Worst news ever

[mountainfila]

I just found out from the vet that my girl Kiva has Lymphoma , i am beside myself and still can not believe what she said . Her glands in her neck have been a bit swollen after she came out of heat a few weeks ago so i just figured she had an infection and would keep an eye on her till after the holidays as she seemed fine still acting like her normal self and we would go into the vet then. Well i was planning to take her on monday but she decided to act weird saturday morning so instead of having to pay a emergency vet call on sunday, i took her in on saturday, vet was busy so i decided to leave her there and she would look at her later. So got a call from her when i got home and she said its either a massive systemic infection or its lymphoma, only a biopsy would tell and blood work. So she started her on anitbiotics just incase it was an infection, well got the worst news ever yesterday morning, it is cancer and its also circulating through her blood, and the vet explained that they can do chemo but this cancer does not respond very well to it, so it would just be an extention of a couple of months not a cure, so anyone else gone through this kind of cancer with their dogs and if so what method of treatment did you use? I dont want to do chemo, so she suggested putting her on predisone to lessen her symptoms until she becomes to uncomfortable and we will have to lay her to rest, so i have no experience with cancer so all help is greatly appreciated.

I look at her and she doesnt look sick, its hard to wrap my head around it, the vet has given a 6-9 month life span. Not a very good start to a new year for me, the day before i took her in i almost fell off my roof, i was pounding ice off the edge with a sledge hammer and i took a step and slipped and then as i was going down i kinda threw myself sideways to try and grab the roof and landed on the sledge hammer and the handle then pooped up , just like stepping on a rake and got hit dead center in the face, dont know if it got broke but def cracked my nose, ouch!!! Oh and a couple days before that i got tooth paste in my eye, a piece flicked off my tooth brush as i was putting tooth paste on it, it burned like a mofo and made my vision blurry all day, avoid tooth paste in the eye at all cost, not fun lol and then last night im giving a friend of mine a ride home from work and i go to pick a piece of ice off my wiper blade and the wiper blade breaks off in my hand, it was snowing at the time aswell , but lucky it was on the passenger side. So right now to use my wipers i have to have the broke one sticking up lol it looks funny and i feel stupid but hey i cant just pop down the street and get a new one, that requires a trip to town.

 

[DDSK]

This is indeed sad news.
Do you have all the confidence in the world with your Vets diagnosis?
Maybe a second opinion would help.

Make the best of your time with Kiva if she hasn't much time left.
Sometimes we keep them around longer than we should for our own selfish reasons, I know I have done this before.
It is a difficult decision you have to make and I wish you the best at making a very tough decision.
My heart goes out to you and your family including and especially Kiva.

 

[cinnamon roll]

I am beyond speechless. I am so sorry to hear about Kiva. My heart and thoughts go out to you.

Please know that we are here for you.

If there is anything at all we can do please let us know.

 

[angelbears]

Carrie I am so sorry. I just don't have words but know you and your pack are in my heart and thoughts. I have no experience with cancer but I do know there are a couple of Yahoo groups that talk about holistic things that they have tried and some have had success. Hopefully, Ruth will come in this thread she may know how to access them.

 

[jersey girl]

I am so, so sorry to hear this. You have to be beyond heartbroken. I have no experience with cancer either but I am sure someone will chime in. Love on her every minute that you can....you will know when it's time. Sending good thoughts your way.

 

[NYDDB]

I am so sorry to hear this news...

My last dog (Black Labrador) was diagnosed with lymphoma at age 12. My vet straight-up said that there is no cure, but that chemo can push the disease into remission, providing maybe a few more months of life (quality or not.) And it's very expensive.

Shortly after this diagnosis, however, he developed paralysis of the larynx (not uncommon in Labs.) So, he couldn't breath well, had terminal cancer, and then within days of this last diagnosis, collapsed and could barely walk. He then refused food, for the very first time in his life. So, for me it was time...

A former boss of mine had a Viszla that had lymphoma, onset at age 6. He put her through chemo, which gave her an additional 7 months. But, the side effects were horrendous: her face would swell up for a week, then eventually go down. This happened a couple of times...which made it difficult for her to eat or drink. She was basically miserable.

But again, this has just been my experience, both with or without chemo; each case is different.

Follow your heart and gut instinct on this one, is my advice. Sending positive thoughts and strength your way...

 

[cayeesmom]

I'm so sorry to hear about Kiva. That is heart breaking. My neighbors Rottie had lymphoma, she kept him on predisone. My thoughts go out to you and yours.

 

[AKBull]

I haven't been through this type of cancer. My previous EM developed lumps from a fairly young age. Did the biopsy and it came back as cancer (don't recall which type). Through his years of living, he'd just get a little lumpier... and a little lumpier. And then it went full tilt on him. It spread through his system quickly and he had a seizure and never really recovered from it, so he had to be PTS...

I'm very sorry to hear this.

 

[tojvan]

I can't imagine what you are gong through right now, its heart breaking. My heart goes out to you and your pack. you should get a second opinion just in case; if there is another way since chemo can be brutal and draining on the recipient.
Words can't explain the pain you are feeling right now and it probably wont get any easier. All i can say is stay strong for the pack as Fila's are very sensitive and Kiva needs you more than ever, stay strong for her.

 

[Milton Meathead]

I am so sorry to hear this terrible news. Cancer is such an ugly word whether it be in animals or humans..it doesn't make a difference. I have no experience with cancer at all I am thankful to say and I hope I never do. I have seen people and some animals suffer from it however and wouldn't wish it upon anyone. My heart goes out to you and kiva

 

[DalCielo CC]

Like DDSK advised, I would definitely seek a second opinion. Several times I've had a vet misdiagnose a problem which delayed the correct treatment. I'm very sorry you're going through this. Several years ago I went through much of the same ordeal.

BTW, the picture I had of you ripping off your windshield wiper with one eye closed and a swollen nose did make me feel a little better.

 

[Hector]

I'm sorry to hear about the bad news. We are here for you and your pack.

 

[CeeCee]

I am so very sorry for you and your pack. I wish there was something I could say or do. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.

 

[Bailey's Mom]

I have one arm around my CC while I type this, I'll hug her tighter tonight because I feel your fear and pain. Cancer is beyond vicious. It robbed my Beagle of his legs, he fell, seizured, stroked and died in inches. We held on too long, cried too much, and I mourned for half my life unable to love again. Don't take extraordinary lengths to prolong her life, bless her with your love, surround her with her family, the day she's had enough, she'll let you know...she'll give you permission.

Love and prayers from Elizabeth and Bailey

 

[Smokeycat]

That sucks!

 

[girldogue]

Very sorry to hear it Carrie, I know you love your girl very much. The pred can make her feel alot better for a little bit - so I would definitely use it.

Do you know if any of her relatives had had lympho ? It is really a tough diagnosis - it is becoming some what of an epidemic in the DDB breed currently...

hugs to you !
Suzy

 

[NeSaxena]

There are no words, Carrie. Sending prayers, love and kisses your way...

 

[musicdeb]

I'm so sorry about Kiva and your accident this weekend. Are you going to get a 2nd opinion? I hope you're feeling better today from the accident.

Hugs and kisses to all of you from me and Titan~

 

[Rugers-Kris]

I am so sorry to hear this. I have no experience or help to offer but you and the pup are in my thoughts. I can't imagine how you are feeling. :-(

 

[raji]

My newfy mix, Rummy had hermangiosarcoma. They removed the tumor and the lab said 3 1/2-4 months with no chemo maybe 6-9 with. He was older and truly hated going to the vet. We chose not to do chemo. Doing nothing was the hardest yet best decision. The lab was dead on in its timing. He did well until his last week. We lost him about a year and a half ago-still seems like just last week.
My sil's lab is going thru lymphoma now. He was diagnosed last spring, did chemo(and very few side effects, although, quite expensive, around $1000/ month) thru the summer and was in remission by fall. She called two nights ago to say it was back. Again, she's doing chemo, this time by pill(not as aggressive and much less costly around $350/month) form at home. He is a fairly young dog at 4 years old.
I am so sorry for you. It is a heartbreaking diagnosis. And, I believe that once you get all the information you can, that only you can know what is right for your dog. And, once you have made your decision, don't second guess yourself(as nearly impossible as that is). You will do what's best for her.