It's lymphoma... I'm heartbroken

[mancin]

I haven't posted here in a really long time. I don't know if anyone around will remember me or not, but almost 7 years ago I adopted Abby. She was in a shelter in Seattle and had been there for around 6 months, after being juggled from home to home. I drove ~7 hours roundtrip to adopt her, and she's rewarded me with 7 amazing years.

Recently she's developed some knuckling in her back legs, and then began losing interest in food, losing weight, urinating in the house at times, falling frequently and then I found a lump in her armpit..... our vet just confirmed she has lymphoma and it's in multiple nodes. Since she's nearly 13 (her birthday is July 31st and sadly it seems she won't make it to that birthday) so radiation is not a good option as it won't prolong her life much and the side effects of a compromised immune system for an old body could cause additional issues. From what I'm reading, if left untreated she has 6 - 8 weeks at best. I'm heartbroken. I've been sobbing since I got off the phone with my vet.

Now I'm faced with what to do.... I know I'm going to have to make that dreaded decision and I don't know how I'm going to know when it's time. Please, some words of advice. :(

 

[Jan]

I am so sorry that you got such bad news.

When she no longer enjoys life, it is probably time to let her go. 13 years is a very good age for a boxer.

 

[luvmybxrs]

I'm so sorry for this sad news, I can't imagine the sadness in your heart right now. I'm currently playing the waiting game - for biopsy results from a mass removed from my dogs mouth, so I have cancer on my brain!

Making the decision to let your baby go is sometimes the most precious gift we have the power to give our pets. We are able to end their suffering at a time when they need it most, we can take all the good memories we have and keep those alive even tho our friend is gone. It's heart wrenching I know, and I am tearing writing this to you as I know one day, as all pet owners are, I will be faced with such a decision. Our pets are such huge parts of our life, I know mine got me through a very tough time in my life, I leaned on them and they reward me every day with love, affection, loyalty and laughs, as all boxers do. If your baby doesn't have much time left with us in this life, think about how you would like her to spend it, doing fun things she is able to, eating her favourite foods, playing with favourite toys, going to places, riding in the car, make the last times you have special. I once read an article on facebook about an owner who made a bucket list for his dog and himself since he was given the same difficult news, a diagnosis of cancer.

You are her mommy, you know her best, when the time is right, you will feel it in your heart. I'm sure if you have difficulty knowing your decision can also be confirmed by your vet.
I work as a technician in an animal hospital and I always tell this to my patients when this time comes. When their bad days outweigh their good days, when they are no longer the happy, easy going, fun loving baby you remember, then you know it's time. I will be keeping you in my thoughts through this tough time and I, along with all the boxer owners on this board, are here for you.

 

[chrystel]

I am so sorry for this sad tragic news... :(
Lots of hug and kisses to you and your baby lovicon

 

[DebbieJen]

My heart aches for you. I know how difficult it is to make the decision to let your pet go to the bridge.

My thoughts are with you during this difficult period.

 

[ELubas]

I am so so sorry for your sad news. Your girl and you were obviously meant to find each other-sounds like a wonderful life together, and of course we never get long enough wth our pups.

I think you will know and I think it shows in thier eyes. She will find a way to tell you and you are so bonded to her you will just know. I wish you peace and gentle boxer wiggles in this difficult time.

 

[Roge]

That is heart breaking news...You will both be in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[hurleygirl]

Unfortunately I've been there. We put Hurley on Prednisone and he was like a puppy for a few good week. When he started going back down it was very fast. In those few weeks we spoiled him rotten and will always remember those good last day. My heart goes out to you. I know what you're going thru.

 

[Tuff Love]

I'm so sorry to hear of your diagnosis :( My heart breaks for you and your girl *hugs*

 

[Gatorblu]

I am so sorry you got such awful news. All I can say is they will let you know when it is time. You will see it in their eyes they are tired and ready to move on. It is the toughest and the kindest thing you can do for your much loved girl.