Understanding Lymphoma

[therese47]

I am new to this forum, although not new to the breed.

My husband and I were recently given the horrible news that one of our beloved dogs has Lymphoma in the intermediate stage. We are new to this type of cancer, although not to canine cancer in general.

She is currently on Prednisone to stimulate her non-existant appetite. She is also on pain meds., infection meds. and liquid meds. for her stomach.

She is a S/F, 7 year old and is the other love of our lives. We are still attempting to cope with the cruel blow dealt to us.

Can anybody please, who has had a Rottweiler with this, post us to assist us. We know her time here is short, a few weeks, possibly less, if her appetite does not pick up. We have tried all kinds of food, and people food too, in an attempt to coax her. She is now drinking better, thanks to the Prednisone.

We know the time will come, to end her suffering.... but till that awful time, we'd greatly appreciate any other members' advice.

Thank you sincerely,

Therese.

P.S. We truly hope we have not dredged up any sad memories for other members out there. For that we apologize. But, being that we are questioning people, we'd like to know more.

[Karlan]

Hi Therese

I am SO sorry for your terrible news. I have a three year old who was diagnosed with lymphoma in Nov last yr ('05) when she was 2.5 yrs old. My breeder was shocked and devistated, she has never had a dog less than 9 yrs old end up with cancer.

There are a couple options which are very personal decisions. Since my girl (who happens to be the love of my life, my best friend) Coco is so young we decided to do the Madison Wisconson Protocal (chemo). It worked very well. Some chose not to do chemo at all and others try the chemo. You have to do what is best for your dog and your situation. Lymphoma is terminal either way.

If you are thinking about going the chemo route it definately gives time and quality of life. Coco had chemo one week after she was diagnosed for about 6-7 months and handled it very very well. The only difficulty (bad reaction) was the second week and that only lasted a day or so. She was remarkable. With chemo the remission time (time the glands shrink not once chemo is finished, her glands shrunk after the very first treatment; hence remission) lasts around 1 yr, so give or take a few months the Lymphoma should return. Then if you chose to do so, you are looking at a "rescue protocol".

There are others here who have lost dogs to Lymphoma and they are very supportive and helpful with advice. Some have gone with chemo and others chose not to go that route. It is very personal decision, depending on you, the dogs age, your financial situation etc...

Keep her as comfortable as possible and cherish every minute. I am terribly sorry to hear of your pain. If you have more questions please ask, I am here to help any way I can.

[fbkeays]

My Misty had lymphoma. We did chemo and she lived a very good life for 20 months. There were times when she would not eat. I found that pepcid AC worked very well for that. Other times she wouldn't eat for other reasons. I found a number of ways to "trick" her into eating. I found out that to a dog, it isn't dog food if it isn't in their bowl. They are more likely to eat food if it really isn't "food".
We had done some tracking so she understood about finding food on the track as a reward/motivation. She when she would not eat, we went tracking. I would load the track with Natural Balance roll dog food or Nature's Variety dehydrated dog food.
Misty had a lifetime of obedience training. I would do training sessions with lots of "jackpots". Because of the lymphoma, we went to a raw, high meat, low carb diet. Misty had several dinners of duck wings for doing utility go-outs. I found an asian market that I got the duck wings, chicken bodies and fish scraps (for soup) real cheap. Misty loved them. I would dump the fish scraps on the deck- no dish.
I would use cat kibble in those rolling treat balls. Stuff kongs and such with Natural Balance roll, etc. Then there are the trips to the local mexican take out for chicken quesadeas<sp?>. Ice cream from the Dairy Queen. Korean BBQ beef was a favorite too.
Also smaller is better. There were times when Misty would walk away from a full bowl. But if I put 1/4 the amount, she would eat it. I would then give her another 1/4. Half, 3/4 or 4/4 of a meal is better then none. If you have another dog, use competition. Have healthy treats (such as Natural Balance or similar or even shrimp) and start tossing treats to the dogs. Bias it to the one that needs the food, but dogs are more likely to eat tossed treats and even more likely to eat if there is competition.
I also made her want to live. We did her favorite things. Due to bad elbows she hasn't gone herding in years. We started again. I also entered her in every obedience trial I could find. She loved being in the ring. It didn't matter how she did, she loved it. I would tell her that she was entered and she lived for that trial. She lived 5 months longer then she was supposed to. I credit that to her diet and active life.
My thoughs and prayers are with you.

[Marylou Mader]

Our Chili was diagnosed at the age of 3 1/2 years. Because it was agressive we chose to just do the prednisone, she responded and went on to give us 4 months of quality life.
Whatever choice you make, understand that there is support and anytime you need to talk about it, we are all here...

[spoiledbabies3]

This is a tough thread for me...but like the others, it is important to share our experiences. I lost my 7 1/2 yo female rott rescue Sasha to lymphoma earlier this year, 02/03/06. She is still my love, only now my "angel girl"....

We had difficulty diagnosing the lymphoma due to a vet that refused to do the proper testing, by the time we got a 2nd opinion and received a correct dx she was in the advanced stages. Due to her age and the spread of the cancer, we opted to help her live life to its fullest and when it was time, to hold her and help her cross the bridge to the world beyond. We got 29 days to celebrate life together from dx . Unfortunately, lymphoma is terminal...there is no cure...because Sasha was 7 1/2, we opted for no chemo...our vet felt it would make little difference. She took prednisone to keep her comfortable...and when it was no longer effective and the lymphoma spread to her lungs making breathing difficult...we helped her find her way to the bridge...She told us with her eyes when she was ready...and your girl will too...You have to follow your heart...

Sasha helps me though...I have another boy that has 2 cancerous tumors and due to his age (10 1/2) we have opted no surgery. However, we have completely altered his diet to enable him a longer, more fruitful quality of life. Originally give 1 month, he is now entering month 6...he is on a BARF diet with Innova Senior and Innova Evo added...I am particularly diligent with the B vitamins as this helps his immune system and possible anemia. My vet is amazed and Samson's will to live is what keeps him going...

My heart breaks for you because I truly understand the pain you are enduring. Spend lots of time together, do all of her favorite things, take lots of pictures...these will be the treasured memories that will carry you through the darkest days. I am so sorry you are experiencing this dreaded disease...it is all too prevalent in our wonderful rotties. I will keep you in my daily thoughts and prayers...Bless you...

[therese47]

To The Moderator:

I had posted a reply to the lovely people who responded with heartfelt wishes, and I cannot find my reply. I am not the most computer-literate person, however is there a delay for moderation? Or are we not allowed to reply at this forum??

Thank you sincerely.

P.S. If this message doesn't appear by tomorrow night I will re-post another reply, if I may.

[Cheekie]

Ohhh this is so hard to write. My beautiful big girl Cheyenne was diagnosed with lymphoma in September of 2005. We fought hard and so did she until the very end. She lasted eight months, went through three different Chemo treatments and had two complete, although short remissions. As long as she was willing to fight and her quality of life remained good we would not give up on her. I am so sorry you have to go through with this and I know how much it hurts. If you are considering treatment or looking to improve quality of life I want to share my experience with a fairly new medication in the Veterinary field that really worked wonders to increase appetite, decrease nausea, and really just generally increase my Cheyenne's overall quality of life. The name of the medication is Mirtazapine (Remeron, Organon). It is an antidepressant available at your local pharmacy with a Rx currently used in treatment of depression in humans. My Vet prescribed it to Cheyenne after her second round of Chemo caused severe anorexia/nausea and she began to have more off days. Mirtazapine was originally tried by an MD who gave it to his terminally ill Boston terrior and saw dramatic results. There is an article about Mirtazapine's use in Veterinary medicine at Welcome to Forum Vet Online February 2006. I can tell you what a huge difference this medication made for Cheyenne when she needed it most, her nausea was gone, appetitie dramatically increased and most important... she was our Cheyenne again. Happy, crazy and always wanting to play tug, go for walks/rides and following us everywhere. With the help of Mirtazapine we were able to get her through her second round of Chemo, when the cancer came back we tried a Rescue Protocol that gave her, and us, another wonderful month together. This medication is something that really helped me, my family and most important our Cheyenne. I strongly believe it gave her the best possible quality of life. When I look back, I can't believe that we almost cut our time short when she was having such a difficult time with her second round of Chemo treatment. I can only thank my wonderful Vet who worked diligently and tirelessly, researched new meds till late at night and understood how important our Cheyenne was to us and the difficult decisions we were faced with. I hope you or anyone else reading this in a similar situation can look into this medication as another option in your treatment choices for the ones we care so deeply about.

[AngelBunny]

Oh, my dear friends...

I haven't had experience with Hope's condition, but I have lost many of my beloved canine companions to various types of cancer. I have no advice to offer, only words of deep sympathy and sorrow. I am so sorry for you. You are in my thoughts.

[Karlan]

Therese- I have been thinking about you and your girl. How are you doing?

[therese47]

Thank you everyone, for your heartfelt wishes, and your lifestories about your beloved dogs.

I am sorry my original reply to you all was lost in cyberspace, and I cannot recount it exactly, however, I am deeply touched by the devotion of the people who posted us. We will try your ideas, esp. with regards to foods.

Thank you also, for your kind thoughts and prayers. I tried hard to read your posts without tears-it was so, and is still, so difficult. I am very thankful also, to our friend, AngelBunny, who advised me to join this excellent site. When the time comes, I will let my husband read all your thoughts-when he is ready and able. Right now, even I cannot bear to read much, as I am still struggling with the diagnosis and the despair.

As everyone has stated, we are trying to enjoy each precious day with Hope. She has her good and bad days. And Karlan, just so you know, she had a better day today-rode with Daddy in the truck today, and tonight with me, to visit lovely AngelBunny and her sweet girl. I gained some strength just listening to our friend lend encouraging words about her losses of her precious dogs. For that AngelBunny, I thank you, for sharing from your heart, your experiences, like the others who posted us.

And Cheekie, I will look into the med., although we are not going to do chemo on our dog. Wonder if it is still useful as an alternative if Prednisone stops working??? I will look at the article you mentioned when I have time. Thank you for your thoughts on this med.

We will take each day as it comes, and never ever, leave her alone. Her appetite has increased some, so we feed her whatever she wants, when she wants.

Thank you all again, everyone, for you caring and compassion. It truly means so much.

Sincerely,

Therese.

[therese47]

I have not been at this forum recently. I could not....

My beloved sweet little girl, Hope left for the Rainbow Bridge, exactly a week ago. I miss her so.

I cannot talk about it, I am so filled with grief. But she is free from pain, although my pain/grief is overwhelming. I do know that time is suppose to heal all wounds......

I am sorry , I have to end this here. I cannot cry and type.

Thank you all for your kind words of support. I will come back here after time has passed.

Therese.

[spoiledbabies3]

Therese...I am sorry that your Hope lost her battle with lymphoma. My heart breaks for you as I understand the pain you are experiencing. Time is the ultimate healer...Let your tears flow, let your emotions rage, and then let your heart open again...I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers as you travel the most difficult path ahead...Hope is still in your heart and she will always carry a piece of it with her...She is now your "angel girl" as she watches over you and guides you...Godspeed sweet Hope...Your mom is missing you tremendously...Help her as she treads this new road...Fly on your wings of gold sweet girl...

[therese47]

Thank you sincerely, for your kind post. I am taking it day by day. It is no easier than the other times(with dogs of the same breed).

The next extremely hard time is picking up her ashes. I have known for a week, and cannot make the trip. I am not ready. The clinic said no problem.

I had asked a friend to go with me, and all I have to do is pick up the phone. But I just can't do it yet.

Yes, time, most definately, does heal all wounds. I need more time.

Then I will be ready.

Later, in the future, I will prepare to ask to foster.

As, I still have some love left in my yet broken again heart. So, rather than be selfish, I hope one day to foster another wonderful Rottweiler, in need. A resolution, for 2007.

Angelbunny, I will contact you, when I am ready to foster one of the organizations' dogs, o.k.?

Therese.

[lowriderswoman]

I am so sorry for your pain, I so know how you feel, I lost my baby girl 7 weeks ago, and I still cry just about every day. Lymphoma absolutely sucks! She was just 5.5 years old.I did everything I could possibly do for her and it wasn't enough. I lost her anyway. I am thinking about you and hoping your doing ok. She is your angel and you have to remember that, she's still watching over you, even though it might not seem like it, she's right there. Godspeed Hope,
Peace,
Carla, Atlas, baby Lacey, and Always Angel Jada.