Say a prayer for Apollo - going to specialist

[jaymee926]

Our pride and joy, our 9-year-old, Apollo, most likely has cancer with hypercalcemia. He has had two IV flushes, but they hardly budged the calcium levels in his body. His chest xray and ultrasound show enlarged lymphnodes. Some calcification is setting in on the organs. We will be taking him to a specialist today for consult and most likely another ultrasound with biopsy draw.
The excruiating thing has been waiting for all these results. He can't be treated because his diagnosis isn't "final". I fear he getting worse. I was able to get him to eat Wednesday night, but he won't touch his food this morning. He has only been eating boiled chicken for the last two weeks. He his starting to drink less water.
Apollo will be my first loss. This has been devastating. My husband and I have no kids. Apollo is our kid. He picked us out at only five weeks of age. My husband proposed to me the following week. A week after we brought Apollo home. He has been the one constant in our life and marriage.

Does anyone have any suggestions how we keep our baby comfortable? We are struggling with continuing to keep taking to all the doc appointments. Apollo doesn't understand what is happening or why he has to continue to get poked with needles.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what might be tasty enough for him to eat?

Any guidance is greatly appreciated. Thank you

 

[Holden's Mom]

I'm so sorry Apollo is not well. Hope the docs can make a proper diagnosis and there is treatment to help. As for eating, try Hills SD A/D available at the vet'office. It is a liver pate for ailing dogs and cats, high calorie and has a great smell for both cats and dogs. It is easy to eat, no chewing. I've even used it in a feeding syringe on my cat Lewis with no problem. And for liquid, try low sodium broth just to get Apollo to drink anything. Distilled water has no minerals and would probably be better than tap water.

Give the boy a hug from us.

Pam and Pete

 

[ljnash]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and Apollo! I hope he starts feeling better soon!

 

[Austin's Mom]

I don't have any advice but want to send my well wishes.

 

[BoxerDaneMom]

I don't have any answers, but certaily want to send you and your family lots of prayers and Boxer loves for your Apollo.

 

[Cypress' Mom]

I don't have any advice for you but my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. It is so hard when your baby is not well. We just had a mast cell tumor removed from my Cypress' side and I have been a wreck. We don't have any children either and he is our child. Sending healing vibes~~~~~~~~ and Cypress sends Apollo kisses!! Keep us posted and let us know how he's doing.

Jess

 

[jaymee926]

Apollo update[/B}

Today the specialist took three tissue samples from various areas of Apollo's body. All three confirm lymphoma. Before the tests, the specialist thought it was a stage 4 B lymphoma. There are only 5 stages of lymphoma. We had to leave Apollo at the critical care overnight. They want to start him on chemo tonight. We just want him to be comfortable. We are waiting for a phone call from the oncologist right now.
Apollo still seems okay...his breathing is more labored, no appetite, beginning to drink less water, but still somewhat playful. He shows interests in whatever you are eating, but once you give it to him to have, he sniffs and turns his head.

We so want to bring him home, yet want him comfortable. How do you know when it is time to do the unthinkable...We question are we allowing our feelings to control our decisions?

Thanks to all for your concern and support. I just can't believe how quick this is happening.

Without treatment, the specialist told us we would have two weeks to two months with our baby.

I have never experienced something as difficult as this. My heart goes out to everyone who has been dealt this tragic circumstance.

Again, thank you for your support.

 

[Jan]

I am so sorry. You will know when it is time. I am keeping Apollo and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[momstaxi]

With the cancer so far advanced how much time do they give him with chemo? Really hard decision. I like your idea to bring him home and just love him for as long as you can....

 

[Shaq Lugones]

We are very sorry to hear that....

I don't know what we would do if that would be happening to our 1 1/2 year old Shaq. We've had him since he was 10 weeks old and we already feel he has been with us forever. Imagine having him for 9 years! All we can say is that we hope everything goes well with Apollo. Keep thinking of all the good memories you have with him and don't give up.

Give him a lot of love and I'm sure that will make him feel comfortable.

Please keep us posted.