Possible Lymphoma

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LolasMommy

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We haven’t gotten an official dx yet.. but the vet is strongly leaning toward it being lymphoma. I am in shock and worried and sad and in denial all at once. My Lola is 8 years old and it started less than a month ago when I noticed two small lumps on her lower abdomen while giving her some belly rubs. I kept an eye on things and brought her in for a wellness exam a week or so later. All seemed well and didn’t really spark a concern for the vet so we decided on a wait and see approach. Two weeks later and the lumps have considerably grown in size, which we know now are caused from swollen lymph nodes. She also has other swollen lymph nodes all throughout her body. The X-ray looked fairly normal except more swollen lymph nodes were found internally. We did a fine needle aspiration of all the nodes and are currently waiting for the cytology report to come back. But all evidence so fair is pointing to lymphoma. Other than being a little less energetic/more sleepy than usual and a bit of an increase in panting/heavy breathing (she’s always been a heavier “mouth breather” lol), she seems fairly normal and will still have her random spirts of crazy energy (especially when a plane flies over while she’s in the yard - she’s a quirky silly girl), but it’s definitely enough for me to know something is definitely up. Please, if any of you have had experience with treating and battling canine lymphoma I would greatly appreciate your input (praying for success stories as well). At this point I know chemo is the most effective option, but not a cure.. but if it means I can have some more time with my best friend and it makes her feel better I’m going to do whatever I can while still keeping her comfort and well being in mind. This is all happening on the doorstep of a holiday weekend and a massive hurricane is about to hit (we live in south Florida) so it literally couldn’t have come at a worse time. Any and all input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance
 
Amy, I'm so sorry to hear about Lola. I know what you're going through...my Checkers, now almost 13, was found to have mast cell tumors more than a year ago. We had them removed and I put her on a holistic protocol and so far, so good. Then this year she developed a spindle cell tumor on her leg that was so large it needed a skin graft when they removed it. My vet recommended a wonderful holistic doctor who specializes in treating cancer with homeopathics and she's been on that protocol now for six months successfully. So don't give up hope!

Get the diagnosis, and then go from there. You will do what's best for her, I know. If you'd like the contact information for the holistic cancer doc, let me know and I will send it to you. He consults by phone and then mails you the medications. It's not terribly expensive either, compared to most treatments.

Above all, be safe there and take care in this dangerous hurricane! Please check in and let us know how you fare there. Sending prayers for your safety and for Lola's healing.
 
Sending thoughts your way! My boy Gavin had both mast cell tumor and soft tissue sarcoma. we did radiation. I do know dogs have very few side effects with chemo as compared to people.

And my 14 year old boy has lipomas all over...probably close to 2 dozen.... most have been aspirated but I gave up after a while and since he is older
 
LolasMommy said:
We haven’t gotten an official dx yet.. but the vet is strongly leaning toward it being lymphoma. I am in shock and worried and sad and in denial all at once. My Lola is 8 years old and it started less than a month ago when I noticed two small lumps on her lower abdomen while giving her some belly rubs. I kept an eye on things and brought her in for a wellness exam a week or so later. All seemed well and didn’t really spark a concern for the vet so we decided on a wait and see approach. Two weeks later and the lumps have considerably grown in size, which we know now are caused from swollen lymph nodes. She also has other swollen lymph nodes all throughout her body. The X-ray looked fairly normal except more swollen lymph nodes were found internally. We did a fine needle aspiration of all the nodes and are currently waiting for the cytology report to come back. But all evidence so fair is pointing to lymphoma. Other than being a little less energetic/more sleepy than usual and a bit of an increase in panting/heavy breathing (she’s always been a heavier “mouth breather” lol), she seems fairly normal and will still have her random spirts of crazy energy (especially when a plane flies over while she’s in the yard - she’s a quirky silly girl), but it’s definitely enough for me to know something is definitely up. Please, if any of you have had experience with treating and battling canine lymphoma I would greatly appreciate your input (praying for success stories as well). At this point I know chemo is the most effective option, but not a cure.. but if it means I can have some more time with my best friend and it makes her feel better I’m going to do whatever I can while still keeping her comfort and well being in mind. This is all happening on the doorstep of a holiday weekend and a massive hurricane is about to hit (we live in south Florida) so it literally couldn’t have come at a worse time. Any and all input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance
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❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ I'm so sorry!!
 
My heart goes out to you, I do hope it isn't bad news. So much sad news atm.

A friend's Sheltie was dx with Lymphoma 18mths ago - he was extremely sick by then. He has been on steroids all this time and, other than losing a lot of his coat, he is managing pretty well. Not a cure, but it has brought her a lot longer with him.
 
I could not have said it any better than Ann. I just want to say my prayers are with you and dear Lola.
My boy Laddie had bone cancer and only had three months. To everyone’s shock he lasted 9 months at age 13. Blessings to you both and you are care. I certainly hope the hurricane misses you guys. Keep us updated!
 
Our Bitsy Boodle has lymphoma. It was diagnosed when she was about 8 or 9. Three years ago, one of our vets told us it was time to think about putting her down because of her difficulty walking. DH said, "Oh HELL no!" We had her joints infused with platelet-rich plasma. She's still with us -- thin as a rail, sleeping most of the time at 13.5, fussy about eating. But she still rules the roost and even still plays a gentle game of ball. (See my most recent Bitsy Boodle post.)

Don't despair!! :hugs
 
Thank you all for the kind and encouraging words. I’ve been a mess all weekend and haven’t really been able to focus on much else while I await the news. I’m pretty prepared that I’m going to get news I don’t wanna hear, but I’m ready to tackle it head on and give her the most effective treatment necessary. My mind keeps running wild with thoughts of it possibly being caught “too late” or her taking a turn for the worse and having a possible emergency on our hands in the midst of a hurricane. She’s been a little finicky with her food these past few days which is definitely not like her at all, so I know she’s not feeling her best, my poor girl. will definitely keep you all updated.
 
Chris said:
Our Bitsy Boodle has lymphoma. It was diagnosed when she was about 8 or 9. Three years ago, one of our vets told us it was time to think about putting her down because of her difficulty walking. DH said, "Oh HELL no!" We had her joints infused with platelet-rich plasma. She's still with us -- thin as a rail, sleeping most of the time at 13.5, fussy about eating. But she still rules the roost and even still plays a gentle game of ball. (See my most recent Bitsy Boodle post.)

Don't despair!! :hugs
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Thank you so much. So glad to hear your pup is still with you post diagnosis. Just curious, what were her symptoms upon diagnosis? Did you do any certain treatments (chemo, steroid, etc)?
 
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