Guest jessicaksu125 Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 It's been years since I've posted on this site. My darling baby girl Gigi, who changed my life when I brought her home in 2007, has just been diagnosed with lymphoma. She is 6 1/2. I'm devastated and I guess I came back to this site to know that I'm not alone. Two weeks ago her lymph nodes really swelled. I took her to the vet and after a couple of tests they confirmed it, she has lymphoma. I can't afford chemo or any of the treatments that cost thousands of dollars, and my vet said that even the best treatments would only give her another year. Right now the vet is treating her with prednisone. Her energy is really low and just these past few days I noticed that she has perked up, but she's also really restless and panting a lot. I'm waiting on a call back from the vet now to find out if this is normal. I'm equally concerned about my other grey, Lizzie. She has never been alone, she and Gigi have always been very close, and I'm really concerned how she will react when the inevitable happens. She's very social, independent and outgoing. Please keep my baby girl in your thoughts as we go through this difficult time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wonder Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 I'm so sorry Check with OSU on chemo and how to get it free Quote Kari and the pups.Run free sweet Hana 9/21/08-9/12/10. Missing Sparks with every breath.Passion 10/16/02-5/25/17 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 I'm so sorry to hear your news. No advice, just hugs for you and scritchies for your two precious girlies. 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...
45MPHK9 Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 I'm so sorry to read about Gigi's diagnosis. Sending hugs to you. Quote Tricia with Kyle, our senior mutt dog Always missing Murray Maldives, Bee Wiseman, River, Hopper, Kaia, and Holly Oaks Holly“You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.“ -Bob Dylan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFullHouse Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 I'm so sorry. No advice here either. Quote Judy, mom to Darth Vader, Bandita, And Angel Forever in our hearts, DeeYoGee, Dani, Emmy, Andy, Heart, Saint, Valentino, Arrow, Gee, Bebe, Jilly Bean, Bullitt, Pistol, Junior, Sammie, Joey, Gizmo, Do Bee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
queenwinniesmom Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 I'm so sorry. You're NOT alone. My precious Patsy was only 6 as well when she was diagnosed with lymphoma, and I well understand your devastation. We did decide to try chemo, but had to stop halfway through when the cancer spread to her central nervous system, and we had to let her go. Just love your sweet girl a lot, spoil her, and cherish your time. I do hope you have as many good days as possible together. Quote Nancy, Mom to Evangelina and Kiva Missing Lacey, Patsy, Buster, my heart dog Nick, Winnie, Pollyanna, Tess, my precious Lydia, Calvin Lee, my angel butterfly Laila, and kitties Lily, Sam and Simon My Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Catsburgandhoundtown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inugrey Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 Jessica, I am so sorry Quote Colleen with Covey (Admirals Cove) and Rally (greyhound puppy)Missing my beloved boy INU (CJ Whistlindixie) my sweetest princess SALEM (CJ Little Dixie) and my baby girl ZOE (LR's Tara) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greyhoundgirl1 Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 (edited) http://forum.greytalk.com/index.php/topic/267316-questions-about-osu-ghwp-membership/page__p__4814803__hl__lymphoma__fromsearch__1#entry4814803 I think this is the Greytalk link to OSU and Dr. Couto's e-mail. ( scroll down to entry #7)My heart goes out to you having recently gone through this with my grey, Zevon. OSU did provide the chemo free. But you still have to pay to have it administered along with any blood tests. Unfortunately Zee, who was 9 1/2 did not make it. My other grey, Malley, who had lived with him all her forever home life, did adjust, so don't worry about that. Just enjoy Gigi for as long as you can. Again I am ever so sorry. I wish none of us ever had to go through this. Perhaps one day Dr. Couto and his team will come up with a cure. Edited August 15, 2011 by greyhoundgirl1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlies_Dad Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 I am so sorry. I agree with others to speak to OSU as the chemo which is not hard generally on most pups should allow you more time with her. Quote Kyle with Stewie ('Super C Ledoux, Super C Sampson x Sing It Blondie) and forever missing my three angels, Jack ('Roy Jack', Greys Flambeau x Miss Cobblepot) and Charlie ('CTR Midas Touch', Leo's Midas x Hallo Argentina) and Shelby ('Shari's Hooty', Flying Viper x Shari Carusi) running free across the bridge. Gus an coinnich sinn a'rithist my boys and little girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbhounds Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 Did you have any other tests performed besides a fna? A biopsy or other tests will give a better idea what you are dealing with (t-cell vs b-cell, stage etc..). OSU would want that data if available. The panting and restlessness are most likely a side effect of the prednisone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 I am sorry to read of your girl's diagnosis. Sometimes we spend the money and the results are the same. Many people have walked in your shoes. You will do what is best for you and spend your time loving your girl. G-d bless. 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...
sabrina Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 Oh I am sorry for Gigi & you Quote Caroline, Mom to Daphne (49B-50215) and Penny (41D-55779)Remembering Bridge Angels Margo and Sabrina Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jessicaksu125 Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 Thanks, all. Just left a message for OSU. Called the vet and they said to take the prednisone down to once a day. The vet took regular blood tests and aspirates of the lymph nodes, sorry I don't know the specific names! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carronstar Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 I am so sorry to hear this news. I have missed seeing your posts and your two girls. Sending lots of prayers and good thoughts for your girl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macoduck Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 Jessica, I've missed hearing stories about your girls. Please share more when you can. Sending good thoughts your way....... Quote Freshy (Droopys Fresh), NoAh the podenco orito, Howie the portuguese podengo maneto Angels: Rita the podenco maneta, Lila, the podenco, Mr X aka Denali, Lulu the podenco andaluz, Hada the podenco maneta, Georgie Girl (UMR Cordella), Charlie the iggy, Mazy (CBR Crazy Girl), Potato, my mystery ibizan girl, Allen (M's Pretty Boy), Percy (Fast But True), Mikey (Doray's Patuti), Pudge le mutt, Tessa the iggy, Possum (Apostle), Gracie (Dusty Lady), Harold (Slatex Harold), "Cousin" Simon our step-iggy, Little Dude the iggy ,Bandit (Bb Blue Jay), Niña the galgo, Wally (Allen Hogg), Thane (Pog Mo Thoine), Oliver (JJ Special Agent), Comet, & Rosie our original mutt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MerlinsMum Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 Jessica, I have been thinking of you and the girls daily since I heard about Gigi. I am absolutely gutted for you and I am still finding it hard to believe. I can't even begin to imagine the anguish you must be experiencing. I am glad you got in touch with OSU... I hope they can help. I agree that the panting may be a side effect of being on prednisone. Is she drinking a lot more too? My thoughts are with you and the girls. Please lean on us for support, we're here for you :grouphug Quote Kerry with Lupin in beautiful coastal Maine. Missing Pippin, my best friend and sweet little heart-healer 2013-2023 Also missing the best wizard in the world, Merlin, and my sweet 80lb limpet, Sagan, every single day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duncan41 Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 I am so sorry that you received this diagnosis. Having lost my first greyt dog to lymphosarcoma, I can sympathize with how your world has been turned upside down. I know it's hard, but try to stay in the moment with Gigi because that's what she does. She doesn't know how sick she is and she wants everything to be just as it has always been. Wish I had known that 5 years ago. Sending prayers and hugs. Quote Linda, Mom to Fuzz, Barkley, and the felines Miss Kitty, Simon and Joseph.Waiting at The Bridge: Alex, Josh, Harley, Nikki, Beemer, Anna, Frank, Rachel, my heart & soul, Suze and the best boy ever, Dalton.<p> ....for all those hounds that are sick, hurt, lost or waiting for their forever homes. SENIORS ROCK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jessicaksu125 Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 Thanks for the support. I'm trying to do as much as I can with Gigi as I can. I've noticed Lizzie has been a lot nicer to her, too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedSquare Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 I am really sorry. I cried when I read it. Wishing you sweet and wonderful days with your girl. Quote Taunya and her Supreme Grace, Anna - Sharsanna (Kiowa Sweet Trey x Camden Coming), Surge (no races), Kelsos Yorktown (Trent Lee x Kelsos Spotswood), Galgo Espanol - Valentin. Forever waitin' on Red (Kiowa Mon Manny x Bella Ionic). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Audeamus Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 I'm so sorry to hear the news about Gigi. Good luck to her, you and Lizzie. :grouphug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joejoesmom Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 First, I wanted to say how sorry I am for you and Gigi. I lost my Twistie recently, she had lymphoma but kidney disease is what got her. The procedure for contacting OSU has changed. You need to submit a consult request from their website. There is no charge for the consult request: https://greyhound.osu.edu/consultationservice/ Even if you get free chemo from them, there is still a charge by your local vet to administer it. If you decide that this is not possible financially, you might look into adding leukeran to the prednisone. This is a mild chemo agent that is fairly inexpensive. It is a capsule so you just give it to her at home. I got mine for Twister from Diamondback Pharmacy in Arizona (on the advice of OSU). It was about $35 for 6 weeks, but Twister was smaller than a greyhound-- about 40 pounds. OSU told me that the mean time of survival of Twister's lymphoma (B cell, stage IVa) for the Wisconsin CHOP protocol was 14 months. With just prednisone it would be about 4 weeks. I tried the CHOP protocol for 3 weeks but Twister's already bad kidneys got significantly worse (OSU said that it wasn't from the chemo, but simply failing kidneys due to her age). The CHOP protocol did put her lymphoma in complete remission. At this point it became more likely that she would die from kidney disease than lymphoma so we switched her to the less aggressive leukeran/prednisone treatment. She came out of remission but the growth of the lymphoma was very slow. She lasted about another 3 months before the kidneys became bad enough I had to help her to the bridge. Twister was almost 15 (she was 1/2 whippet, not a greyhound). So for a 6 1/2 year old, you probably don't need to worry about kidneys. The prognosis depends on the type (B cell or T cell) and the stage. They can determine the type from a blood test (flow cytometry) -- not terribly expensive but if it won't affect how you treat Gigi I wouldn't spend the money (i.e. if you aren't going to do chemo, no sense to test). I believe that they stage it from a physical exam along with standard blood tests. Someone else might be able to confirm this. I hope this info helps. I will keep you and Gigi in my thoughts and prayers. Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyPoopon Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 I'm so sorry. I hope Gigi has lots of good time left with you. Quote Standard Poodle Daisy (12/13) Missing Cora (RL Nevada 5/99-10/09), Piper (Cee Bar Easy 2/99-1/10), Tally (Thunder La La 9/99-3/10), Edie (Daring Reva 9/99-10/12), Dixie (Kiowa Secret Sue 11/01-1/13), Jessie (P's Real Time 11/98-3/13), token boy Graham (Zydeco Dancer 9/00-5/13), Cal (Back Already 12/99-11/13), Betsy (Back Kick Beth 11/98-12/13), Standard Poodles Minnie (1/99-1/14) + Perry (9/98-2/14), Annie (Do Marcia 9/03-10/14), Pink (Miss Pinky Baker 1/02-6/15), Poppy (Cmon Err Not 8/05-1/16), Kat (Jax Candy 5/05-5/17), Ivy (Jax Isis 10/07-7/21), Hildy (Braska Hildy 7/10-12/22), Opal (Jax Opal 7/08-4/23). Toodles (BL Toodles 7/09-4/24) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jessicaksu125 Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Thanks. I am getting extremely irritated with OSU. I did the online consult request, they emailed me back and gave me a number to call, I've left two voicemails and nada Joejoesmom what part of central ohio are you in? Thanks for the advice. I will mention the drug you suggested to my vet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jessicaksu125 Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Guess I was calling the wrong number, got through to them, but unfortunately the cost they're quoting me might still be prohibitive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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