I may in fact have entered a new stage of mourning for Storm. Though I deeply miss him and have to try very hard to control tears, I’m more peaceful now.

I think of my lovely Storm and his gentle character and all his little quirks and habits and I smile.

He was a legend and I have God to thank for close to 13 years of blessings with him as part of our family.

Though it has been some months that my sweet Storm passed away, the pain and the missing lingers on ever so painfully like it was yesterday. This is the longest I’ve been away from him since I brought him home, when he was 6 months old and time seems to do the opposite of healing.

I remember the beautiful years of his life from puppyhood to when he passed a few months before his 13th birthday.

He was my baby boy. He was my protector, best friend, companion and so much more.

To remember his brave battle with cancer, breaks my heart. He was a true lover from day one till the day he passed and never missed a moment to show everyone.

Though I’m unsure how i came to deserve him, I feel so blessed to have had him in our lives. He was a true legend and passed so many of his qualities to his little brother Leo, who hasn’t been the same since Storm passed away.

My Storm, my beautiful companion, best friend, bodyguard, son and adorable sweetheart passed away yesterday morning. He fought cancer and the anemia bravely till the last breath and went to heaven from home.

Watch videos of Storm and Leo here: http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?user=roxxbluu

Yunnan Baiyao also known as Yunnan Paiyao is a hemostatic powdered medicine famous for being carried by the Vietcong to stop bleeding during the Vietnam War. The medicine, developed by Qu Huangzhang in 1902, is designated as one of two Class-1 protected traditional medicines, which gives it 20 years protection. In China, its reputation is equal to that of penicillin in the U.S. It is founded and manufactured by an state-owned enterprise, Yunnan Baiyao Group in Yunnan, China.

Yunnan Bai Yao is a powder that stops bleeding immediately and is often used for minor cuts and scrapes, or if you cut yourself shaving. During the Vietnam War, soldiers were given a supply of this powder for firearm wounds. It was so precious that soldiers referred to it as the “gold they wouldn’t trade”. This powder is used to mitigate bleeding and promote quick healing with little or no scarring.

Principal Ingredients: Pseudoginseng (panax pseudoginseng), Chinese yam (dioscorea opposita), yam rhizome (dioscorea hypolglauca), sweet geranium (erodium stephanianum) and galangal rhizome (alphinia officinarum).

Functions and indications: stopping bleeding, dispersing stagnant blood, invigorating blood, relieving pain. Valuable first-aid remedy for internal and external bleeding, traumatic swelling, and insect bites. Commonly used for excessive menstrual bleeding, severe menstrual cramps, ulcer bleeding, and hot skin infections (carbuncles). Can be taken internally or applied externally.*

Directions: Please consult a doctor. Do not use if pregnant.

The following paragraphs of functions, indications, directions, and precaution are quoted from Chinese Patent Medicines pp 342 – pp 345:

Functions: Arresting bleeding to cure wound, removing blood stasis to regenerate new tissue, clearing away toxic materials to relieve swelling, promoting blood circulation to alleviate pain.

Indications:

1. Traumatic injury: injuries caused by fall and stumble, contusion, abrasion, sprain and collision usually accompanied by pelidnoma, skin and muscle wound, redness and swelling after fracture; or caused by knives and spears, wound with bleeding, injury of fasciae and bone with severe pain, pale tongue with slippery pulse; or fall down from height with the symptoms of distention of abdomen due to blood stasis inside, unconsciousness, constipation, aunresis, pale tongue with thready pulse.

2. Menorrhagia: Menorrhagia or metrorrhagia and metrostaxis marked by dark purplish with stagnated blood masses, pain in lower abdomen, pain relived after blood masses is expelled.

3. Lochiorrhea: Abundant or persistent lochia after childbirth or artificial abortion characterized by dark red blood with blood masses, pain in lower abdomen with tenderness and guarding, dark-perplish tongue with ecchymoses taut and uneven pulse.

4. Carbuncle and furuncle with swelling, red, burning and pain in the affected area, accompanied by chill and fever, headache, nausea, reddened tongue with reasy coating, taut and rapid pulse or rapid pulse.

5. Epigastralgia marked by pain in the fixed area with tenderness and guarding, pain like knife injury or spitting dark-purplish blood, black stool, or hiccup after drinking water, dark-purplish tongue and thready and uneven or taut and uneven pulse.

6. Sore throat with yellow and white purulent secretion, dysphasia chill and fever, thick greasy fur, slippery and rapid or taut and rapid pulse.

In 1902 Mr. Qu Huanzhang , a practitioner of Chinese medicine who came from Jiangchuan County in Yunnan Province, formulated the seemingly magical medicine “Qu Huanzhang Panacea,” which is now known as “Yunnan Baiyao”. It is a multipurpose remedy specially used to stanch blood, invigorate blood circulation, extravagate blood elimination and remove postludes. It has been proven to have a great curative effect on internal organs and their malfunctions, such as pulmonary tuberculosis bleeding, gastric hemorrhage, intestinal bleeding, internal cranium bleeding, gynecological blood disease and purpura.

Botanists have researched the chemical composition of Yunnan baiyao and discovered that it contains progesterone, various saponins and alkaloids, and physiologically active compounds such as calcium phosphate. Numerous pharmaco dynamic studies indicate that Yunnan Baiyao is effective in platelet cohesion , main arterial contraction , cortex hormonal secretion, release of the inflammation process, capillary meability, leukcocyte waver and connective tissue proliferation.

NOTE: This medicine is not to be used on a daily basis.

Storm was well and dandy till last Saturday. He was his old self, ate, walked around, played around and just was a happy pup. Saturday night, everything changed. He became anemic and very pale. His energy level just dropped and he was panting nonstop.

He had his first chemo appointment on Tuesday and there was absolutely no way we could have taken him in that condition. The vet said that this is common for dogs with hemangiosarcoma cancer and they’ll have good and bad days. He said chemo is 50/50 for him and he might actually get worse.

He explained all the tests that Storm would have to do prior to chemo and all the things we should anticipate from vomitting to more blood transfusions, to further blood tests etc etc. My heart sank just listening to him explain all the tests and I couldn’t bear to think of Storm getting any more needles and getting any weaker and depressed. I called back and said we’re not coming for chemo as he’s still quite weak.

Tuesday night was horrible. He was wobbly and his eyes were wider open than ever. He looked like a small goldfish that somehow jumped out of its bowl, panting and trying to live its last minutes. He threw up a number of times and couldn’t sit, walk or stand straight.

We prayed for him and left him in peace in hopes that he may recover. I had joined the Summer Foundation, a support group for owners with dogs in the same boat. In the midst of all this, I checked my emails to see that a few people had suggested Yunnan Baiyao to help stop internal bleeding.

Thirty minutes before all stores would close, we managed to buy it and gave him two capsules with more B12 pills. In the morning, we gave him another two capsules and just left him in peace. By mid day, he was a different dog. He got up again, walked around and was alive.

Today he’s still weak but much better. He’s got life in him again and wags his tail happily. If I can suggest something for anyone going through hemangiosarcoma with their dogs is to definitely get B12, B complex, iron supplements and Yunnan Baiyao. Better to have them and not need them than to need them last minute and watch your dog pass.

As for his chemo, we’ve delayed it for now. We want him to be happy and right now he’s still quite weak and the thought of him actually getting weaker and having to suffer and stay at the clinic for days scares me.

Dried herbs or tinctures of the following herbs for cancer can be fed to your dog

Red clover

Red clover has been hailed as “the” herb for cancer by many herbalists. The herb has tumor-inhibiting properties and strengthens lymphatic functions (crucial in cleansing cell tissues).

Burdock root

Burdock root supports and stimulates the liver, therefore facilitates waste and toxic removal from the body. It is also a very safe herb for prolonged use.

Alfalfa

Alfalfa has been found to reduce the risk of cancerous growths and is therefore considered a good herb for cancer prevention.

Dandelion

Dandelion is a diuretic herb that helps waste removal via the kidneys and urinary tract. It also improves digestion and removal of waste by providing gentle stimulation to the liver.

Milk Thistle

This herb can protect the liver against harmful by-products of the cancer. As well, milk thistle is effective in protecting the body from liver damage resulting from chemotherapy.

Astragalus

This herb is an immuno-stimulant; thus it can be used to boost your dog’s immune system. In addition, it has been found that astragalus contains an alkaloid that inhibits the spread of melanoma, a skin cancer.

Echinacea

This herb is well-known for its effectiveness in supporting and strenthening the immune system.

Garlic

Garlic has a lot of sulphur-containing compounds (thus the strong smell!). These compounds are helpful in enhancing the immune system. It has also been shown that garlic stimulates the growth of beneficial cells.

Green tea

Green tea has been found to be effective in boosting and stimulating the immune system. It is also an antioxidant and astringent and has been shown to be an effective herb for cancer (especially for some kind of stomach and skin cancers).

Mushrooms – Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake

Mushrooms, especially reishi, has been used for many years in China and Japan as herbs for cancer prevention and treatment in people. Recent research has found that these mushrooms can enhance the immune system, due to their high levels of polysaccharides and their effect on white blood cells. In addition, these mushrooms have been found to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and antioxidant properties. Note: these mushrooms are not to be mixed, one should be given. Please do further research as which is most effective.

Other herbs for cancer

It has recently been found in Malaysia that the herbs ginger and turmeric may also help fight cancer. In a study conducted in Malaysia, it was found that ginger effectively blocked the promotion of cancerous tumors. They also found that turmeric extracts completely inhibited further growth of the cancer cells. (British Journal of Cancer, Vol. 80, No. 1/2, April 1999, pp. 110-16.) Since ginger and turmeric are safe tonic herbs, these can be fed to our pets for cancer prevention.

Storm went for his third laser therapy session yesterday. I have to say that I was a bit reluctant about the concept of laser therapy, let alone for dogs but I am absolutely amazed! The morning after the second therapy, his bruises were completely gone. This morning he woke up happy and energized. He went for a walk with his brother and roamed around the house aimlessly, hungry and impatient for me to mix his supplements with his food.

The vets at the clinic were really happy and somewhat surprised to see how well he looked yesterday. He’s become a regular at the clinic now and everyone just wants to play with him. He’s a funny character though… he never gives much attention to anyone, gets his little pat and tries to rub himself against people’s legs for a back rub and then walks off happily. He’s always been like this. He’s our little Storm.

We are waiting to hear back from the oncologist that his vet requested advice from and will have his treatments started next week, God willing. The vet gave me a time line of 1-7months minimum but said to keep up what I’m doing with his supplements and you never know. He might beat all odds like some people even and live much longer. We’re hoping for that too!

Essiac tea is a bit more of a controversial supplement but here’s all the details nonetheless.

Essiac may help your pet’s health by:

1. Building immune system strength.
2. Helping the body to destroy benign growths and tumors.
3. Protecting cells against free radicals.
4. Strengthening muscles, organs, and tissues.
5. Removing toxic accumulation in the body, including heavy metals and other environmental toxins.
6. Aiding in bowel detoxification and elimination.
7. Adding strength and flexibility to bones, joints, and lungs.
8. Blood purification.

As a general guide for treating animals, it is best to assess the dosage according to your pet’s weight.

Weight /  Dosage

Up to 15lbs (7kg):  1/2oz of tea per day
15 to 40lbs (7 – 18kg):   1/2oz of tea, twice per day
40 – 80lbs (18 – 36kg):   1oz of tea, twice per day
Over 80lbs:   2-3oz of tea, twice per day

The best results are seen in animals who had a much larger dose than these recommended doses. However,  an issue with large doses for pets is the amount of Rhubarb they end up taking. Rhubarb is a laxative, and that is probably the main reason it is needed in essiac. In the first 70 years of the 20th century chemotherapy regimens tended to cause constipation, and that is not the case anymore. Dogs have
much shorter digestive systems than people, and they are much more susceptible to diarrhea. So the larger dose of essiac must be balanced against the amount that can be taken without causing diarrhea. One way to decide what the dose for a pet ought to be is to increase the amount until they get diarrhea and then back off.

WHO SHOULD NOT TAKE THE ESSIAC TEA:

If your dog has kidney disease, are prone to kidney stones, or kidney infections. The varying amounts of oxalic acids in this tea are irritating to the kidneys.

If your dog has have a bowel obstruction or diarrhea. Properties in this tea promote peristalsis (the action by which the bowel moves it’s contents through).  In the case of diarrhea, valuable fluids and electrolytes are lost through the rapid emptying of the intestines. Prolonged diarrhea can result in dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

If your dog has ulcers or colitis. The Essiac has an action of being a laxative or cathartic (depending on how much you take). Some properties in this root can be highly irritating to ulcers and colitis, exacerbating (or worsening) these conditions.

If your dog has tumors that are encroaching on a major blood supply or an area of an organ that expansion of the tumor could have dire consequences.  In Rene’s work, she reportedly noticed that in the beginning phase of a person taking this tea, the tumor could appear to enlarge before it began to break down. (One of the reasons she was adamant that they take very small doses.)  If you notice any sudden pain or untoward symptoms after beginning this tea, stop taking it.

If you have a brain tumor. In Rene Caisse’s work, she noticed that many times the tea seemed to make the tumor initially grow, then break down. This can be extremely detrimental in the brain tissue. Rapid or excess growth can put pressure on areas of the brain that affect body/mental function. If the tumor would break down, it can release pieces of the malignant tissue which could cause a stroke. Circulation in
the brain is unlike the rest of the body.

Methods of Administering Essiac to Pets

Administer one hour before or two hours after a meal whenever possible. Best method – directly via syringe, eye dropper, turkey baster (large pets) food dish, etc. Alternative methods – mix with broth (beef, chicken, or fish) or with water; mix with food (if no other method works).

You should bear in mind that giving your pet essiac tea will make them thirsty, therefore make sure they have plenty of water available. This will have a secondary beneficial effects on their health, by making them drink plenty of water.

Side effects:
These herbs may produce a laxative like effect, as well as nausea, headache, vomiting, and increased urination.

Possible risks:
Adverse effects have not yet been reported, however, an allergic reaction is always possible.

NOTE: It is best to discuss options with a vet or better yet, a holistic vet before administering Essiac tea, as it may cause harm to your pet (depending on his specific condition).

For complete information refer to:
http://www.caninecancer.com/essiac.html
http://www.essiac-herbal.com/essiac-for-pets.asp

Omega-3 fatty acids are a family of polyunsaturated fatty acids that provide the basic building blocks of cells in the body.

Omega-3 fatty acids contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is processed by the body into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

EPA is very effective in combating inflammation and protecting against cancer, as well as preventing and managing cardiovascular disease.

DHA plays an important role in vision and brain function as well as keeping the heart healthy.

The best sources of EPA and DHA are cold water oily fish such as wild salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies and sardines.

Benefits

1. Allergies – Omega 3 can interfere with the development of pollen & mold allergies in young dogs
2. Arthritis – Omega 3 can help manage arthritis by suppressing the inflammatory reaction that occurs in arthritic joints.
3. Brain function – DHA is instrumental in the function of brain cell membranes, which are important for the transmission of brain signals.
4. Cancer – Omega 3 inhibits tumor growth and metastasis (the development of secondary malignant growths).
5. Circulatory and heart health – Omega 3 are known to decrease levels of triglycerides & cholesterol in the blood and improve general cardiovascular health.
6. Diabetes – fish oils can increase insulin sensitivity, while ALA may slow cataract development.
7. Glossy coat – Omega 3 fatty acids are essential for a shiny, glossy coat.
8. Healthy skin – Much veterinary research shows that Omega 3 fatty acids help manage skin allergies and itching by stimulating the production of natural anti-inflammatory substances in the body. It can help counteract negative effects of allergic dermatitis by producing specific hormones which are known to reduce and control skin inflammations. Yeast infections of the skin and ears can also be improved by Omega 3 supplementation.
9. Injuries – Omega 3 reduces inflammation in joints and muscles.
10. Kidney – Omega 3 can help dogs with kidney disease by increasing prostaglandins that reduce inflammation in the kidneys and improve blood flow to them.

Supplementing your dog’s diet with Omega 3

Giving your dog an Omega 3 supplement can benefit your dog whether he is healthy (glossy coat, protection against cancer, circulatory health, etc) or fighting disease (management of skin conditions, allergies, inflammation, etc).

NOTE: If your dog is on blood thinning medication, you should consult your veterinarian before commencing Omega 3 supplementation. Follow directions per bottle.

If buying at regular pharmacies, please follow directions and give dosage per weight. Regular supplements for humans are based on 150lb person. Give supplements as per the weight of dog. ie. dosage on human supplement container states 3 per day, for a 50lb dog, give one per day.

It will take 8-12 weeks to see the benefits of Omega 3 fatty acid supplementation.

So the lab results came yesterday and it’s confirmed. Storm has hemangiosarcoma.

Hemangiosarcoma is a rare, rapidly growing, highly invasive variety of cancer. It is a blood-fed sarcoma; that is, blood vessels grow directly into the tumor and it is typically filled with blood. A frequent cause of death is the rupturing of this tumor, causing the victim to rapidly bleed to death.

Interestingly enough, I haven’t really cried. I shed a couple of tears here or there but I’m coming to terms with it. I’m keeping my faith strong and truly believe that this is God’s will and I’m not to question it.

I’m going to make every effort to make his life as comfortable and happy as possible. I’ll be talking to his vet today to discuss chemotherapy and get any more supplements and research appropriate meal plans for him to stay strong and healthy for as long as possible.

He’s in no pain and usually happy. He’s highly intuitive and notices when I get upset so for the life of me, I’m avoiding that as much as possible.

Life is short and we just have to make the best of it. I’ve been blessed for almost 11 years with Storm and I don’t think it’ll be fair to him or anyone if I make the remainder of his life stressful and hurt him this way and essentially hurt my own body as well.