Morphogenesis (a cancer vaccine)

Daisy's lymph nodes were much larger today and she had an enlarged lymph node behind her knee as well.  I was concerned after the agility trials this past weekend because Daisy seemed very tired on the last day.  A friend of mine sent me an article on Morphogenesis which is a cancer vaccine for animals ....it basically helps the dogs immune system to recognize the cancer cells as "foreign" and attacks them. You can read the article HERE.  I called Dr. Pat Lawman CEO of the company and arranged for her to speak to Dr. Emma Warry from NCSU and Daisy's oncologist Dr. Lurie to see if this is something that could work concurrently with Daisy's chemotherapy and if her immune system could handle it.  It was decided that Daisy could go ahead with this cancer vaccine and continue chemotherapy simultaneously.

I took Daisy to her oncology appt. with Dr. Lurie, at 1:30pm.  Dr. Lurie found that Daisy's lymph nodes were much larger and he noticed the lymph node behind her knee as well.  Today Daisy was switched to an oral chemotherapy Lomustine.   She will receive another dose in 3 weeks.  Regarding Daisy's activity level Dr. Lurie said that Daisy should dictate how much activity she wants to do.  He suggested that I continue her normal active lifestyle and that she will let me know when she is tired.

Daisy will begin the process of the Morphogenesis next week...which starts with getting a biopsy and sending it to the Morphogenesis lab where they will create the vaccine.

Daisy's Agility Weekend in Vero Beach FL

Daisy spent three days in Vero Beach with her friends.  She competed at the AKC dog agility event and took a day off to  play.  Here is a synopsis of the entire three days: 

Vero Beach AKC Agility

Daisy wins 2nd place and gets her Title in Novice Fast Preferred.  She won 1st place in Open Standard Preferred.   She was "eliminated" in "Excellent Jumpers with weaves Preferred" due to a refusal (hesitating before a jump). Geez...just when you think your dog ran a perfect run!! 

Now that she has advanced to "Excellent" Jumpers......she is not allowed ANY mistakes.....but....it doesn't  look like she cares all that much....zzz

1st Place Open Standard (Preferred) Video

This is what we do in between our agility runs: This is Daisy's friend "Bella" napping on Michelle's lap.....how cute is this??  Thank you Michelle and Bella for bringing joy into Daisy's life

Daisy takes a day off from agility to play at the beach. She finds new friends and a new sport: SOCCER!

Daisy plays soccer with new friends....

Thank you Chris, Ryan and Amanda Murphy for bringing joy into Daisy's life :-)

Daisy dug a hole during the "soccer game"....and now she wants to bury it for later

Below: Chris, Amanda and Ryan Murphy

This is soooo precious....a big thank you to the Murphy family for the belly rubs...Daisy will remember you forever...what a beautiful family :-)

Daisy continues her "day off from agility" by going for a walk through a nature trail at Sebastian Inlet State Park

Daisy's Friends at Vero Beach Agility Trials: 

"Ginger" the Golden with her Masters Standard MX!!

Barbara Sheehy is a proud mom!!

 Robert smiling proud with cute little Sinbad and Bella: Hellooooo look at those ribbons!

 Cute little Jada and Casey ....in their cage drooling just THINKING about their next agility run!

Daisy's first day at USDAA Agility Trials

Daisy Wins 1st place in "Gamblers"

and 2nd place in "Snookers" 

Daisy napping (using her stuffed Rhinocerous toy as a pillow) after agility runs.

Sweet dreams my little sweetie.

Go Daisy Go!!

Daisy will "Walk with the Animals" on March 3rd, 2012 to benefit the homeless animals in the shelters.   Come out and say hi to her.  If you would like to donate please visit her fundraising page: "Walk for the Animals"

Dog Scouts of America Kayak Adventure

Daisy hears a birdie while kayaking

The dog Scouts (Katu, Borgou, Oso and Daisy) land on a small Island to swim

The dog Scouts get a chance to drink, eat, swim and chase coconuts 

Borgou, Oso and Daisy

 Katu, Borgou, Oso and Daisy get ready to head back after playing on island

The dog scouts leave the island

Daisy sits quietly until told to exit her kayak....what a true dog scout!