Hi all,
My name is Keith and I am new to this board. Today, I found out that my dog "Casey", a 5-year old beagle, has been dx with prostate cancer. I just can't seem to want to accept the fact that he might be gone in a few months. The vet said that he can take a chemo pill which will prolong his life 6 months, but if he doesn't take a pill he will die in 1-3 months. He will stop eating and just start urinating blood. Why do things like this happen? Casey is only 5 years old, he is so innocent and defensless, and stricken with a horrible disease. It really isn't fair. I just don't know what to do. I am constantly thinking about him and I am balling my eyes out while writing this message. I just can't accept what happened.

Hi Keith,

Don't just take one vet's word for it. You can start by digging around in these forums. There are threads here from folks who have done tons of research and have been able to prolong their pets lives well beyond the vets prediction. Not merely keeping them alive either, but retaining reasonable quality of life too. Search in Disease and Sickness Support and in Death and Dying.

I know all too well how unfair it is. He's only 5 and should have another 6 to 8 years or more with you. My Qorqui wasn't even 2 when she was killed.

The word for you is "research". Research, research and more research. Your vet may be right about how long Casey has, but he may not be. Look into alternative treatments and diets. I know that things like broccoli (sp?) have fairly strong anti cancer properties. There are probably tons of other things out there that help too.

Learn whatever you can about the desease and potential treatments. If it turns out that your vet is right, you still have a luxury I didn't. You can make Caseys last days meaningful and special.

My thoughts and prayers are with you,
Tim

Hi Keith,

I did a little digging myself and found this link: http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/acancer.htm

I hope it helps get you started.

Tim