Yesterday was Tanner's day to spend at the vet school, and he did great! His day started with a blood draw, and the values all looked good. Chemo this week was administered through IV and is called Doxorubicin. This is one of the stronger drugs he is getting, so we are on the lookout for side effects. They can kick in 2-5 days out from treatment. We are purring that he tolerates this newest drug as well as all the rest!
The cardiology team stopped by and checked his blood pressure. I mentioned to the technician, when Tanner checked in, that he is looking pale again, especially in the mornings. Wondering if another tweak to the heart meds will be needed...
When I went to pick Tanner up, I asked if I could go to the back and see where he is hanging out for the day. I was allowed and Tanner has a nice space! There is the standard bank of metal cages along the wall, but his is quite large and is on the upper level, so dogs can't sniff him. He had water, the food I brought (but he wouldn't eat), a can of food he suckered them into giving him, a litter pan, and a box turned on it's side if he wanted to feel more secure. I thought they had done everything they could to make his stay pleasant and comfortable for him! Sorry I didn't get a picture.
He is one of just a few cats that the oncolocy department is treating. The doctor said that most cats are too advanced when the cancer is found, and so owners don't want to pursure treatment. So, we are lucky with Tanner that his cancer was found before problems became visible. I hope the students and doctors are learning lots from Tanner!
Many of you mentioned in the comments about how lucky we were to have a vet school so close by, and you are right. We are extremely blessed. The Vet School at North Carolina State University is only 20-30 minutes from my house, depending on traffic. The school is consistently ranked in the top 5 in the country as well. I love the care and attention my boys get while there!
