Guest lynne893 Posted August 18, 2009 Share Posted August 18, 2009 Our poor Timber has alimentary lymphoma, which is a more rare form of lymphoma that affects the intestines and abdomen. She just had an ultrasound and bloodwork Saturday, and fortunately the results already came back in today. We got the call a couple of hours ago. Because this type of lymphoma affects the organs, and there was evidence that it already has affected her intestines and stomach, it's classified as stage 4. So, we have to make the dreaded decision (to have chemo or not to treat), and quickly. Timber's blood panels came back normal, other than slightly low B12. She turns 10 October 21. Her 6th gotcha day is September 19. With chemotherapy (the Madison Wisconsin protocol), the average prognosis is 1 year. With just palliative care-- giving her Prednisone to keep her comfortable-- her prognosis is 1 month. We've already spent a LOT of money getting to this point, and we could not easily afford chemo treatments ($200- $300/week, once a week for 6 weeks, then tapering off to every two weeks, then every three weeks... plus a $500 treatment 4-5 times/year). More importantly, I don't want to see her any more uncomfortable than she's already been. I fear her getting skeletal, or something catastrophic going wrong and having to make "the decision" out of panic or worst case/ have no other choice moment. Do you know what I mean? I just don't want to see her endure more pain or suffer. I'm so grateful for this community. Timber is my heart dog, my best friend. Of all the greyhounds at the rescue available for adoption, she chose me 6 years ago, and I am so indebted to her for brightening my life these last 6 years. I don't know what to do. I know what the end will be, ultimately, and it will be from this ugly disease (my dad had non-hodgkins lymphoma, and passed away 10 years ago when I was 19-- I HATE this disease!). But it's such a weight to have to make the right decision. I don't know what to do. I'm so sad and scared to say goodbye. Please wish us courage. Thank you for listening. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valencia Posted August 18, 2009 Share Posted August 18, 2009 I just lost my Sydney Sue to Lymphoma. Because of her age (she was almost 10, too) and because of my financial situation, I opted not to do chemo. She was on prednisone. I think we had about 8 weeks post diagnosis together. I do not regret for one second my decision (I do regret treating with higher doses of prednisone after the first mini-remission, but that is another story). I think even if I had done the chemo, and ultimately lost her, I would still wish for "one more day". She had good days up until the end; she ultimately lost the battle not because of the cancer, but because of the side effects of the prednisone. I really feel for you, you are going to make one of the hardest decisions involving out beloved babies. Just remember, there is no right or wrong decision... we do the best we can with what we know. :grouphug Quote Shannon, mom to Shae, Jesse James and Linus the Chinese Cresteds,and bridge angels Sydney Sue and Stewart. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest FullMetalFrank Posted August 18, 2009 Share Posted August 18, 2009 So sorry to hear this; sending you prayers for more good time with Timber. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest PhillyPups Posted August 18, 2009 Share Posted August 18, 2009 to you and for Timber. Enjoy the moments - they are all we have anyway. You will do what is best for you and Timber and Timber will love you for that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greytful4 Posted August 18, 2009 Share Posted August 18, 2009 Our poor Timber has alimentary lymphoma, which is a more rare form of lymphoma that affects the intestines and abdomen. She just had an ultrasound and bloodwork Saturday, and fortunately the results already came back in today. We got the call a couple of hours ago. Because this type of lymphoma affects the organs, and there was evidence that it already has affected her intestines and stomach, it's classified as stage 4. So, we have to make the dreaded decision (to have chemo or not to treat), and quickly. Timber's blood panels came back normal, other than slightly low B12. She turns 10 October 21. Her 6th gotcha day is September 19. With chemotherapy (the Madison Wisconsin protocol), the average prognosis is 1 year. With just palliative care-- giving her Prednisone to keep her comfortable-- her prognosis is 1 month. We've already spent a LOT of money getting to this point, and we could not easily afford chemo treatments ($200- $300/week, once a week for 6 weeks, then tapering off to every two weeks, then every three weeks... plus a $500 treatment 4-5 times/year). More importantly, I don't want to see her any more uncomfortable than she's already been. I fear her getting skeletal, or something catastrophic going wrong and having to make "the decision" out of panic or worst case/ have no other choice moment. Do you know what I mean? I just don't want to see her endure more pain or suffer. I'm so grateful for this community. Timber is my heart dog, my best friend. Of all the greyhounds at the rescue available for adoption, she chose me 6 years ago, and I am so indebted to her for brightening my life these last 6 years. I don't know what to do. I know what the end will be, ultimately, and it will be from this ugly disease (my dad had non-hodgkins lymphoma, and passed away 10 years ago when I was 19-- I HATE this disease!). But it's such a weight to have to make the right decision. I don't know what to do. I'm so sad and scared to say goodbye. Please wish us courage. Thank you for listening. I soooo know how you feel, Kylie was my heart dog too! Just love on your girl as much as you can and one day she'll let you know when she's ready.Hugs to you as you travel down this road... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Energy11 Posted August 18, 2009 Share Posted August 18, 2009 Sending love and prayers to your and Timber. I would just keep her comfortable and enjoy your time with her. Take a day or two to let this sink in, before you make a decision on the chemo, one way or the other. Good Luck, and lots of love! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted August 18, 2009 Share Posted August 18, 2009 Sending prayers for you and your sweet pup. 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...
Guest houndhome Posted August 18, 2009 Share Posted August 18, 2009 (edited) My ten year old male, Tigger, is in week 5 of treatment for regular lymphoma (stage IIIA). He is on a modified Madison Protocol (our oncologist throws in two weeks of radiation). He made complete remission in week 3. We get his chemo free from the Greyhound Wellness Project at Ohio State - http://www.vet.ohio-state.edu/GHWP.htm. As I understand it, all greyhounds are eligible to get free injectable chemo through this program. Have your oncologist fax the diagnosis over to them, tell them what chemo she/he is using on what week, and they will send the chemo to your oncologist weekly. This lowers our weekly bill to $100-150 a week, still expensive, but we can handle that. This is still a huge decision of what to do. Even with the chemo provided, the costs for Tigger's care will run around $3K-$4K for the 30 week program. I have no idea how responsive Timber's lymp is to chemo, but the oncologist told us that even if Tigger were stage IVa, it would still be very treatable. Tigger will likely be in remission until he is about 12 years-old, and when it comes back, we will not go with chemo again. On the positive side, he is doing great on the chemo and most weeks we can't even tell he had any medicine. I suspect hearing such positive news does not make your decision any easier, but I thought you would want to know. Good luck in your decision! It will be the right one no matter what you decide. Edited August 18, 2009 by houndhome Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MZH Posted August 18, 2009 Share Posted August 18, 2009 What houndhome says! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VinnieAndRexsMom Posted August 18, 2009 Share Posted August 18, 2009 I am so sorry for your news I know your fears and I didn't want to be in the same situation with my Vinnie. He did not have the same thing, but we could have ended up in the same place. I will be thinking of you both... Quote Tonya, mom to May, and my angels Vinnie, Rex, Red, Chase, and Jake. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greymama002 Posted August 19, 2009 Share Posted August 19, 2009 for you & Timber Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greytexplorer Posted August 19, 2009 Share Posted August 19, 2009 so sorry you have to travel down that cr@ppy road ~Pat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest vahoundlover Posted August 19, 2009 Share Posted August 19, 2009 so sorry you have to travel down that cr@ppy road ~Pat Me too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MorganKonaAlex Posted August 19, 2009 Share Posted August 19, 2009 We get his chemo free from the Greyhound Wellness Project at Ohio State - http://www.vet.ohio-state.edu/GHWP.htm. As I understand it, all greyhounds are eligible to get free injectable chemo through this program. Just FYI - I think a greyhound has to be a retired racer to qualify. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest lynne893 Posted August 19, 2009 Share Posted August 19, 2009 Thank you all, so much. Houndshome, I do appreciate the information about OSU's Greyhound Wellness Program. Cost is a major factor. I spoke w/ Timber's regular vet today who consulted with the specialist and it just doesn't sound like chemo has a good shot for Timber's lymphoma. Timber hates vet appointments and bruises easily. She just comes out of intensive vet appointments worse for the wear sometimes, and to think of having to put her through that once or twice a week for a long time, to what outcome.... it just saddens me. I feel like I'm giving her a death sentence. I know that's irrational, but you can't help the guilt. Thank you all for being there. I'm just starting to tell family and friends and it's really hard to say the words "Timber has cancer." We're going to start up with Prednisone tomorrow. I know there are lots of hounds in need out there right now. Let's keep putting our collective energies toward helping them get through what ails them. Thank you for keeping Timber in your heart, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valencia Posted August 19, 2009 Share Posted August 19, 2009 I'm so sorry. Please feel good about your decision - you are doing the best thing you can for Timber. :grouphug Quote Shannon, mom to Shae, Jesse James and Linus the Chinese Cresteds,and bridge angels Sydney Sue and Stewart. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scooby172 Posted August 19, 2009 Share Posted August 19, 2009 My grey Flash was diagnosed with GI Lymphoma. My vet said the chemo was not that effective on this type of cancer, this was several years ago. Flash lived a good seven months after diagnosis on preventive care, some pred and meds for diarrhea. He was good, but thin until the last day of his life. Good luck to you. Linda, Keeva, Valor and Bella Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magdalyn58 Posted August 19, 2009 Share Posted August 19, 2009 My thoughts and prayers are with you and Timber. :candle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinw Posted August 19, 2009 Share Posted August 19, 2009 I'm so sorry. you're not giving her a death sentence, you're helping to make her life pain free...there's a huge difference Quote Xavi the galgo and Peter the cat. Missing Iker the galgo ?-Feb.9/19, Treasure (USS Treasure) April 12/01-May 6/13, Phoenix (Hallo Top Son) Dec.14/99-June 4/11 and Loca (Reko Swahili) Oct.9/95 - June 1/09, Allen the boss cat, died late November, 2021, age 19. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jerrybird Posted August 19, 2009 Share Posted August 19, 2009 It's a tough road to travel. Our hearts are with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted August 19, 2009 Share Posted August 19, 2009 (edited) I feel like I'm giving her a death sentence. From all your words, you've chosen the path that is in her best interests. Can't change how you feel but, for what it's worth, I too would choose not to do chemo. Sending lots of hugs. Edited August 19, 2009 by Batmom 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...
greylyn Posted August 19, 2009 Share Posted August 19, 2009 I'm so sorry. you're not giving her a death sentence, you're helping to make her life pain free...there's a huge difference I agree! I would do exactly what you are doing and I would feel just as terrible as you do. Doing the right thing doesn't always feel good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest GreenGreys Posted August 19, 2009 Share Posted August 19, 2009 Lynne, my heart hurts for you. We do the very best that we can. That is all you can ask of yourself, and you are doing it. Cyber hugs to you and Timber. Pat, Ranger the tripod, 2 other hounds, 1 whippet in Georgia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest TBSFlame Posted August 19, 2009 Share Posted August 19, 2009 I am so sorry. I to would do exactly what you are thinking of doing. It is tough. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Energy11 Posted August 19, 2009 Share Posted August 19, 2009 Thank you all, so much. Houndshome, I do appreciate the information about OSU's Greyhound Wellness Program. Cost is a major factor. I spoke w/ Timber's regular vet today who consulted with the specialist and it just doesn't sound like chemo has a good shot for Timber's lymphoma. Timber hates vet appointments and bruises easily. She just comes out of intensive vet appointments worse for the wear sometimes, and to think of having to put her through that once or twice a week for a long time, to what outcome.... it just saddens me. I feel like I'm giving her a death sentence. I know that's irrational, but you can't help the guilt. Thank you all for being there. I'm just starting to tell family and friends and it's really hard to say the words "Timber has cancer." We're going to start up with Prednisone tomorrow. I know there are lots of hounds in need out there right now. Let's keep putting our collective energies toward helping them get through what ails them. Thank you for keeping Timber in your heart, too. I don't do amps. I don't do chemo. That is just ME, and MY feelings. They are certainly good options, for many people and their pets, though. They offered to give my Bob (dying husband) chemo, but, his cancer was sooo far along, what was the point of making him sicker? Please don't feel "like yu are giving Timber a death sentance." You are following your heart and doing what you think is right for Timber, like I did with Bob> Lots of love and hugs coming your way! D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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