Update on very sick - not good

[toobad]

Well, it isn't very good news. Cornell says lymphoma. They have one test they are waiting for results but all the tests so far say cancer of the white blood cells.

I'm crying so bad I can't think straight but I'm pretty sure that is what he said. Someone from the treatment center is going to call me this evening and I'll be going back in the morning most likely. The doctor I spoke with asked what I thought I'd do. I can't even think right now. He said with treatment maybe he can have another six months to a year of good quality life maybe more. He said it can be very expensive. I would love to have him for another year or longer but I'm not that rich right now. He also said that ( prednizone sp? ) would help him for now but that he would become immune in three of four months. I'M TOTALLY LOST RIGHT NOW.

Has anyone ever heard good things about treatment and a dog having a long life afterward ? What happens after the six months to a year , does he start to suffer again or will he just pass on ? I have been very fortunate in my forty years to never have had to go through the cancer thing with a family member or friend so I'm kinda stupid when it comes to things like this. They are all questions I'll ask tomorrow but I was hoping some of you may want to give some advice before I have to do this face to face. HELP !

[austin]

I've never been through this so I don't have any advice for you, but I did want to tell you how very, very sorry I am.

[Judi W]

Sometimes there is a good response with the chemo providing some remission. It is complicated however and the formulas sometimes need to be played around with.

When chemo is not feasible, pred can shrink the lymph glands and provide comfort and some quality for a period of time.

[babybluetx23]

I am praying for you and your boy!!! I am SO sorry you are having to go through this. Please know that you are in our prayers and that we are keeping all fingers and paws crossed for a treatment that works for you and your boy.
We are here for you!

[samanthac]

I am very sorry to hear that. Our prayers are with your boy. The best advice I can give you is to treasure whatever time you have left.

[sandyz]

Im so sorry to hear this outcome, although, after watching this, I had a feeling I didnt want to read todays update. Enjoy all the time you have with your boy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

[mmilard]

My heart goes out to you and your boy. I can't imagine how your feeling right now. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[Brooke&Ryan]

I'm so sorry for this news.

Enjoy your boy & treasure the moments. We're all here for you. There is so much support to be found on these boards.

[rottsnroses]

I can't tell you how so sad I am to hear this. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your boy.

Do a search for "lymphoma" and "cancer" at the top of the page, as there are numerous threads on the subject with a lot of information that may be of help to you in making decisions about treatment.

Four is just so young to have to go through this.

[mmgy]

I'm so sorry to hear of this diagnosis. There are some people here that have gone through different treatments with their dogs, perhaps they can shed some light on some of your options. (Gryphon and fbkeays?)

Keep us informed, please. We'll be thinking of you and your boy.

[RottiMomCT]

Our old girl was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in May of last year. We opted for amputation and pain management until it was clear that it was time for her to leave us. We had 5 1/2 great months with her when she left us in October 2003 after the cancer had spread to her lungs and re-appeared at the surgery site.

Make a list now of the favorite things your dog loves. When the time comes that your dog can no longer enjoy those things it is time to make a decision.

I wish you peace and many months of good life and love with your precious boy. Give him a hug from us here in CT.

[flyballmom]

I'm so sorry...I too was afraid the news would not be good, but was hoping for the best. I don't have any advice for you, just wanted to know I'm thinking of you.

[toobad]

Thanks everyone for the kind words. Just spoke to the doc and told him I will do the chemo treatments. Going up there in the morning to talk about all the little stuff and take tiny for a walk if he will go. He said his heart and lungs look good and it is mostly his liver and intestines that are swollen. He also STILL says they have one more test coming back tomorrow that will telll FOR SURE if it is lymphoma. Results expected by 2pm tomorrow.

If I could get another year of friendship and joy from Tiny, that would be great. It is still very hard to think that the cancer will come back after the treatments but at least it will give me time to think about the fact that I will lose him. It probably isn't any easier to except that way but it helps to be able to prepare for the sad day.

One last thought. Cancer is pretty scarry stuff. To know that two weeks ago he was 130 lbs and could jump a picnic table and yesterday was 116 lbs and couldn't get into a car just is unbelievable. What two weeks of not eating will do is amazing. AGAIN, thanks for all of your concern.

[Brooke&Ryan]

Awww, thank you for sharing a picture of the big guy. What a sweet boy he is. I can tell that he is loved dearly & is grateful for having a loving owner like you. (((HUGS)))))

[MontanaRott]

This is just rotten. I am so sorry to hear what you and Tiny are going through. Good luck and treasure every moment.