The end of lymphoma- I need to know

[fbkeays]

Misty has come out of remissioin. She was dx with lymphoma in May of 2003. This is her second relapse, but first while under chemo. She was given L'spar this morning and acting good. Rescue chemo (MOPP) doesn't sound promising, quality of life and time wise. The vet said if we do nothing that she will stop eating in 2-3 weeks. But the vet would not tell me what else will happen to her.
I have never lost a dog before. I am taking this very hard. Misty is my first dog. I want her to live a good life and end without suffering. I will not keep her alive for my sake. She would have turned nine on October 12th.
I need to know what signs and symptoms of the progression of lymphoma is. I need to know when to say goodbye.

[godfreyc]

I don't know the exact type of cancer my girl had. The vet advised there was no need to find out it was too advanced. For us Chi was a trooper, she didn't stop eating and she wanted to be with me every minute. One day I came home from work and she had developed a hug growth under her front armpit and her legs were so swollen they didn't look like they belonged to her. She could barely get up and down the stairs on the porch. I took her the next day and the vet agreed it was time to let her go. I'm sorry you're going through this. It was one of the hardest things I've ever gone through.

[moondog]

Oh, Francis...it's so hard to face this. As long as she is eating, I think she has time. When she stops eating, that's when organ failure is on the horizon and for me, that would be the time to let go. Before she begins to suffer from system failures. She'll let you know.

I don't know if the vets won't or can't tell us what to look for, other than the stopping eating part. I've worried about the same thing with my dog - no one can tell me what will fail and how to know.

I'm so sorry

[ladycricket]

I am so sorry you have to deal with this. Our Bear has lymphoma but it wasn't practical for us to do chemo. We just don't have the resources. I don't know about the "quit eating" line. I'm sure Bear is ready but he acts like he's starving and this week he has stuck to us like glue, but he isn't Bear anymore. You will know when she isn't herself anymore. If you need to get it off your chest feel free to PM me. We are going through the same things. Hugs and prayers.

[SonnyRott]

I heard these wise words recently. I decided to head them if and when I had to make a difficult decision such as yours. The words came from a vet consoling the owners of a dying dog (cancer). She said:

Make a list of the 3 most important things in your dog's life. It could be food, a special place, a special toy, a certain activity. When the dog no longer has the strength or desire for these things, it is time to let go.

God bless you during this difficult time.

[moondog]

Amy, Bear's prednisone likely has much to do with him acting like he's starving - that's one of the side effects of pred. In what ways is he not the Bear you have always known? I think that kind of thing may be helpful to Francis.

[ladycricket]

Originally Posted by moondog

Amy, Bear's prednisone likely has much to do with him acting like he's starving - that's one of the side effects of pred. In what ways is he not the Bear you have always known? I think that kind of thing may be helpful to Francis.

I didn't think of that moondog, thanks. Oh lets see,I'm sure I can make a list. Bear first of all loved to play, especially roughhouse with AJ. He won't, he flat out refuses. He doesn't listen to commands anymore, he was always good about that. He won't chase a ball, again, too exhausting. He sleeps almost all day, and away from us outside on the otherside of the house. He's developed an attitude, he's growled at me because of food, never has had food aggression. He's paces alot, I'm sure due to discomfort, when he's always been a "lazy" dog. He wants in, he want out, he wants in again. Its become very frustrating and heartbreaking. And the biggest thing, he's lost that something in his eyes, he looks tired and empty. I know the pred is making him so hungry and pant, the vet said wait for him to stop eating. I don't see that happening but he has already changed so much that I think we are near our time.
This was painful to detail, I haven't seen how bad it was until I read it.

[Sparky]

June of last year Stormy had experienced 8 months of remission from Myeloma. She could not stand up with out our help, and just wanted to lay out on the front porch with us. We noticed that she had stopped eating, and would lay away from us, in a secluded spot between the dining table and the hutch. When she would drink, she would lose it in a few hours, from one end or the other:

She couldn't/wouldn't eat, even hand cooked food,
She couldn't stand on her own,
She couldn't keep water down . . .

Our vet suggested we bring her in, but we just couldn't do that. After ten years together, we found a vet who was experienced in helping dogs pass over come to the house. Stormy passed away in our arms, surrounded by her familiar sights and sounds, and a helper came to take her from us. Even tonight, when I think back to that day, I tear up and cry about Stormy. I understand what you are feeling, but the end was inevitable, and finally was very peaceful for her.

We took some of her ashes and planted a new tree in front of the house. It helps, and will last our lifetime as a reminder of our love and devotion to each other.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[mmgy]

Originally Posted by ladycricket

This was painful to detail, I haven't seen how bad it was until I read it.

Amy, perhaps writing it down was a good thing to do.

Francis, as I recall, Misty stopped eating once or twice before, so I'd bet she's likely to show that same sign again. Lack of appetite is usually accompanied by lethargy. The "three things" is important. And looking deep into her eyes will guide you.

My thoughts are with you both in coming weeks.

[majicka]

I wish I could help you, but I have never personally been thru this type of decision..I just wanted to say that my thoughts and prayers are with you thru this difficult time.

[fbkeays]

Thank you all for your support. This has been a hard day for me. I can easily say what 2 of the three things are- herding and frozen carrots. There are other things that are signs when she is not feeling well, but I think of them much lower on the list. Perhaps guarding her food, even if she doesn't eat it.
She is still guarding her toys and being a total bitch to my two males.

[LynnS]

Francis

I have no experience to draw upon but I do understand your feeling of conflict and pain. I also know you will exlore all options and make the best decision for Misty. In any case my thoughts are with you...

Lynn

[fifi]

Hello there,

we lost our wonderful boy Storm to Lymphoma on 2nd January last year. This disease effects their breathing terribly towards the end and they have great difficulty breathing and being comfortable. IMO if the prognosis is bad and it obviously is because sadly the Lymphoma has returned I would say goodbye very soon. Once it returns and there aren't treatment options left they go down hill VERY fast (within days/weeks). Their breathing becomes very laboured because their lungs fill with fluid which is terrible to experience. Before this happens be kind to your girl and do the kindest thing you can for her. I know from experience just how hard this is but it is that very last kind thing you can do for her. My thoughts are with you at this very sad difficult time (((hug))).

[Judi W]

You bought this girl time and you spent that time giving her wonderful adventures. A great gift of life. The last gift you can give her is not to wait until she is begging you, but to take her with love while she has that joy in her mind instead of begging for release. She is a brave and happy girl and I know she has a brave owner who loves her dearly.

[Jessy'sMom]

Very well said Judy W. but oh so hard to do. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and Misty.