So sorry to hear it. Our dog Sadie was diagnosed with Lymphoma in Aug '04. We opted for a course of chemo that involved taking her in every week or so for 6 months. It wasn't cheap, but it did give her a vigorous life back. The goal with canine chemotherapy is not to cure the patient, and so it's not nearly as aggressive as with humans. The point is to make the dog comfortable, and produce a remission. With lymphoma, at least, the remission lasts roughly a year. Sadie got 9 months of vigorous life out of it, so we think it was really worthwhile.

*hugs* for both you and the dog.

And we're (ana and toxicfur) around to answer questions if you have them. Our e-mail addys work, as to husi Private Messages.

Regular, or decaf abomination? --Kellnerin

I'm so glad that we were able to give Sadie the chemo. She was a very, very sick dog when we took her into the vet's office and got the diagnosis. Within a couple of weeks of getting chemo, though, she had more energy than she'd had since she was a puppy. I had my dog back for those 9 months, and she had very minimal side effects from the treatment. (Some hair loss, some lethargy right after the treatments). A few weeks before she died, we went hiking, and she clambered up boulders to peer out over the hills. I remember remarking that before she started the treatment, she was so weak that there was no way she'd have even been able to walk, much less climb.

Another option is to check with any local veterinary schools. They often have clinical trials for dogs with cancer, and in some cases, the treatment helps the dogs in addition to providing more information for treating cancer in humans. Every vet, though, should have the dog's comfort and quality of life as the top priority.

Best of luck, and give your dog lots and lots of hugs.
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inspiritation: the effect of irritating someone so much it inspires them to do something about it. --BuggEye

I'd tell you to have her focus on what makes her feel good. I'd tell you to watch funny movies with her, and not to let her dwell on anything negative.

Can you do any of that with a doggie?

The only people to get even with are those that have helped you.

have many great danes...they breed them and show them....and a few have had cancer over the course of years.  They always opt for treatment.

It sucks when pets are sick.  I'm very sorry to hear about your dog.  Hopefully treatment will work!
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I accidentally had a conversation in italian at lunchtime. I don't speak italian. - Merekat

that this entry would be about a dog born in late June or early July. I am very sorry that was not the case :(

*hugs*

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"If we build it, will they come, and what will they do when they get here?" -- iGrrrl

Count your blessings.

"To this day that was the most bullshit caesar salad I have every experienced..." - triggerfinger

no matter the results of any treatment, be thankful you have the opportunity to say goodbye properly. It makes a big difference. Don't waste any time. Do it. I know this isn't what you want to hear, but it's the honest truth.

Also, cancer can be treated with good results. Good luck.