hello im new here,im so upset and so depressed,she was diagnosed 3 weeks ago with lymphoma,all her lympnodes are swollen,shes on prednisone 40mg a day,everyday she slows down,she losing muscle,in her back legs,she has lost muscle mass through her whole body,i have her eating a high protein diet of wellness 95% meat,today she refused to eat that,but she did eat some chicken for me.everynight i cant sleep,im up checking on her all the time.i have even been giving her these apricot seeds,that are sopssed to cure cancer,i know they probably dont work but its worth a try.i am so stressed that im going to have to make this descision soon.i know im going to go crazy.

I understand exactly what you are going through, as my dog Candy was just diagnosed a few months ago. The one thing about lymphoma is that it's a roller coaster ride. Alot of the medicines they give can have some amazing effects. I know it's expensive, but make sure you try to see a Cancer Specialist. They're are so many drugs that can help.

My Candy got a few extra months after getting on treatment. If it wasn't for the Predisone and the other meds, we would have lost her in April.

God bless and hang in there.

I am so sorry that you are feeling so stressed about your lovely 11 year old. I lost my fur baby to a cancer a few weeks ago and am still trying to come to terms with it because he went down hill so quickly. It was not the same type of cancer as your fur baby but non the less it is still a heart breaking time when you find out they have this illness. I think you should listen to Candy's dad as they have first hand experiance of this and have lots of information that I am sure they will share with you that could help. That is the wonderful thing about this board, that ppl want to help others who are facing the same dilemmas as themselves in any way they can.

Please let us know of how they are doing so that we can offer support whenever you feel that you will need it. And, please understand that I do know where you are coming from about feeling stressed and checking up on them throughout the night. I have done that too and know how you are feeling. Whenever William was ill I used to check on him to make sure he was ok at night brcause when he was ill it used to really stress me out. they are like ppl...... they need us to make sure they are ok because they cannot tell us when they are feeling awful.

Peace and love to you and your fur friend at this time.

Williams Mummy ***

Ask your Vet about a drug called "lomustine". Even though your baby is already on predisone, this may help. Also the vet will lower or raise the dosage of the predisone depending on how aggressive it is.

Lastly, if you are just seeing a vet and not a vet oncologist, if you can afford, I highly recommend it as they have knowledge of the latest and greatest in the treatment of lymphoma.

God bless you and I'll be thinking good thoughts for you and your baby.

kendrasmommy, am so sorry for the news you got about your baby three weeks ago I also recieved the same kind of news on May 19th, My Son Buster was diagnosed with cancer in the nose and they have removed part of it thru his nostrils yesterday and he has been bleeding all day today and has now some swelling and not able to breath good yet, I wish you both the best and are now in my prayers, best wishes, God Bless from Buster and Jorge

when she was first diagnosed,they put her on 20 mg of pred that did nothing for her,i took her to another vet,a holistic dr. he put her on onco support and probotic for her tummy,then the third vet i rushed her too,becasue of a nose bleed,rasied the pred to 20mg pred 2 times a day,chemo would cost me $5000.00 and up here in new york,and i would have given my right arm,to pay for it,unfortunatly i dont have that kind of money i had care credit but used it all on her care from 3 different vets,3 weeks ago she had a chest x-ray and no cancer was found in her chest,but as those 3 weeks went by,im sure it has spread,ontop of that ,she also has lyme disease too.yesterday and today not good days for her at all,today she just keeps laying in one spot.2 days ago i had her out in the pool trying to build alittle muscle in her hind quarters,but she would not move her back legs in the pool.im posting a pic of her,her name is Kendra she came into my life june 21 1996,her birthday is in 3 days.she has been by my side since she was a little puppy.im not ready ,and i dont think she is ready to leave me right now. ): this pic is way before she got sick.

None are so blessed as those who have received the gift of truly loving and knowing an animal. These sweet babies that come into our lives bring us so much joy and happiness. When faced with knowing our time with them is nearing an end it leaves us feeling helpless and cripples us physically as well as mentally.

Whatever time you and Kendra have left together I pray that each moment is filled with as much happiness and joy as you can possibly muster up. She knows just like you do that something is very wrong. Each day you have with her will be but a memory tomorrow. So as you remember the past and dream of the future, make this day count for something very special for you and Kendra.

Keep us posted on how you and Kendra are doing. There are alot of people here who understand the desperation and agony and hurt you are feeling right now. In this forum we truly care about each other and what is going on. You never have to be alone because we are with you and pray for you.

Hugs of comfort my friend,
Beth

I'm so sorry to hear this...I lost my Mackie-bear to hemangiosarcoma, two years ago come Sept.

The veterinary specialists who treated him gave him peanut butter to help him maintain his weight. You might give that a try, and please keep us posted how she's doing.

Meanwhile you are in my thoughts and prayers,
Dayna

i had to take her to the Er about 10:30 pm,she wouldnt eat for me today,and she lost her urine,as you read my history i do own a dog with lymphoma,she is running a temp,dr gave 2 choices,put her on iv with antibiotics,or becasue of the lymphoma put her down,yesterday she was eating and walking around fine,today nothing.i dont want to lose her now,my eyes are all swollen,from crying,is there any way to let the best friend of your life go?i just dont think its time for both of us.

It truely is a hard decision. I made that decision many-many years ago. It was really hard, but I knew I was releasing him from all his pain and suffering and that tired body. He would then gain a new healthy body that was free of any pain and sickness.
Kendra is a beautiful dog. Please let us know how she is doing.
We are here for you.

the thing is she has no pain,dr. said shes not suffering.but i am,i almost lost it tonight,before i left her i kissed her so many times on her head,and told her i will see you tomorrow,when i left she kept looking at me,when she is home with me,she follows me everywhere,i hated leaving her,and her watching me walk out the door.i hope she knows i did it for her.hopefully she will be ok and be able to come home tomorrow.i pray

We pray for her homecoming tomorrow also. So glad she has no pain and is not suffering.
Lots of prayers and hugs for the both of you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Let us know

shes home, her fever broke over night at the hospital,and she ate for them,she looks so much better today,my prayers and yours worked.it was the lyme disease not the lymphoma ,i am so happy today.

I am so very glad to read your good news.
Please keep us updated. Continued prayers for you both.

I'm very glad to hear Kendra's fever broke overnight. The power of prayer can bring miracles.

Enjoy the happiness you are feeling today. Make each and every moment you have with Kendra something to remember. The time we spend today is what becomes our memories tomorrow.

May you be blessed in all your days with Kendra.

Hugs of comfort for both of you,
Beth

I'm so happy the two of you are feeling better. I'm praying for Kendra's continued improvement. keep us posted.

Hugs to you both,
Dayna

Oh my God! we are so happy she is home with you, that is the best news today here, am sooooo happy for the two of you! please keep posting more, we love to hear it, best wishes from Buster and Jorge

Terrific News!!!!! I hope I get some good news today.

Glad she home!!!!!!

I hope it is okay with you but I reduced your PDF file photo of Kendra and am posting it here so everytime you or anyone else comes to this thread, all will be able to see what a beautiful girl she is and why her mommy loves her so very much.

KENDRA'S PICTURE

Click to view attachment

Beautiful, dog. Kendra look like the regal lady that she is.

Today is Kendra's 12th birthday.her lyme disease is bad,she can hardly walk her back legs are bad,i have to help her to go out and potty,does anyone know if a good massage on her hind quarters would help at all,so far she is still eating and drinking and i am blessed to still have her with me.Happy Birthday To My Baby

Happy Birthday, Kendra]!


I'm sorry, I don't know if it would help or not...but I do know it sure couldn't hurt. It sounds like a great birthday gift for your beautiful girl.


Hugs to you Both,
Dayna

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KENDRA!!!

Rejoice in the day Kendra was born and give thanks for all she has given you. The furkids God gives us to nuture our lives and souls are the most ultimate gift of all. The memories we make with them are ones to be cherished for the rest of our days on earth. Two such souls joined with love can ever be broken.

May each of your days with Kendra be filled with happiness and sunshine.

Much love and warm hugs to you and Kendra,
Beth

Each birthday is a special milestone we are glad they are here. When I lost my Little Guy in September...it comforts me to think that at least in that year....he had his birthday in May and actually, in May he was fine. His problem started in July..Aug..Sept.

I don't know anything to help on the back legs problem but a phone call to your vet, reporting an update on Kendra's condition and asking that question might give you an answer. If the vet is busy you could always ask a gal on the phone if she could ask the vet when he has a moment and call you back. That has worked for me also. These people do love animals and I have found them very helpful when I have had questions that may not require an office visit but something that would help the animal. Couldn't hurt to ask.

Give Kendra a birthday hug and kiss from me.

Happy Birthday Kendra!!!

I think a good massage wouldn't hurt. JUst continue to help her when she goes out.

Your a very good parent.

God bless

Today may be the day,that i let her go,she is eating very little,losing her urine,can barely stand,and when she does she falls,sounds like she has phelm in her throat,sounds very crackly when she does it,but she cant seem to clear it,she has lost her dignity.i called her doctor im waiting for her to call back at 2pm.my poor baby has given up,she cant fight it anymore.

OMG. Please let us know what happens we'll be thinking of you and Kendra. I went through this on Friday and it was very difficult, but trust me, you'll know (and Kendra) when it's time.

God bless.

It saddens me to know you are facing goodbyes with Kendra. She knows how much you love her and have always met her every need in life.

My heart is with you and I know there is little to ease your pain. It's the last thing in the world any of us wants to do in saying goodbye to one we love so much.

Please keep us updated about Kendra as well as yourself.

Much love with warm hugs of comfort from my heart to yours,
Beth

Again, so sorry that you have to go thru this like I did the last June 20th, I wish I could do something to make your baby girl feel better, my Prayers are with you both and from Heaven also my Son Buster it's sending his, love all ways, Jorge

she was bad this morning,or shall i say early afternoon,then later in the day,she started to get up and walk around alittle,i took her outside to lay in the grass for an hour,i cant believe the difference from just a few hours.her eating is not as good as i would want it to be,but she is eating some.please keep up the prayers,i think they are working. Hugs to everyone.

I'm glad to hear Kendra's spirits have perked up a little. You can be sure I will keep both of you in my prayers.

Hugs right back at both of you,
Beth

2am and shes not doing so good.

May the peace of our Lord shine upon both of you at this sad time and grant you peace. You never have to walk alone as all of us here at LS are right beside you.

My thoughts and prayers go with you this day as you struggle in coming closer to having to say goodbye to Kendra. Please give her an extra big hug and comforting rub where she loves it most from me.

Much love to both of you Kendra's Mommy,
Beth

I'm glad to hear she's hanging in there. You guys were on my mind this monring, so I wanted to check before I left for work.

Give her lotsa lotsa hugz and kisses today.

Bless you both.

Hal - Candy's Dad

How is Kendra doing this morning?

I hope you have been able to update your vet about Kendra's condition. He may have some suggestions to help her.

I lost my Little Guy's twin brother, Keeper, to lymphoma in 2002 and it is a tribute to your care and love and her love that Kendra does well when she does.

I really hope your vet can help you understand what is happening and if there is any way he can help her.

Hugs and prayers to you and Kendra

she is eating and drinking,but refuses to get up,i have puppy pads under her incase she loses herself.

Thanks for letting us know. She's on my mind all day. Just keeping giving her them hugz and kisses.

Candy's Dad

Kendrasmom,

You and your beautiful girl are in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs to you both! Is she being treated for pain?


Keep us posted,
Dayna

i have made the decision,i dont think it can wait until tomorrow,im going to take her in,shes been laying on the floor all day,only moves to get some water,just keeps panting,i know thats because of the pred,her eyes are just so different,she cant sleep,just lays on the floor panting and drooling.im so so upset right now,its tearing me up inside,but i have to do this for her.waiting for family to get home,so they can help me into the car with her,shes too heavy for me to carry.i dont think i will back on tonight,im just wanna crawl up into a ball and cry.thank you all for being so supportive.pic of her in her healthier days.

My prayers and tears are with you and Kendra. Before my 3 cats..I always had dogs, Shepherds..big enough to give a big hug to.

Give Kendra a big hug and a kiss on the top of her nose from me.

If you feel you will need a moment to think about things, I know we had one vet (and I read here others have also done this), it is possible to just give her a tranquilizer so she just relaxes and falls asleep and it gives you extra time before the one that brings them their peace. And it gives you extra time to hug her. And, I always felt..it was an opportunity left to change my mind..if I could force myself to change my mind. But I always knew I was there in that situation for a reason I could not wish away.

I would still ask the vet there if there is absolutely anything that could help her at this point and if so, for how long. It would be wonderful if there was an answer. I guess I always wish a miracle of answers would pop up for us even though they never did for me. It never mattered if I felt it was time for their sake....I was never ready for it and I guess I never would be ever...so I would push my longings aside and concentrate on what was important for them.

I am so sorry for what you are going through....I know what it feels like...but having these special ones in my life is worth the pain and sadness that comes when it is time for them to leave us. My vet said long ago to think about their quality of life and unfortunately loving them so much, I could easily see how much quality they were having.

If they could talk...I think they would say...oh I'm fine..don't worry about me...because they would never leave willingly no matter what their quality was. They just love that much.

Hugs and prayers for you and Kendra in whatever you decide. You are one terrific Mom and your baby absolutely knows that.

Words can never really adequately express true emotions so we try to use them the best we can.

We here are all with you and Kendra and are standing beside you in spirit.

yes, i have 2 for her,i believe she is in renal failure,no urination today,she looks alful.

I am so very sorry to hear that. I hope your family gets there soon to help you with her.

That is a beautiful picture of her you just posted. I have pictures of my baby all over my home so he is with me in every room I walk into. Pictures mean so very much...we don't always realize that at the time we take them.

Hugs and prayers to you and to Kendra.

It so saddens me to see you in this kind of agony. Kendra is beautiful inside and out. As her spirit leaves her body, know that her pureness and goodness will be free to mix with all the furangels who have gone before her.

Because you love Kendra so much you have made a very heart wrenching decision to end her suffering. Bless you for taking on her pain. You are amongst those that truly understand what you are facing and feeling.

My prayers are with you tonight. Hugs of comfort and peace from my heart to yours.

Much love,
Beth

I am so deeply sorry. So many of us know exactly how are you are feeling right now and I know no words can comfort just that know they we are all will be thinking about you and Kendra right now. God knows how difficult it is right now. It took me 3 days to make up my mind. I eventually planned to do it on Saturday but Candy decided Friday was the day and by that time, it was too late for Chuck to make it home, so at least you can have the whole family there.

Just reading your story brings me to tears.

God bless you and your family and know it will be okay. I promise you.

Please give Kendra a big hug from all of us.

I'm so sorry. I really am.

Hal - Candy's Dad

shes gone ,vet said she was laoring to breathe, her gums were pale,and she thinks that the cancer reached her lungs,i cried and kept telling her mommys here,she looked up at me twice,i was holding her face,when she passed and closed her eyes,that was the toughest thing i have ever had to do.my baby is in heaven ,and is herself again,strong and healthly,and bossing all the others around,as she was the dominent female,but not in an aggressive way,she just wanted everyone to know she was the boss,but would play so gentle with my little male chihuahua.im going to miss her so so mcu.words cant explain how lost i will be without her. thanks everyone for your kind words.

You are the best kind of Mommy Kendra could ever have hoped for to live her life with. Both of you were so lucky to have each other. Yes, she is in Heaven right along with all the other extraordinary furangels who touched our lives and hearts so deeply with their love.

May you be blessed in comfort knowing Kendra is whole and happy again in a place where there is no pain and suffering.

My thoughts and prayers are with you this day as you struggle to begin healing your broken heart. I send you my love and warm hugs KM.

Beth

I agree, you are a wonderful mommy and kept her happy till the end. Please know that we're here for you and understand your loss. Hopefully soon, when the pain subsides a bit, you can share some stories of Kendra with us. We'd like that very much.

Again . . . . I'm so sorry.


Hugz


Candy's Dad

Kendrasmommy,
We all understand it was the hardest thing you had to do. The pain is almost unbearable when we lose our babies. You were definately the best mommy.
I am so sorry.
We are all here for you ~ you are not alone.
Deanna

Again, I am so sorry it was time for your baby to go. Making her the important one was the greatest gift you could give her. When I read your post I just can't stop crying while I am typing....I know your pain so well and right now it is consuming me also.

You made the absolute right decision...for her. I know all too well how hard that decision is because it also means letting them go physically forever but it will help to remember how she has been lately and why you made the decision when you did. Knowing they are not suffering and are at peace helps....a little...but it does help to remember why.

When you said laboring to breathe..it reminded me of my LIttle Guy's emergency ending when x-rays showed his chest full of fluid (they think from a cancer) and he could not expand his lungs to breathe..the fluid kept them from expanding. This was fast..all of a sudden..and there was no choice on what to do. I would not subject him to draining the fluid and having it reappear at any time over and over because the cause would not be cured. So it sounds like you not only made the right decision to help Kendra but you also decided at the right time. My baby's blue gums told my vet right away he was not getting oxygen..you mentioned pale gums. Thank God you watched Kendra as closely as you did and when something inside you told you she needed help only the vet could do....you took care of it and in doing so..you took care of her and gave her peace.

And yes, I am sure she is as you are picturing...bossing everyone around...just cause she feels strong and healthy..that a girl!
Now you have a special angel watching over you, whose spirit and wonderful memories will never leave you. She is in a very
special place in your heart and now can never be taken away from you.

We are always so very grateful these babies became a part of our lives and we want them to be with us forever..happy and healthy forever. That is not reality but it is still nice to think about and wish it were real. We are thankful for the time we are together with them and always hope that their time to go is so far in the future we wish it did not exist.

We will love them forever and we will miss them forever but we also are forever grateful for the time they were with us.

Big, tight hugs to you and we will be crying together for quite a while.

I wish you peace and healing and knowing what you did was so right for her has to help ease a tiny bit of the pain...I thought it did when I made the decision knowing it was oh so right..it was time....but the pain is so overwhelming...it is hard to get those thoughts into the mind to try and ease our suffering.

It is time to cry...a lot. Time to vent and post and write thoughts and feelings if that helps. I am so very sorry the time did come..you did everything you possibly could to help her but as I always tell myself when it is their time to leave...there is nothing we can do to really stop it. All we can do is put what is best for them before what we truly want. We owe them that for the happiness and unconditional love we got every single day from them. We can do no more than that and it is never easy to even do that .

Hugs to your angel, Kendra....she is a special baby and you are a very special mommy.