Day 2 - Update 1

I just got off the phone with Susan in Oncology.  Oakley is ready to be picked up, but unfortunately, I can't leave work until closer to 5:00 and I'm bummed, because I just want to scoop him up and give him a big, giant hug!  It was really heartbreaking leaving him there this morning.  When the tech came to get him, I stood up and he looked at me with his huge brown eyes and this excited look in his eyes like, "Yay, we're going home!".  Then when he realized I was walking away, he started crying and whining and lunging for me, with this look of "Mom!  Don't leave me!!".  Of course, this is how it looked to me and being me I burst into tears.  God, and this is only Day 2!!

Anyway, I spoke to Susan about a couple of things.  First off, the doctor completely misquoted us the cost of the treatment.  I was told $5000-$6000.  Yesterday when I dropped him off, they gave me the estimate to sign and the low end of the estimate was $7380!  I couldn't believe it and felt mislead.  I mean, it's not like I wasn't going to follow through with it, but still.  I told Susan that the doctor originally told me that the anesthesia fees, bloodwork, etc, was all included in the $5000-$6000 price.  Unfortunately, Susan told me that is not the case and they have had problems with the doctors misquoting clients and not including these extra costs.  She also said that Oakley is getting radiation in 2 different sites, which is also extra, but I think she said we are only getting charge the extra node and not the additional separate 15 doses.  Apparently, we are getting an extreme discount on that since they are right there anyway. 

Again as far as his treatment, Susan confirmed that he is getting 20 doses on his upper nasal area and 15 doses over his right eye.  I found out that basically his entire eye is going to be included in the radiation field and there is nothing that can be done to avoid damaging it.  There is a possibility he could go blind, but the likely thing to happen is dry eye and/or cataracts.  I asked her if it was going to be painful for him and she said that it is not likely to bother him very much.  She also said that unfortunately for most dogs with nasal tumors, it's very common to have the eye be included in the radiation field.  That completely sucks.

She said that Oakley was doing really well and they were playing ball with him and that they all really enjoy having him.  I'm glad he's being a good boy and I hope that he stays upbeat through all of this as best as he can and that I can stay upbeat through all this.  I also hope that he learns to chill in the car on the way to and from the hospital.  He loves to hear the words "car ride", but once in there he is just a basket case.

Will update more this evening after I get him home and evaluated!!