Lucas has cancer (5-22-06)

**rg_girlca** · 05-23-2006, 06:01 PM

[QUOTE=jenluckenbach]My own vet finally called and suggested "depo injections". It would only be one injection every 3 to 4 weeks. She has seen a patient with similar tumors thrive for a year now after the parents were concidering euthanasia.

I pray that this treatment helps Lucas just as much as the patient that your vet described.

Prayer, positive thoughts and wishing you all the best of luck with this Jen.

((((((HUGS))))))

**jenluckenbach** · 05-23-2006, 06:07 PM

Well, Lucas went for his first shot tonight. A quick procedure. I am to report in a week with any updates (hoping that less diarrhea is one of the effects).

Since his pills (pancrenzyme) and his special food (Eukanuba Low Residue) are no longer preventing the diarrhea, we can stop giving the twice daily pills (I am sure Lucas won't mind

) and he can go back to the regular food that he enjoys so much more (c/d).

Poor Lucas is probably soaking wet from all the smooches I have given him from all of you.

But he never complains. Such a good boy, he is.

**rg_girlca** · 05-23-2006, 06:12 PM

Keeping finger, toes and paws crossed that you will see an improvement in Lucas by the end of the week.

You will all be in my prayers.

((((((HUGS))))))

**Pembroke_Corgi** · 05-23-2006, 08:29 PM

I'm so sorry to hear about Lucas.

I'll be thinking of him and hoping his new treatment will help.

**lute** · 05-23-2006, 08:32 PM

i'm sooo sooo very sorry about Lucas.

add one more set of ((((((((HUGS))))))))) for both of you.

**Laura's Babies** · 05-23-2006, 09:17 PM

Jen, I have to leave in the morning to go back to work but I want you to know I will be thinking of both of you all trip and remembering you and your sweet baby in my prayers.

**christa** · 05-23-2006, 10:00 PM

Jen: Haven't been on much lately but I was just stunned to hear about Lucas! I am so sorry!

Yes, the depo injections are basically a steriod/prednisone shot. Josie gets them for her asthma. She gets one called "depo-medrol 20mg" . . . every 4-12 weeks.

I hope that it does help Lucas and maybe keeps him comfortable & around a little while longer!

{{{Hugs}}} to you & *scritches* to Lucas!!!

You're all in our prayers!!!

edit: I just wanted to add that I never really saw any side effects in Josie from the injections, other than her increased appetite around the time of the injection. Of course prednisone does that to anybody! Kind of hypes her up a little too. Nothing bad though.

**jazzcat** · 05-23-2006, 10:36 PM

I hope the shots will help.

**Tubby & Peanut's Mom** · 05-24-2006, 09:40 AM

So glad to hear all went well with the shot, and it sounds like a shot now and then is a piece of cake if he doesn't have to take pills and can now have his yummy food back.

skritchies to sweet Lucas!

Oh, and just curious, with Peanut's tumor, the vet gave me signs of what to look for to tell the tumor was getting worse. He said she would start straining to pee and there would probably be blood in her urine. Did your vet give you any signs to look for? I would think it would be similar signs, like straining to poop and blood? Just curious.

**beeniesmom** · 05-24-2006, 02:12 PM

Just saw this. I am praying that the treatment goes well.
Noone should ever have to face these things. Hugs

**Logan** · 05-24-2006, 02:28 PM

Jen, having been through a similar episode so recently with Zipper, you know that my heart is just in my throat when I read about Lucas. I'm so glad that you at least have some kind of alternative that might give him some quality of life and more time with you.

You have always been so supportive of me and loving in your responses when I am grieving or worried. I hope you know that my prayers and thoughts are with you and Charlie and of course, Lucas.

Give that precious orange boy a gentle kiss on his sweet nose from me, please.

Logan

**jenluckenbach** · 05-24-2006, 02:43 PM

Oh, and just curious, with Peanut's tumor, the vet gave me signs of what to look for to tell the tumor was getting worse. He said she would start straining to pee and there would probably be blood in her urine. Did your vet give you any signs to look for? I would think it would be similar signs, like straining to poop and blood? Just curious

No, we really haven't have time to talk about a lot of things. But when I call to report I'll try to get more info.

**Barbara** · 05-24-2006, 03:00 PM

Just to say that I think of you and your sweet boy.

**K & L** · 05-24-2006, 03:30 PM

I keep watching for updates. Good luck with this.

**jenluckenbach** · 05-24-2006, 07:06 PM

UNBELIEVABLE Lucas' poops are actually forming into very soft logs only 1 day after his first shot. Will they be even better tomorrow??

I am not sure how the tumors are going to be affected, but Lucas' poop has been liquid for 3 weeks straight, so this is an astounding improvement.

(of course, my house is a maze of plastic tarps covering the carpets, as mr. Lucas hasn't used a litter box in months.

) Good thing I never get company.