Chemo or no chemo, that's the question

It’s been a while, almost 3 weeks since my operation. I had 2 medical check-ups and lots of fingers up my arse but mum promissed me that is all over now. Both examinations I passed with flying colours. I eat well, I drink well, I wee well, I poo well. I stopped taking medication and I am back on normal food. The scar has healed well. I look a bit like a poodle but my hair is growing back now. The doctors were happy and so are mum and dad.

There’s one more pending thing: the cancer will come back, which leaves us with the question: chemo or not? Mum and dad are not sure what to do with it. 

First of all, they do not give as much chemo to dogs as they do to humans, so the results are questionable. The difference between chemo or no chemo is relatively small.

Secondly, it is quite intensive. I would need a baxter drip every 3 to 4 weeks for 4 to 5 months. There is chemo with pills as well, which mum and dad could do at home, but then I need to go to the hospital to have my white blood cells checked regularly, because the chemo also attacks those, and I need white blood cells to stay healthy.

The side effects of chemo are apparently relatively minor. I could get diarrhoea, I could vomit or lose appetite (Who, me? Never!) They can give more medication to get rid of the side effects.

And thirdly, there is the cost. The drip methods cost 1.500 to 3.000 EUR. The pills will be less. Mum doesn’t know how much yet. She’s waiting for the doctor to find out. None of these medications can be purchased in Belgium so they don’t really know.

So, mum and dad are still in limbo. Chemo would be intensive, costly but could stretch my life (possibly only) a bit.

No chemo would be no hassle, no side effects and more money to buy dog chews.

Mum and dad are inclined not to do the chemo, at least not the drips, but to make my remaining time as pleasant as possible. If the cancer comes back, a second operation is always possible and will be less expensive.

What would you do if I were your dog and if the pill method was affordable?