New member with 10 yr. old w/cancer

[Moosemom]

The dog love of my life, Timber (female 10 1/4 yrs.) has just been diagnosed with cutaneous non-epitheliotropic lymphoma. I am an ER nurse and although I know some of the words, my heart doesn't understand. I saw another posting from "chucky89" with the same diagnosis and I wonder if he discovered anything. Since we're just diagnosed, I want to make humane decisions, prevent pain and yet keep her as long as possible. She was rescued at age 2 and has the soul of an angel. Anyone have any suggestions/thoughts???

[AngelBunny]

I am so sorry you found this wonderful place at such a sad time in your life and the life of Timber. Cancer in its different permutations is such a dreadful problem with our beloved breed. Many RDNs have lost canine companions to different types of cancer. I am sorry you appear to be on the verge of joining our sad fraternity.

As my experience is with osteo and nasal carcinoma, I do not have anything of substance to offer.

You and Timber are in my thoughts.

[Che54]

So sorry to hear your news. I've had far too much experience with cancer in my Rotties....but not your particular pathology.

I've found some helpful information at a yahoo group called CanineCancer. Searching the posts there or asking for info may be of help to you.

Regards,

Che

[Moosemom]

Thank you for thinking of us. We head back to the vet Monday for more tests. The neat thing about this site is that everyone understands! Shared sorrow really is half sorrow....moosemom

[caseygina]

i am so sorry for you...you are in my thoughts.

[Ceej]

I am sorry that you and Timber are going through this. I have had a dog with lymphoma. I know your pain.

Our Ginger was around 10 years old (she was a rescue) when we got the diagnosis and we chose to only treat her with predinsone. We cherished the remaining 3 months we had with her. She went to the bridge in August of '06 and I still miss her...

Please make yourself welcome here! There are some really supportive people here with a wealth of knowledge.

Again, I am so sorry you are facing this difficult situation!

(P.S. I am a R.N. too.) :-)

[Lola B Marie]

I am not familiar with the exact type of disease your girl has but, I do remember hearing the bad news about my heart dog, Sheena Marie in 04. I remember the shock and how helpless I felt. Being a therapist and treating many patients who present with grief, trauma and depression, just didn't help. This was my girl, rescued at 3months and I would have done anything to save her. My heart could not understand either as you have expressed.
I am so sorry that this is happening to your precious girl. I hope you come here often and let us help support you and Timber. Your last line really touched me. "Shared sorrow really is half sorrow". That is so powerful.
I hope Timber can be treated and kept pain free. She is so lucky to have found such a loving and caring rottie mom.
Jane

[Moosemom]

Reply to Lola Marie: thank you so much for caring! We all just have to do everything we can to make sure that "outsiders" understand what a wonderful breed of dog we have. Until I was educated, I was leary of these big black beasts-one good lick up my whole face turned me around and now I'm addicted!

[lanka1]

I'm so sorry to hear about Timber. You all will be in my prayers.