Lymphoma...just diagnosed...don't know what to do

[acitygirl3]

Good morning everyone. My 8 year old male boxer, Taylor, was just diagnosed with Lymphoma. He lost about 10 lbs, had very enlarged lymph nodes, and a baseball sized node in his abdomen. I met with my vet, a true saint to animals, Dr. Newland in Scottsdale, AZ. We discussed COP therapy as an option for extending Taylor's time here with me, as well as Prednisone alone for treatment.

If finances were not an issue, I would without a doubt, choose COP theapy, but he estimated 5000.00 was the approximate cost for this. My heart is breaking, as I don't have the ability to provide this care for my baby.

He gave Taylor a shot of something, a steroid, which has dramatically decreased the swelling nodes, as well as increased his appetite. He has been feeling and acting so much more like he did before he was sick. I know this will be short lived, but I have decided to treat him with 20mg of prednisone a day, and am hoping this will help him.

Does anyone have any feelings/thoughts on what I can expect with prednisone treatment alone. We are using a decreased dosage to try and reduce the side effects assocaited with prednisone.

Thank you for any thoughts/advice.

Stacey Johnston, Scottsdale, AZ

 

[Barron's mom]

I just wanted to let you know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and Taylor. It is so sad when our babies are sick.

 

[acitygirl3]

Thank you...

Thank you for your thoughts. It is a very scary time for me. Taylor is my first boxer, and he's been through so much with me. When I cry, he comes running, and we have a special way of communicating that no other dog has every had with me. I want to do what is best for him, I don't want him to hurt.

 

[SC's Mom]

I am so sorry to hear about Taylor's condition. I do not know much about lymphoma in dogs. I really wish I had some wisdom to send your way.

As far as prednisone, my C needed it for one of his various conditions and he ended up having accidents in the house from increased water intake and being a pup his bladder couldn't take it. I took him off. I didn't mind the accidents but you could see that he was stressed out knowing that he wasn't making it outside to go.

That's my only experience with prednisone and I'm sorry but I'm sure it isn't of much help to you. Best of luck. You and Taylor are in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[acitygirl3]

Thank you

Yes, I have been warned about the side effects of prednisone. Taylor weighs in at about 70 lbs now, he was 80 a month ago. My vet says that halving the dose of 40 mg to 20mg a day ( 1/2 a tab morning, 1/2 at night) will help reduce the accidents. I have also been taking the water away around 8pm , and closing the toilet lids too (bad puppy!!!!) and we only had to get up a couple times last night.

What I am afraid of most is how long the prednisone will work. The vet also said that Taylor has very elevated calcium levels, very dangerous apparantly. We are hoping pred will also help this as well.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. This is a scary time and boxerworld is a great resource for boxer owners.

boxer hugs from Scottsdale...Stacey and Taylor

 

[Bella'sMom]

I am sorry to hear about Taylor. Hang in there buddy

 

[matilda8255]

I am so so sorry to hear this news. I recently went through the same thing with my dog Caesar. We opted for chemo and he lived seven months longer but the expense also quoted at $5000.00 (we are in the same area - we took him to Dr. Hershey)
ended up to be more like $7000.00 - $8000.00 when it was all said and done.

If you are not going to do chemo I strongly recommend seeing a holistic vet. There are new herbal treatments that are inexpensive compared to chemo that people are having good results with. With pred alone usually life expectancy is about 3 months. High calcium levels indicate the cancer is spreading. There is a holistic vet on Shea (I don't remember the name) that is supposed to be very good. You can get prescriptions filled at Road Runner Pharmacy in Cave Creek - they deliver for no charge and are an apothacary (sp?) so they have excellent prices. Lymphoma is sensitive to diet.

You MUST supplement and change Taylor's diet. We got our supplements at Fetch on Scottsdale & Acoma. Do a search at BW for Caesar and Lymphoma and you will find all my diet information and anything else you might need to know about Lymphoma. Good luck! We are sending positive vibes. If you need any info feel free to PM me. Hang in there!!

Stephanie & Gang

 

[Draymia]

I am sorry about your baby. I have lost two to this dreadful disease. The most important thing to remember is that you are doing the best you can for Taylor.

Do Not feel guilty about not having the money for the COP treatment. That is a tremendous amount of money with no guarantees it will add much time. I don't believe dogs have the same fear and feeling towards death that people have. They are loving critters that enjoy life.

I know it is hard, but try to enjoy the time you have left with Taylor and know that he loves his family and doesn't want to see you sad. I am sure if he could talk he would tell you that.

 

[Krikkit]

Stacey, I'm so sorry :( We went through this with Rebel. We did opt for Chemo but it was not successful in his case. After the chemo, we used Prednisone and it made a great difference. Originally he was given only several weeks to live, but with Pred treatment, diet change etc, we were blessed to have him with us for around 18 months after diagnosis, and it was quality life. The only noticable side-effect of Pred was an increase in appetite and we solved this by feeding him smaller meals, more often. Reb was 11 when diagnosed.

Our Oncogist was a great help with diet and alternate treatments for Cancer - we owe them a great deal. Our Vet was also an outstanding support.

I found these articles of great assistance - they might be helpful:

Nutrition for Dogs With Cancer
http://b-naturals.com/Sum1998.php

Canine Cancer Files
http://members.aol.com/Pbl2/cancerfiles.htm

Canines in Crisis
http://www.caninesincrisis.org/

Nutritional Requirements of Dogs and Cats with Cancer (Oncolink)
http://www.oncolink.org/types/article.cfm?c=22&s=69&ss=550&id=6002

Oncolink Vet - Lymphosarcoma in Dogs
http://www.oncolink.org/types/article.cfm?c=22&s=69&ss=545&id=6020

Lymphoma in the Dog
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_canine_lymphoma.html

Animal Diseases and their natural care
http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/ahealth.htm

Am thinking of you and Taylor.

take care
Sharon

 

[buddy'smom]

Stacey, I too am very sorry.

Many people opt to not go the chemo route, so don't feel bad that you cannot afford the treatments. I have not had first hand experience with lymphoma, but I have read and heard that diet is a key element in treatment and many have had success with holistic meds.

Here is a link that discusses a bit about cancers, the cancer diet and some herbal meds. I hope it helps

http://neuro.vetmed.ufl.edu/neuro/AltMed/Cancer/Cancer_AltMed.htm

Jean