Aztec Friends Living With Cancer
Our featured pets are patients that have been diagnosed with lymphosarcoma, a fairly common cancer afflicting companion animals. The owners of these cats and dogs, after considering several options, decided to proceed with multiple drug chemotherapy at Aztec. Unlike human patients receiving chemotherapy, our patients rarely suffer significant side effects. Most will go into remission within a few weeks. Even though only 20-25% of these patients are cured by the chemotherapy, their quality of life is generally excellent during treatment and while they are in remission. They come to the clinic every one to three weeks for lab work and medication. The dogs will often drag their owners in the front door, looking for treats from the receptionists and technicians. The cats are a bit less enthusiastic, but seem to learn the routine and handle their treatments with grace. All have become very special to us.
Abigail
Abigail was diagnosed four months ago, and gets dropped off for the treatments before her owner goes to work. We have learned that she likes us to turn her bed over so that she can hide under it while she is hanging out!
Tigger
Tigger comes in for her treatments often accompanied by Emma, her owner's three year old. Emma fills us in on how Tigger is doing and we discuss how chubby she has gotten since going into remission. Tigger just completed her year of treatment, so gets to stay home awaiting the arrival of Emma's baby brother.
Lily
Lily was diagnosed with lymphoma over a year ago, and is into her second round of treatments. She is a character, and we have learned that she prefers to hang out in the middle of our treatment area, where she snags pats from every passing person.
Punkin
Punkin was diagnosed eight months ago, and initially was quite annoyed by our plan for him. Within a few visits, however, he decided that we were not so bad, and now is a champ about having his treatments done.
Alex
Finally, Alex the golden retriever was first diagnosed in October of 2004. He went into remission within one week of starting therapy, and was "rescued" back into remission twice during the next 3 ½ years. Of that time, he was a typical happy golden, until finally losing his battle with cancer last month. He is greatly missed by everyone at Aztec.
Other Featured Pets
Albuquerque, NM 87108Phone: 505-265-4939
Fax: 505-265-4950
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