Corneal ulcer and general thoughts on a long term cancer surving dog. (long)

[stash]

Goodness she is having more than her fair share of hardship, hoping she is going to get a break and have no problems and get even stronger.
You would only be normal to start feeling like a hypochondriac owner after the two incidents, I know I would.

Jolanda and Kaiser

[LeeL]

Just an update. She had a recent checkup and the swollen lymph nodes continue to stay the same size or get slightly smaller. In spite of the fact that I honestly thought she was days from death twice last fall, she seems like a pretty normal almost 14 year old dog at this point. She never fully regained all her strength and she is a little hesitant to try and jump up on high things (though if we coax her, she still can, just has a lack of confidence), but she still runs the fence with the other dogs when a kid comes by the back and will occasionally still play with Roo or us around the house and loves to go for walks.

[Chealsie508]

Best that anyone can hope for, for a senior who has been through as much as her! Congrats and enjoy all the time!!

[LeeL]

Just had a checkup yesterday and she again has swelling in most of her lymph nodes. She is going to undergo one more type of Chemo, it is a protocol used in dogs for other types of cancer and in humans for multiple myeloma, but there is not much research for use in dog on multiple myeloma. They typically would do this along with a corticosteroid, but with her past history that is not an option.

She still seems healthy outside and no one would know she was sick, though we notice she has slowed down a little bit, but again, she will be 14 in December. So, we figured we would try this as essentially the last resort as the side effects are not expected to be too bad with this protocol.

If it has no effect on the size, of the nodes then we know we have done all we possibly can and will just have to make sure she is comfortable. She is a good dog.

[DebraDownSouth]

It is so hard… my older gal is going to be 12. I know time is not on our side. You have obviously done everything, given her a good long happy life. I hope the new protocol buys you a lot more quality time.

[LeeL]

So, the treatments for the Lymph nodes worked mostly. Reduced most of their swelling (except one that's always been the worst) and kept it stable. But, when we went in for the last dose of Chemo and they did an ultrasound about 2 weeks ago, they found another type of cancer was in her spleen. At this point, we are pretty much out of reasonable options and she has actually been declining in the last 7-10 days. I guess three different kinds of cancer was just too much!

At this point we are just trying to keep her eating. Her staple of grilled chicken that we could always go to stopped working. She will pretty much only eat steak, pork and treats right now. Going to try Baby Food, but we have tried some stuff from Honest Kitchen that others have said worked great as well as Raw Goats milk and some kind of Fish liquid that was truly gross and she does not want. Just trying to decide the right time for her, but she still seems to be in decent shape when she looks at you and can walk around fine. Lots of cuddles and belly rubs, which she will always roll over for. We had some family over this past weekend and she got tired of being petted.

[eeeefarm]

It's so tough when you try hard and just keep getting bad news. My thoughts are with you.

[agilebasenji]

It's so hard when things get to this point. Just keep spoiling and loving her and realize you're doing all you can

[DebraDownSouth]

Not the news one hopes for. I am sorry.

[LeeL]

Well, looks like based on the last couple of nights. Its time for the poor girl. Still amazed at how lucky we are compared to many others with dogs that have cancer. Nearly 6 years from the initial diagnosis and surgery. Multiple relapses and being able to knock it back, all while most people would never have a clue there was anything wrong with her. (can't tell you how many people would ask how old she was and be surprised she was not a young dog, some even thought she was a puppy though they were probably not familiar with Basenjis)

When I started this thread, I thought she was a week or two from death and we got almost another year and a half. Again, while she still seemed in great shape.

But, the last three weeks have not been that good to her, especially the past weekend. I am taking her by the Vet School for them to have some time with her and this afternoon, she has her final car trip.

[tanza]

So Sorry to hear…. God Speed little one... there are many that will welcome you to the bridge

[ownedbyspencer]

I'm terribly sorry to hear this.. but I'm glad you had the extra time with her. Every minute counts with a beloved dog, and she will always hold that special place in your heart. Run free, brave girl!

[agilebasenji]

I am sorry and sometimes the right thing to do is so difficult. You will be in my thoughts.

[eeeefarm]

Very sorry. Always a tough call, even when it is an obvious one. You never want to let them go…..

[DebraDownSouth]

I am so sorry.

[Chealsie508]

Ugh, so tough every time I come across a post like this– it is heart wrenching. For all the extra time you got with her, good for you both. For all the care you gave her that allowed her health to remain as stable as it has, good for you both. Deciding the right time for her will be good for you both. It certainly has been a long journey and I am sure you will treasure the memories and take comfort in knowing that the life she lived was probably better than anyone else could've given her. So sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family

[LeeL]

Thanks for your thoughts, everyone.

Been a tough week for sure, but looking back, it was definitely time. As my wife said, until we can find a way to make Vampire dogs that live forever, we have to deal with this if we want the good times.

[Buddys Pal]

Just read this entire thread and my goodness!!!! What a wonderful load of memories you'll have of her, what a trooper! No words for feelings at this time, just prayers and time for your healing. But what a gal! indeed!