Lymphoma

[Health and Medical Issues (for our pets)]

I had posted on the food group earlier today. We took Lorenzo in to the LSU vet school today and after about 7 hours we got a call that he has Lymphoma Stage V. We are beyond heartbroken. Our baby is just over a year old. We are confused and feeling so guilty because we didn't see the signs and he has been playing and being the same sweet boy while this cancer was eating at him. 

Now we are faced with the decision of putting him on elspar, prednisone, or doing chemotherapy. The vet oncologist said that without treatment we may have days to weeks with him so it seems unlikely that chemo would do all that much for him. We want him to be comfortable and happy. I'm concerned about the elspar having numerous negative side effects even though it supposedly kills cancer cells. Does anyone have any experience with these drugs?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm so sorry Courtney. 
I posted some of this in your other discussion but am reposting it here. 

We have a number of members here whose doodles have had lymphoma. I hope some fo them will respond to this discussion. The decision to do chemo or not is a very personal one that only you and your family can make. From what I have seen, the chemo buys a little time, but not much. It seems that most of the dogs who have gone through it and gotten into remission do relapse within a very short time afterwards :( 
I have a lot of experience with prednisone, although not for chemo or a fatal disease. For my dog, it did wonders, but he was on it for an autoimmune disease. 
I am not familiar with elspar but after readin about the side effects, I would be concerned too. And from what I read, the cancer becomes resistant to the effects of the drug.  
Take some time to adjust to this; you are still in shock. And don;t feel guilty, nobody would have seen or suspected anything wrong in such a young dog. 
Hug Lorenzo for me. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

A member posted this resource about a year ago. Maybe something to consider?
https://doodlekisses.com/group/healthandmedicalissues/forum/topics/...

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

I don’t have any information for you, but I’m so very sorry to hear this Courtney.

[Kamela & Beckett]

I have no info for you but just wanted to say I’m so very sorry. Thinking of you and your family and your sweet pup. 

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

I am so sorry :(

We lost our Luna to lymphoma last year.  It appeared very suddenly and was found when she got a raging bladder infection from all the extra calcium the tumors were making.  

We made the decision to buy just a little more time with prednisone.  She improved rapidly and was doing very well for 6 weeks until the tumors came roaring back and we had to let her go 2 weeks later.  We didn't want to put her through long, extensive chemotherapy as we felt that it would be more for us than for her.  We felt the kindest thing was to make her feel better for a little while and let her go.

Whatever you decide Lorenzo is well loved and know that we are all thinking of you.

[BG and Gavin]

I am so sorry Courtney. Sending hugs. Cancer is my biggest fear.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I am so sorry to hear about Lorenzo.  Unfortunately, I know the heart break of this diagnosis all too well.  Our Sophie was very similar.  We thought she had a UTI, but after a few weeks of this not improving, and the lymph nodes becoming swollen we got the diagnosis.  We went the chemo route.  Mike and I have said that we would not make this same decision if faced with the same diagnosis again.  Our Sophie was diagnosed in October and we had to let her go in March, 1 week after her 5th birthday.  Initially she reacted to the Chemo very well and went into remission although it was short lived.  We stopped chemo in February.  In December I thought she was doing so well on the chemo.  She was a therapy dog and while we weren't able to go on visits because of her immune system, we were invited to the Christmas Party for volunteers at the hospital.  At this event she just laid down when we got in the room and she didn't even stand up when people came up to pet her.  This was very eye opening for me in how tired she was.  When I look back at pictures now, I can see how tired she is.  Thus the reason we have said we would not choose to do it again.  In all honesty, I personally don't know of a doodle that went the chemo route that made it much past 6 months, if that.  It is a tough one.  This was in 2012-2013 for us, so possibly some things have changed that I'm not aware of.  Know that my thoughts are with you during this difficult time.  If there is anything I can answer for you, please don't hesitate to contact me.  Hugs to you and Lorenzo.

[Barbara, Zoey and Zeke]

So sorry to hear Lorenzo's diagnosis. It has to be devastating.  Wish I could grant you some kind of comfort.  I have no experience with chemo for dogs. I'm sure you will make the best decision for you.  

[Stacy]

I don't have any experience or advice, but I wanted to tell you that I'm so incredibly sorry that you and Lorenzo are going through this. It's just heartbreaking. I wish you much peace as you go through this. There is nothing you could have done or known. Sometimes the world just seems to be a cruel place.

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

I’m so sorry Courtney.  Our Ripley (ALD)was diagnosed at 16 months with cancer - a tumor in his thymus gland. He was suffering and we chose to end that suffering. Whatever you have decided, I wish you well and know how hard it is to have a young one leave so soon. I’m truly sorry.