Dr. Proulx and The Tentative Plan - Aug. 17, 2010 Tuesday

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, Hardee's radiation oncologist is named Dr. David Proulx.  He is in Carlsbad, CA and works at California Veterinary Specialists.  Hardee's oncologist here in Vegas, Dr Vaughan, got Dr. Proulx to call me last Friday, Aug 13th, after we got the results back that day that the cancer had not spread and that we could proceed with the radiation.  Dr. Proulx called me again later that Friday night to set a plan in order.  Shout out to both these fabulous men!!  Dr. Proulx gave me his cell phone number to call if I has any concerns.

Dr. Proulx was going to be out of town this week Mon-Wed, and working at another hospital on Thursday.  Friday was supposed to be his day off, but he is coming in so we can get Hardee's treatment rolling.  On Friday, Aug. 20th, we have an appointment with Dr Proulx at noon at his offices in Carlsbad.  At 3:00pm that same day, Hardee is scheduled at InnerVision (I think that's the name) for his fourth CT Scan, but this scan will be a much finer, more precise scan.  Remember anytime a dog has a CT scan or has radiation, they must be under general anesthesia.

Dr. Proulx will work the weekend and come in and get on the computer to formulate a plan for radiation.  Since we have chosen gamma knife radiation, we only need about a week of daily radiation.  It still has to be scheduled at the Cyber Knife Center, and they are waiting to hear back from them about openings in their schedule.  The Cyber Knife Center, as is InnerVision, is a human facility and the schedule is worked around humans...damn humans ;-)

Until then, we wait while this tumor grows.  It is very hard for me to be so patient when I desperately want to attack that tumor for Hardee.  While we wait though, Hardee grows stronger each day and comes back toward better health, except for the tumor.  What he went through last week, all the surgeries, procedures and the infection, knocked him down but he is feeling better even this morning.  He still has the drainage from his nose, but even that has markedly improved, and I was able to get about 5 hours of sleep last night.  Hardee still breathes like a fish, but it is quite endearing to watch.

The results of the culture from Hardee's infection showed 3 things growing, but we only have the results of one bacterium just yet...pasteurella.  The antibiotic that he is currently taking, Clavamox, works for that bacterium.  Still waiting on the results of the other 2 bacteria.

Join us as we begin our journey towards radiation and the shrinkage of the tumor.  Things kick-off this week, Friday, with the CT scan.  Until then, you know it, it is all about joy and all about Hardee!!