Gilroy has lymphoma

[swatman]

I just got done posting my Christmas wishes for my boy Gunther who died in July due to this disease (Alimentary Lymphoma). I am so sick and angry to read these posts over and over again, it is so unfair. I am so sorry to hear about Gilroy and it sounds like your expectations are on the mark. We tried prednisone in lieu of chemo because the prognosis for chemo with this disease is so poor, especially when they are symptomatic. Gunther responded positively to the prednisone for two weeks and then stopped eating again and we knew at that point that it was time, as you will too. Don't worry about doing the right thing, I can tell by your posts that you will. Make the best of the time you have left, cherish every second and stay upbeat for his sake. I wish there was something that I could do or say that could change things or make it easier ,just know that your family and Gilroy are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike
______________________________________________
Gunther 1999-2004 Beautiful flashy brindle boy waiting at the bridge
Ramos Eight month old crazy flashy brindle boy

 

[Lava Linda]

Thank you, Mike. I'm sorry you had to go through that with Gunther at such a young age. Such a crime...
As much as my heart is breaking, I'm fortunate in having had nine years with Gilroy, and that I'll still have Purdy when he's gone. I think she senses that something is wrong, she's been awfully quiet lately.

I'll bet your life is far from dull with 8 month old Ramos!:D

 

[BingsDad]

So sorry

So sorry to hear about your boy. My girl, Sheba died of lymphoma two years ago this comming february. She had been diagnosed eight months prior to her death. She was 10 and a half. She had stopped eating completely and had become anorexic. I took her to the vet after a week and got the bad news then - he dug out the lymph nodes in the neck which were the size of golf balls. I couldnt afford the expenisive treatment so the vet just perscribed an cortocosteroid which would stimulate her appetite and she was just like new again after a week. This gave me eight more great months with her as she took the meds for the rest of her life. God, did I looooove that dog. I couldnt let go and the morning she died at the foot of my bed we had another scheduled appointment with a vet in Pittsburgh ( i live in east ohio ). Her decline was extrememly rapid after she stop responding to the meds - I knew it was over when i took her for her last walk which she always loved. She never wanted to go home, but this day when we got to the short cut home, instead of walking with me the long way she started on the short cut and looked back at me as if to say "i need to go home." I feel guilty because i should have had her put down but i just couldnt let go so she died at home with me on the morning of her vet appointment. I should have not been so selfish. The night before her death i turned out all the lights and stuck a flash light between the couch cushions and walked her across the room toward the light over and over again rewarding her when she got to the light each time *sniffle sniffle* Yep, im not ashamed to admit that i trained my baby to go to the light before she died. Im a guy and i was soooo bummed out - suprised by how grief stricken i was. Your baby boy knows you love him and hes trying to hold on for you - be strong for him because he knows and can feel whats going on. The night before Shebie died i hugged her and kissed her and told her to go - it was time. I didnt get much sleep that night - her breathing was so labored she woke me periodically THANK GOD! I cherrish to last few times i saw her alive. The last time she woke me up was about 3:30am. I turned on the light and noticed that she was laying sphinx style and was urinating and defacating at the same time. I ran to the bathroom to get a wet towel for her and soon as i got there i heard her collapse in the bedroom - when i got there she was in death spasms and my baby girl died right at my feet at the foot of my bed (yes, i tried cpr). *sniffle sniffle* Make the most of your time together and if i had to do it all over again, i wouldnt make my girl go through all that again - i would put her down. We are all spirits (energy). Energy doesnt just disipate into thin air - it goes on and on and on though it may change its form. You will see your boy again one day - im absolutely certain. God bless and prepare yourself and make peace with the inevitable.

BingsDad

 

[swatman]

Linda, Yes my house is a circus, in a graet way, with Ramos. He is headstrong and difficult at times, as our babies can be, but has helped tremendously coping with the loss of Gunther.
More importantly, how is Gilroy doing? I think about him often and was hoping that the treatment was working well, at least taking the pain away. As always he is still in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike

 

[Lava Linda]

One last Christmas

Hi all. Well, all I can say is that I'm glad I took so much time during the last 2 weeks to spend with Gilroy. It's had its ups and downs...he was doing better last Sunday, then he stopped putting weight on one hind leg and the next day it was swollen like a post, with pitting edema. That was Monday...we upped the prednisone dose and started antibiotics. I took afternoons off so I could put hot compresses on his leg and massage away some of the fluid. He loved the attention and would moan with appreciation. He was gradually getting better, starting to use his leg again, seemed in good spirits. Today he had a lovely warm bath, grunting as I scrubbed, the way he'd always do. We had a nice evening walk, just to the vacant lot and back nice and slow, but he enjoyed it. When we got hom he stood in the front yard testing the wind with that sensitive muzzle, and surveying his kingdom. About an hour ago, I heard a crash and he had collapsed in the other room. He lay there, looking stunned and afraid to move, then he resumed breathing and I could hear the ominous rattle in his lungs. Another minute and it was all over, he just stopped breathing and died while I stroked him and told him that I loved him and what a wonderful dog he was.
I still can't believe he's gone....

 

[hanley]

Linda, my heart goes out to you,Gilroy was very lucky to have been so loved by you,& I know he returned the love he received. His memory will live with you forever.LOL, Hanley

 

[ljnash]

Linda, I'm so sorry about Gilroy. It sounds like you have made his last days and weeks as easy as possible for him, and I'm sure he loved you for all the care you gave him. It makes me so sad to hear when one of our beloved boxers goes to the bridge because I know how much he will be missed.

Thinking of you and keep you and your family in my prayers.

 

[Austin's Mom]

*tears* Linda I'm so sorry about Gilroy, but I'm glad you had those special times with him this past week. ((hugs))

 

[BingsDad]

My condolences

Sorry to hear your boy died. Its tough to deal with for the first week, but it will get better. If youre interested, you can read about pets and the after life at www.near-death.com.

Best wishes,
BingsDad