Gilroy has lymphoma

[Lava Linda]

Hello Boxer Friends, long time no see. It's been a few years since I posted regularly on this board. Gilroy and Purdy have been doing well until this month, when Gilroy developed enlarged lymph nodes. I just got his diagnosis today, and it's lymphoma. He still seems to feel fine except he can't catch his breath from time to time, like he has asthma. It's probably from the nodes pressing on his airways. He still has energy, good appetite, etc.

It sounds like he only has a month or so if left untreated, and maybe several months if I treat with prednisone. I'm in denial about the prognosis, since he seems to feel so well.

I don't think I'll go with Chemo due to the cost, the long distance I'd have to drive for treatments, and the iffy prognosis.

Has anyone tried Bicom treatment? A local vet recommends it, but I don't understand the concept of a machine for "balancing energy". Sounds like science fiction to me, but there must be something to it(??)

I'm pretty much in shock. I know I'm lucky to have had a healthy boxer for 9 years, but it's impossible at this moment to fathom life without Gilroy. : (

 

[Alydarling]

I'm so sorry to hear about one of your babies being sick. My best friend recently lost one of her rotts to the same thing. He was only 4 years old. She too noticed a lump and some shortness of breath one day while walking him. He was gone in just 3 months, being treated with Prednisone. So very sad because Zeus was the picture of health. Even right before he died he looked very healthy. He died in her arms at home at least surrounded by his family and two rott brothers.

She now worries that she may loose one of her other two beloved boys to the same thing but the vet said not to worry. He did tell her that Boxers, rotts and other dogs are more prone to these types of cancers though and that they are very fast acting and always fatal.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your Gilroy.

Hugs from Jennifer and Shadowfax

 

[Lava Linda]

Thank you, Jennifer. In a way, I'm glad it will move quickly. It feels selfish to wish a long, slow demise on such a sweet fellow.

I've had him since January, 1996, and we've been through a lot together. This is gonna be so very hard...and I'm thankful for this place where people understand what he means to me.

I hope Purdy, who's been at his side since she was a wee pup, will be ok when he's gone.

 

[sinbad'smom]

so sorry to hear about your baby...cherish the time you have with him....dont grieve him now...it is so hard to think of or see our babies sick and it is hard to deal with. my thoughts are with you..sloppy boxer kisses from us..dora

 

[boxer4]

Linda,
I am so sorry to hear about Gilroy. Our Dutch was 1o when she got lymphoma and had the breathing problems also. She got immediate relief from prednisone but that lasted a short time. When she started going back into labored breathing we went with chemo. I just couldn't loose her so quickly. I talked to the vet about the pros and cons and what to expect. She went on chemo and she went right into remission, no bad side effects and she was like a puppy again. Unfortunately she came out of remission 6 months later, we tired a second round of chemo but it was too aggressive for her and made her sick. We helped her to the bridge one month later. I wouldn't say this is the way it is for all boxers on chemo, because some have last much longer and other not as long. I feel whatever you do you have to be prepared and that your dog is as comfortable as he can be in the face of this horrible disease.
Sending you and Gilroy all our love and kisses.

 

[LuVsHeRBoXeR]

Oh Gosh...

I am sorry:( My dog Tomi died 3 months ago from lymphoma. You have a month or more to give him the best times you can. Unfortunately, I only had a week with Tomi. I can tell you the only thing that can be done is giving him the BEST life he can have until you make the choice of putting him to sleep. I know that decision will kill you inside as it did me. But know, he will be pain free and in God's hands. I still think about that whole time of going to the vet, finding out and the days after. It is difficult and it is trying. But, you will get through it and believe me when I say that BW is a major crutch during this time.
It is such an aggressive disease and it is so very unfair:( Just remember the wonderful life you gave him and all the love you gave him He will never forget that and you shouldn't eithor. His love in return was a thank you for all of it.

I will keep you in my thoughts and I hope you will be ok through this. You can PM me if you want to cry and type.

 

[debbie knowles]

Hi Linda,
It is nice to see you back on the board...I only wish the circumstances could be different. I am so sorry to hear about Gilroy. I know the heartbreak of losing these precious ones all to well. I will keep you in my heart and prayers. djk

 

[bommy]

Boxer wishes bein sent your way Linda, make the most of your last mths together.

 

[Austin's Mom]

Linda I'm so sorry to hear of Gilroy's illness. Cherish every single moment you have with him. ((hugs))

 

[Lava Linda]

Ah, there's a familiar name. Nice to see you Debbie. I remember your stories of Goliath, what a wonderful dog he was.

Thank you everyone for the understanding and support. I'll give Gilroy the best life I can. Normally I only let him sleep in my bed on occasion, but now I think I'll be sharing a lot more often. Of course, if I let him, I have to let Purdy...and that's a lot of bodies in a double bed!

I'm feeling better than yesterday, I was feeling waves of devastation when the reality hit me, but this too shall pass and I'll make it as good as it can be. He deserves that.

You all have a wonderful day, and thanks again for being here.