Guest CyndiW Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 The vet said it is more rare than multicentric lymphoma and it is very aggressive. Pred only will give him about 4 weeks. I am really scared but we have decided to try some chemo with the pred. He starts Wednesday with Elspar and then Vincristine next Monday. If he has many side effects that last long, I won't take him for any more. I know he may be sick or tired for a day or two but he is really too weak/thin to handle much. I haven't met the oncologist yet but she taught at Ohio State in the 90s (internal medicine, oncology, and hematology) according to the center's website so I feel that she will do what is best for him and monitor him closely. My gut tells me to just do the pred and say goodbye sooner than later. However, my husband is overseas and will be home in 4 months. He wants to be able to say goodbye also but neither of us want Alex to suffer for our own selfishness. That is what makes this so hard and my heart is just not ready to say goodbye yet (of course it never will be). I am hoping that his reaction to chemo will let us know what to do either way. Either he will continue to become weak or the chemo will fight back the cancer a bit so he can gain some weight/strength. I guess there is really no other way to do this except take it day by day and love/spoil him as much as possible. For now, he seems fairly content - eating lots of cottage cheese, soaked kibble, and baby food. His diet is so tricky because he has to have very soft food because of the esophagus mobility issues, low-fat food for pancreatitis, and now I want to watch his carbs and increase his protein because of the cancer. It is really hard to find things that he wants to eat and that fits all those requirements. Right now he is craving the cottage cheese and so far it seems to be agreeing with him well. He is still playing and gets excited about the normal things - me coming home, meal time, company, etc. but some of this is probably the pred helping out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest nerak254 Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 I am so sorry and will be thinking of all of you. I know you'll do what's best for him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest KRKWMU Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 I'm so sorry about his diagnosis. Sounds like you're doing the right thing, taking it one day and one treatment at a time. Bonnie did her first chemo treatment today (vincristine and cytoxan) and did really well. You just never know. I hope Alex tolerates the chemo and it will buy you some more time with him. Good Luck. Give him a hug for us. Let us know how things go on Wednesday. We'll be thinking of Alex this week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest goddessgina Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 I am sorry to hear about this. He will let you know what he needs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greys4Us Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 My best wishes for you. I faced the same decision not too long ago. I found that taking each day (and sometimes hour) at a time and making it special was the best way to go. Don't prolong anything. You will know exactly what to do and when. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HopeForHounds Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 I'm sorry. I hope the chemo gives you more quality time together. Quote Casual Bling & Hope for HoundsJanet & the hounds Maggie and Allen Missing my baby girl Peanut, old soul Jake, quirky Jet, Mama Grandy and my old Diva Miz Foxy; my angel, my inspiration. You all brought so much into my light, and taught me so much about the power of love, you are with me always.If you get the chance to sit it out or dance.......... I hope you dance! Missing our littlest girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 I'm sorry. Will he eat chicken or turkey or fish? Those are high protein with very little fat (depending on the type of fish). I fed Batman a lot of chicken -- poached, then pureed in my cheap blender. Had to add some of the poaching water to get it well mooshed up with no chunks. Could do the same with fresh/frozen fish. Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patricia Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 I am so sorry. Sending my many prayers. There are some babes with intestinal lymphoma doing very well on chemo. Please join the yahoo group lymphoma heartdogs. Know that you both are in my heart and my prayers. Quote Patti-Mommy of Lady Sophia 7-28-92 - 8-3-04... LaceyLaine 8-2-94-12-5-07... Flash Gordon 7-14-99 - 8-29-09... BrookLynne...Pavé Maria... and 18 Bridge Kids. WATCHING OVER US~SOPHIA~QUEENIE~LACEY LAINE~ CODY ANGELO~FLASH GORDON. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 I am so sorry for the diagnosis. I hope he will continue to feel well for a long time. Hugs for both of you. I do hate cancer. Quote Irene Ullmann w/Flying Odin and Mama Mia in Lower Delaware Angels Brandy, John E, American Idol, Paul, Fuzzy and Shine Handcrafted Greyhound and Custom Clocks http://www.houndtime.com Zoom Doggies-Racing Coats for Racing Greyhounds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greytlady94 Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 I am so sorry... sending prayers for Alex. Alex only knows the here and now, he does not know anything but how he feels right now. You will know what is right for Alex. Quote Greyhound angels at the bridge- Casey, Charlie, Maggie, Molly, Renie, Lucy & Teddy. Beagle angels Peanut and Charlie. And to all the 4 legged Bridge souls who have touched my heart, thank you. When a greyhound looks into you eyes it seems they touch your very soul. "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more then he loves himself". Josh Billings Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest CyndiW Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 He is eating a full meal about every 2-3 hours. I am hoping to build him up as much as possible for tomorrow's chemo. I have already contacted Dr. Couto. He said we are in very good hands with Dr. Valerius. He asked for his records so he can tell me more on treatment options/prognosis. I am going to wait until after she does another ultrasound tomorrow so she will be able to tell him more. He said one dose of Elspar should not cause pancreatitis (which was a big concern for me). Thank you so much for the kind words and words of wisdom/experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ss556 Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 I'm so sorry to hear about Alex's diagnosis. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4greyhounds Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 I am so sorry, we will be saying lots of prayers!!!!!! Quote Darlene Mom to: Aladdin, Sophie ,Pongo, Jasmine, Relic Forever in our Hearts Champ at the Rainbow Bridge. Let a greyhound race into your heart Adopt Bay Area Greyhound Adoptions INC. Naples/ Fort Myers Chapter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest snowberry Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 Organ meats, liver, kidney, heart, are all low-fat - if you cook them, then put them in the blender with a little beef stock or some form of liquid, you'll get something he can lap up. Not for everyday, but it's highly nutritious - unless your vet's already said they're bad for pancreatitis? (Sorry, don't know much about diet for pancreatitis.) Here's hoping the chemo gives him some quality time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scooby172 Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 I am sorry to hear of your boy's diagnosis. My 11 year old grey was diagnosed with GI Lymphoma last September. Flash was very thin but had a healthy appetite. I used cottage cheese and canned EVO for him. I opted for just prednisone and various meds to control his diarrhea. Flash lived an additional 7 months, he did well up until the end. I hope your boy does well and you have much more time with him. Good luck and I will keep you both in my thoughts. Linda, Keeva, Valor and Bella Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greybookends Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grey14me Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 Quote Michelle...forever missing her girls, Holly 5/22/99-9/13/10 and Bailey 8/1/93-7/11/05 Religion is the smile on a dog...Edie Brickell Wag more, bark less :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LadyBailey Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 I am sorry to hear this diagnosis. You know your boy best and what he can deal with. hugs to you and your husband and of course to sweet Alex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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