BamBam

Wow...that really seemed like it came out of nowhere. Two weeks ago, we would have sworn that Bam was in the prime of his life. Then he spent one day vomiting with a slight fever, and the next week with moderate diarrhea. It was only when his weight loss became apparent that we visited the vet (today) and the rest was like a whirlwind. Still doesn't feel real.

So he's currently taking flagyl, cerenia, and diarsanyl. The next move is up to us. Our vet says that a full regimen of chemo will buy him up to 2 years...the problem is, there's no way bam bam will keep cool for a session of chemo without being sedated, and I can't do that to him on a weekly basis. The alternative seems to be prednisone and cyclophosphomide, which we're told could result in a 6 months remission, tops.

We really have so many questions, from when to know enough is enough, to how much we can expect to pay (because, unfortunately, we are of limited means). But I guess the most pressing question is--what do we do first?

alyson

So Sorry to hear about Bam Bam, the pain and the shock is unreal,Why and how becomes unbearable! you feel you have to do the best but sometimes the best is just making your time together the best! and most comfortable for Bam Bam, the stress of having to be put to sleep to scan thier little bodys to see if the chemo is working, the blood tests, the pressure of having to leave them at the clinic for most of the day, (the chemo doesnt take long its the full tests they do on the blood, they check everything thats what takes the longest!) thankfully his chemo sessions were only every 4 weeks. My Billy only managed to have 2 sessions before he died and did i do the right thing by the Chemo? i dont know as it only bought us 8 wks longer, poss not! but he was his usual little self, he always weed in the middle of the reception area as to show me up 'pay back time' ha and it didnt put him of his food, just gave him the runs a little! and he was insured thank god as the total bill was over £2000 pounds, its so expensive, licence to print money! you need to have a long chat with your vet to get his honest option, i dont know about this type of cancer my billy had bladder cancer, we could only try and delay the tumors! Having 2 more years would be wonderful! but is he being realistic?

Please what ever you decide friends on this site will support and help you in finding alternative choices! as lots of people do not go down the chemo route.

My prayers are with you.
Alyson

Benpaws

Dear Friend,
Sorry to hear that Bam Bam has lymphoma and yes, the diagnosis of "cancer" in your beloved puppy puts shock waves into you. I think what Alyson says is probably the best advice....just give your puppy all the love you can and he will let you know when it is time to "turn the corner."
Benny had surgery for his Mast Cell Tumour but no chemo or radiation and with a complete change in diet and lots of supplements and lots of support and good advice he was in remission for 8 months and then the cancer returned. We chose to not have another surgery and no chemo.
We chose to just give him daily love and good food and continue the supplements, the daily walks and we had another 9 months with our darling little fur pal. It is a sad and terrible journey.
Do what your heart says is right. You know Bam Bam BEST.
My prayers go out to you and everyone here certainly understands how you are feeling....pretty numb! Wish I could be of more help to you.

Blessings,
Joanne

msilvermare

My dog Joker was diagnosed with possible lymphoma on June 6 and put on prednisone. Since then, he has had an ultrasound, more blood work, and three episodes of chemo using L-spar first week, vincristine the second, and he just received a dose of cytoxan this morning. He has not had to be sedated for any of this, bribed with cookies, but no sedation. The lymph nodes have ALL shrunk. I don't know what to expect and hesitate to ask for how many months or years. But right now, Joker is eating, drinking water, and barking at the people and dogs in his park. Best of luck whatever you decide. As everyone says, enjoy your time together, however long it may be. Margaret and Joker

mybestfriend

I am so sorry to hear about Bam Bam. Everyone is right, You know Bam Bam best and whatever you decide it will be the right decision. I lost my Dasha from oc. She lasted a month after we found out what it was but during that last month we lived a lifetime together. What ever you decide with Bam Bam, just give as much love as you can and enjoy your time with him. You will be in our thoughts and prayers, Jim

__________________
Rene, Bailey,Angel, Dolce and Jim Remembering "Daddy's girl Dasha"

BamBam

Wow, thanks so much to everyone for the kind words. Today was better--I believe that Bam caught on to the bad vibes following his diagnosis, and spent the evening and morning depressed. But his new protein heavy diet seems to have lifted his spirits a bit. Anyway, I've researched his cancer in the past 24 hours, and we've decided to adopt a holistic approach, in the very least. All part of the new regimen: aloe vera, colostrum, flor essence, inisitol, ester c, vitamin a & d3, succinate, and flax oil + cottage cheese. Any other suggestions are more than welcome. Our meeting with the specialist is set for Thursday, and I suppose we'll know more then. Until that time, I can at least report that he very much enjoyed his walks today. The cottage cheese? Not so much.

Thanks again. Jason and Amy

Benpaws

Hi Friend,
I am glad that Bam Bam seems to be doing a little better. That is great! You might want to get in touch with this website. Others here have had great success with Dr. McDowell's suggestions.

`Lymphoma or Lymphosarcoma Cancer Support . Herbal Treatment Programs for Cancer Patients, Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy Support with Herbal Medicine and Information on alternative (herbal) treatment for cancer in people, horses and dogs.

Blessings to you all,
Joanne & Shadow

Brian Riddle

I've been using robert mcdowell herbs on my girl Molly,she has a nasal tumor.When I emailed robert mcdowell in Austrailia,they started a record of Molly and each time I email they know what I'm talking about.There are other herbal places,I know,but I never got as much care as from these people.You can email them and they respond back to you.I think they are a day ahead of us.I just sent in a hair sample from Molly to them,to see what she is lacking.Take a look at their website and see for yourself.They are quite reasonable for prices.We are all in this together,and have to stick together to help our furry friends.
Brian

jeffers

so sorry to hear about molly...whatever you decide will be ok with molly.....she knows you will do your best (just like my old girl did) and like me you can only do whatever within your means.... i also got in touch with robert mcdowel and thew care and advice i got was superb......unfortunately it was to late for my old girl, but she did get an extra month of quality time which we enjoyed together. i wish you all the very best

joyce

I'm new to this message thing so I will give it a try. I'm desperate to know what is the best dog food to feed my beautiful Tibetan Terrier who has lymphoma. She has had 3 chemo treatments so far and she is eating - beef, chicken, and salmon mixed in with her dog food. I just want to know if I'm doing the right thing since I feel that perhaps her food has contributed to this horrible cancer so I feel guilt already. Do you have any suggestions?