Bella's lymphoma battle

[Shari & Bella M.]

It has been an emotional evening.  Just found out at Bella's appointment today that she has lost remission.  Her submandibular and prescapular lymph nodes are again enlarged.  We did not rush into a rescue protocol.  However, instead of Vincristine, Bella received Doxyrubicin, the most potent drug in her current protocol.  Please pray that my furgirl responds to this well.  I'm so very scared for her.  I have also asked to be referred for a second opinion at another veterinary hospital in Pittsburgh.  I just need to be sure we are proceeding with the best possible treatment plan.  I hate the roller coaster ride this lymphoma has put us on.  The only good part is Bella does not know she is sick.  We have had two really good weeks with her being playful and eating well.  I fear for what is ahead because she has previously had side effects to this drug.

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

Poor Bella.  I am so sorry to hear you all have to go through this.  I will be thinking positive thoughts for her to get through her treatments with as minimal side effects as possible.

[Lynne and Riley]

Shari & Bella my heart goes out to both of you. We will keep your family and sweet Bella in our prayers. Riley sends doodle hugs to Bella.

[Marnie, Stanlee's Mom]

Thinking of you both and sending lots of doodle love. 

[Michele, Biscuit & Mo]

Shari, I am so sorry to hear this news.  I know what a roller coaster it is, having gone through it with our first doodle, Penny.  Lots of prayers coming your way for Bella and you!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Hoping Bella is having a good day!  Hugs.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Oh goodness, thinking of you.  Many prayers for your family and sweet Bella :)

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Of course you have my prayers. Love to you, Bella and your family. This has to be one of the most difficult experiences we ever have to go through. ((Hugs))

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

My love to you, Bella and your family.  Praying for all of you!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Shari -- Thanks for the update.  Glad that the side effects from the last treatment aren't too bad thus far.  Some of the things that Sophie would eat when she wouldn't eat anything else were mashed sweet potatoes, baby food (lazagna), frozen turkey meatballs, occasional mcdonalds ice cream, and there were a few treats she would take.  There were points where it was just about calories ... whatever it was it was calories.  Sophies lymph got huge towards the end.  I would say slice a grapefruit in half and that was what the one side of her neck felt like her last day.  The ones under her neck were always the largest.  Best advice I can give you is to just enjoy the good days to the fullest and love her on the bad ones and most importantly take care of yourself during the process.  Hugs.

[Shari & Bella M.]

Thanks so much for all your kind comments and especially your prayers.  I am so blessed to have found such a wonderful group of doodle lovers who understand the lengths I would go through to keep Bella with our family and as healthy as possible with such a grim diagnosis.  I have many family members and friends that think I'm crazy putting "a dog" through chemotherapy.  It's tireless.

Anyway...update on Bella...she is still doing okay in regards to NO nausea or vomiting, BUT she hasn't eaten much today.  She takes a few bites like she wants to eat, but then gives up.  She is sleeping a lot.  Her lymph node (submandibular) in her neck/throat is the size of a very large grape and noticeable on touch, but not actually visible from the outside.  I am not sure if the Doxorubicin is going to bring it down this time which potentially means that she is resistant to the most potent drug in her current protocol and then, we will have to switch to a "rescue protocol" which would be a much higher toxic, potent drug.  I am so very scared.  The decisions are difficult, not knowing when to say when.  If I go with the more potent drug and she has awful side effects...where is the quality of life for my sweet girl?  But if I decide on comfort measures, I am so fearful of this manifesting further to the point of cutting off her airway.  As this whole lymphoma nightmare started with her tonsils being enlarged and they grew quite quickly.

Thank you all for your support.  I will continue to update.  Please, just keep the prayers coming for my girl!  Lots of love and many furry paw hugs to you all!