MEET DOLCE from Michigan!

Dolce checked into North Carolina State University on 1/5/2011 as a 4 year old patient and he checked out on 1/27 as a 5 year old SURVIVOR!! Dolce received a canine bone marrow transplant that saved his life. :) Follow Dolce's journey to the cure by reading his daily updates at the bottom of this page.

Hello everyone,

Meet Dolce from Michigan! Dolce was diagnosed with Lymphoma and is currently undergoing chemotherapy. Dolce is currently in complete remission and he's scheduled to check into North Carolina State University where he'll receive a life-saving canine bone marrow transplant aka THE CURE!

CLICK HERE To visit Dolce's 'Just Give Page' and DONATE TODAY to SAVE DOLCE'S LIFE! Thank you :)

Dolce's Mom wrote a bio about Dolce's family, friends and interests, and it's our pleasure to share it with you. We are excited for you to meet this handsome boy, because once you do you'll love him as much as we do :)

Add SAVE DOLCE as a friend on Facebook!

Dolce's family is working day and night to raise the money for the cure. The cost for a canine bone marrow transplant is $16,000 & Dolce's family needs your help! So far they have been able to fund Dolce's chemotherapy, but they desperately need donations for the BMT. Frankie's Friends has agreed to accept donations on Dolce's behalf, which means a tax deduction for you! This handsome boy wants to live and he can, but only with your help! Please consider donating to Save Dolce's Life!!

CLICK HERE TO DONATE TODAY! Please write "4 DOLCE'S BMT" in the DESIGNATE DONATION line - THANK YOU!

We promise to keep you updated on Dolce's progress as he makes his way to the cure!

What breed of dog is Dolce? Dolce is aBoston Terrier.

How old is Dolce? Dolce is 4 years old.

How big is he? How much does he weigh?  Dolce weighs 30 pounds.

When did Dolce join your family? Dolce joined our family when he was 6 months old.

What was Dolce like as a puppy? He was 6 months when I got him. He had many health problems from being trapped in a small cage when I first found him. He had leg and balance problems. He had a couple surgeries to correct his legs and luxating patella problem. Once he learned to trust people he became the sweetest and most loving dog. Nobody can tell what a hard start he had because of how well adjusted and loving he is.

What activities does Dolce enjoy? He loves ripping the fuzz out of stuffed animals. He enjoys playing with his other dog-friend Jack and chasing the cats around the house. He loves bully-sticks and going for car rides. He goes to the beach a couple times a week and loves chasing the waves in the lake. He likes to cuddle, and has to be buried under tons of blankets before he can fall asleep.

Tell us about Dolce's 4 legged family members. Dolce is my only baby. He has many dog friends including Jack who is another boston terrier. Jack is his best friend. He likes to chase my parent’s cats around the house and go to the beach with his cousin Buffy (another dog).

Tell us about some of Dolce's funny or endearing personality traits. He is a goofy boy. It only takes a second to cheer him up and get him hyper. He always props himself upright on the couch because he likes to try to sit like a human. While sitting upright he puts his front paws up in the air and waits for someone to rub his chest. If you don’t, he puts his paw out and pulls your hand inward to pet his chest. He is a gentleman, and all of his veterinarians always call him a ladies man, he definitely is!

When was Dolce diagnosed? August 2010    

What was the diagnosis? Lymphoma (b-cell)

When did Dolce start chemo? August 2010

When does chemo end? January 2011

When did you decide to admit Dolce into the bone marrow transplant unit at NC State, and when does she check in? I decided to get Dolce the BMT as soon as I read the Save-An-Angel website and discovered that there was a chance for a cure. That was about a week or two after his diagnosis. 

Tell us about Dolce in your own words – what do you want people to know?

Dolce is the light of my life! I have gone through a lot of health problems this past 3 years and Dolce is the one who has kept me strong. He motivates me every day to keep living each day the best I can. I take him for walks when its difficult for me to walk, and take him to the beach so we can both get some sun and heat!
The first day I saw Dolce was one of the best days of my life. He was 6 months old but full grown and crammed into a small cage. I knew I had to get him out of there immediately. He went through several surgeries the first 2 years of his life to correct his legs from being in a small cage while he was growing. He had a luxating patella condition that damaged his knees. He had gone through so much and I thought the worst was behind us until he was diagnosed with Lymphoma.

There are so many horrible things that come from hearing a diagnosis of lymphoma. Fortunately there were positive things that came our way as well. We have met many wonderful people who support our decisions in Dolce’s treatment and continue to help us spread the word about Dolce. We have learned to cherish each day we have with him, and take plenty of pictures and videos of his everyday adventures.

Dolce also has positive experiences from having lymphoma. He has learned to appreciate the days where he feels well. When he has his chemo he gains back strength and won’t sit still. He tries to get as much play time as he can fit into one single day. He knows there’s days ahead where he wont feel well. Fortunately those could be coming to and end as we raise money for the CURE - a Canine Bone Marrow Transplant.

Dolce has been such a positive influence on many people. Everyone who meets him loves him, and he can cheer up anyone on even the saddest of days. I know he is not ready to leave this life. His life is just beginning! We are going to keep fighting for Dolce’s life, and the only thing that is holding us back is paying for his bone marrow transplant. With the bone marrow transplant, he will have a chance at a full life, and we will both be able to continue keeping each other strong and happy!

Most Sincerely,

Lindsey- Dolce's Mom

29th UPDATE February 14, 2012

Dolce Update via (Save Dolce's Facebook Page):

Hey everyone! Just an update on lil Dolce. He had another surgery the other day to have another Mast Cell cancer removed, and he is doing well. It wasn't as invasive of a surgery as his last Mast cell surgery and he is healing really fast! He is on bed rest and still has a partially torn ACL from playing too much! Oh dolce, never a dull moment with you!! Thank you all for your concerns and prayers for little guy, lets hope no more surgeries for this lil guy for a LONG time!!!

Lindsey- Dolce's Mom

28th UPDATE Janurary 23, 2012

Dolce Update via (Save Dolce's Facebook Page):

Dolce Update: Unfortunately, some sad news for our little Dolce. Although his lymphoma is still in remission, he has another mast cell cancer. He will be needing to have surgery shortly, and my heart breaks for him and all hes been through in this past year. Please keep my lil guy in your thoughts and prayers during this time. Thank you so much everyone xoxo from Dolce and I.

Lindsey- Dolce's Mom

27th UPDATE December 25, 2011

Dolce Update via (Save Dolce's Facebook Page):

Merry Christmas Everyone! Last year at this time our lil Dolce had just received high dose Cytoxan to prep for his bone marrow transplant right after the new year. This christmas he is happy and healthy and enjoying life. Thank you all so much for caring for him and all your prayers!! Enjoy Xmas with your furbabies xoxo

Lindsey- Dolce's Mom

26th UPDATE October 12, 2011

Dolce Update via (Save Dolce's Facebook Page):

I just want to let everyone know do NOT use the medication MOMETAMAX for dog ear infections. Dolce is now DEAF from using it. As I updated a week or so ago, Dolce had some swollen lymph nodes and vet prescribed Mometamax hoping it might be an ear infection. Well his nodes went down but he had COMPLETE hearing loss. I read some reviews and found about 50% of people on these review boards have DEAF pets because of thsi medication. They said it can be temporary and he seems to have SOME hearing back ,but its not how it was. So anyone prescribed this medication, please ask your vet for an alternative!!

Lindsey- Dolce's Mom

25th UPDATE October 5, 2011

Dolce Update via (Save Dolce's Facebook Page): We possibly have some good news for Dolce!!! I took him back to the oncologist and it seems his lymph nodes have gone down again. I did have him on an ear medication all week just incase he had an ear infection, and that seemed to bring the lymph nodes down to normal size. Theres always a chance this could still be lymphoma so we are taking lil Dolce back to the oncologist in less than 2 weeks to have another recheck.Although it isn't definite, things are looking good for him. This past two weeks has been so stressful and I am just SO THANKFUL he is feeling well and doing well. Everyones prayers for Dolce seemed to really work, and i cannot thank you all enough!!

Lindsey- Dolce's Mom

24th UPDATE September 20, 2011

Dolce Update via (Save Dolce's Facebook Page):

Unfortunately, we may have some bad news for our little Dolce. Last week I noticed he felt a little swollen under his neck, but since he had a vet appointment monday I thought to just wait it out and maybe I was being paranoid.

When we took him to the oncologist yesterday the Dr. said she is very concerned and she also felt enlarged lymph nodes in Dolce's neck. They arent huge, but they are larger than they normally are. They attempted a few needle biopsies but all three came back without enough cells for diagnosis. They want us back in two weeks to attempt another biopsy, unless they get bigger, we will take him in sooner.

This is the most difficult day I have had since learning Dolce had lymphoma the first time. Its absolutely horrible. Please keep my little guy in your thoughts and prayers, it means the world to us!!

Lindsey- Dolce's Mom

23rd UPDATE August 19, 2011

Dolce Update via (Save Dolce's Facebook Page):

Just left dolces oncologist and he is 100% cancer free! so thankful for him and all that have cared for him!! he doesnt need to go back for 6 months but his oncologist would still like to do lymph node checks every month to watch his progress. GO DOLCE!!!

Lindsey- Dolce's Mom

22nd UPDATE July 7, 2011

Dolce Update via (Save Dolce's Facebook Page):

just left dolces oncologist and he is 100% cancer free! so thankful for him and all that have cared for him!! he doesnt need to go back for 6 months but his oncologist would still like to do lymph node checks every month to watch his progress. GO DOLCE!!!

“Dolce Update: Sorry for the long delay everyone! It has been quite a couple of weeks! Dolce had his surgery and the labs came back that is WAS a mast cell tumor. On a positive note, they found out it is only grade one (which is the lowest grade and least threatening) and also, they had clean margins when removing the tumor, so he doesn’t need follow up surgery (so thankful!) There is one pending test that the results haven’t come back on yet to see if there are any circulating cells but so far things could not have turned out better. We thank everyone for all of their thoughts and prayers this past couple weeks, and through all we have gone through with Dolce.

We are still amazed at how many people have fallen in love with him and have supported us through our journey to help save him. He had an amazing 4th of July, and actually did get to see some fireworks (he’s the only dog on the planet not scared of them) he was trying to run and chase them since he thought they were hitting the ground from the sky! Lol he's a riot! And again thank you so much for everyone's help, and especially to RIEDEL AND CODY FUND for being that for Dolce yet again. What an amazing organization they are!! Hugs from Dolce and I :) "

Lindsey- Dolce's Mom

21st UPDATE June 14, 2011

Dolce Update via (Save Dolce's Facebook Page): “Dolce had his post-BMT checkup. The good news is Dolce is still in remission, and showing no signs of lymphoma. The bad news is he might have another type of cancer. It was biopsied and showed some mast cells. Dolce will have surgery within the next week to remove the tumor and we will be praying it has not spread any further."

Lindsey- Dolce's Mom

20th UPDATE May 10, 2011

Dolce Update via (Save Dolce's Facebook Page): We just left Dolce's oncologist and he is still 100% cancer free! We are so happy for my little guy and enjoy seeing him so happy and enjoying his life!! Thank you everyone for caring so much about Dolce! xoxox

“Dolce had his post-BMT checkup. The good news is Dolce is still in remission, and showing no signs of lymphoma. The bad news is he might have another type of cancer. It was biopsied and showed some mast cells. Dolce will have surgery within the next week to remove the tumor and we will be praying it has not spread any further

Lindsey- Dolce's Mom

19th UPDATE April 12, 2011

(via Save Dolce) DOLCE UPDATE: We just got home from Dolce's oncologist appointment and NO SIGNS OF CANCER :) We are very happy, and so is Dolce!! Thank you everyone for keeping him in your thoughts and prayers!! xoxoxo

Lindsey- Dolce's Mom

18th UPDATE Thurs. Feb. 3, 2011

Dolce had his one week followup and all looks great. His platelets are up to around 57,000 and need to be at 100,000. He doubled in 1 week from the 20,000 he had before, So I hope he doubles again to 100,000 by next week. Otherwise he is doing great :)

Lindsey- Dolce's Mom

17th UPDATE Thurs. March 10, 2011

Great news!!! Dolce and I just returned home from his oncologist checkup appointment, and he is still CANCER FREE! No signs of cancer so far, and his CBC is great and they did another panel to check for kidney function and other organ function, all is PERFECT! :) Cannot be a better day!!! I love you Dolce :)

Lindsey- Dolce's Mom

16th UPDATE Thurs. Feb. 10, 2011

Lindsey- Dolce's Mom

15th UPDATE Thurs. Feb. 3, 2011

Dolce had his one week followup and all looks great. His platelets are up to around 57,000 and need to be at 100,000. He doubled in 1 week from the 20,000 he had before, So I hope he doubles again to 100,000 by next week. Otherwise he is doing great :)

Lindsey- Dolce's Mom

14th UPDATE Fri. Jan. 28, 2011

Dolce Update: We are back in Michigan finally, and with my little Dolce. He is doing really well. He looks great, he is a little more tired than usualy but he is doing good so far. When Dr Wilcox, Dr Suter and Nurse Kristen brought Dolce out to see us he ran right to us, he didnt forget me at all :)

Lindsey- Dolce's Mom

13th UPDATE Thurs. Jan. 27, 2011

DOLCE UPDATE: Dolce is back in his Mama's arms! She just checked him out of NC State and he's 100% CANCER FREE!! Lindsey said "Dolce looks amazing! He's lost some excess weight & is really happy & cheerful! Nurse Kristen gave him a bath & he looks so handsome! :)" WOOT WOOT!!

Lindsey- Dolce's Mom

12th UPDATE Wed. January 26, 2011

DOLCE IS COMING HOME TOMORROW! Dr. Suter called and said to come pick Dolce up on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011!! Dolce checked into NC State as a 4 year old patient and he's checking out as a 5 year old SURVIVOR!!! GO DOLCE!! :)

Lindsey- Dolce's Mom

11th UPDATE Mon. January 24, 2011

Dolce update : Dr. Wilcox called earlier and said Dolce's platelets are up to 17,000 and they only need to be 20,000 to be released, not the 50,000. His neutrophils are also at a normal range still, but we will probably be bringing him home thursday, since they still want to watch him for another day or two to make sure his counts are staying where they should. I cant wait to see him :)

Lindsey- Dolce's Mom

10th UPDATE Fri. January 19, 2011

We are happy to announce that THE TRANSPLANT WORKED!!! CONGRATULATIONS to Dolce, his family and the Dream Team at NC State for saving another precious life!! Dolce's family is grateful to all who have contributed & to those who continue to give in Dolce's name. :) Please enjoy Dolce's latest Facebook update below.

Dolce update: Dr. Kidd called last night and said Dolce is doing really really good! His platelets have already shot up to over 26,000 and his wbc/neutrophils are above 1,100!!! He is talking to Dr. Suter today and deciding when Dolce might be coming home!!!

Lindsey- Dolce's Mom

9th UPDATE Thurs. January 20, 2011

Dolce AM Update: Well Dolce's platelets are already rebounding and he is no longer in isolation! He is feeling better and his wbcs are already over 1,000. Just waiting for those platelets to get up to 50,000 plus! Thank you everyone for your prayers for Dolce, he is very loved and I know that's why he is doing so well :)

New pic of my little guy! He looks sad but Kristen reassures me that he was doing great right before the pic, eating, and hitting her hands to make him pet her! His typical self. He is now out of ICU and back in the normal room, just waiting for his platelets to increase and then he is coming home!!

Dolce's Afternoon Update: Dolces birthday is on Monday and nurse Kristen said she is going to make dolce homemade chicken biscuits for his birthday! She is awesome! Dolce is lucky to have such great people taking care of him :)

Lindsey- Dolce's Mom

8th UPDATE Wed. January 19, 2011

Dolce update: Unfortunately, today NCSU noticed that Dolce had bruising all over his belly, and this is a sign he is starting to bleed internally. He had a blood transfusion today to put a "band aid" on the problem, and hopefully correct it. Dolce's platelets, like his neutrophils, dropped VERY fast. We are hoping for a faster rebound with them as well. Although its not the best news, it is VERY common for BMT dogs to need atleast one blood transfusion during the bone marrow transplant. Hang in there little guy, we all love and miss you!

Lindsey- Dolce's Mom

 

7th UPDATE Tues. January 18, 2011

Lindsey- Dolce's Mom

 

6th UPDATE Mon. January 17, 2011

Dolce update: Dr. Jen called today and more good news to report. Dolce is feeling even better and they found "1" neutrophil! They aren't sure if he is engrafting yet or if its just a neutrophil from before :) Either way they should know by tomorrow. Dolce is still eating and no vomiting :) I love u Dulch!

Lindsey- Dolce's Mom

 

5th UPDATE Sun. January 16, 2011

Hi everyone! Dolce's latest updates have been copied from SAVE DOLCE's Facebook page below. He's feeling great and hitting his every hurdle right on time. ? Please continue to keep Dolce and his family in your thoughts, prayers and chants as we wait for confirmation that the transplant worked. Thank you!!

Dolce Update: Dr. Jen just called and had some great news on Mr. Dolce. His cells have dropped VERY fast and are already at 0. This is the worst it gets, and they are amazed at how well Dolce still looks. Not only is he at 0, but he is still eating on his own and not having any problems. They were all pretty surprised since normally dogs are vomiting and ill at this point. There are still critical points such as Dolce's marrow engraftment that needs to happen in the next 3 days..but all is going really well right now :) Dr. Jen said she is amazed that he is doing so well considering his cell count is at the bottom point etc, and we are all just very very thankful Dolce seems to be doing so well so far. Thank you all for all your thoughts and prayers, they are working for Dolce :)

Lindsey- Dolce's Mom

4th UPDATE Wed. January 12, 2011

TODAY, DOLCE RECEIVED A LIFE-SAVING CANINE BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT AT NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY!!

Today's update was copied directly from Dolce's Facebook:

Dolce received his last radiation today and then received his actual bone marrow transplant! The process for the most part is over, but the dangers of the transplant are still ahead of us. I am happy to know Dolce won’t be going under anesthesia anymore though, and most of the next couple weeks will be to monitor dolce for internal bleeding and infection. I am posting a photo of Dolce taken by the awesome Ms. Kristen, right after Dolce received his transplant. He is so precious! :) Thank you again NCSU, Save-an-angel, Riedel and Cody Fund, Dog and Cat Cancer Fund, and EVERYONE who has helped get us there this far, and all the prayers for Dolce as well! :)

My little guy, right after his 2nd radiation treatment. He only has one left and then he can get his stem cells back via transplant! Im so proud of you dolce! And thank you to the NCSU team for taking such good care of him. He is resting comfortably in his bed with blankets and his pink pig...love him!!! :)

Lindsey- Dolce's Mom

3rd UPDATE Mon. January 10, 2011

Today was a long day today! Dolce started his harvesting procedure and it lasted from early morning throughout the entire day and evening. Fortunately, they had enough cells to move forward with the transplant, so this is really good news. Dolce did well, but unfortunately he is still refusing to eat. He hasn't eaten since arriving at NC State, and it just breaks my heart. The NCSU team has tried to feed him but I know my little guy, and he is being very dramatic. Dolce is upset and wants to leave and he shows his stubbornness by refusing to be bribed with food, (haha). He is making a statement!

I do hope he relaxes a little and realizes we will be there to get him soon, but not too soon. Dr. Wilcox said she can tell Dolce is a very deep little guy, and he is! He thinks way too much for his own good :) It seems like he is still holding onto the though of us coming to get him any minute, and cant really let that concept go yet. It's very sad for us. I'm happy the harvest yielded enough cells though and the big stuff starts happening tomorrow. As Dr. Wilcox said, there's no going back after tomorrow's radiation treatments.

Dolce will receive radiation 2 times tomorrow and one time on Wednesday. After that its watching him for the side affects of the radiation, and that's really scary. He will eventually go into full isolation to protect himself at his neutrophils bottom out. I just wish he could relax without me through this process, but I know that's unlikely to happen. I know what situation Dolce came from and we are very bonded. He has gone through a lot and has a VERY difficult time seeing past life without me in it, poor guy :( I just wish I could drive back to NCSU and climb in that cage with him and lay with him for the next 2-3 weeks! I honestly would do it if I could!

I hope Dolce understands that I'm doing this for him, to give him a chance for many more years with me. I know he doesn't really get the full concept but I hope one day he will forgive me for being away from him for so long. In the meantime I am trying to keep as busy as I can, and I hope and pray Dolce has a safe and painless radiation tomorrow. I know Kristen, Dr. Jen and Dr. Steve are all by his side, and are giving him the best care on the planet! It definitely helps make this all easier! Thank you all for taking care of my little guy!!

Lindsey- Dolce's Mom

2nd UPDATE Sun. January 9, 2011

Well, we are home in Michigan now, and Mr Dolce is still back at NC State. This will be the longest time we have ever been apart, and I miss him already! We stayed a couple days while he got his Neupogen shots and his last-dose chemotherapy (hopefully for good!) and dropped him off on Saturday. He was a little sleepy from the chemotherapy from earlier in the day so he did put up to much of a fight when we handed him over to the vet-tech at NCSU. He kept looking back at us through the doors as they took him down the hallway and we had to leave fast before we started getting upset.

When I was leaving a family came in with 3 little kids and they were all crying because they are putting their dog to sleep. It just made me so sad for them, and also gave me strength that I will see Dolce again, its not goodbye forever. I still do miss him though. Unpacking the car was hard too because of all his little dog toys and beds we still had. Dr. Jen Wilcox called us this morning to say Dolce wont eat his dog food. So typical of him. We had to send him in with Hillshire Farms roast beef and turkey so the girls at NCSU will have something to feed him haha. I think Dr. Jen and I both agree that Dolce was being a little dramatic today. Haha. So Im sure someone is there right now as we speak making Dolce roast beef for lunch. What a spoiled boy! It helps cheer us all up though.

According to Dr. Wilcox, Dolce's "cell count" is really high...so that means the harvest is on schedule for tomorrow. Dr. Wilcox said that they will call us about noon tomorrow, which is halfway in the middle of the harvest procedure, to let us know how things are going. I just cant wait for this all to be behind us, and more importantly, behind Dolce. :)

Lindsey- Dolce's Mom

1st UPDATE Wed. January 5, 2011

Well, we finally arrived at NCSU after driving all night. Dolce slept most of the way which is good. We arrived at the teaching hospital at 11am this morning, 1/5/10, and we were pretty nervous. Nurse Kristen came out to greet us and she was sooo nice! I can tell Dolce loves her already! We met Dr. Suter next and he is such a nice person also! We sat in the room talking about Dolce and the BMT for almost 2 hours and although scared, I’m happy I researched a lot of it beforehand so it wasn't so much of a shock.

Dolce stayed with Steve, (Dr. Suter), and Kristen all day today. We also met Dr. Wilcox (Jen) she was very nice too and Dolce finally felt safe. Dolce was at NCSU all day today getting blood work, bone marrow biopsies, chest radiographs, and echocardiogram to make sure he can tolerate the procedure and...HE CAN!!!! We were very excited to learn that besides his lymphoma, Dolce is the picture of health.

We went to pick Dolce up at 5pm today and Steve brought him out carrying him. Dolce went so crazy when he saw us that Steve had to put Dolce down. He was flipping around running around the entire lobby jumping on random people going crazy. Dr. Suter kept saying "Piglet slow down" while Dolce was running up to 20 different people. Dolce tried to make a break for the door a few times; we probably should have put him on a leash. Steve called Dolce “Chubs” because Dolce is a little chubby haha...and it fits him perfectly!

Steve has Dolce scheduled to receive his first Neuopgen shot tomorrow morning, and we are looking forward to getting the process started. Dolce is passed out in the hotel room right now, and he seems to be doing VERY well after his testing today. I will post more tomorrow :)

Lindsey- Dolce's Mom

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