Re: Kramer....road trip pictures

Gorgeous pictures.

Kramer

 

Re: Kramer....road trip pictures

Originally Posted By: Jazzstorm Maybe he can have sweet potatoes? Loaded with good things. Maybe someone on here knows if this would be good (?)

The vitamin A in sweet potatoes is beta carotene, which it has a lot of:

http://www.nutritiondata.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2666/2

Quote:
ß-carotene acts as a powerful quencher of singlet oxygenated scavenger of free radicals. It has been hypothesized that ß-carotene might be beneficial through local conversion to retinol at tissue level.

Another postulated mechanism of action for ß-carotene is its immunomodulatory effects.


An important water-soluble, chain-breaking antioxidant is ascorbic acid (vitamin C), which reacts directly with superoxide singlet oxygen and regenerates tocopherol from the tocopheroxy radical. Vitamin C also affects the immune system, and could thus enhance tumor immune surveillance in promotion and progression of the cancer. Finally, studies have reported effects of vitamin C on liver enzymes which are responsible for detoxification and transformation of carcino-gens .

http://www.ams.ac.ir/AIM/9924/mireskandari9924.html

Quote:

The vitamin also plays a direct role in immunity by helping the immune cells change into the special forms necessary to fight off infection. "One special kind of cell, called a T-helper cell, which helps to direct other immune cells, is very sensitive to vitamin A status," Dr. Olson says. "There’s no question that the immune system doesn’t function very well with inadequate vitamin A, and you don’t necessarily need to be clearly deficient for this to happen."

[James Allen Olson, Ph.D., professor of biochemistry and director of the vitamin A research group at Iowa State University in Ames]


Beta-Carotene and Vitamin A
May help: Cancer of the lung, stomach, esophagus, mouth, cervix, and colon; angina; genital herpes; colds and flu; osteoarthritis; and low immunity in people with HIV.

Daily Value: Beta-carotene—no DV; vitamin A—5,000 international units (IU), or 1,500 retinol equivalents (RE).

Special instructions: For maximum absorption, take supplements with meals that contain some fat. Do not take with meals or supplements that contain large amounts of pectin, a type of soluble fiber found in citrus fruits.

http://www.bodyandfitness.com/Information/Health/Research/a.htm

Quote:
In the early 1990s, Dr. Pauling published two papers with Dr. Abram Hoffer, who developed a regimen for use in cancer patients that includes B vitamins, vitamin E, large doses of vitamin C, beta-carotene, selenium, zinc, and other substances. The statistical analysis of their data revealed that about 40% of the cancer patients survived five years or more after the initiation of the regimen....

Interestingly, Dr. Hoffer's regimen is remarkably similar to that recommended by Dr. Kedar Prasad of the University of Colorado and his colleagues, who advocate the use of a combination of B vitamins, large doses of calcium ascorbate (vitamin C), vitamin E, and beta-carotene for cancer patients undergoing either chemotherapy or radiation. Dr. Prasad acknowledges the accumulation of antioxidant vitamins in cancer cells, but argues that this has favorable biochemical effects, including the inhibition of oncogenes and the induction of factors that inhibit cell growth, favor differentation, or induce apoptosis (programmed cell death).

http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/s-s00/vitaminc.html


NIH says this:

Quote:
While diets high in fruits and vegetables rich in beta-carotene have been shown to potentially reduce the incidence of certain cancers, results from randomized controlled trials with oral supplements do not support this claim. There is some concern that beta-carotene metabolites with pharmacological activity can accumulate and potentially have cancer-causing (carcinogenic) effects. A higher, statistically significant incidence of lung cancer in male smokers who took beta-carotene supplements has been discovered. Beta-carotene/vitamin A supplements may have an adverse effect on the incidence of lung cancer and on the risk of death in smokers and asbestos exposed people or in those who ingest significant amounts of alcohol. In addition, high-dose antioxidants theoretically may interfere with the activity of some chemotherapy drugs or radiation therapy. Therefore, individuals undergoing cancer treatment should speak with their oncologist if they are taking or considering the use of high dose antioxidants. Beta-carotene in the amounts normally found in food does not appear to have this adverse effect.

So, no harm, no foul with respect to Beta Carotene, according to NIH.

Be aware that the American Cancer Society says:

Quote:

Overall impact on health

A 2007 review of 68 studies of the antioxidant vitamin supplements concluded that people taking beta carotene or vitamin A supplements had a shorter life expectancy than those who did not take these supplements.

Cancer prevention in people at increased risk

Retinoids (especially synthetic retinoids that are more potent than natural vitamin A) have shown some ability ti reverse pre-malignancies in the cervix, mouth, throat, and skin. They also may have prevent new tumors in people who have already been treated for these forms of cancer. However, further clinical research is needed. Several clinical trials involving retinoids have been completed and others are now going on.

Cancer treatment

Retinoids are not currently used as a cancer treatment except in one notable case. A relatively rare type of leukemia, promyelocytic leukemia, often responds to a combination of retinoic acid (a retinoid) and chemotherapy. Patients with this form of leukemia receive high doses of retinoic acid under the supervision of a hematologist/oncologist, but use of nonprescription vitamin A supplements or dietary changes intended to increase intake of this vitamin do not have a role in treating promyelocytic leukemia.

Studies of other cancers such as lung cancer, head and neck cancer, and melanoma (a serious type of skin cancer) found that vitamin A supplements are not helpful. In addition, some oncologists are concerned that vitamin A and other vitamins that act as antioxidants may make chemotherapy and radiation therapy less effective when taken during the course of treatment. For this reason, many oncologists recommend that their patients not take such antioxidant supplements until their treatment is complete.

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_5_3X_Vitamin_A.asp?sitearea=ETO

Again, seems to me they're speaking mostly about synthetic or animal forms of vitamin A, which isn't what we're talking about.

Are Kramer's BUN and Creatinine numbers good? Billinghurst, DVM suggests lowering vitamin A consumption in dogs that have renal issues. That might be my one concern. But if his kidney numbers are good, I like sweet potatoes. They have all sorts of good stuff, and they're yummy. Put some real butter on them for extra calories.

And make yourself one. With real butter, of course.

 

Re: Kramer....road trip pictures

Glad to hear that Kramer is improving! Wow! That means you're an excellent cook and excellent caretaker Jean!

I'm a big fan of sweet potatoes. Chama has been getting a spoonful in her food every meal lately.

The tumor plus the prednisone is probably why he's feeling hungry and losing weight. Plus with the cold he's burning even more calories. How many meals a day is he getting now?

 

Re: Kramer....road trip pictures

Wow that is great news for you guys! Keep it up Kramer!

 

Re: Kramer....road trip pictures

We have been layed up a while with injuries. The Ct paq delegates send King Kramer many healing thoughts and many happy days ahead of him.
They're rooting for their leader!

 

Re: Kramer....road trip pictures

Just re-reading prior posts again... I like aloe (I had a friend that sold aloe products in every combination -- one of those "aloe cures all" lines, kind of like Amway. And I swear, I think it does!).

But aloe can cause diarrhea. Start with very small doses.

And what's that about "these relatively young sweeties"?

Zamboni will tolerate midlife dalliances, provided that His Majesty's loyalties remain steadfastly with his queen.

 

I had, apparently, completely missed this entire thread. I came across it tonight and read it in its entirety to catch up.

Jean, I am so sorry that you and Kramer are having to go through this. How terrible.

I do think its great that things seem to be looking up for him (and, in turn, for you). I will keep the both of you in my thoughts.

 

I had, apparently, completely missed this entire thread. I came across it tonight and read it in its entirety to catch up.

Jean, I am so sorry that you and Kramer are having to go through this. How terrible.

I do think its great that things seem to be looking up for him (and, in turn, for you). I will keep the both of you in my thoughts.

 

Re: Kramer....road trip pictures

Good morning dahhhling

Gracie, one of your "young sweeties" is sending you slurps and ear scratchies!!!

How about baby food? Gracie's had an upset tummy and is swearing by the stuff!! I bought plain chicken and also chicken and sweet potato. Wonderful for hiding her medicine! Hope you have a wonderful day. It's snowing here in Central NJ so Gracie will go have a King sized romp for you, friends.

 

Re: Kramer....road trip pictures

Good morning Jean and all,

I trust the night was peaceful and that recreation can take place inside.

Please, everybody take it easy and take care of each other,

Mary Jane

 

Re: Kramer....road trip pictures

Yes, we are staying in-it's pretty chilly today! Only one meeting and then a trip to the store to get some sweet taters! Thanks for all the info. They seem like they are pretty good and with butter...what isn't? Ava once ate a stick of butter...

What about maple sauce?

Our ride yesterday to the park was nice, but there are no good places to walk around without killing either me or him-his poor little tooties froze and I had to help him back to the car. Mariele was with us-and even she had problems. So he went home and he had his new good meal which is steak, eggs, and brown rice cooked and then fried in the steak "juice" for flavor, plus some turmeric in the eggs. He likes!

And I had...a peanut butter sandwich!

He is definitely eating better than us, right? He will let me have a sandwich steak...but watches me eat it...

Thanks, Patti and Ruq-reassurances are enjoyed!

Oatmeal! Hmmm....he just got an adequan shot so I am hoping that he could eat some bad stuff. I am giving him as much as he wants now-he stops when he's had enough and saves it for later. Unless...scallops!

Ruth-he is eating many meals a day, depending on the day-I'd say...5 or so. Sometimes more. And some treats...and of course, the poundcake, which I had cut down, but then he started searching his food for meds, so I had to go back to the cake.

Thanks BJD and Mandalay-we are lucky and blessed that this is a continuing thread to be found.

Thank you all for all the good information, hugs and kisses from his girlfriends (let's admit it-but yes, he is of course loyal to the queen).

I appreciate it-Kramer appreciates it. It's sunny out-hoping it stays out til I get back!

Also, be sure to check on Miss Mya who is having surgery today-in the health section. And hoping Max is doing well, too. There are also two relatively new posters in the health section with senior dogs with cancer, too.

 

Re: Kramer....road trip pictures

Originally Posted By: JeanKBBMMMAANYes, we are staying in-it's pretty chilly today.

Same here especially since schools are closed which means no work for "moi."
Yesterday afternoon I shoveled a giant circular path in the yard for Sean as his paws freeze rather quickly, not sure if that's a side effect of the cyclosporine or not. He really appreciated it since he was doing the two-step running back and forth on the path.

As for oatmeal, that is my all time favorite winter comfort food. I can eat it anytime of day plus it is soooooo good w/brown sugar. Sending special thoughts to Kramer and you plus a warm hug.

 

Re: Kramer....road trip pictures

Jean, you are doing such a great job with and for King Kramer! Grimmi and I send good vibes his way and yours. Do you have a next vet appointment scheduled for a re-recheck?

Grimmi yammers: "Long Live Da King!"

Patti says: We love you, HRH King Kramer

and Jean!

Prayers and good vibes still being sent from the chilly wooded mountains and valleys here..

 

Re: Kramer....road trip pictures

Just checking in on his highness and his underlings today. How are things going in the frigid cold temperatures? Sending love, hugs, slurps and ear scratchies your way

 

Re: Kramer....road trip pictures

Grimmi wanna be da official court jester.. but mebbe Bruno gots dat job??

Here's hoping for yet another GOOD DAY for the beloved HRH Kramer out at the Jeanspackistan royal kingdom! Good vibes and prayers being send for happy poundcake experiences and steak-n-eggs successes. We are wishing His Highness well!

 

Re: Kramer....road trip pictures

Our next vet appointment is on Tuesday morning.

I think Grimm and Mario would have a good time together being jesters! Bruno is silly for me-but not for the other dogs as much. Though sometimes they can get him to be a silly for them-the girls flirt with him until he gives in. Mario however, I feel like he and Grimm would just be total goobers together-the boys in the ham radio club looking at old National Geographics together!

So poor Kramer has to be sick during this really bad cold snap, and with this awful snow and ice. Normally I love it, but I am wondering if he didn't hurt himself a little-sliding, getting stuck, etc. I think I am HOPING that his back hurts because that is better than the alternative-that his hind limb weakness is due to the tumor. Or it could be a combo of both. It's not like he's dragging himself-he can walk okay, it's getting down and standing where he starts to sag. If he wasn't such a stress case at a vet office, I would take him for acupuncture, I think, but boy that really takes it out of him to go there. I am continuing the Reiki and will ask her to work on those areas.

He and I also had difficulty sleeping last night. That's the first time for that for him. I need to remember to treat him like a baby-hungry, thirsty, potties, pain. Anyway, after water and peeing he did go to sleep. So did I. He had some Arby's when he got up and has had his pills in some other food. I think we might go somewhere today-just for a ride and maybe a walk around a parking lot that is clear or something.

Crazy thought-his quality of life seems good right now (knock wood) and I am seeing the thing that seems to be a bother to him is that hind end sagging/discomfort/using his energy on that. Would it be crazy to get him a wheelchair? http://handicappedpets.biz/www/pet-produ...heelchairs.html these Walkin Wheels ones are compact, seem sturdy and ship fast. I would have to check to see that the belly band didn't press on his tumor area of course. You can send it back with a partial refund.

I know his prognosis is poor and who knows if he would use it (though I tend to think he would see it like he does those cone collars-he loves those) so I am struggling because I am not sure it would add quality or if it would just be an annoyance.

So could you all answer that?

 

Re: Kramer....road trip pictures

Well, he is an independent cuss and it might help him get around on his own? or he would just prefer his servant assist him

Can you have the acupuncture done at home? I wish I had a crystal ball (as all of us do) to tell you what is the right decision Jean. Really, only you know. Could his hind end be due to the cold? Does he have boots? I think this is the last of the brutal days - at least in NJ - we're due to get into the 30's tomorrow. Have a good day - let the king lay in the sun of a window to warm himself

 

Re: Kramer....road trip pictures

Jean That is a tough call. I know that my old guy Apache would have never tolerated the wheel chair, he would barely let me help on one step. The only thing I could do was to be there to help balance, if I did more, he would just lock up and give me "The Look". He was I will do this MYSELF, I will not be a cripple/burden, don't you dare try to help.

Val

 

Re: Kramer....road trip pictures

I don't know about the wheelchair...would he accept it or would he be annoyed with it?

Chama has been more stiff than usual lately and I think it's because of the bitter cold and the extra effort it takes for her to walk right now. We have continued our daily walks but we've only done 2 a day instead of 3 because of her mobility and her freezing paws. Sometimes we walk in the street and she is absolutely thrilled to be able to move freely so I think taking him somewhere with sidewalks or a clear area is a great idea.

 

Re: Kramer....road trip pictures

Really hard to say with the chair idea, Jean. He may prefer not having to adjust to a new contraption, and might just be annoyed by it?

Maybe he feels in control now, and might not if some new gadget is there attached to him that he has to adjust to?

He seems so happy to be independant, even if he cannot do as much as he used to. I myself would be worried about any pressure on his middle. I might let Kramer tell me how much strolling is enough for him. He himself really doesn't seem to be upset about any slight loss in the hind end! In all his pictures, he seems so HAPPY, Jean.

You are doing SUCH a great job with him! And yet again, who knows, he may accept the wheelchair no problem? You know HRH the best!

Sending good vibes Kramer's way. May The King

do super and feel great. He is absolutely an inspiration. Stubborn, wise, in charge-- who couldn't LOVE such a tuffy?? HRH Kramer has such a huge following!!

Grimmi sends doofy giggle-snorts to Mario, wants to go shop online with him for crazy jester hats that make honk-and squeak noises!

 

Re: Kramer....road trip pictures

It's the real world and Kramer is ailing-so it's his right to have a bad day. Judging from my vast experience with two dogs (!), some dogs like body work-massage-stroking-whatever and some don't. If Kramer does, can you try a hot water bottle (I'm afraid of a heating pad for him) or maybe towels that you heat for a while in the dryer. The warmth works for my arthritis.

It's cruel cold-so everybody stay in one room-the body heat alone should be comforting.

take care,
MJ

 

Re: Kramer....road trip pictures

Angelina says she loves Kramer's new pictures and sends him (and mom) big hugs, kisses and borks

 

Re: Kramer....road trip pictures

I'm always rather amazed at the things my dogs learn to tolerate. (Boots, no.

) But other stuff, yeah. It seems to me that the more varied a dog's life experiences have been, the more open he is to accepting new experiences. Kramer's life has been a plethora of new experiences. I would give it a try. He accepted his harness pretty easily, didn't he?

Can you rent one first, or buy one with a 30-day no-questions asked return policy, or something like that?

Zamboni has her first underwater treadmill appointment next week. I'll let you know how she accepts that. She's almost as independent and stubborn (gasp! did I just say that?) as Kramer. So I can let you know if that's a hit or not. Sometimes, they like things we never expect them too, as if they're almost saying "it's about time you did this for me, silly human!"

Sometimes, not. But how do we know if we don't try?

 

Re: Kramer....road trip pictures

gosh the shepster has been having a really hard time getting up too. once he's up he seems to motor along okay...it's got to be this bitter cold weather. sending lotsa good vibes to all at jeanspackistan. stay warm!

 

Re: Kramer....road trip pictures

Sorry to hear that Kramer is having a tougher time with his mobility. Wish I had some clever suggestion

I hope it's just temporary and that he bounces back from that soon. Massages?

It's times like this I am glad I don't have to deal with that severe cold. DH hates the fact that we don't get snow though.

Give Kramer some extra ear skritches from us, and throw in an extra stretch down by that sacrum area from me