Two down, One to go

Tia has completed 10 radiation treatments and is doing well.  I just spoke to Dr. Rosen, who said she got the culture results back.  The results show that she has a "sterile abscess".  It doesn't show any bacterial growth, which is good.  She is going to remain on the Baytril (antibiotic) as well as the Tramadol (for pain).  She has also just started taking Prednisone (a steroid) which will act as an anti-inflamatory.  Being that this is her second week of treatment, this is when they expect to start seeing some side-effects of the radiation.  I have also been instructed to do warm compresses on the tumor site 3-4 times a day over the weekend.  She still has a small hole in her mouth where we want the infection to continue to drain.  I asked if they have noticed any signs that she is in pain.  She said not really, because Tia is such a tough girl, but she asked the staff and they said they have noticed she isn't eating as fast.  Ok, THAT is DEFINITELY a sign that she is in some discomfort.  They said she still likes her meals though.  Duh!  That dog LIVES for food!

Dr. Rosen said if the tumor area is any bigger on Monday they may have to do a surgical debridement inside her mouth.  If it is the same size or smaller we will continue treatment as usual.  (Definitely hoping for the latter!)  She also said we may need to do another CT scan.  One day at a time!