Goals and Choices

Every cancer patient sets goals and these are what help them to get through and see the CAN in cancer. When dealing with an animal it is a different and a tough situation as you set the goals and make the choices along the way for them.

When Bella was first diagnosed with cancer we set a goal with her healthcare team for her to make it to the birth of our first child.

Aliana Irene Kennedy was born on September 27th, 2012. She shares this birthday with our dear friend Scott Best who introduced Jason and I and lost his battle to cancer April 21st, 2010.

Over the last few days Bella has been struggling with breathing. In the last 24 hours she went downhill very rapidly. When we took her to the vet this afternoon we found out her lungs were covered in tumors and full of fluid.

Tomorrow evening Bella will have one last swim before she enters heavens gates. Ultimately her time has come to join the angels.

Bella's strength and fight will live on. She has never been dealt an easy card but always took it with stride and held her head high I would never have the fight or strength to go through a fraction of what she has and with such dignity.

You will forever live on in our hearts, the many memories you have shared, the lessons you have taught and the obstacles you have helped us to pull through. May your Rest In Peace our little Bella bee, you deserve every minute of it

xoxox and love forever,

Leah, Jason, Brutus and Aliana

ups and downs of cancer and treatment

Bella originally underwent surgery for osteo-sarcoma (bone cancer) but began chemotherapy to prevent lung metastisis.

Bella and I have been through a lot together and I had this ongoing feeling that something was not right. At Bella's second to last chemotherapy appointment I asked them to x-ray her lungs. Unfortunately we received some not so nice news, a small lung tumor was found.

We then began a 3 week waiting game, where she would be x-rayed at her last chemotherapy session to look at the progress of the tumor. If it was stable or smaller she would undergo her last round of chemotherapy treatment.

The tumor is rather small and had not grown at her most recent x-ray. The medical oncologist has had a hard time seeing in and it was the radiologist that initially found it.

The end of chemotherapy and the fact the patient has made it to the end is supposed to be a time to celebrate. I have never wanted more to pay the money for her to undergo a chemotherapy session. Additionally I had to take some time away from her blog and any discussion regarding the topic while I myself grieved the unknown.

Bella will go back for another x-ray near the end of August to check on the tumor's progression.
At this point were not really sure of the options or if there are any. Unfortunately the chemotherapy and the art of medicine have failed her in terms of tumor prevention but love and support continue to radiate through.

Regardless she is happier then ever, loving life with no side effects from the cancer or the 6 rounds of chemotherapy she underwent. Pretty amazing if you ask me and I am sure any cancer survivor.

We are now trying to transition her back into a normal Bella life as many changes had to be made when she was undergoing the chemotherapy.

Please continue to send love and support as she continues to fight this battle and emphasizes the "CAN" in the horrible word - CANCER.

Bella's DOGUMENTARY live on Shaw TV

Bella had the pleasure of filming a dogumentary for Shaw TV.
She is helping to spread the word that cancer for a furry family member does not have to be a lethal diagnosis, there are options available.
Unfortunately the part about her being subsidized by the Animal Cancer Therapy Subsidization Society of Alberta (ACTSS) was cut out in this copy of the video but was mentioned when it was live.
Copy and paste the link below to watch our little start in her film debut:
http://youtu.be/8J25IS2Syy8

1/2 way done the chemotherapy!

We are now half way through Bella's chemotherapy. She is on a combination treatment of Doxorubicin and Cisplatin. She has had two doses of the Doxorubicin and one of the Cisplatin.

After her first dose of the Doxorubicin she developed Neutropenia (a nasty blood side-effect of chemotherapy) and colitis. Shortly after that she went ataxic (back end became paralyzed) due to her epilepsy meds, which had increased from her chemotherapy and change in diet.

It took a few weeks but with the help of her medical oncologist and neurologist we were able to get her back on track. Now she is doing better then ever. She is enjoying swiming, long walks and fetching. I would say she is doing better then she was a year ago.

The other day we were out for her walk and I thought she had gone off to see a bird but she tricked me and went and laid in a mud puddle. She knows this will guarantee her a swim in the creek. Saucy, independant Bella is back!

She truly amazes me on a daily basis. There is not a day I regret paying the price (both time and money) for her amputation and chemotherapy. She is loving life and I am loving watching her!

This picture was taken after her third round of chemotherapy!

Support and Compassion

We have been truly overwhelmed at the support and compassion that has come through for us during this tough time.
It is so much easier to stay positive and focus on dealing with the obstacles when you know your friends, family and amazing organizations such as Pawsitively Pocched and ACTSS support you.
Whether it has been face book posts, cards, phone calls, financial assistance, volunteering for the cause, signing up for the ACTSS dog wash or an ear to listen we have been over joyed at the amount of love and strength we have received from so many of you.
We also can't believe the number of people who have reached out to us that don't have pets. Furry family members being sick can be a hard thing for a lot of people to understand, especially those who aren't directly impacted by the enjoyment they provide to a household.
We can't thank everyone enough. Your support gives Bella and us strength every day.

This photo was courtesy of Crystal Inkpen and her pooches Karma and Halle. They sent Bella their love all the way from Labrador City, Labrador.
Bella additionally was offered an interview with Shaw TV this past weekend. We look forward to spreading the word even more with this opportunity. Bella is such a special little furry lady.

Aqua Rehab

Tonight was Bella's first night of aqua rehab or water therapy. After a weekend of dealing with the nasty side-effects of chemotherapy it was so nice and rewarding for Bella to finally do something she enjoys so much!

She takes her water therapy very seriously and you wouldn't have even known she was missing a limb. She is now completely tuckered out and satisfied resting at home. Sure makes for a quiete, happy household.

I would once again like to thank Tanya Blackmore for donating her time and services, she is a true angel, Special thanks to Pawsitively Pooched for allowing us to use their facilities and swimming pool: http://www.pawsitivelypooched.com/

Additionally Pawsitively Pooched is one of the sponsors for the upcoming ACTSS spring dog wash. Their staff donate their time and services on April 14th, to raise money to support our furry family members who are  fighting cancer.

If you live in Calgary, Edmonton or inbetween please look up a location you can take your furry loved one to. It is $25/ dog with all money going to ACTSS. Bella and I would truly appreciate the support. https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Animal-Cancer-Therapy-Subsidization-Society-ACTSS/162581467131976

First round of chemotherapy for Bella. Go Bella!

Bella started Chemotherapy on Monday. She spent the day at the clinic while they infused Doxorubucin. I picked her up mid day but must have driven over a whole bunch of industrial staples as I had about 50 in my tire when I arrived at the clinic. Needless to say we spent a few extra hours at the clinic while the tire was changed.
We were told the side effects of chemotherapy would not have any effects until at least 24 hours post. We are now two days out and you wouldn't even know Bella had it administered. She is almost better now then before. I think a lot has to do with her daddy and brother coming back from Fort McMurray.
The trickiest part is the fact that I am pregnant and I am not allowed to have any contact with Bella or her excrement for at least 48 hours post chemotherapy. Should be some interesting times when her daddy is not here.

Tonight Bella will go visit the pool to prepare her for her first aqua therapy class. We are so excited for her wound to fully heal and to get her in the water.