Cross your fingers for Lizzie please

Full court press

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That was really nice Scott !

Bart, you sound like a really great person and I truly feel for you.

Last winter our black lab, Bogey, lived to the ripe old age of 14 when we had to put him down. Much like Lizzie he began to really slow down abruptly and sulk .He was diagnosed with a terminal cancer that affected his breathing. The vet said he could stay comfortable for up to 6 months or so and when we noticed him gasping for air it would be the time to put him to rest.

That very same day we went out and got a new puppy, this time a shar-pei, Sampson who is jet black just like Bogey.When we brought him home Bogey really responded well. He really picked up his step again and the two of them became inseparable. Bogey treated Samson like a father would a son, showing him the ropes of living in a new home and the tricks of the trade. Bogey really enjoyed having the puppy around and Sampson slowly began to acquire just about the same personality and traits of his mentor. The two of them were just great for each other.

That lasted about 5 months. When Bogey began to have trouble breathing we had no other choice to have him put down. But I knew in my heart that he went out happy and peacefully. I miss him a lot but it's almost like Bogey still lives in the spirit of Sampson.

In short, one chapter of my life ended when Bogey died but an equally happy new chapter began with Sampson. Not saying a new puppy is right for you but it sure worked out well for Bogey and us.

Take care buddy.
 

ppabart

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Taking Lizzie into the vet oncologist today. Just getting ready to leave actually. So today is the day we find out what the expert thinks, and can maybe start Liz on some meds that will at least make her feel a bit better. That's all I can really hope for at this point. It still just blows my mind that last week at this time, she was running around the living room with me....playing and so full of energy, and now things couldnt be more different. I'll update later on after the visit to the specialist.
 

ppabart

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Well that was tough.

All done at the oncologist. I guess the internet is a wonderful thing because i sorta knew what i was about to hear. From the sounds of it, she does indeed have a month or two...just depending on how well the Prednisone reacts for her. Something i didn't realize is that the steriod (the Pred) actually sends the cancer into remission for a short amount of time. So what I should see for the next month or so is a return of a pretty normal Lizzie. That'll be nice for her.

However, after the cancer cells adapt, the symptoms will return and then its time to start dealing with the thoughts I don't wanna deal with. Unfortunately for her, I think her lymphoma is pretty advanced based on several of her glands being swollen and a couple of other things the vet pointed out. She said her platelet count was kinda low....which could (but not definitely) mean that the cancer has gotten into her bone marrow...which is the worst case scenario. Also, her tummy feels a bit tighter, which I had noticed too. That means that maybe her liver or other internal organ is showing some signs of swelling...which is why she's been more nauseous and had to pee more. Bottom line, I could drop $5000 dollars to try out chemotherapy, but that may gain her a year. If I thought that they were offering a cure, I'd be all over it...no matter how much of a poor house it put me in. But 5 grand isn't pocket change....not for me anyway. So I'm going to give her the best couple of months I can give her and just pray for the best.

And let me just say....it takes a special person to be one of these specialist vets. She (the vet) has to deal with seeing animals that are terminal everyday....owners crying everyday...and still do her job unemotionally....which has to be so so hard.

Jack....I'd like to make Lizzie my avatar. Can I send you a picture and have it made into my avatar?



And to everyone that has been reading and sending their thoughts and prayers, I thank you again....and Lizzie thanks you too.
 

hedgehog

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Bart, hang in there. I have been down your road, just make sure she does not suffer or is any pain.
 

Jaxx

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Alot of love in those dogs eyes. I am sure it is very tuff for you. Hang in there.

:0074
 

ppabart

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So I hope the constant updates aren't annoying...but it just helps me to share.

Things seem to be going ok so far. She hasnt had anymore nausea and she's now taken 2 doses of the steriod. She seems to be having a better time of things so far. I'm hoping the swelling in lymph nodes will subside some later today. For now, I'm off to work. Totally sucks leaving her during the day now.
 

CryBoy

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Lizzie is not alone.

Lizzie is not alone.

ppabart... Go to work in peace knowing that there are Madjackers at home looking out for Lizzie.
 

ppabart

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Just a quick update....

Lizzie has now taken her 4th dose of the steriod. I can't really tell any noticeable difference in the size of her neck glands. The vet said that it should take 24-48 hours to start taking effect so we are well past that window now. I'll be calling the vet tomorrow just to see if upping the dose is allowable. The good news is that Lizzie is tolerating the meds well. No upset stomach or anything like that. She's currently taking 40 mg of prednisone once a day....(she's a 45 lb dog). Anyways, keep her in your thoughts please. She will definitely be having quality family time today. Thanks again everyone.
 
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