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Post by Zee on Sept 26, 2024 20:08:10 GMT
We just got some very bad news that my beautiful wonderful smartest Best Girl in the World has lymphoma.
I am still processing this, in a bit of denial. She went in for just routine vaccines but the vet noticed enlarged lymph nodes, sent some tests off, and we got the bad news today.
From my googling (I know), the prognosis is not good no matter what.
She is only six and otherwise very healthy and active and no symptoms whatsoever.
The vet is going to make some referrals to an oncologist so we can get a better idea of what we're up against, potential costs, etc. I'm fortunate to have options here in this area and I could get her into UGA as well (very well known for their veterinary school and advanced treatments).
I'm not sure the cost will outweigh the benefits right now. I always said I wouldn't put a pet through chemo, but she's so young and fit that I'm considering it. The testing alone has cost me $500 so far and that's without telling us B or T cell or anything else yet. So I guess my coworkers will be really tired of me picking up extra shifts...kind of wishing now I hadn't gone part time and that I had gotten pet insurance. My poor wonderful girl, I'm still in a bit of shock right now and just wanted to hear the good and the bad while we weigh the options.
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pantsonfire
Drama Llama
Take a step back, evaluate what is important, and enjoy your life with those who you love.
Posts: 6,273 
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Post by pantsonfire on Sept 26, 2024 20:15:25 GMT
Toby has it. He has the slow progressing version. T cell lymphoma whatever else was added.
Anyways he will be 9 in October and was diagnosed 3 years and 2 months ago.
For his type, the average life expectancy is 4-6 years with some living 7,8, and 9 years.
Cancer treatment is not recommended for his type so when needed, he will get steroids off and on to control the size of the cancer lymph nodes.
So far we haven't needed to do that. And his has pretty much stayed the same. We even had some shrinkage recently and his yearly labs improved 🤷🏻♀️
Anyways, our vet consulted with oncology specialist and they gave lots of info.
Sorry your dog has cancer.
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pantsonfire
Drama Llama
Take a step back, evaluate what is important, and enjoy your life with those who you love.
Posts: 6,273
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Post by pantsonfire on Sept 26, 2024 20:16:57 GMT
The cell test was about $300. They draw from the lymph node in his neck. Took a few days to come back.
The regular labs were about $420. We get those yearly now to keep an eye on his cancer.
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Post by Zee on Sept 26, 2024 20:21:31 GMT
Toby has it. He has the slow progressing version. T cell lymphoma whatever else was added. Anyways he will be 9 in October and was diagnosed 3 years and 2 months ago. For his type, the average life expectancy is 4-6 years with some living 7,8, and 9 years. Cancer treatment is not recommended for his type so when needed, he will get steroids off and on to control the size of the cancer lymph nodes. So far we haven't needed to do that. And his has pretty much stayed the same. We even had some shrinkage recently and his yearly labs improved 🤷🏻♀️ Anyways, our vet consulted with oncology specialist and they gave lots of info. Sorry your dog has cancer. Thank you so much, this gives me some hope. We still need to figure out which type. PS I hope Toby continues to stay healthy! |
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Post by KikiPea on Sept 26, 2024 20:22:15 GMT
We just got some very bad news that my beautiful wonderful smartest Best Girl in the World has lymphoma. I am still processing this, in a bit of denial. She went in for just routine vaccines but the vet noticed enlarged lymph nodes, sent some tests off, and we got the bad news today. From my googling (I know), the prognosis is not good no matter what. She is only six and otherwise very healthy and active and no symptoms whatsoever. The vet is going to make some referrals to an oncologist so we can get a better idea of what we're up against, potential costs, etc. I'm fortunate to have options here in this area and I could get her into UGA as well (very well known for their veterinary school and advanced treatments). I'm not sure the cost will outweigh the benefits right now. I always said I wouldn't put a pet through chemo, but she's so young and fit that I'm considering it. The testing alone has cost me $500 so far and that's without telling us B or T cell or anything else yet. So I guess my coworkers will be really tired of me picking up extra shifts...kind of wishing now I hadn't gone part time and that I had gotten pet insurance. My poor wonderful girl, I'm still in a bit of shock right now and just wanted to hear the good and the bad while we weigh the options. I’m so sorry. I don’t have any experience with lymphoma, but our pup was really sick recently. He’s 12.5. When we spoke to the surgeon about quality of life, he said that other than the diseased kidney and liver mass, he was perfectly healthy, and that he should still have quite a bit of time ahead of him. So, we decided it was worth the $10,000 cost, and he acts healthier and happier now than he did before. All that to say, if they give a good prognosis, I would definitely consider doing what you can, since your sweet baby is so young. All you want for them is good quality of life. I hope you get some good news that there is something you can do to prolong your baby’s life. |
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Post by Zee on Sept 26, 2024 20:23:28 GMT
We just got some very bad news that my beautiful wonderful smartest Best Girl in the World has lymphoma. I am still processing this, in a bit of denial. She went in for just routine vaccines but the vet noticed enlarged lymph nodes, sent some tests off, and we got the bad news today. From my googling (I know), the prognosis is not good no matter what. She is only six and otherwise very healthy and active and no symptoms whatsoever. The vet is going to make some referrals to an oncologist so we can get a better idea of what we're up against, potential costs, etc. I'm fortunate to have options here in this area and I could get her into UGA as well (very well known for their veterinary school and advanced treatments). I'm not sure the cost will outweigh the benefits right now. I always said I wouldn't put a pet through chemo, but she's so young and fit that I'm considering it. The testing alone has cost me $500 so far and that's without telling us B or T cell or anything else yet. So I guess my coworkers will be really tired of me picking up extra shifts...kind of wishing now I hadn't gone part time and that I had gotten pet insurance. My poor wonderful girl, I'm still in a bit of shock right now and just wanted to hear the good and the bad while we weigh the options. I’m so sorry. I don’t have any experience with lymphoma, but our pup was really sick recently. He’s 12.5. When we spoke to the surgeon about quality of life, he said that other than the diseased kidney and liver mass, he was perfectly healthy, and that he should still have quite a bit of time ahead of him. So, we decided it was worth the $10,000 cost, and he acts healthier and happier now than he did before. All that to say, if they give a good prognosis, I would definitely consider doing what you can, since your sweet baby is so young. All you want for them is good quality of life. I hope you get some good news that there is something you can do to prolong your baby’s life. Thank you. I hope your pup continues to thrive! |
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Just T
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,884
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Post by Just T on Sept 26, 2024 20:31:46 GMT
Awwww...I'm so sorry, @zee. My sweet dog Rudy died of lymphoma in 2020. He was 12 years old, and by the time it was discovered, he was so weak that our vet said he wouldn't survive treatment. We spoiled him rotten for 2 or 3 weeks before we finally made the decision to let him go. He was pretty old for his breed, and I'm sure it would've been a harder decision if he were a young dog. I hope you are able to get some clarity and come to a good decision for your girl. In the mean time, spoil her rotten while she can still enjoy it.  |
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Post by peasapie on Sept 26, 2024 20:33:01 GMT
I am wishing the very best outcome for your pup. My heart is with you.
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Post by malibou on Sept 26, 2024 20:49:56 GMT
Oh, I'm so sorry. Not that I sit around wishing cancer on dogs, or anyone/thing else, but I wish it to be something manageable like pantsonfire dog. Fuck cancer! |
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Post by Zee on Sept 26, 2024 20:50:20 GMT
Awwww...I'm so sorry, @zee. My sweet dog Rudy died of lymphoma in 2020. He was 12 years old, and by the time it was discovered, he was so weak that our vet said he wouldn't survive treatment. We spoiled him rotten for 2 or 3 weeks before we finally made the decision to let him go. He was pretty old for his breed, and I'm sure it would've been a harder decision if he were a young dog. I hope you are able to get some clarity and come to a good decision for your girl. In the mean time, spoil her rotten while she can still enjoy it. I didn't want to "like" your post but wanted to thank you for the kind thoughts. I'm sorry about your Rudy ❤️ |
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Post by mom on Sept 26, 2024 20:52:41 GMT
I have no experience, but wanted to send all the positive thoughts and wishes to you and your Best Girl.
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Post by Zee on Sept 26, 2024 20:59:24 GMT
Oh, I'm so sorry. Not that I sit around wishing cancer on dogs, or anyone/thing else, but I wish it to be something manageable like pantsonfire dog. Fuck cancer! Yeah it's pretty awful to live your life like a saint (haha, we joke that Jovie gets tired of hearing about "Saint Gracie" when we talk about our lab Gracie that we had before her, but in reality Jovie is the very best dog I've ever had) and get cancer at the age of six. Every dog I meet from here on out will be sick of hearing about Our Lady Saint Jovie, Blessed Among Dogs. |
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pantsonfire
Drama Llama
Take a step back, evaluate what is important, and enjoy your life with those who you love.
Posts: 6,273
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Post by pantsonfire on Sept 26, 2024 21:07:53 GMT
Oh and if your dog is on Apoquel, ask to be switched to Cytopoint.
Both our vet, a second vet, and the oncologist said absolutely no Apoquel because of how it affects the immune system. It can make it worse.
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pantsonfire
Drama Llama
Take a step back, evaluate what is important, and enjoy your life with those who you love.
Posts: 6,273
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Post by pantsonfire on Sept 26, 2024 21:11:58 GMT
Sorry I am remembering things in spurts...
Toby also receives no vaccines. The oncologist said no vaccines.
There was also 1 other med he isn't allowed to be on and I forgot what it is.
It has triggered his allergies more (again immune system response) so he gets his Cytopoint every 4 weeks. Without that he gets bad ear infections that are hard to treat. And we want to limit steroid use so he doesn't get Cushing's Disease and so when needed the steroids will help the cancer.
I also have to do weekly ear cleanings with a special med.
So if your dog suffers from allergies ask about that as well and proper management and treatment.
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Post by katlady on Sept 26, 2024 21:23:00 GMT
I am sorry to hear that! Hugs to you and your dog!
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Post by Zee on Sept 26, 2024 22:00:59 GMT
Sorry I am remembering things in spurts... Toby also receives no vaccines. The oncologist said no vaccines. There was also 1 other med he isn't allowed to be on and I forgot what it is. It has triggered his allergies more (again immune system response) so he gets his Cytopoint every 4 weeks. Without that he gets bad ear infections that are hard to treat. And we want to limit steroid use so he doesn't get Cushing's Disease and so when needed the steroids will help the cancer. I also have to do weekly ear cleanings with a special med. So if your dog suffers from allergies ask about that as well and proper management and treatment. Thank you, so far she hasn't suffered from anything. She's been completely healthy and if she hadn't been going in for her routine vaccinations I would have no idea. I will have to wait to see what type of lymphoma it is but your post gave me real hope! |
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