers and potential solutions. Here’s to hoping we are finally on the right path.
xoxo,
Finn and Casey
Woowwwweee Casey, this is fantastic news! Do you mind mentioning who the vet is that helped out? If you want to list him in our Veterinary Specialists Referrals topic in the Forums that would be so helpful. All of what you are describing is definitely useful for members, and me too, we all learn so much from each other.
I’m just jumping up and down with hoppiness that things are looking up. You sound so tired and I can’t blame you. But yes, stay strong, Be More Dog, and you guys will get where Finn needs to be!
How in the world I’ve missed these updates I have no idea! And that means I’ve also missed some pictures of this handsome boy….handsome and sweet!!
Geez, what a journey! Thank you so much for sharing this with us. It IS important for people starting this journey to know that EVERY RECOVERY IS DIFFERENT.! More often than not it can be the type of roller coaster ride that you and Finn have experienced. The specifics may vary, but the ups and downs don’t.
I can’t imagine your frustration. Ugh! As hard as it is to see, you are doing an excel job of recognizing progress is being made….Finn style!!
All paws crossed better days are ahead. Fin has such a powerful advocate with you by his side.
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
I firmly believe in acupuncture. About 6 weeks after Applesauce’s amputation, we began hydrotherapy followed by cold laser and acupuncture which we continued every 10 days – two weeks for the rest of her life. I swore by it. After acupuncture, she’d come home and be so full of life and energy. Since she had hip dysplasia to begin with, her hips and spine were getting a full work out because of the amputation and she thrived. Small walks, swimming in summer and these treatments kept her happy and healthy. Her vet at the holistic vet center was awesome and I couldn’t have asked for better care. I didn’t know what was right or wrong either but went with my gut and whatever I saw worked to make her feel better and give her more mobility and the best quality of life.