Indy has lymphoma

[Indybones]

We just found out last Thursday that Indy has lymphoma and he is going down hill fast. We decided against chemotherapy since we feel he was misdiagnosed for the last few months. The vets initially thought he had a bowel obstruction and did a barium swallow and exploratory abdominal surgery for that. On Monday night last week we noticed a golf ball size lump under his throat that wasn't there Sunday. He went to the vet on Tuesday early am because the lump was a least grapefruit size and around the sides of his neck. We dropped him off because I was afraid he would have breathing problems while we were at work. The vet did a needle aspirate and blood tests and sent him home. She put him on antibiotics and increased his prenisone. She called Thursday and said he had lymphoma and we should see an oncologist and start him on chemo. We chose not to do chemo because we thought he is probably too far along with the cancer for the chemo to be much use due to all of the misdiagnosing. This morning when I got up I had to hand feed him his chicken I tried to give him food in his bowl but the lump is so huge now he can't bend his head down. Yesterday he was outside playing with our other boxer and today this. The lymphoma I am afraid has hit him fast. I have read other postings about the stages of lymphoma but our vet has said nothing to us about that. Does anyone know what the stages are? Does anyone know what is the maximum prednisone amount they ususally put the dogs on?

Thanks for any info.
Tracy

 

[Austin's Mom]

I don't have any info, but just want to say I'm sorry your baby was misdiagnosed for so long. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[Poetic_thing]

I don't have any advice either, just wanted to wish you and Indy all the best. My heart and thoughts are with you! Take care of one another, boxer hugs to you both.

 

[Tango's Mama]

Im so sorry to hear that..Our thoughts are with you and Indy..

Michele & Tango

 

[craZ4HERKIE]

I'm sorry I have no advice to offer...just well wishes for you & your baby!And I think you made a very hard decision about the chemo...but for the better.I wouldn't want to put him on chemo either....just let him enjoy his remaining time...without the ill effects of chemo.Herkie sends ya'll both beans and slobbery kisses!

 

[LuVsHeRBoXeR]

My boy died of lymphoma 2 months ago in 3 days...

First off, I completely understand what is going on with you and how you feel. It is saddening and just the worst feeling in the world. There are five stages to canine lymphoma.

Here is the website I used when I found out Tomi had it.
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/canine_lymphoma.html

Tomi was diagnosed in the 4th out of 5 stages. I can tell you that if it is in the beginning 3 stages, you have a better chance of his going into remission. I would talk to your vet and find out which stage he is in. Usually, when it hits the 4th stage, it moves VERY RAPIDLY and then moves into the bone marrow, which then they can't walk etc. I can sympathize with you and cried when I read your post because it brought back all of my emotions with Tomi. It is the WORST experience and I am sorry you have to go through it:(

I also know that prednisone is a form of chemotherapy used in some cancers. Although, with lymphoma, it is a very weak chemo..not aggressive enough for that type of cancer. The prednisone only makes them feel more comfortable. It brings the swelling down of the lymph nodes. Tomi had NO SIGNS at all. Except he was not feeling well and I thought it was allergies, along with the vets. Only until the blood test did we know he had cancer.
If you can afford chemo and it is not in the 4th stage, I would think hard about it. I heard from a lady at SFVS here in SF, that her shepard had it in the 3rd stage, she did chemo and he lived 2 years with it. Buuuut, not all dogs react the same with it. I wish you luck and I hope you are ok, if you need to talk and cry, you can pm me. I feel your pain and know what your going through:(

~Kat

 

[sinbad'smom]

indy

i do not have any info just want to send sloppy boxer kisses from sinbad and sierra...i am sorry to hear about your baby...dora

 

[lindakiara]

I'm so sorry

I am so sorry to hear about your baby, my heart aches for you... I know what you are going through, my baby Kiara was diagnosed 9 weeks ago with Lymphosarcoma and I also deceided not to go with chemo, hers is slow moving and the chemo wouldn't help. She is doing really well though, like your baby she had very enlarged lymph nodes in her neck, shoulders, back of legs, she is on preds which reduce the enlarged nodes, which hers have been down for about a month now. The vet told me to give her the preds, 2 twice a day for 3 days, then 2 once a day for 3 days, then 1 once a day until finished, which was 5 days.. Apparently they have to be given in stages, as to not shock the systems as such.
The vet first told me she last about 10 weeks, but after examining her after our little scare, she wasn't eating, but it was an upset stomach, and she is eating great now, but the vet has said she could last about another month because she is still so strong in her bones and spirit.
I don't know what Kiara's stage of cancer is, they only said that is was slow moving, which means it will take longer for it to take over her.

Once again I am so sorry you have to experience this heartache, I know how much this hurts and I only offer you lots of hugs from Kiara and myself and know that I will be thinking of you and your baby, please keep us updated

 

[Holden's Mom]

I am very sorry to read the sad news. Thoughts and prayers are coming your way from the two of us.

Pam and Pete

 

[TazzysMom]

I'm so sorry your baby is so sick.


Leilani