ShadowsMom

Hi everyone. Our baby Shadow is a 7 year old black lab mix (mixed with Malamute) was diagnosed with Lymphoma 3 weeks ago. He is on Prednisone as well as chemo, he will be receiving his 3rd treatment next week. The swelling in his lymph nodes has gone down considerably. He has responded quite well to his chemo protocol. He received his first 2 treatments the first week, now the rest is every 3 weeks. We were not able to afford the weekly treatments. By the time he received his first dose of chemo, we had already spent $1,800 in emergency vet bills. Receiving the news of his diagnosis has been earth shattering. Picking and choosing his treatments because we cant afford all his oncologist recommends is beyond heartbreaking. We are staying very positive. Shadow is a strong dog and we will fight this until the end.

It's nice to know that there is an entire community out there of dog owners who are going through this struggle with us.

Best of luck to you all.
Shadow's mom

Meesh

Hi Shadow's Mom,
My baby Hamlet (9 year old, 75 lb, chow/retriever mix) was diagnosed with Stage Va B-cell lymphoma at the end of January. He's been getting chemo and we compliment with supplements recommended by our holistic vet. We started treatment on Feb. 1st and Hammy achieved full remission as of April 26th. Do not give up hope! Lymphoma is highly treatable and even with non-weekly chemo, the dogs respond very well. I belong to another support group specifically for lymphoma dogs undergoing chemo (of any kind). I'll send you a private message with that information. If you need financial assistance, google the Magic Bullet Fund; they help pet parents get the funds necessary for dogs to have chemo, radiation and/or surgery.
As far as advice, switch Shadow to a grain free diet if you haven't already; cancer feeds on carbs. Our holistic vet recommended Wellness Core but there are several others on the market. Give Shadow Omega-3 supplements (OTC from your local pharmacy/drug store is fine). Hamlet gets on average 2,400 mg/day but I watch his stool; if it gets soft or runny, I cut back. Never get Shadow vaccinated again. And, use bottled or filtered water.
Best of luck as you begin your fight with the beast!
NOT TODAY, NOT WITHOUT A FIGHT!
Michelle, Rufus & Hamlet
Dx 01/29/10 Tx 02/01/10
FULL REMISSION 04/26/10

Benpaws

Dear Friend,

Michelle has said everything you really need to hear. She is one of the lucky dog owners and her precious Hamlet is in full remission. Her advice is invaluable.

There is always hope and I know the initial shock of hearing that your dog has cancer is overwhelming, then you "regroup" and begin to look for solutions.

Everyone here is just wonderful and I don't know what I would have done without the support of everyone when our 6 year old schnauzer Benny was going through his "cancer journey" which unfortunately ended April 2, 2009 but not without a very brave fight to the END!

We now have a one year old amazing schnauzer puppy named "SHADOW." I like that name don't you??!

Take care and lots of luck.

God Bless,
Joanne & Shadow