[KajunButterfly]

My little 5 year old pom (my heart) started swelling in her lymph nodes on each side of her jaw. Took her to the Vet last week ..he did a biopsy. Called today to confirm that it is cancer. I am just so upset I don't know what to do. I can't quit crying. She is eating very little, just lying around with no energy. Doc said he is putting her on prednisone to help with her appetite and the swelling. He's giving me a time frame of about 6 months. I don't want her to suffer but I don't think I can see her put to sleep. My hubby is no help. He's more torn up about this than I am.. so please my friends, say a little prayer for my Minnie.

[Kitty]

Praying for Minnie....and for you, too. You'll make the right decision for Minnie when the time comes. You just got the news so give yourself time to digest it. I hope the Prednisone helps with her appetite.
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I am so very sorry. I say prayers daily for hospice-situation pets & their people & have added you & your Minnie. Bless you both & I pray you will have the strength to work with your vet for Minnie's sake. Take care, Minnie & you, of each other.

[Dr. Smith]

Originally Posted by KajunButterfly
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I don't want her to suffer but I don't think I can see her put to sleep.

We've been through this twice, and will undoubtedly go through it again. My best advice/suggestion is this: Talk it over with spouse, family, & vet, and decide NOW when the time will be, based on some objective criteria. For example, when our first began to deteriorate, we decided it would be time when she could no longer make it up the two steps to get into the house (she was too big for either of us to carry several times a day). She was already pretty far gone when this happened, and we have never regretted the decision or the method.

It will likely never be an easy decision, but if you decide on some criterion, the decision will essentially already be made, and you will be following through on everyone's best judgment while calm heads still prevail.

Every veterinarian I know agrees with this suggestion. It's tough for them with their own pets as well.

Best wishes,

Doc

[KajunButterfly]

Thanks ev1...Minnie started her prednisone 2day..Vet says it may help slow down the cancer also..so just gonna give it over to God.

[mrsD]

I am so sorry.... it is a difficult decision.

When suffering is paramount..that is when to do "it" IMO.

We've put down 4 cats...one had cancer, two had a stroke, and one with kidney failure.

We just learned 2 days before our vacation (from which we have just returned) that Oreo -- our black and white has a tumor on her thyroid. Her blood tests were not elevated...so it is wait and see with her. I am taking her to a cat specialist very soon for another opinion. Not sure it is cancer, but she seems frail all of a sudden. Our Pooski had thyroid cancer 30 yrs ago...and I remember that painfully still today. Oreo seems to have improved a bit on vacation and is eating well again. I won't know until I get the second opinion what is in store for her really.

I really feel for you. Take it slowly and see what happens. If lymphoma in dogs is like some in humans, there can be a very slow progression. In people, it is called "indolent" and may be present for many years before even noticed or diagnosed. Feeling tired is basically the only sign, with the swellings. Not all lymphomas in humans are indolent, but some are.

[KajunButterfly]

well, Minnie has been on her meds for a couple weeks now and all I can say is "wow!" She can't get enough to eat and is sassy and playful again! Her lymph nodes that were swollen have gotten back to normal. Don't want to get my hopes up but, I'm happy for this..at least she's eating again. Thanks everyone for the prayers. Oh, she goes back to vet next week. Will keep updating on my sweet baby.

[mrsD]

Good news! I hope Minnie continues to be happy and you both continue your wonderful relationship as long as possible.

Thanks for the update.

[KajunButterfly]

Thanks everyone..just thought I would share my avatar of my baby girl Minnie.

[mrsD]

Oh,she is so cute. Thanks for posting.