Gilroy has lymphoma

[debbie knowles]

Yes, Linda...my Goliath lived to age 13 and as a matter of fact, this Saturday will be a year since I helped him assume his royal post at the Bridge. You know how I miss him....he was a sweetie and so very special.

I was going to tell you that Aimee's Baxter has been diagnosed with a brain tumor and she has gone to great lengths to find all the best natural and holistic supplements to help him feel the best he can in the time he has left as she too opted to not take the surgery or chemo route due to the lackluster prognosis they were given. But I am sure she would love to hear from you and share with you the info she has received from her extensive research and consultations. There is a thread about Baxter in the Health forum and as I said I am sure Aimee would do anything she could to help you with possible options for Gilroy. Please give her a shout, OK? djk

 

[Linda/NJ]

Sorry to hear about Gilroy being sick:( Don't know what to say but keeping Gilroy & You in my thoughts & prayers. {{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}

 

[ljnash]

I'm so sorry to hear about Gilroy. You are right, this is the best place to come where people know exactly how you feel about your furbabies! You will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

 

[Lava Linda]

Gilroy's breathing was more difficult last night, and he failed to jump onto the bed. He starts prednisone today. I asked the vet what I should do if he has an acute breathing crisis, and she said not to expect that...to expect more of a daily decline and where I draw the line is up to me.

Dealing with pred. treatment will be hard if the weather gets cold again. She said I can't leave him inside for even a couple hours because of frequent urination. Today it in the 60's, calm and sunny, so he's outside for the first day this week.

This morning he was whining under his breath and wouldn't put weight on one hind leg. In a just a few days I can see him starting to decline rapidly. I can't bring him to work with me every day...although maybe I could leave him in my station wagon and walk him hourly...Maybe that would help Purdy get used to spending time alone, too.

Heaven help me do the right thing...

 

[LuVsHeRBoXeR]

Gilroy's breathing was more difficult last night, and he failed to jump onto the bed. He starts prednisone today. I asked the vet what I should do if he has an acute breathing crisis, and she said not to expect that...to expect more of a daily decline and where I draw the line is up to me.

Dealing with pred. treatment will be hard if the weather gets cold again. She said I can't leave him inside for even a couple hours because of frequent urination. Today it in the 60's, calm and sunny, so he's outside for the first day this week.

This morning he was whining under his breath and wouldn't put weight on one hind leg. In a just a few days I can see him starting to decline rapidly. I can't bring him to work with me every day...although maybe I could leave him in my station wagon and walk him hourly...Maybe that would help Purdy get used to spending time alone, too.

Heaven help me do the right thing...

You WILL do the right thing! You WILL know when the right time is. Gilroy will let you know when the correct time is. Your post brings back immediate memories of Tomi. He lost control of his hind legs also. I set my alarm for every two hours every night. I carried him off the bed and took him out every two hours to go potty. I hurt for you and I DO HOPE you find peace through this and also after. I would have a friend babsit him while I went to the first week of classes this semester. It was so difficult. I wish I could help you out and babysit him for you while you go to work. Please let us know how things are going. I am sooo sorry you have to go through this. This disease is so very unfair and takes lives away that have not lived to the fullest. Tomi will be at the bridge waiting for him when the time is right

 

[Aimee]

Dealing with pred. treatment will be hard if the weather gets cold again. She said I can't leave him inside for even a couple hours because of frequent urination. Today it in the 60's, calm and sunny, so he's outside for the first day this week.

Linda,

I too am glad to see you back, although I also wish it were for different circumstances.

My Baxter is also on daily prednisone therapy and it is not as terrible as your vet made it sound. Once you start the pred, within 48 hours, most people see a miraculous difference in their animals. We definantly did. Luckily, Baxter's supplements seem to have helped ease some of the nasty side effects of the prednisone. Baxter is in the house while we are gone to work and he does great. I leave at 6:30 a.m. and we have a petsitter who comes at 11:00 a.m. and then I am home by 5:30 p.m. He does great with this schedule. In the beginning, it was an adjustment though. Baxter would leak at night and had to be let out in the wee hours of the morning. Now, he sleeps through the night and only has leaking when he has been stressed (too much activity in the house). We bought a pad to put on the bed and we cover it with towels and Baxter sleeps on it so it doesn't ruin our mattress if he has an accident in the middle of the night. Rest assured, Gilroy can still enjoy the comforts of the house once he gets used to the schedule that you put him on.

Like Debbie said, we have had great luck in extending Baxter's quality of life with holistic treatments. If you have any questions about what we have pursued, I'd love to hear from you.

Hugs to you and Gilroy. I know what you are going through, it's a really tough road. We are here if you need us. It was an emotional roller coaster ride when we first heard Baxter's diagnosis. Now, I feel blessed that we have been given the opportunity to spoil Baxter rotten and that we can take the time to really make these last months special. Once you have had time to digest everything, I promise, you too will begin to make peace with Gilroy's disease. It doesn't get easier, but you do make peace with it.

Aimee

 

[hanley]

I'm so sorry for your sad news about Gilroy, wishing you the best & sending prayers your way.Give Gilroy a big kiss from me.LOL, Hanley

 

[sashamom]

I am so sorry to hear how your baby's condition is depleting so rapidly....I don't know what i would do....The only positive thing i can think of is ....i would rather go quickly(like our babies do) than to wilt away day by day, year by year as us humans do....Does not make the situation easier but i find some comfort in that.....I wish you love, strength, and courage....

 

[carole]

Sorry to hear about Gilroy. Will be thinking of you all

 

[Lava Linda]

Thank you all so much. It makes it much easier to know you all care and understand...

Gilroy seems improved today after almost 24 hours of prednisone, but he's urinating very frequently, sometimes asking to go out every 15 minutes or so. This morning he had trouble urinating, just a thin erratic stream came out and he appeared to be straining. Later it was fine so I'm hopeful it won't become a separate problem.

His breathing was clear, and I'm thankful for the reprieve. Last night I was convinced today would be the end, but now I can look forward (I think) to a wonderful weekend with him, and we'll go to the lake, snuggle...all that good stuff.

Aimee, I'd love to learn more about what you've done. Would you email me at llhirst@primate.ucdavis.edu when you have time? Thank you soooo much.