Worst news ever

[DennasMom]

So sorry to hear this!!

We've lost two dogs to cancer, but never had a diagnosis with enough time to actually allow us to treat it. One we found out on autopsy (multiple cancers), the other via MRI as our DaneX lost the use of his hind legs (inoperable tumor in his spine).

My sister's husky had bone cancer, and she was given the option of chemo or pain-management. Her dog was 11 or 12 at the time, and chemo was only expected to extend her 3-month prognosis to 9-12 months - plus side effects... She opted for pain-management, and that dog turned back into a PUPPY when on pain meds. She LOVED life during the next 18 or so months (she far out-lived the vet's expectations). She did let my sister know when she'd had enough, but she stuck it out and enjoyed life on three legs for quite a while.

I certainly hope the vets can give you some hope. I know you'll do what's best for Kiva. Sending healing thoughts your way!

 

[mountainfila]

Thank you all for the well wishes, we are just going to take it on step at a time, will post more later

 

[shodanusmc]

So sorry to hear this. I would see a board Certified Oncologist / Internist. My last Corso came down with MAST Cell cancer at 10 1/2. In hindsight I should have not done anything but make him confortable. Instead, we had 18" of his Intestine removed, and then 12 weeks of CHemo. He was then declared cancer free. For all of 2 months, and it came back in his liver. We then did more Chemo and he lasted another year, and had some good days. All in all, between the surgery, Chemo's, blood tests, MRI's, etc, it cost close to $30,000 in the Chicago area. We had the best vet. Did it more for me than him. We now have another Corso, 2 years old. Hope I do not have to make that decision again.

 

[cinnamon roll]

We will be here whenever you need us.

Thank you all for the well wishes, we are just going to take it on step at a time, will post more later

 

[ruthcatrin]

A 2nd opinion is a good idea, it can't do any harm, and it may help.

I will dig around and see what there are for support groups for owners of dogs with lymphoma. The good ones frequently have great advice on how to cope and manage things, and I know I found it a relief to talk to people who were going through the same things I was.

For what its worth I fall into the catagory of "making her comfortable till she's ready to go". If the chemo had a good chance of curing her it'd be one thing, but if it doesn't, I don't see the point in putting her and you through it.

And I have to say that I'm in total agreement that this new year totally sucks, I want a refund and a new New Year TYVM!

 

[ruthcatrin]

Oddly enough the only yahoo group that I found requires that the dog be undergoing Chemo for you to join.

However I found the following that may help:

The DogAware page on cancer, including lymphoma: http://dogaware.com/health/cancer.html
A general "dogs with cancer" yahoo support group: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/CanineCancerComfort/info
A list of references from someone who's dog had lymphoma: http://www.arnold-family.net/www/john/odie/html/references.htm

 

[mcarrel]

I am so sorry to hear this. My thoughts are with you and Kiva.

 

[Kimmarieh]

In December 2012 my 10 year old bullmastiff Pepper was diagnosed with lymphoma. When the vet mentioned chemo, my initial reaction was "no, I don't want to put my dog through that". Then my vet told me that the chemo was in pill form and had very few side effects in dogs. Pepper's outlook without treatment was 2 months. I decided to try the chemo, and she had absolutely no side effects. She lived for 14 months, so I feel she was given an extra year. When she did get sick at the end it was very sudden so she didn't suffer. The drug is called chlorambucil (leukeran). It is very expensive in the U.S., but you can get it from Canada at about 1/4 of the price. Ask your vet about it.

 

[Kimmarieh]

Forgot to mention that the chlorambucil was given in combination with prednisone, but that drug is pretty cheap. Best of luck, I feel your pain.

 

[fila4me]

oh wow, I am so sorry.

I lost my first Fila Icca to lymphoma. it was very quick in her case. I found the lump on a Tuesday, she was diagnosed on Wednesday and I opted to let her go on Friday. she was unable to eat and was to weak to get off her bed to pee. I have had many friends lose their Boxers(3 pups from the same litter, died within months of each other). another friend just lost her 4 yro Dogo before Christmas. she did the holistic route and had him 84 days from diagnosis .

just love her and you will know when it is time.

my heart aches for you in this tough time and I pray for strength when you have to make the dreaded decision.

 

[Al and Julie]

so sorry to hear that. our vizsla x had bone marrow cancer we did pain management with predisone we had 2 months with her after diagnose. She was 2 1/2 years. It broke our hearts. I just hope you take in consideration her quality of life uf you do the chemo. But it is a personal choice. I wish you good luck and enjoy her for wharever time you have left with her.




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[spearchucker]

Sorry to hear about your dog.