This continues Ruth’s story of her beloved dog Digby’s journey from cancer diagnosis to radiotherapy treatment and beyond. Please be aware that, as you can imagine, it breaks Ruth’s heart to share these images of Digby with you. However, Ruth felt if she was to do this, she needed to visually share the reality of radiotherapy treatment. As the tumour was in Digby’s forehead area, some viewers may find the images upsetting, but as Ruth said in the first part of her story: “I will give a spoiler and say, over two months post treatment, Digby is doing amazingly!”
Radiotherapy: Day one
Day one of radiotherapy treatment fell on a Wednesday. Digby was oblivious. I was extremely nervous. Nervous for the decision I’d made: How was it going to affect him? How would he tolerate the anaesthetics? What would he look like when he came out of his first treatment?
The nurse came to collect him from Reception and in typical Digby style, he gave her his paw for a tickle and off he went without a backward glance. I was told I could wait in Reception as the procedure wouldn’t take long; 50 minutes later the nurse brought him back complete with a red bandage on his left leg, apparently indicating a cannula in place. Digby was wobbly from the anaesthetic but wagging his tail. He looked exactly as he had done when she took him away and I was delighted. Maybe this was going to be okay after all. One down, eleven to go!
The nurse explained that a new cannula was put in place each Monday, kept in place all week and then removed on the Friday. This obviously restricted activities to on-lead walks and no water play during the week, but at least it meant Digby could be near ‘normal’ for the weekend.
Digby the star performer
I should add something of note here. Digby – along with my other dogs – are registered with Dog Modelling Agencies and regularly have photo and video shoots for websites and the occasional TV commercial. Of course, life being what it is, Digby had been offered a video shoot for a scientific company during the second week of his treatment. I was worried that a bald dog with a red bandage hiding a cannula, he wasn’t going to be able to attend. I suspected it was not the look the company was aiming for! However, the amazing staff at the hospital very kindly removed the cannula for that day and at that stage, all of Digby’s fur was still in place. He spent the day ‘on location’ and no-one was any the wiser as to what he was going through.
Radiotherapy: Week three
By the end of week three, Digby’s fur was looking better than ever. He appeared to have loads of energy and seemed very happy in himself. All meals were being devoured in the usual Digby way – I was so pleased.
Radiotherapy: Week four – all change
And then it happened, virtually overnight. On the Saturday, I noticed the fur on the top of Digby’s head looked a bit thin which I thought was odd. Why was the top of his head being affected when the tumour was on the left side of his nose?
By Monday, Digby had a bald area on the space between his eyes which looked red and sore. We took him for treatment as usual and the staff explained that as much as they target the tumour, unfortunately there’s always nearby areas that become affected too. It was a very normal occurrence at this stage of the treatment as the effects of radiotherapy were cumulative. Digby was prescribed topical ointment along with pain relief.
As the week went on, the bald area and soreness grew impacting the whole of the left side of his face, top of his head and part of the right side of his face too. It was horrible to see and I felt terrible for him.
From the very onset, I had always said that if Digby couldn’t tolerate any of his treatment, or began to feel unwell, then we’d stop, walk away and enjoy the last few months we had together. By this stage though we were only two sessions away from finishing the course and despite his facial symptoms, he was still enjoying his meals and daily walks. We persevered and Digby completed his 12 sessions, walking out of the hospital on the final day still wagging his tail.
Radiotherapy: Post treatment side effects
I was so incredibly proud of Digby. He looked a total mess and I had to nurse him through a difficult couple of weeks. His face had suffered radiotherapy ‘sunburn’ which needed special care.
Unfortunately, his left eye had also been impacted by the radiotherapy. Digby had developed an eye ulcer which required a significant number of eye drops. The staff had warned all along that ‘it gets worse before it gets better’ and I can say from first-hand experience, this was very true. Along with the prescribed medications, the staff also recommended bathing the affected area in cooled, black tea! I’d never heard of such a thing but obviously gave it a go; needless to say it proved to have amazing healing properties. The ongoing help and support from the vets and nurses – both during and after the treatment – was second to none and I have nothing but total admiration for what they do.
Three weeks after treatment
Three weeks post end of treatment and the difference was remarkable. Digby’s facial skin had healed beautifully, although his face was as bald as a coot. With his surrounding fluffy fur, he actually looked like a lion! Somebody on a dog walk thought I’d had him groomed specifically in this style and complimented his appearance. It was unknown whether his fur would grow back and if it did, it could be a totally different colour. It was certainly likely his modelling days were over but I didn’t care.
The vet confirmed Digby’s eye ulcer had also healed which was fantastic news. He still became easily tired, so his walks were now ‘little and often’ but he was getting stronger day by day.
Nine weeks on…
Digby’s energy is back to its pre-radiotherapy level. In the last week, he’s been chasing birds and it’s been wonderful to watch. Digby’s whole demeanour has lifted: he runs easily, his eyes are shining, and he’s been barking at the local cat with real gusto. He never did like that cat!
Nine weeks on, Digby’s fur is now growing back, albeit very slowly. It’s a soft down in a darker shade than before which looks cool. I love it and who knows he might even start a new trend!
Digby still reverse sneezes but nothing like as often. I’m delighted to say the episodes are short-lived, and he’s not suffered any nasal bleeding since before his radiotherapy treatment.
Was it all worth it?
Will it extend Digby’s life? If only I knew. What I do know is that I have tried, with the best will in the world, to give him a chance for a longer life. He’s already lived longer than his prognosis of three months and we’re enjoying every single minute we have left to enjoy Digby’s company.
Digby far right next to little sister Frieda, Frankie and a very wet Freya who decided to take a swim!
Update: Seven months on – July 2025
I just thought I’d post an update on Digby’s progress as it’s 12 months to the day Digby was diagnosed with nasal adenocarcinoma. As you can see he’s still enjoying life with friends. Digby is a little slower these days, but he’s now 11 so to be expected. Ruth has no idea how long he be with the family, but says it was definitely worth it and hoping he continues to enjoy life for many more months ahead.