Today I need some good thoughts and vibes

[Margot49]

Our Greyhound is 12 years old and a couple of months ago, due to weight loss, put him through a battery of blood work, x-rays and ultrasound.  He is losing protein in his urine and have been treating him with BP meds (to keep the pressure down in the kidneys) and an antacid.  He has also had a dry cough, on and off, that I have brought to my Vet's attention before.  I try to keep a pretty close eye on my animals but have been dealing with my own health issues.  I have checked him many times but last night, I now feel a pretty good size and hard lump in his throat. It does not feel like a lymph node.  Have an appt to take him in this afternoon. Yes, I am worried.  Please think some good thoughts.  
thanks

[Margot49]

Thanks so much for sharing your story.  I am not one to judge people's decisions when it comes to their decisions regarding treatment of their aged pets.  If an owner wants to and can afford to do Chemo, surgery, etc, that is up to them.  I have been on the cancer boards since our Ranger was diagnosed and there are some good stories but very few true remissions.  If Ranger were younger, I may have opted to do a  modified therapy for the lymphoma but at his age, like you dog, I could not see putting him or us through the probably side effects.  In your circumstance, I most likely would have done the same and you're lucky you had him that long after diagnosis. Unfortunately, Ranger's prognosis, without any treatment, is 30-50 days.  I am doing diet and supplements and he is still comfortable, eating and taking his two daily walks.  I do feel another node in his neck enlarging.  
Hugs to you and I completely understand and it sounds like your dog had a peaceful passing.  

[Horseyone]

Hi Margot, I just wanted to wish you the best with your guy.... we just lost our 14yr old yellow lab to inoperable urinary tract cancer. We opted to do no chemo. He lived for a year and a half after being diagnosed. I may take heat for doing nothing (Piroxicam only) but I have to say up till the last couple of weeks he ate and was happy, with no torturing that he would not have understood at all, at the end we gave him anything he wanted to eat and he loved it!!!! Our vet came to our house and put him down in his own backyard laying under his favorite tree!!!!! Make him comfortable and love him like there is no tomorrow!!! My thoughts and prayers are with you!!!!

[ginger899]

Hey I'm sorry margot, I can only half imagine what you are going through right now. It's hard enough, this with Ranger, without having to cope with the other stuff too. I wouldn't be at all surprised if the pounding heart has something to do with all the stress.
I send you all my heartfelt good thoughts. I just wish there was more I could do to help!

[Misfits4Me]

Hi Margot...Was doing alittle research last night and ran across this recipe...I thought of Ranger because it uses Tums for Calcium (Helpful for Kidney Patients) & Turmeric (Wonderful Herb for Cancer)!

Recipe looks delicious & it's balanced...Made in a crock pot for ease......Anyway, I'm passing it along....Here's the link:

www.sundogcatmoon.com

Once you get to their homepage, scroll down ...There's a list on the right hand side...
Click: "Crock Pot Diet"

Instructions w/pictures are included...It's developed by the Vet that runs the clinic....It's called, "Dr. Ruth's Basic Diet".....It sure looks yummy!!!!

Hope you and Ranger are having a good day, talk to you soon....Let me know what you think.......Karla

[Misfits4Me]

Hi Margot...Goodness, you have alot on your plate at once, don't you? Maybe that's why your Heart is acting up.....Could it be Anxiety causing this? I wonder.....

I'm glad Ranger is still feeling good & eating....I agree/ to just let him be.....I would be tempted to try the Pred. however....You can always wean him off if the side effects get out of hand.....

I'm sorry you've got so much going on and don't feel well, yourself.....Makes it rough!

I took care of my mom for many, many years as she was bedridden for 81/2 years....I still remember the pressure of it all....

You seem to be managing everything remarkably well...And then even have time to come here and help out on this forum....I do enjoy reading your answers...  :)

Thanks for the update & I'm praying for you and Ranger to enjoy each day......I hope tomorrow is better for you both.....Talk to you soon, Karla

[Margot49]

Well, this has been a bad couple of weeks.  Took my Mom for her doctor's appts and blood work yesterday, was at the GI doctor myself and just got home a while ago from another doctor appt.  GI doc is going to do an endoscopy but not until 7-13.  My own doc is referring me out for a stress test and 24-hr halter  monitor due to my heart pounding issues.  Of course, nobody has figured out the cause of my mouth and throat problems!!  I think I'd get better advice here.  LOL!!!  So, not feeling too well myself.
I'm still struggling with Ranger's lymphoma diagnosis. I've been researching, talking to people, joined a Yahoo dog cancer group, etc.  I finally had a talk with my regular Vet last week and I know he will be up front with me. We've worked through a lot of stuff over the past number of years.  He is more then willing to try the 2-drug protocol I was considering but we have to be realistic in that Ranger is over 12 and dealing with the protein issues, BP and the weight he has already lost.  I can try the Pred and probably have a dog peeing all over the place day and night.  My Vet knows I am not feeling well myself and realizes I am having a difficult time with this as, for right now, Ranger seems okay.  We have to be  realistic in realizing that trying anything is only prolonging the inevitable and how long might that be?  A couple of months, a year?  I give credit to those that seem to go to the ends of the earth and their pocketbooks dealing with these horrible diseases.  Some have good results, many have temporary results and others put their dogs through (what I consider) just too many treatments with too many side effects.
So, today anyway, I am opting to do palliative care and let Nature take it's course. Breaks my heart.  Never easy to make these decisions but it's a lot easier when a dog is old and sick or suffering.
Thanks for the support.  We will get through this.

[lindapalm]

I don't have any advice, I just want to tell you how sorry I am for what you and Ranger are going through.  It's so hard to decide what to do, and to watch your best friend be sick.  I wish you much luck in your decisions, take care of yourself also.

[Misfits4Me]

Hi Margot....I have not forgotten about you and Ranger....Just have been very busy  w/ Tornados flying & book keeping for our Animal Rescue....We held a Low Income Spay/Neuter Clinic last Saturday & I'm still trying to get the paperwork done....

Anyway, I did read your last 2 posts although I didn't get to respond....I'm still praying & sending GOOD vibes your way......

I know that Ranger is your Kidney dog so I don't know that's it possible to do what I'm about to suggest.....However, I am going to list 3 things that I feel will help him:

1. Grain Free Diet is a must for a Cancer Patient....This one is the one I don't know if you could do....Cancer feeds off of Sugar and Carbs./Grains break down to sugar  in the system.....So, Cancer Dogs are immediately put on grain free diets!

2. I would look into the supplement: CoQ10 - It's actually a Co-Enzyme with amazing properties....Helpful for alot of things....

3. I also would add a digestive enzyme to his food.....If you've never used them, they are tasteless so not a problem to feed....Although they're used for many things, In cancer patients they're used to help absorb Nutrients from  food better....Also, helps w/digestion and tummy problems from whatever the source....My personal favorite is Prozyme....

OK, those are my tips for the day. ;)  Thanks for updates & good luck w/ your decisions...Keep me posted as I am VERY interested in his progress......

Gotta get out and mow the lawn...We actually have some sunshine in Oklahoma for a change!   Take care & talk to you soon......Karla

[Margot49]

After much research, talking to 4 Vets I've decided not to do any type of Chemo treatments.  Mainly due to Ranger's age, cost, probably side effects, etc.  I am going to try a protocol my Vet friend has used and hope for the best.  We are in the process of checking on the cost of one of the drugs coupled with Prednisone.  Hopefully, he can tolerate this and will have some quality of life left for a while.  If not, I will have to make that difficult decision.  Thanks again for all the support.  Keep those prayers and vibes coming.

[Margot49]

Thanks for the support, appreciated!!  I'm taking a bit of a beating on the Grey boards as I am considering not pursuing any type of Chemo treatments.  UC Davis called back this morning and they  have 2 studies going on for Lymphoma.  One would entail at least one trip up there weekly and the other 2 trips.  This really is not feasible and the dog would be miserable.  I did go to a Vet yesterday that does some oncology and he suggested a protocol that *may* extend his life up to a year.  It would be a 15 week treatment (IV drugs every 3 weeks, blood work, etc) Without complications, probably around $2,000.  Another Vet I know called me around 8:00 last night and we talked for quite a while. He does a modified Madison protocol which is 4 drugs, blood work, etc. Again at least around $2,000 without complications.  Both can have side effects and I don't know that I'm up to dealing with that with all the other stuff that is going on with me and my mother.  I have to have a thyroid biopsy and have been putting off mouth and eye surgery myself.  My husband is NOT backing me on the treatment plans. I can understand that also.  Cost and poor Ranger is 12+ years old and about at the end of his expected life span as it it. Do I subject him to treatments and trips to the Vet's office, which he hates??!!  Of course, a couple of friends are asking me what advice I would give to someone and I probably know what I would say, the same arguments I am telling myself. I've certainly been down this path many times over the years but I had sick and/or old animals and I knew when it was time to let go.  In Ranger's case, at this time and other they his weight loss, he seems fine.  If he were in pain, suffering, not eating, etc, the decision would be made.  I am taking a beating from one of the members on my Grey board for not having started treatment with the Chemo.  Well, I kind of expected that.  I think I will consult with the Vet I saw yesterday about just trying the Pred treatment and maybe go back to my own Vet, if that is the case. He has been the one that has treated Ranger all these years and, when the time comes, I would prefer to go to him.  
Sorry for the rambling.  Just thinking out loud, I guess.

[Misfits4Me]

Just to let you know that I'm thinking about you & Ranger......Hope your doing better.....Take care, Karla

[Margot49]

Between my own health issues, my 89-year old mother and now the dog, yes, it is feeling like a bit much.  I've got some time today so have been sitting here researching information friends and fellow Grey owners have sent me to read up on.  Of course, Chemo is the first treatment of choice but it can be very expensive, usually has to be monitored and given by an Internist or oncologist,  none of which we have in our area that I can find.  That would leave me with UC Davis, about 2 hours away, which would be a real hardship.  A Vet friend of mine suggested a drug combination she has used before that can maybe give them a couple of extra months but this is a nasty disease.  I am NOT happy that neither of the Vets at the practice I go to even mentioned that option.  I'll be trying to check more tomorrow.  Common sense is telling me Ranger is over 12 now and is it worth all this, to us and to him, to perhaps get a bit more time with him?  I'm still on the fence but will have to make a decision soon.  sigh................

[ginger899]

Margot, I am so sorry. I know. My Jack Russell (Toby) died of inoperable cancer in 1999. So believe me I know what it's like.
Just love him. Give him your love. Make him a promise that you will do what HE wants you to do. Then listen to him. He'll tell you.
I know it sounds strange, but in Toby's case it went like that.

It's too much -isn't it? I am sorry for what you must be going through right now.

[Margot49]

Well, I've trying to do some research when I get a few minutes at the computer.  I am in Central Calif and see that UC Davis (about 2 hrs North of me) does have a cancer/lymphoma study going.  I don't know that Ranger would qualify. I'll probably try contacting them on Monday.  It would be difficult to work with them being so far away unless they could set up some treatment with my local Vet.  Due to his age, I probably would not opt to do Chemo.  Am reading the average cases go in and out of remission and what quality of life is that.  A friend of mine (I kid you not) spent about $14,000 treating her Sheltie that had lymphoma (younger then Ranger) and the dog lived maybe a year longer then expected. She said she would not do it again and would not try it with an older dog.  Boards are suggesting treatment with Prednisone (hate that stuff) and one of two other drugs.  I'll try to check on that also.  Breaks my heart and my husband is NOT supportive in seeking treatment, mostly due to the cost.  I can understand that.  Whatever, I need to get some info and made some decisions quickly as who knows how far progressed this is already.  I knew one of his litter sisters had been adopted and contacted our rescue co-ordinator to see how she was doing.  Unfortunately, she passed from bone cancer in 2009.  Wonder how the rest of the litter fared but, truthfully, cancer seems to get a lot of these dogs, like a lot of large breeds
Thanks for the support.  I still tell him daily he is my handsome guy and he rubs his head against my leg.  Did I happen to say I HATE this?

[Misfits4Me]

Oh my.....I'm terribly sorry, too.  I was so hoping for a better prognosis for your guy......I am glad your Thyroid appointment was better than expected after they scared you to death!

I guess the answer here is to enjoy each day w/your guy....I suppose you already know that, though.....I hope you find some valuable information from the Greyhound boards. I will be praying for Ranger & his family.....

Please, Keep us updated and let us know how it's going.....I'm sorry I don't have any actual Cancer Info. to share w/you....I haven't lived through that one, yet. (Knock on wood)!

Take care & I hope you feel better, soon......Karla

[Margot49]

Thanks.  Not sure when that will be.  Feel a need for urgency and we have a big family reunion this weekend so I am going to have little time!!!
I'm getting info off my Greyhound boards and just sent an e-mail to a Vet at Ohio State who has been doing a study on cancer in Greys for some time now, although, mainly bone cancer.  I'm also going to try and contact a holistic woman friends have had good results with.
Not looking good, I realize that, but I'll still be checking.
I've been doing a lot of *Damn it's!!!!!" today.

[ginger899]

Oh Margot, I am so sorry! I have only just seen your thread.
It is so very difficult, I know.
This may be a very very long shot, and I haven't researched it fully re:Lymphoma. It may be unsuitable for Lymphoma, but there is a good article about Photo-dynamic therapy. You might like to read it?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photochemotherapy

[Margot49]

Well, I went to the doctor and we went over my thyroid scans.  May need another biopsy done on one but at least there wasn't bad news that they got me in so quickly!!  Made it to the chiropractor so, hopefully, my neck will stop hurting any day now.
Came home to see one of my Vets had called and she had the pathology back on the aspiration biopsy. I called her back and she got on the phone with bad news.  Biospy was positive for high grade lymphoma, not good.  We decided against doing an actual biopsy has the report was pretty clear.  Only thing we could do, which I discussed with my Vet yesterday, is do a biopsy, get it staged (and it is most likely a 4 anyway) and come up with a course of treatment, which would involve Chemo, etc.  I have worked with this Vet for many years and have gone through illnesses with my animals and hard decisions when they had to be made so we talk pretty frankly with each other.  Ranger is 12 years old and depleted as it is with the proteinuria issues.  Chemo would only extend his life by maybe a few months and he would really have no quality of life.  Per the pathology report, they estimate life expectancy of 30-50 days with this grade of cancer.  The Vet and I talked about this and the progression of the disease and what to look for.  We will just keep doing what we are doing and give him the best quality of life for whatever time he has left.  Luckily, he is still eating and enjoys his two daily walks.  This breaks my heart, again and again and again.  I will just do the best I can and hope he will beat some of those odds and be around longer then predicted.
Well, of course, the first thing out of my mouth was "No more!!"  
I'm going to get on my Greyhound Boards and see how others have handled this.
Damn it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the support, appreciate it.  

[Margot49]

Vet said it's a lymph node and I'm pretty sure it is.  It would be nice if it were a salivary gland problem but he has  not been well for some time.  Unfortunately, my Vet didn't get back to me tonight, which is unusual because he is usually very good about keeping me updated.  He is headed into 4 days off so he may or may not call or the other Vet might call.  They may wait until the results come in from the lab.  We went out for a quick dinner with friends and my husband's cell phone rings and it is the doctor's office that ordered the thyroid ultrasound I had done today. They asked it I could come in tomorrow!!  I told her they couldn't have even had time to read the test as it had just been done a few hours before. She said they had a cancellation for tomorrow morning.  Scared the hell out of me as this is a first.  Although, I had to wait 4 mos to get an appt with this doctor and I do know she is scheduled out until the end of August already. Between worrying about the dog and the doctor appt tomorrow, I doubt I'll be getting much sleep tonight.
thanks for the concern. I'll keep you posted.

[Misfits4Me]

Hi Margot....Was the Aspiration of the Lymph Node or could they tell? The reason I ask is that the Salivary Glands are in the same area (Actually very, very close), and can become infected and swell as you describe....It can happen as fast as over night.....I don't know if they drain the fluid or not, but antibiotics are given for it....

I'm hoping  that's what it is......You will notice a reduction in swelling after a couple of days on the Antibiotics.....

I hope your Drs. return call was GOOD news...

Let me know what happens.....Take care, Karla

[lindapalm]

I wish you much luck on your dogs tests, it is so hard when they get old and sick.  Please try to stay calm,( I know, not possible) and think positive.  Good Luck.

[Margot49]

Hi ZKarla and thanks. His name is Ranger and I certainly pray for my animals too.
Well, it *may* be lymphoma, not good.  Did aspiration biopsy to check on slides and yet more blood work.  Putting him on an antibiotic just in case it may be an infection.  I'm hoping something is definitive from these tests and he does not need a biopsy. These dogs do not do well with anesthesia!!!
Then, came home to a message from my latest doctor's office. I called back but nurse was busy so waiting for her to call.  A bit concerned cause they called so soon after the thyroid ultrasound was done. I'm just hoping they are efficient on making follow up appts (which would be very unusual here!!) and didn't find something to be concerned about.
Will keep you updated.  
thanks

[Misfits4Me]

Hi Margot.....I'm sending good Vibes & Thoughts your way....I've had a very ill dog this week, too! (Actually, 8 days to be exact)!  Makes for stressful days, I know......Please, let us know what you find out.....

What's his name, so I can put him on my prayer list?  (Yes, I pray for dogs!)  :)

I hope YOU start feeling better, too....I've got my fingers crossed for you both.............Sincerely, Karla