New to Lymphoma.......

[yamahagirl72]

Hello,
My name is Heather, Im new to these boards and realize I still have alot of research on here to do, which I will do...

We have 3 dogs (aged 10 yrs, 2.5 yrs and 2 yrs), 2 of which are Rottweilers (10 and 2.5 yrs)....we noticed a lump in 10 yr old Roxy's neck, we took her to the vet and they took some of the fluid out of the lump (which she described as feeling like a bunch of grapes)....she came back and said there were immature white blood cells in the sample which indicated leukemia...she said Roxy has Lymphoma. She is sending the sample to a pathologist for "staging" to try and tell how far the cancer is, we are still waiting the results of that. She is still eating fine, she is much more lethargic than she ever has been and seems to be having a bit of trouble with her back legs sometimes, she avoids stairs and pretty much just lays around all day long except to go outside, about 3 times a day. They also started her on 20mg of Prednisone twice a day.

A little history on her....she was diagnosed with laryngeal hemiplasia (proper term?)at 1.5 yrs and was never spayed or bred. (this was all before I myself was in the picture)...she ended up getting pregnant last year from a male Shepard we took in from a battered home...she was due to have the puppies in early August...3rd week in August still no puppies..so they did an sonogram and found the puppies were indeed there, the next morning we went downstairs to see her and there was parts of a puppy on the floor, but only one....back to the vets...they induced her, hours later still nothing, so they did an emergency c-section on her, there was a puppy "stuck" in the birth canal, but they could not revive it, so none of the puppies made it, while the vet was inside her, we had them spay her, as she has had many problems in the past with pyometra. For about 3 months, she was a puppy again!

Last November, she started looking not as perky as she had been for the past 3 months. We also "share" her with my fiancees brother, he takes her for a couple months at a time then she comes back to us for a few months, etc. So it is not easy to monitor her all the time (THAT will stop now, she will NOT be going over there any longer).....

OK, WHAT I WANT TO KNOW.....

I realize that this disease can be very unpretty, and I also realize that it can be different in every dog...BUT...I would like to know if anyone can give us insight on what to expect, what COULD happen throughout the course of this disease. The vet offered chemo to us as an option, but didnt highly recommend it because of her age and other "problems".

I plan to look at other threads on here and read them also, I just thought if I started my own thread I could check back several times a day and see if anyone could tell me ANYTHING.

I think we are on just the beginning of this disease as she is still eating ok and walking etc, I could be wrong, Im just assuming based on what I have already read on here about symptoms, etc.

I know that there is alot that I probably do not want to hear or know about this, but honestly, I DO want to know, I feel we can be better prepared for what might happen.

Thank you in advance for any insight and help anyone can offer.

Heather (and Mark)

[yamahagirl72]

I am reading the following from different threads....

Lymphoma causes fluid in the lungs
A special diet should be given?
Breathing difficulties
Rice and chicken diet
A raw food diet?
Pepcid given?
Rotty's dont have a good immune system?
Science Diet ND food

She is already having difficulties with her back legs, but she just started the Pred last night, so it is not from that yet.

I read that some of you give antibiotics...what are they for? I was not told about antibiotics at all from the vet, just curious.

Can anyone shed light on any of the above topics?
Thank you so much.
Heather

[hokisteph5]

Have you had a chance yet to read the similar threads listed at the bottom of the screen? When it comes to the diet I seem to remember reading other members' comments that the cancer cells thrive on carbs or grains. That might be why you're reading about the raw food diet.

I'm sorry I can't be of more help, but I haven't had any personal experience with lymphoma in any of my dogs. At least not yet.

[yamahagirl72]

Yes, I have been readin all the different threads all day today. I just dont want just believe everything I read, I thought just asking for any backup might help.

Thank you.

[spoiledbabies3]

Heather...I am so sorry that you are experiencing the dreaded cancer with your girl. I have been in your shoes...and unfortunately, the prognosis for a 9 yo girl is limited. Talk with your vet, there are options...and if you choose not to do chemo then you need to know that your time together is limited. My Sasha was dx with the disease on 01/04/06, I lost her on 02/03/06. She was 7 yo. I wish I could give you better news... ...she was in the last stages before we ever discovered the disease. I did alter her diet to help her...Google "B Naturals Canine Cancer Diet" and you will find an excellent diet for your girl. It is a natural, raw diet...cancer cannot thrive on a diet that includes lots of b vitamins. Unfortunately, lymphoma is one of the more progressive type of cancers.

I can tell you that you need to spend your time together concentrating on the things you love to do...Enjoy life to the fullest. Pick 3 things she enjoys doing, when she can no longer do 2...use the strength she gives you to help her to the bridge. She has always given you undying devotion, do the same for her. Take lots of photos, make a pawprint, make the cherished memories that you will treasure on the darkest of days ahead...My thoughts are with you at this most difficult time...I am so sorry...