Donna Fornal

We have had the pleasure of having little Chi-Chi for seven years and nine months now. We have her brother, Cha-Chi as well. He has Addison's Disease for 19 months now, and doing very well. We have a 10 year old Black Lab/ Chow with hip dysphasia. Sounds like we have a bunch of sick furbabies , but all are happy and doing well.
Chi-Chi was the healthy one, the happy go lucky one of our threesome.



I noticed a lump under her right jaw line on Sat. the 21st. I mentioned it to my husband. Sunday it had gotten bigger and Monday we called for an appointment to check her out. I thought it might be tonsillitis...but didn't know if dogs had tonsils.Then Bang!!!
Our little Chi-Chi was diagnosed with Lymphoma last Sept. 24, 2008!
We were sent to Georgia Veterinary Specialist to see Dr. Hamilton DVM ACVIM.

He did a bone marrow test, ultra sound and blood tests. He confirmed Lymphoma B cell cancer.

We opted for the chemo...we had lost too many loved ones for us to just give up on Chi-Chi.
We have had four family members die last year. My sister died last June 9,08. It was devastating for me to have lost her at only 67 years old. We also lost hubby's grandmother, Jan. my cousin, March , hubby's stepmother,May 08.
So we began the Modified Wisconsin Protocol on Chi-Chi.

She has been through three rotations of Vincristine, Cytoxan, Vincristine then Adriamycin.

She has one more rotation to go .

Chi-Chi always has a hard time with the Adriamycin treatment. It really kicks her body bad.

Usually she has diarrhea and vomiting a few days later with that one.
But this last treatment of Adriamycin, she began vomiting the very next day. I gave her the Rx medicine right away, but it hasn't helped and she has refused to eat anything. This has been going on for 4 days now.

Saturday I made some Jell-O water and used an eye dropper to give the Jell-O water to her. It didn't stay down at first ...but with trial an error, I finally got it to stay down. I had to just give her two dropper full of Jell-O every hour.

This morning Chi-Chi is doing better, but still not eating. I am baking her a chicken, so I can use the broth for her to drink. I gave her some very diluted canned chicken noodle soup broth this morning and so far it is staying down too. Then I gave her some solid Jell-O with the dropper and it is staying down.


I don't know why Chi-Chi is refusing food.
Does anyone have any other suggestions for me to try?

We will be taking her to see her regular Vet tomorrow, but I would really like to get her eatting again.

Dehorner

When my dog Lucy was diagnosed with Lymphoma, I started to read Ted's book and much to my amazement I found out that dogs like raw meat. Didn't know that so I began giving some raw hamburger meat to her and she loved it. Just a suggestion. Good luck with everything. The cross your bearing is very heavy right now. I'll pray for you

Benpaws

Hi Donna,
So sorry to hear of all your recent losses. You must be a very strong person indeed to endure as you have and as you are presently. I agree with what the others have said about feeding your Chi Chi by hand and perhaps in a different room. Have you tried feeding baby food? Sometimes they like this and will eat. If ChiChi were on prednisone for a brief time perhaps his appetite would return but this would have to be a recommendation by your vet.
Our Benny has an insatiable appetite with the prednisone but is gaining too much weight which is a worry and he isn't able to climb the stairs as he once was. Otherwise he still chases the squirrels and seems content for now.
This morning we noticed another rather large MCT on his little back and we see the vet on Wednesday to find out what to do or expect next.Last week he had one tumour injected with a cortisone-based solution and it is shrinking a little.
This is a terrible disease and very stressful. I am worn out and the tears won't stop.
Good luck with your little Chi Chi and remember to take care of yourself at the same time. I hope you have others around you to help out.
My prayers are with you.

I am thinking of all my friends here who are going through the same stresses. God be with you all and your dear dogs.

Hugs, Joanne & Benny

maximus

Hi Donna
How is Chi-Chi doing? Is his appetite back??