my boy has lymphoma...any advice please

[greengas]

My boy Bosco is 10 years old and was diagnosed with probable lymphoma. He has swollen lymph nodes in his neck and the vet recently found more on his body. She has put him on prenesone and said he has maybe 6 months. Everything I have read says 6 weeks. She does not recommend chemo.

I don't know what to do. I have felt this was coming. He has slowed down rapidly in the past few months although he looks perfectly healthy and is extremely playful- just not as playful as he used to be. He chooses to chew on his bone while Gus and Zoe zoom around the yard.

Money is an issue. My husband is on medical leave as well- we have no income except disability which we have to fight for and probably won't see until he's back at work. We are living on savings and family help. We're hoping he will be back at work in a month.

Is there an inexpensive treatment that could buy him some time? I hate the thought of just letting him go without some sort of fight.:(

 

[jl30221]

I'm so sorry to hear about Bosco! I honestly don't know of anything you can be given to them in place of chemo, but giving him a solid balanced diet and proper supplements may help. Catfish has osteosarcoma and we're currently going through chemo, but they're not sure if it will even help. He'll be 7 in September, so he's a little younger than Bosco. Just give him as much love as he can take in and I know each day he spends with you & your family will be amazing. My heart breaks from the sadness, but all the happiness they bring us far outweighs any of it! We're saying our prayers for Bosco to stay strong and happy for as long as possible!! God bless you ~

 

[gmacleod]

Would you homecook for him? It's not a magic bullet, but diet can make a difference. Specifically, reducing the amount of carbohydrates he consumes (which tend to feed cancers). Here's a useful page about cancer diets that you might find useful: http://b-naturals.com/Jun2004.php

 

[Austin's Mom]

I don't have any advice, but want to send you and Bosco big ((((hugs)))).

 

[atlasmom911]

Please give Bosco and big kiss and hug for me...Linda

 

[Rocky's-Mom]

So sorry to read your post. I hate the cancer word. We lost our Rocky to osteosarcoma cancer in Feb. We choice not to do amputation or do chemo. the vet gave him 6 to 8 weeks and we spoiled him rotten and he lived for another 13 months fighing against all odd. They are strong willed animals who love their family and don't give up easily. We knew when the time came we would let him go if we knew he was in pain and as everyone on here says you will know and we did. That was one of the hardest things I have ever done but knew it was right so hang in there whatever your decesion is and love, spoil and make tons of memories....healing vibes to your baby.

 

[TNBOXERGRL]

Hi, first I would like to say I am sorry to hear about your baby,so sad to hear. I just recently went through lymphoma with my girl who was almost 13, and there are some things you can do to help your sweet boy. I found we treated with prednisone and it worked wonders to be honest, chemo was not an option with us for alot of reasons, but mainly age and overall life expectancy. I did alot of research, and found food with as low of carbs t0 better, personally home cooking was not a good option for me, so I fed "Innova Evo", which has no grains and little carbs. There are also dietary supplements that are good for them, to help build immune system etc. I made sure she had lots of water and spoiled her rottener. I had an extra 6 months with her and ironically enough, she did not die from lymphoma, but another unrelated issue. Please keep us up on how he does and ask anything you like, someone here will be sure to have help for you.

 

[greengas]

Thank you everyone. I'm going to buy a big bag of Evo today and get him on it. I have fed it to them before but the cost was killing me with three boxers- they've all been on Canidae and doing well, but I need to do all that I can. We bought him a bunch of toys and he's been in hog heaven! Today is day three of prednesone. I haven't seen much of a difference so far. He's his usual self though, but his lymph nodes are as swollen as they've ever been.

You all have given me hope that he can have a good ending and that maybe he will last longer with a good quality of life. Thank you so much.

 

[vitalsignusa]

Re: my boy has lymphoma...any advice please-LONG

I'm so sorry to hear about your boy. It has unfortunately been a roller coaster ride with our Sawyer Boy. I wish I could say that there was a cheap way to treat him. We were told it would cost between 1-2000.00 just for the work-up (chest x-rays, etc). We couldn't afford that at the time. We had just bought our house, we had to get two new vehicles because both our cars went within a week of each other, etc. When he was diagnosed initially it cost us about 300.00 and then were sent to an emergency vet's for chemo. We had him treated with steroids and an initial chemo treatment and went home which cost us $1200.00 Then we went to another vet and have stayed with this one because she's using the Wisconsin-Madison treatment method. Three different drugs used at different stages of the treatment. This treatment is not being given by an oncologist so it is SLIGHTLY cheaper. The first drug was Elspar and it is strong and gets a good result but each time they use it there is a chance the dog will have an allergic reaction so she gave it to him with benadryl. I don't know the name of the second drug. The third drug he is on now I couldn't tell you. I know I should know them but I just don't. He received another dose of Elspar when he was really bad about a month ago and we were on pins and needles waiting to see if he could have a reaction.

Each visit costs us around 2-300.00 for various tests, calcium, liver,cbc's, etc. If you cannot afford it, you may want to contact some of the Boxer rescues to see if they can help.

Even though we've spent a huge amount on him, it's been well worth it to us. Every moment with him has been a gift. We have been extremely lucky. My husband was working three jobs, I work full-time and we took out a personal loan through the vet's office to pay for his treatments and keep the house and the cars. The interest rates are tremendous if you're late with the payment on the personal loan. If you pay each payment on time its not to bad but it is nerve racking.

We've gotten almost a year more than we would have had with our Sawyer Boy. I know its mind-boggling all this information but I do hope it helps. You have to do what works best for you and your family. My prays go out to you and your family.

 

[winn dixie]

i do not have any advice ,just sending lots of love to your boy!