Oscar has been diagnosed w. Cancer - need advise

[KGorczyca]

I dont' know what to do - my Oscar - has just been diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma - he is only 3 years old! I could just cry right now, he is my baby.

We had a lump removed about 3 weeks ago and the bisopy report came back positave for this type of cancer - it is a very aggressive type of cancer that spreads through the body via the lining in the blood vessels (I think I am getting this right).
The tumor -which was just under the skin - was removed compleaty -but the oncoligst we meet with today is reccomeding an agressive 12 week chemo therapy, and then additional xrays and ultrasounds every three months after to monitor him.
Has anyone put their boxer through chemo? how did they do with it? did it make them sick?

Oscar has been given about approx 6 months to live with no treatment and about 12 months with treatment. but all of that seems to be one big guess on how he will respond to the treatment.
As of right now, the x-rays and ultrasounds we had done today, showed no other tumors, but the cancer is in his blood and will someday cause additional tumors.

If anyone has been through this before please let me know what you did for your boxer baby - I just want to take care of him and do what is best for him.

Thanks for any advise you can give - I know this was long.
Kate

 

[ELubas]

Really have no experience with this but wanted to send good thoughts and prayers out to you and Oscar. I have known dogs that have done extremely well on chemo and got a very good qualilty of life while being treated. Whatever you decide know thoughts and prayers go with you and your boy.

 

[DyckDogs]

I am so sorry to hear the diagnosis on Oscar.
I also have no experience with this but will also pray for you and Oscar.
I hope you find the answers you need to help you make your decision.
I can tell that the decision you make will be made with love for your baby.
Please keep us posted.

 

[boxmom]

I am so sorry about Oscar's cancer. We put our first boxer Bailey thru chemo. She has an aggressive form of lymphoma and was about the same age as your Oscar. She did great on the chemo, no side effects, no sickness. Without treatment they told us she would have about 6-8 weeks with treatment up to a year. She had 14 wonderful months before the drugs took their toll on her liver. I can honestly say that I never felt like the chemo was hurting her or causing any pain during the treatments. I know it is such a hard decision to make, and wish you the best in figuring out what is best for Oscar. Many positive healing vibes and prayers to you and Oscar.

 

[Gatorblu]

I'm sorry to hear about Oscar. I don't have any experience or advice for you. I just wanted to let you we'll say a prayer for you and Oscar.

 

[Mader]

Whether you do or don't go through the chemo, for what ever reason, we will support you. Depending on the chemo is depending on side effects. So what one chemo treatment for a totally different cancer, may not be the same results for your dog.

Either choice. You will make Oscar as comfy as you can, and when the time comes, he will let you know.

We will all be sending healing thoughts and prayers to Oscar...

 

[KGorczyca]

Thank you all for your best wishes and advise.

We have decided to do the chemo treatment - we start tomorrow morning. It will be a 12 week treatment - I just could not let him go without doing everything I could. I felt much better learning how mild most of the side effects were. And that after treatment he should be back to normal.
The vet told me today that if Oscar does really well with the treatment and becuse we caught it pretty early we might even have him aournd for another 2 or so years. Lets keep our fingers crossed!
Thanks again and will keep you updated on how he is doing.

Kate (and Oscar)

 

[Sugarcain]

The vet told me today that if Oscar does really well with the treatment and becuse we caught it pretty early we might even have him aournd for another 2 or so years. Lets keep our fingers crossed!
Kate (and Oscar)

Fingers and paws crossed that Oscar does well with the treatment.

 

[Independence]

Kate, all of our thoughts and prayers are with Oscar and you. We have a 5 year old with MCT and I understand completely about the dilemma with treatment. Our cancer does do well with chemo. We were fortunate that a trial medication became available before Indy lost his life. I said the same thing, come what may now I feel like I've done all I can.

Please keep us posted on his progress.

 

[GDOGS1]

I am sorry to hear about your Oscar,also i don't have any advice/experience with this but am sending some of those good ol' boxer healing (((((vibes))))) your way and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.





MoM & DaD of GDOGS 8/18/05 Brindle,Docked,Floppy and full of Zest