10 1/2 year old Beagle with Lymphoma - Page 2

DalesDublin · 08-27-2010, 12:45 PM

Michelle,

Thank you so much fpr the comforting words and your help. I must sound like a nut case but I just want to do everything possible and as fast as I can for Dublin. I only know that he has Lymphoma. Not sure what type or anything else other than what the Vet has told me. She said it is in his Lymphnodes and in his blood stream because of that and therefore all over his body. No Lymphnode tumors present. I dont understand any of this other than the Vet saying it is really bad. Appointment with Oncologist is this coming Monday at 11:00 am at the VREC clinic in San Antonio Texas. Only 15 miles from where I live. We have been there before on Dublins knee surgery (acl) both legs, 3 years ago. In the time it has taken for me to get enought money to do each test has been approx. 4 weeks now and he is getting so skinny and weak. I just want to keep him nourished so if possible start the chemo. I was against it for a day but have changed my mind to try. All this depends on what the Oncologist has to say. I took him to the local Vet again today for IV fluids with vitamins and a nausea shot. They will force feed him today as well. Last time they did this he cried out that night in discomfort until I took him outside. He did his thing (diahrea) and urinated came back in and slept until 12:00. The next day he could not keep his food down more than a 2 hour period and up it came. So, thats why i have taken him back to the Vet. I asked why they did not give me nausea pills. They said they usually dont work anyway. The shot is better. Pricey also. I hope the preds work. Trying to get money to buy the K9 factor and immune supplements. Did you use these? Am I just waisting my money? Once again, Thank You so much with the info you have given me. I will keep a smile and happy face for Dublin. I have cried numerous times holding him or in his site. I will be more positive with him from now on.

DalesDublin · 08-27-2010, 01:39 PM

Talked more with the Vet on type of Lymphoma. She said it would be best for the Oncologist to give me that answer. She did say she would give her eduacate4d guess and would say stage 2 or 3 which is middle but that it is probably T cell and not B by the way the report looks. Only one set of Lymphnodes involved at that time and are internal near the stomach and intestines. This is why no visible tumor on surface and possibly why he has discomfort when eating. She did say the meds can help (pred and nausea med) only if he can hold them down and not vomit. She was going to give me something for his gas or upset stomach as well. I hope this works. I feel that if he just eats it will get his strength and energy levels back. This will help if chemo is used. Is ther a place I can go research the different types of Lymphoma and stages so I can better understand it?

Meesh · 08-27-2010, 04:17 PM

Don't worry about sounding like a basket case. We've all been there. I couldn't NOT cry for the first month after Hammy was diagnosed. I immersed myself in the internet learning everything I could about this retchid disease and its treatments. The first thing I learned is that the information is overwhelming; the second thing I learned is that there is a lot of conflicting information out there and some that is just plain BS. I bought 3 books, two of which I found immensely helpful: "Help Your Dog Fight Cancer" by Laurie Kaplan (whose own dog Bullet survived lymphoma for 5 years) and "The Holistic Vet's Guide to Preventing and Treating Canine Cancer" by Shawn Messonier.
I promise it does get easier. Once the initial shock wears off, you fall into a routine of whatever treatment regimen you choose. The beginning is scary because all you want is for them to eat and they don't and you get frustrated and it seems like a lost cause....told you, I've been there. Take deep breaths. Try the tuna water or chicken broth to get his appetite jump started. Does Dublin have a favorite treat or a people food he can't resist? Try that. As I said before, it's just important he eats something right now, not as important what that is.
Hamlet gets Genesis Resources CAS Options for an antioxidant; I've heard mixed reviews (more bad than good) on K9 Immunity. CAS is a bit pricey too - $60 for 60 tablets - but it seems to be highly praised. Hammy also gets Cod Liver Oil by Nordic Naturals, two liver supplements, L-Arginine, Cosequin, and Animal Essentials Plant Enzymes and Probiotic. These were either blessed by our onc or specifically recommended by our holistic vet. I get most of Hamlet's supplements from either OnlyNaturalPet.com or DrsFosterandSmith.com. I would wait to order anything though until you talk to the oncologist on Monday. There are some schools of thought that antioxidants can potentially counteract the chemo drugs if you do decide to take that path.
Keep asking questions and don't back down until you feel like you've gotten your answer. It's your baby and you're paying the bill!
NOT TODAY, NOT WITHOUT A FIGHT!
Michelle, Rufus & Hamlet

Meesh · 08-27-2010, 04:20 PM

Also, throughout chemo, Hamlet had Zofran and Cerenia for nausea and Flagyl for diarrhea on hand at all times. They always did the trick. Don't let your vet talk you out of the pills. On the natural front, Slippery Elm (available at drug stores or health food stores) is good for GI issues and canned pumpkin (not the pie filling) works for diarrhea.
Michelle
PS A big glass of wine works wonders for mommy, too!

DalesDublin · 08-27-2010, 05:04 PM

Dublin cant resist chick-fila chicken nugets in most cases but dont know if I should give him that with the peanut oil they cook it in. Might be hard on his stomach. Then again, if he eats it with his meds then great. Vet is giving him a soft can food of turkey and white rice. I am not happy about the rice but I think it is suppose to help with the diarrhea. I want to feed him infant baby food like chicken with gravy or beef with broth. I tried that last night and he couldnt handle it. Of course, he did not have anything for nausea at the time. I pick him up in 30 minutes and just pray he held his food down. Once again thanks for the advice and the nice words of thought.

Meesh · 08-27-2010, 05:14 PM

Like I said, don't be so concerned about what he eats, as long as he eats something. Once he gets his appetite back, you can worry about the "what". BTW, I rechecked my bottle of CAS...it's $60 for 120 tablets. Still not cheap but better than I remembered. Have a good night with Dublin! You guys will be in my thoughts.
Michelle, Rufus & Hamlet

Meesh · 08-27-2010, 05:16 PM

I think the chicken nuggets would be a good idea just pace his intake. A bite then wait 15 minutes and so on.
Michelle

nailtek · 08-27-2010, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DalesDublin

Worst day of my life today. Got the biopsy report back and was not good. Was told my little Dublin only has Lymphoma and is progressive and a short time to live and I should consider chemo. I am not sure if chemo is the right thing to do. I figured if he is so sick and will mostly die then why make him sicker. The cancer is only in the lympnodes and has not spread to any other area. I understand that it is in his blood and thus through out his body. The Vet said i should only take a day at most at making my decision on what to do. Chemo or put him down. I have decided at the moment to keep him at home and try to get him to eat and hydrated. There is the problem. This all started about 4 weeks ago. He was feeling fine playing and begging for food. A female was in her cycle and was driving him crazy, thus the loss of appetite but still eating. Then he started to lose his appetite all together. I made some hamburger for him which he did eat but later vomitted. Thats when I finally got a few dollars to pay for the Vet visit. I only had enough money each week to do a test until 2 days ago when I finally had the money for ultrasound. I was told then it was cancer and all about the lymphnodes. The did the biopsy and the results...well sad to say not good at all. They gave me prednazone for appetite and a few seringes of fluid to put under his skin if needed for hydration. I pray this will work to get his strength up so I cant start the cancer fighting regments listed on this site.

Help!!!! Where do I start. I just want to help him feel better until he shows signs of pain. He is walking around but with not much energy due to him not eating for almost a week. He did have food forced yesterday and only about 1 ounce so far today without throwing up. How much should he eat? How much water or Pedialyte should I try giving him. So many questions. I love my dog and have excepted the fact I will have to let go at some point. Just wont be the same without him. He was by my side (no kidding) 24/7. He even went to the office with me. We have gone thru so many hardtimes together and he was always there by my side to make me feel good. I just want to repay him the favor. Any advice on where to start, especially getting his appetite back.

Dales my heart goes out to you as I and many others here know exactly what you are going through. My dog was diag. last week with Tcell lymphoma and I was devastated because it was found during a dental visit. My little baby showed no signs of being sick and still shows no signs. I opted out of chemo because although my baby is only 8 years old he only weighs 3.5 lbs. I don't think he would survive chemo and I was told he MAY make 6-8 months on agressive combo chemo and radiation. I knew nothing at all until I found this site and have already learned so much from all the wonderful people here. Tomorrow is my appt with dvm who practices chinese medicine. I've heard great stories and I hope I will be able to say the same. My heart is broken and I will give him all he deserves as he has given me all his unconditional love for the past 8 years. I hope your little Dublin starts eating and gaining the strength he will need to fight this nasty disease. I do know if he can hold down his prednisone it for sure will open up his appetite and he will drink lots..........I will add Dublin to my prayer list. Good luck and stay strong, hard as it may be.

DalesDublin · 08-27-2010, 08:20 PM

Got him back from the Vet and, WOW

what a difference it made. They said to try just a 1/4 ounce of liguid food 6 to 8 times a day with the pred and go from there. I saw a big change in his behavior. He was happy and even gave me a tail wag. I walked him around the neighberhood, actually only a few houses from mineto visit people that gave him treats. He did not take the treats. To my surprise he started to eat the dried cat food one of my neighbers just put out for a stray cat. Not sure I should have let him but what the heck. Going to google about cat food and dogs and see if its okay to do. I will try chicken nuggets tomorrow. I am so happy for Dublin because I can tell he feels so much better. Something inside me keeps telling "just get him to eat". Im not sure if they used the nausea meds or not. They did not send any home with me. I will just see how things go for a day and if he needs another shot then a shot he will get. Once again, THANK YOU it does help me to cope.

DalesDublin · 08-27-2010, 08:34 PM

Nailtek,
I understand as well how you feel. You must have a small dog to weigh 3.5 pounds. Depending on the type of T cell Lymphoma it is they can live 12 to 18 months if chemo is used. Not sure how it effects a smaller dog but I would think the dosage would for the weight of the dog. I am not so happy about chemo but I want to try to do as much as I can to battle for my dog. If he is not giving up then I will not give up the fight. Monday is a big day for me on finding out what can or cant be done. I am just happy at the moment because I know Dublin is happy and feeling good. I hope the chinese meds help with the quality of life for your dog. I know we may have a few days, weeks or months left with our loves ones. I choose to spend as much time as I can with my dog and cherish every second that remains.

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08-27-2010, 12:45 PM	#11 (permalink)
DalesDublin Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 61	Michelle, Thank you so much fpr the comforting words and your help. I must sound like a nut case but I just want to do everything possible and as fast as I can for Dublin. I only know that he has Lymphoma. Not sure what type or anything else other than what the Vet has told me. She said it is in his Lymphnodes and in his blood stream because of that and therefore all over his body. No Lymphnode tumors present. I dont understand any of this other than the Vet saying it is really bad. Appointment with Oncologist is this coming Monday at 11:00 am at the VREC clinic in San Antonio Texas. Only 15 miles from where I live. We have been there before on Dublins knee surgery (acl) both legs, 3 years ago. In the time it has taken for me to get enought money to do each test has been approx. 4 weeks now and he is getting so skinny and weak. I just want to keep him nourished so if possible start the chemo. I was against it for a day but have changed my mind to try. All this depends on what the Oncologist has to say. I took him to the local Vet again today for IV fluids with vitamins and a nausea shot. They will force feed him today as well. Last time they did this he cried out that night in discomfort until I took him outside. He did his thing (diahrea) and urinated came back in and slept until 12:00. The next day he could not keep his food down more than a 2 hour period and up it came. So, thats why i have taken him back to the Vet. I asked why they did not give me nausea pills. They said they usually dont work anyway. The shot is better. Pricey also. I hope the preds work. Trying to get money to buy the K9 factor and immune supplements. Did you use these? Am I just waisting my money? Once again, Thank You so much with the info you have given me. I will keep a smile and happy face for Dublin. I have cried numerous times holding him or in his site. I will be more positive with him from now on.

08-27-2010, 01:39 PM	#12 (permalink)
DalesDublin Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 61	Talked more with the Vet on type of Lymphoma. She said it would be best for the Oncologist to give me that answer. She did say she would give her eduacate4d guess and would say stage 2 or 3 which is middle but that it is probably T cell and not B by the way the report looks. Only one set of Lymphnodes involved at that time and are internal near the stomach and intestines. This is why no visible tumor on surface and possibly why he has discomfort when eating. She did say the meds can help (pred and nausea med) only if he can hold them down and not vomit. She was going to give me something for his gas or upset stomach as well. I hope this works. I feel that if he just eats it will get his strength and energy levels back. This will help if chemo is used. Is ther a place I can go research the different types of Lymphoma and stages so I can better understand it?

08-27-2010, 04:17 PM	#13 (permalink)
Meesh Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Washington Township (Sewell), NJ Posts: 329	Don't worry about sounding like a basket case. We've all been there. I couldn't NOT cry for the first month after Hammy was diagnosed. I immersed myself in the internet learning everything I could about this retchid disease and its treatments. The first thing I learned is that the information is overwhelming; the second thing I learned is that there is a lot of conflicting information out there and some that is just plain BS. I bought 3 books, two of which I found immensely helpful: "Help Your Dog Fight Cancer" by Laurie Kaplan (whose own dog Bullet survived lymphoma for 5 years) and "The Holistic Vet's Guide to Preventing and Treating Canine Cancer" by Shawn Messonier. I promise it does get easier. Once the initial shock wears off, you fall into a routine of whatever treatment regimen you choose. The beginning is scary because all you want is for them to eat and they don't and you get frustrated and it seems like a lost cause....told you, I've been there. Take deep breaths. Try the tuna water or chicken broth to get his appetite jump started. Does Dublin have a favorite treat or a people food he can't resist? Try that. As I said before, it's just important he eats something right now, not as important what that is. Hamlet gets Genesis Resources CAS Options for an antioxidant; I've heard mixed reviews (more bad than good) on K9 Immunity. CAS is a bit pricey too - $60 for 60 tablets - but it seems to be highly praised. Hammy also gets Cod Liver Oil by Nordic Naturals, two liver supplements, L-Arginine, Cosequin, and Animal Essentials Plant Enzymes and Probiotic. These were either blessed by our onc or specifically recommended by our holistic vet. I get most of Hamlet's supplements from either OnlyNaturalPet.com or DrsFosterandSmith.com. I would wait to order anything though until you talk to the oncologist on Monday. There are some schools of thought that antioxidants can potentially counteract the chemo drugs if you do decide to take that path. Keep asking questions and don't back down until you feel like you've gotten your answer. It's your baby and you're paying the bill! NOT TODAY, NOT WITHOUT A FIGHT! Michelle, Rufus & Hamlet

08-27-2010, 04:20 PM	#14 (permalink)
Meesh Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Washington Township (Sewell), NJ Posts: 329	Also, throughout chemo, Hamlet had Zofran and Cerenia for nausea and Flagyl for diarrhea on hand at all times. They always did the trick. Don't let your vet talk you out of the pills. On the natural front, Slippery Elm (available at drug stores or health food stores) is good for GI issues and canned pumpkin (not the pie filling) works for diarrhea. Michelle PS A big glass of wine works wonders for mommy, too!

08-27-2010, 05:04 PM	#15 (permalink)
DalesDublin Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 61	Dublin cant resist chick-fila chicken nugets in most cases but dont know if I should give him that with the peanut oil they cook it in. Might be hard on his stomach. Then again, if he eats it with his meds then great. Vet is giving him a soft can food of turkey and white rice. I am not happy about the rice but I think it is suppose to help with the diarrhea. I want to feed him infant baby food like chicken with gravy or beef with broth. I tried that last night and he couldnt handle it. Of course, he did not have anything for nausea at the time. I pick him up in 30 minutes and just pray he held his food down. Once again thanks for the advice and the nice words of thought.

08-27-2010, 05:14 PM	#16 (permalink)
Meesh Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Washington Township (Sewell), NJ Posts: 329	Like I said, don't be so concerned about what he eats, as long as he eats something. Once he gets his appetite back, you can worry about the "what". BTW, I rechecked my bottle of CAS...it's $60 for 120 tablets. Still not cheap but better than I remembered. Have a good night with Dublin! You guys will be in my thoughts. Michelle, Rufus & Hamlet

08-27-2010, 05:16 PM	#17 (permalink)
Meesh Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Washington Township (Sewell), NJ Posts: 329	I think the chicken nuggets would be a good idea just pace his intake. A bite then wait 15 minutes and so on. Michelle

08-27-2010, 08:20 PM	#19 (permalink)
DalesDublin Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 61	Got him back from the Vet and, WOW what a difference it made. They said to try just a 1/4 ounce of liguid food 6 to 8 times a day with the pred and go from there. I saw a big change in his behavior. He was happy and even gave me a tail wag. I walked him around the neighberhood, actually only a few houses from mineto visit people that gave him treats. He did not take the treats. To my surprise he started to eat the dried cat food one of my neighbers just put out for a stray cat. Not sure I should have let him but what the heck. Going to google about cat food and dogs and see if its okay to do. I will try chicken nuggets tomorrow. I am so happy for Dublin because I can tell he feels so much better. Something inside me keeps telling "just get him to eat". Im not sure if they used the nausea meds or not. They did not send any home with me. I will just see how things go for a day and if he needs another shot then a shot he will get. Once again, THANK YOU it does help me to cope.

08-27-2010, 08:34 PM	#20 (permalink)
DalesDublin Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 61	Nailtek, I understand as well how you feel. You must have a small dog to weigh 3.5 pounds. Depending on the type of T cell Lymphoma it is they can live 12 to 18 months if chemo is used. Not sure how it effects a smaller dog but I would think the dosage would for the weight of the dog. I am not so happy about chemo but I want to try to do as much as I can to battle for my dog. If he is not giving up then I will not give up the fight. Monday is a big day for me on finding out what can or cant be done. I am just happy at the moment because I know Dublin is happy and feeling good. I hope the chinese meds help with the quality of life for your dog. I know we may have a few days, weeks or months left with our loves ones. I choose to spend as much time as I can with my dog and cherish every second that remains.