Some good news to start the new year

As you may know, Maggie's fight against mast cell tumors (MCT) on her chest, legs and in her spleen has been taking its toll on my little trooper. Although chemotherapy helped her last year, her treatment this November was not a success. Her blood platelet count decreased from 94,000 in late November to a low of 40,000 at the end of December. (A normal count is anywhere from 200,000 to 400,000.) The day after Christmas, her prognosis was grim and we figured that she had only a few weeks left. Her oncologist doubled her dose of prednisone, and I doubled her dose of Milk Bones and rawhide. Throughout the process Maggie has been content and active, and the goal all along has been to simply maintain her comfort, minimize her suffering and maximize her happiness.


On Monday, Mom and I took her for what we thought would be her last CBC (blood count). Given the consistent rate of decline, we expected a platelet count around 15,000 to 20,000 and there wasn't much point in subjecting her to more tests in her final weeks. However, thanks to the increased dose of prednisone and Benadryl over the previous week, her count is now UP to 60,000. Quite simply, this means that the MCT isn't advancing as aggressively as before. The increased platelet count isn't a guarantee of anything, but it's sure better than another decline. Her regular vet is pleased with the results, so we're going to continue the 40mg prednisone regimen and, as always, enjoy every day we have with her.


For Maggie, 2008 truly is starting out a happy new year. Each day with her is one more happy day of barks, bones, kisses and naps. If you had asked me a year ago how I felt about the sound of her playing with her squeaky toys, I would have grunted a negative response. These days, those squeaks are music to my ears.

I hope your year is starting well. And don't forget to enjoy each day.