Rickiesmom Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 That's great news, Lucy! Hopefully the pred will help him feel well for a long time to come. x 2 !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest dmt Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 Good news! Here's to improvement continuing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Gemma Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 WOW you guys, Jabari had his first dose of pred last night, and this morning he woke me up by FLYING onto my bed & begging for breakfast. He hasn't had the energy to jump on or off my bed for weeks now. I'm shocked by the difference after 1 dose!!! I know this is not a cure, but I am just so ecstatic to see the spark back in Jabari. Today is going to be a good day I want to thank each and every one of you for your posts. They have meant so much to me. I don't know what I'd do w/o GT. You guys have been Jabari's extended family for almost 10 years now! Yah! I hope he continues to feel better. You two deserve more quality time together! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duncan41 Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 I was so stressed to see Jabari had a setback and so pleased to read of his new lease on life! Hope it continues!!! 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...
carronstar Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 That spark is a wonderful thing to see! So happy to hear that Jabari is feeling better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krissn333 Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 Oh Lucy I'm SO happy to read this! Prednisone was a miracle for Carrie when she hurt her back-overnight she was a different dog! Kristin in Moline, IL USA with Ozzie (MRL Crusin Clem), Clarice (Clarice McBones), Latte and Sage the IGs, and the kitties: Violet and Rose Lovingly Remembered: Sutra (Fliowa Sutra) 12/02/97-10/12/10, Pinky (Pick Me) 04/20/03-11/19/12, Fritz (Fritz Fire) 02/05/01 - 05/20/13, Ace (Fantastic Ace) 02/05/01 - 07/05/13, and Carrie (Takin the Crumbs) 05/08/99 - 09/04/13. A cure for cancer can't come soon enough.-- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PatricksMom Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 Glad to hear he's feeling better again. Beth, Petey (8 September 2018- ), and Faith (22 March 2019). Godspeed Patrick (28 April 1999 - 5 August 2012), Murphy (23 June 2004 - 27 July 2013), Leo (1 May 2009 - 27 January 2020), and Henry (10 August 2010 - 7 August 2020), you were loved more than you can know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greyhead Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 We're all beyond relieved, I'm sure, and so happy for you and Jabari! Mary with Jumper Jack (2/17/11) and angels Shane (PA's Busta Rime, 12/10/02 - 10/14/16) and Spencer (Dutch Laser, 11/25/00 - 3/29/13). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlies_Dad Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 Fantastic news!!! So happy to read this. 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...
moosesmom Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 Great to hear that he is feeling better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dante2zoe Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 Yay! Cindy with Miss Fancypants, Paris Bueller, Zeke, and Angus Dante (Dg's Boyd), Zoe (In a While), Brady (Devilish Effect), Goose (BG Shotgun), Maverick (BG ShoMe), Maggie (All Trades Jax), Sherman (LNB Herman Bad) and Indy (BYB whippet) forever in my heart The flame that burns the brightest, burns the fastest and leaves the biggest shadow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyPoopon Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 That's wonderful! I hope the pred keeps him going for a long time. [Minnie was put on pred a few months ago because she wasn't eating. She's feeling so much better.] 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...
VinnieAndRexsMom Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 Lucy, I am just now seeing this. I am so sorry Jabari hasn't been feeling well. I'm glad he is having a good day today. You are so right... make every moment count! Hugs for you and your little sweetie! Tonya, mom to May, and my angels Vinnie, Rex, Red, Chase, and Jake. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbullwinkel Posted March 17, 2013 Share Posted March 17, 2013 I am so happy the pred is helping Jibari! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesiRayMom Posted March 17, 2013 Share Posted March 17, 2013 Good news!!!!! But, prayers still coming!!!! Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BleuDog Posted March 17, 2013 Share Posted March 17, 2013 Fingers & toes & tails crossed..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RileysLegacy Posted March 20, 2013 Author Share Posted March 20, 2013 Jabari's neck lymph nodes are swollen now I thought they might be a couple days ago but wasn't sure. Today there is no question he's still eating well & doesn't seem to be in any pain, but his energy seems to be getting a bit lower each day. I'm thinking he must have lymphoma. I just emailed my vet. Hopefully she'll hae some suggestions, but from what I've read briefly, it seems like pred is probably all she can do besides chemo. this sucks :brokenheart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krissn333 Posted March 20, 2013 Share Posted March 20, 2013 No. Nonononononono. It can't be. I'm glad he's eating well. Cherish every day. I'm hoping you'll have a lot more of them, Lucy Kristin in Moline, IL USA with Ozzie (MRL Crusin Clem), Clarice (Clarice McBones), Latte and Sage the IGs, and the kitties: Violet and Rose Lovingly Remembered: Sutra (Fliowa Sutra) 12/02/97-10/12/10, Pinky (Pick Me) 04/20/03-11/19/12, Fritz (Fritz Fire) 02/05/01 - 05/20/13, Ace (Fantastic Ace) 02/05/01 - 07/05/13, and Carrie (Takin the Crumbs) 05/08/99 - 09/04/13. A cure for cancer can't come soon enough.-- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RileysLegacy Posted March 20, 2013 Author Share Posted March 20, 2013 Now I'm second guessing my decision not to pursue further treatment. Would you guys do chemo on a 14 year old dog? My vet said it would make him feel sick. I just can't see making his last days/weeks/months sick ones. I think I'd rather him be happy & pain free for a shorter time, than be dealing w/ side effects of meds for a bit longer. Or is that giving up on him?? Of course I selfishly want him here with me as long as possible, but I know no matter what it won't be long enough... I just want to make sure I'm doing the right thing for my baby boy who I love with all my heart & soul... :weep All opinions are welcomed! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeylasMom Posted March 20, 2013 Share Posted March 20, 2013 Lucy, other people will have better answers specific to lymphoma, but my understanding based on chemo treatments for dogs with osteo is that the dosage is lower relatively than it is for humans so that the dog doesn't experience those same side effects (intentionally). Some dogs do have a day or two of nausea where they go off of their food in a course of chemo treatments, but that can generally be managed with an anti-nausea medication. I don't know what the chemo schedule for lymphoma is, or whether side effects may be different, but I certainly wouldn't rule it out just yet. I'm sorry it's looking like cancer for your little guy. Hoping you have lots and lots of time left wtih him. Jen, CPDT-KA with Zuri, lab in a greyhound suit, Violet, formerly known as Faith, Skye, the permanent puppy, Cisco, resident cat, and my baby girl Neyla, forever in my heart "The great thing about science is that you're free to disagree with it, but you'll be wrong." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krissn333 Posted March 20, 2013 Share Posted March 20, 2013 I think lymphoma treatment would be Doxorubicin. I don't have personal experience with it, but I do know that Charlie (Charlie's_Dad) had Doxorubicin as his chemo protocol for osteo. IIRC he had no issues with it as far as being sick. Pinky had Carboplatin and experienced ZERO side effects. Some dogs are a little bit tired after their treatments, but other than that, most seem to tolerate it very well. IMO age is just a number here. You have to consider everything else. Prior to him getting sick, was he still happy and lively? I seem to remember that he was. You can always try one treatment and see how he handles it. If he doesn't handle it well, you don't HAVE to continue treatments. Whatever choice you make Lucy, will be made with love. You know him better than anyone, and you know what he can and can't handle. Kristin in Moline, IL USA with Ozzie (MRL Crusin Clem), Clarice (Clarice McBones), Latte and Sage the IGs, and the kitties: Violet and Rose Lovingly Remembered: Sutra (Fliowa Sutra) 12/02/97-10/12/10, Pinky (Pick Me) 04/20/03-11/19/12, Fritz (Fritz Fire) 02/05/01 - 05/20/13, Ace (Fantastic Ace) 02/05/01 - 07/05/13, and Carrie (Takin the Crumbs) 05/08/99 - 09/04/13. A cure for cancer can't come soon enough.-- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJNg Posted March 20, 2013 Share Posted March 20, 2013 Chemo often doesn't make dogs sick for the reasons Jen stated. I asked our local vet oncologist about percentages once. She said that of the dogs she treated with chemo, roughly 50% don't get sick at all, and most of the other 50% get mild signs that are easily managed with anti-nausea and anti-diarrheal meds. Less than 10% of pets getting chemo get sick enough to need to be treated in the hospital. Whether to pursue further treatment in a 14-year-old dog is a very personal decision. When I was on my oncology rotation in vet school, we saw an 18-year-old chihuahua mix with lymphoma that the owner decided to treat with chemo. He responded beautifully to the treatments, but only got a couple rounds of chemo before he passed away at home a few weeks later, likely unrelated to either his cancer or chemo. Many owners decide not to pursue aggressive treatment for an older dog, usually for a combination of reasons, including practical ones like cost and long-term expectations. In Jabari's case, you don't have a definite diagnosis yet, so that would be the first step if you decide to go any further. Is there an oncologist, or at least an internal medicine specialist, you can consult with? If it is lymphoma, the platelet abnormalities makes it suspicious that the cancer is in his bone marrow, which unfortunately usually means a worse prognosis. And the fact that he's been on pred may decrease the response to chemo. The longer he's on the pred the more it may interfere with chemo, so if you decide to seek further treatment, you'll probably want to do it asap. There are a number of different chemo protocols for lymphoma, which is why it's best to consult with an oncologist or internist regarding the options. Best wishes for your little boy, regardless of which route you decide to take. Jennifer & Willow (Wilma Waggle), Wiki (Wiki Hard Ten), Carter (Let's Get It On), Ollie (whippet), Gracie (whippet x), & Terra (whippet) + Just Saying + Just Alice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyTzu Posted March 20, 2013 Share Posted March 20, 2013 :grouphug Wendy and The Whole Wherd. American by birth, Southern by choice. "Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup!" ****OxyFresh Vendor ID is 180672239.**** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted March 20, 2013 Share Posted March 20, 2013 no experience, so I have no advice, but cherish every day with him, I hope there are many more! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RileysLegacy Posted March 20, 2013 Author Share Posted March 20, 2013 Chemo often doesn't make dogs sick for the reasons Jen stated. I asked our local vet oncologist about percentages once. She said that of the dogs she treated with chemo, roughly 50% don't get sick at all, and most of the other 50% get mild signs that are easily managed with anti-nausea and anti-diarrheal meds. Less than 10% of pets getting chemo get sick enough to need to be treated in the hospital. Whether to pursue further treatment in a 14-year-old dog is a very personal decision. When I was on my oncology rotation in vet school, we saw an 18-year-old chihuahua mix with lymphoma that the owner decided to treat with chemo. He responded beautifully to the treatments, but only got a couple rounds of chemo before he passed away at home a few weeks later, likely unrelated to either his cancer or chemo. Many owners decide not to pursue aggressive treatment for an older dog, usually for a combination of reasons, including practical ones like cost and long-term expectations. In Jabari's case, you don't have a definite diagnosis yet, so that would be the first step if you decide to go any further. Is there an oncologist, or at least an internal medicine specialist, you can consult with? If it is lymphoma, the platelet abnormalities makes it suspicious that the cancer is in his bone marrow, which unfortunately usually means a worse prognosis. And the fact that he's been on pred may decrease the response to chemo. The longer he's on the pred the more it may interfere with chemo, so if you decide to seek further treatment, you'll probably want to do it asap. There are a number of different chemo protocols for lymphoma, which is why it's best to consult with an oncologist or internist regarding the options. Best wishes for your little boy, regardless of which route you decide to take. thank you, that is good info about chemo. I've been doing a lot of reading & was just going to post a lot of the same things you did about the pred & his platelets, & his age. My vet was quite concerned about this new development so we have an early morning appt tomorrow. Hopefully there will be some definitive answers as far as diagnosis and we can go from there. I've been thinking long and hard about his quality of life, and while I still think it is quite good at this point, he hasn't been well for months now. He spends almost all his time in his crate or beds on the floor, never jumps on furniture anymore. He no longer barks at other dogs when we go for walks, and these last few weeks I end up carrying him home sometimes. Most of his attitude is gone, and most of his spark. All that said, he is still eating well, loves treats, laying in the sun, comes to me for attention & gives lots of kisses. He doesn't seem to be in any distress, other than those few days he had a fever. But I know from my experience with Riley having osteo, that it's not always apparent when they are in pain. I will find out what my options are. I'm still leaning towards no chemo but haven't ruled it out. if he were a young dog and there was a chance of many more healthy years, there would be no question. But he is an old dog who doesn't have many more years, even if he wasn't sick right now. He's had a long, wonderful, happy life filled with adventures and so much love. I would never forgive myself if I made a choice that caused his last few days/weeks/months to be miserable b/c I'm not ready to say goodbye. I just dug up these old pictures of Jabari before I knew him. He was a champion show dog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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