Now that Link had his leg amputated, the veterinary oncologist is recommending chemotherapy with a drug called CCNU. Anybody have experience with this drug? The vet is talking about chemo every 3 weeks which will include a full day stay at the clinic for blood work and chemo administration. The CCNU may cause stomach upset, liver problems, and low white cell count so in addition to the chemo Link will be taking antibiotics, something to protect the liver, and drugs to prevent vomiting. I love my dog dearly and want to do everything I can for him, but I wonder about the quality of life on chemo, since the chemo treatments go on for his entire life. Right now there is no sign of mitastosis so I really wonder about the chemo. Any advice??????
Not sure I’m familiar with that drug. My Dobe had carboplatin – 6 doses, every 3-4 weeks and then was done. He tolerated it very well, only getting nauseous at about the 4th or 5th dose. Then he got the anti nausea drug cerenia and all was well. Now he’s on metronomic therapy which is a low dose daily oral chemotherapy. He is 15 mos post amputation and doing well. Good luck on whichever way you decide to go.
Paula and Nitro
I just read through your blog, sounds like Link is doing great!
My pug Maggie lost her leg to a mast cell tumor, one of the chemo drugs she took was CCNU (also called Lomustine). Years after her chemo she developed kidney failure. All the vets said it was not related to the chemo, but there has been some testing that indicates it might. Just something to keep an eye on.
Why does the vet want to keep Link on chemo forever? I haven’t heard that before, not with this chemo anyway.
I would also suggest you post in the forums- lots more people there and some have used CCNU.
You can read about Maggie’s chemo experience here:http://maggiesjourney.tripawds.com/maggies-story/maggies-amp-and-chemo-treatment-for-mast-cell-cancer/.
Good luck with the first chemo!
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Have you searched the forums yet?
You will find numerous topics with members discussing chemo, and will likely get much more feedback to specific questions by starting a new topic there.
Hey guys, Amira is getting CCNU as well:
http://amira.tripawds.com/2015/10/15/the-battle-begins-as-do-our-doubts/