BRODY NEEDS YOUR HELP

Brody went to catch up with Dr Ayl today and show him how awesome he's doing and feeling. He weighed in at his normal..a mere 81 pounds of love and kisses! His blood work came back clean. His chemo prescription was renewed and so we continue to move forward. Two of his four tumors have increased in size, but the chemo should re-shrink them. If not we'll do a quick round of prednisone to shrink those suckers back down. Great news- His facial paralysis has completely resolved! In fact, that side of his face is now tighter than the right..almost like he's had a face lift! :) The Bro-man was a hit in the office & thoroughly enjoyed visiting with everyone. He still has no clue he has the big "C", nor does he care. He also has no clue he just turned 10 last month! He's full of bouncy energy which baffles every visitor to his foster home..because he literally bounces & hops like a dear and runs full force when it's chow time. I don't think he understands he's 81 pounds lol. Bro-Seph was a perfect gentleman at the vet and listened to his foster mommy like a good big handsome boy. He's such a big love bug who just wants hugs, kisses, and playtime with his foster brother & sister. I'm so proud of him and incredibly happy today's appointment went so well. Love you big boy.. :)
update on BRODY

The infamous Bro-man went to the vet yesterday to get his monthly CBC, since being on chemo this is necessary to make sure all is well inside. Great news- his test came back with positive results. My vet faxed them to Dr. Ayl. He has put back on 5 if the 10 pounds he lost, but my vet didn't think that's a big issue. However I'm going to work harder at exercising the big boy so he continues to feel great. He's super happy, still very bouncy and loves to run around the yard with his foster brother and sister. In recent weeks he's begun to open up to me a bit more, he's now wanting to snuggle on the sofa and is allowing himself to enjoy the pleasure of a good belly rub. It's obvious this sweet soul was deprived of such things we tend to take for granted. It warms my heart to see the change and the light in his eyes.
update on BRODY

Brody went to see Dr. Galea on Saturday, August 17. Galea was able to determine that Brody has developed Facial Nerve Paralysis, which is limited to one nerve. Basically, the right side of his head is now paralyzed but he still has feeling. He is unable to move his ear, lips and nose (the left side is still functioning normally). The good news is that he has not lost all sight in his right eye, he still has limited vision and is still able to blink that eye (therefore keeping it moistened). He also still has complete control over his tongue, so he is able to eat and drink normally. Because his bottom lip hangs, he's now a bit more drooly than previously, but his best bud and foster brother Lucas does a great job keeping his face clean. :) He's still a super happy teddy bear with bouncy energy. He has lost 10 pounds since being rescued and is a trim 76 pounds now! Woohoo! Good job Bro-man!! He feels amazing and loves that he can now jump in the car versus a month ago when he was too heavy & flabby to lift his own self into the car. :) The bottom line is we don't know the exact cause of his facial paralysis. Dr. Galea advised we wait and see... Brody is certainly a tough loving boy who's very special to us. He's taking his paralysis all in stride and has already adapted tremendously well.
update on BRODY
MEDICAL ALERT!One of SAR's newest editions is Brody, an older gentleman whose owner left him at the Baldwin Park shelter because he developed masses. Poor Brody has been left at that same shelter 3 times in his short life. This time nearly cost him his life. You see, it's been extremely hot in Southern California recently, and sweet Brody has trouble breathing even when inside in the cool A/C. He appears to have an issue in his throat that causes him to constantly gasp for air as if he just ran a marathon. Due to the excessive heat, and his difficulty breathing, as well as the stress and heartache of being left in a kill shelter, Brody was not eating and the shelter vet determined it was too dangerous to allow him to remain in the shelter. They basically were choosing to euthanize him over allowing him to stay in hopes of being adopted. Thankfully, Sachi was able to get him out of there before the vet could come for him. Upon his breakout, we noticed his multiple masses spanning his large body. He has one on his right thigh and another on the back of that same thigh that look as if they could be mast cell cancer, he has a large subcutaneous mass on his left side rib cage area that is the size of an egg and very hard, the final mass is on his ankle/top of his left front paw. This mass is hot to the touch and he licks it often. It too is quite large and troubling. He has an appointment at the vet tomorrow to have all his "issues" checked out. He is a very happy, spunky big boy and otherwise appears to feel fine. We are hoping for the best for our big Brody however all of this will cost quite a bit. We ask that you please donate any amount to help us help Brody. We will post an update after his vet visit tomorrow. Please skip that McDonald's trip or Starbucks for one day and instead donate the money to help this beautiful boy feel his best and be able to breathe again.
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update 07/05/2013
(by Christy): I just got home from taking Brody to the vet. Let me start by saying he appears to feel fantastic, he's happy & full of love and slobbery kisses. That being said, we didn't receive any good news. All 4 of his tumors are mast cell cancer. Dr Galea advised that surgery is not possible on the one on his paw, which also appears to be the most aggressive tumor. Therefore it is unnecessary to put him through a surgery to remove the other 3, because it wouldn't do any good since he'd still have one tumor that's inoperable. At this point, he is on meds to soothe his stomach and also help slow the growth/spread of the mast cells. Raphaele is going to make an appointment for him with Dr Ayl, a Radiation Oncologist, to discuss treatment possibilities this week.
I just wanted you all to know that at this point Brody is considered terminal. We are heartbroken over this but in true Sachi spirit we will love him and give him the best days of his life until his time comes. Which could be two months or two years. No one knows. Thoughts and prayers are appreciated as always.
I just wanted you all to know that at this point Brody is considered terminal. We are heartbroken over this but in true Sachi spirit we will love him and give him the best days of his life until his time comes. Which could be two months or two years. No one knows. Thoughts and prayers are appreciated as always.
BRODY

Here is the big bear! He reminds me of a cuddly yogie bear. He was adopted originally from Baldwin Park in June 2006, then again in March 2009, and was left by his owner there once again in June 2013 because he has 3 tumors and respiratory issues (possible larynx paralysis). He is a big boy with an equally big heart. His estimated age is 9, and he still has spunk even with being very overweight. He is happiest being by side everywhere you go and in your lap lathering you in kisses. He minds well, is house trained, good on leash, good with other dogs (he'd be best placed with confident secure dogs- he is very intelligent and reads other dogs body language very well). It's obvious he has been socialized as not much fazes him. In true Boxer form he has already forgotten about his past and is happy right now. He just needs his forever person to take him home, provide a cozy sofa to sleep on, and a lap to snuggle in.