Every three weeks I get a super duper chemo treatment that is substantially more intense than my ongoing 24/7 routine. This weekend was the first of those treatments.
I was repeatedly cautioned that these treatments would be unusually nasty and likely to lay me low for days. They couldn’t predict exactly what would happen, but it was not going to be pleasant.
This weekend I completed the first of these mega treatments and the complications were quite tolerable.
Rather than major nausea that left me bed ridden, I found it uncomfortable swallowing. The lower GI track problems never materialized. Though the experience wasn’t entirely pleasant, it was tolerable.
In fact, I would say it fit the category of the “best case scenario”.
I am fairly confident the minimal side effects were due primarily to my trying acupuncture and Chinese medicine. The doctor, nurse, and information I have read all indicate acupuncture is helpful in relieving symptoms.
More significantly, this opinion was confirmed by our dog.
After our dog Molly had her back surgery she was wobbly and had difficulty walking. We had heard of people who had successful experiences with acupuncture on their pets. I was skeptical. But we decided to try it.
To be scientific, and to avoid the placebo effect, we did not tell Molly prior to her treatment that she would be able to walk better after her session. The fact Molly is deaf created a “double blind” research model because she could not hear stories from other people or dogs about the effectiveness of acupuncture.
This effectively eliminated the placebo effect. She would not feel better because her subconscious mind convinced she would because of what she had heard.
To my surprise, Molly’s ability to walk and run comfortably significantly improved following her acupuncture treatments. The effect wears off after a couple of months, but we just get her another treatment. So far it has worked almost every time.
I know some of you are skeptical about this. And in fairness, there is a slight chance this was not as scientific as I implied. There is a possibility the placebo effect did take place because Molly had prior knowledge of the benefits of acupuncture.
After all, I can not totally guarantee she had not learned about acupuncture prior to treatment from reading the newspaper or surfing the web.
Hearing that the experience was tolerable is good news. “Chemo is the most fun I’ve ever had” would have been better, but we realize that might have been too much to expect.
Re: Molly, I have always thought of her as an open minded dog. I believe that she and Mack only met one time, but I distinctly remember Mack telling me that they discussed Eastern medicine. I don’t know if acupuncture was included in their conversation. Rosie said they only talked about boys.
Molly is a wise dog. Reflexology is our preference and our dog-buddy Rufus was an advocate of it as well. It seemed to relax him after a day of rabbit chasing and annoying the cat for the sheer joy it brought him. He was very wise and lived a long and happy life because of it. We agree with Marcia that “tolerable is good news”. Also, the Borg references gave us stomach aches from laughing. Thank you for that.
Tess, my 6-year-old yellow lab, was very pleased to hear that Molly was able to subconsciously convince you to use acupuncture to lessen the side effects of your chemotherapy.
Tess also wanted me to remind you of her sixth sense, a sense that Molly also shares. She tells me that this is what allows her and her canine friends to read minds, sense forthcoming earthquakes, run away before being bathed and, as you suspected, to browse the Internet.
We’re both pleased that the side effects of your SDCT were tolerable. Of course, there are many doctors who give worst-case scenarios as insurance against malpractice suits.
So… have you decided on a name yet for your chemo port pump?
Marcia – It is unfortunate that Molly and Mac discussed Eastern Medicine, even if they didn’t specifically talk about acupuncture. Now the skeptics can claim Molly’s successful acupuncture was based on the placebo effect, and maybe it was. To play it safe, I am not going to allow Molly to read this blog. I do not want the speculation to interfere with her treatment.
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Kathy & Terry – It is interesting the dogs who are open minded about alternative treatments are all from Oregon. Of course I’m sure Jennifer’s dogs, who are all Californians, would have similar views.
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Candace – It had not occurred to me the notorious sixth sense dogs possess could provide them with information that would make the “placebo effect” work. My entire acupuncture theory is in shambles. Ah well, such is the way of science. As to the name for the chemo pump. Yes. A name has been selected. I will be announcing it Wednesday.
A horrible thought occurred to me. It would NOT be cool to shave the dog in solidarity if your hair falls out. Unless of course Molly initiates it.
Molly has been shedding a great deal lately. Would this be considered her initiating shaving herself? If it is, I would be justified in shaving her as a token of her solidarity with my plight. On the other hand, perhaps I should wait to see if my hair actually falls out before shaving a dog who might not be all that sympathetic to my situation in the first place. It is a dilemma.
Blowing coat does not count. It would not be a free will kind of thing. Dogs too are victims of their hormones. Like ships on a windy sea, they are only moderately in control of their speed and direction. A hormone here and a neurotransmitter there and God knows what could happen. In any event blowing coat is not a choice. Molly could no more control that than she can the compulsion to run after squirrels. Nature demands it of her.
Yes, being that my dogs are from California, they are definitely open-minded. Especially now that they have moved from Southern California to Northern California…Berkeley is wearing off on them and they will try anything these days. The other day Buckley asked me for a Shamanic Depth Hypnosis session and Bella wants Theta Crystal Healing. I have explained to them many times that as soon as they start bringing in money and cooking me dinner, they can do whatever they want.
As for the placebo effect, I think it is good that you aren’t giving Molly any info…but I always say even if it is the placebo effect, who cares? It’s working! xoxo
Carl – Oh, OK. I’ve still got the receipt so I’ll return the sheep clippers. It’s just that having your dog shave to demonstrate solidarity with cancer is such a “man’s best friend” sort of thing. I’ll find some other way to bond with her.
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Niece Jen – Molly tried a Shamanic Depth Hypnosis session combined with Theta Crystal Healing. I told her it would make it possible for her to walk on water. Unfortunately, she is afraid of lakes so she wouldn’t try it. The dog is a total wuss. If you demand that your dogs cook your dinner be sure to check the ingredients list. Some dogs have unusual culinary tastes.