Just popped into this thread for first time today. I've recognized you at several sites based on your picture. Lymphoma is such a drag, and it seems like I am hearing about it more and more.
We lost one of our hounds a couple years ago to Lymphoma, so I know what you are going through. We also chose not to treat, we actually didn't even do the prednisone (SP?).
We did pretty much what you are doing - allow the dog to enjoy what time is left. Trust me when I tell you, you will know when it is time. Our vet was ready for the call, and one morning we woke up and just knew.
Such a hard thing to deal with. I hate dogs for all the same reasons I love them. It just isn't fair that they can't stay with us for longer.
Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6800
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
Today Hysson hit the three-month anniversary of his lymphoma diagnosis. He's still in remission, far beyond the average time with prednisone )2 months). It's not likely to last much longer, but we continue to enjoy each day as a gift.
The prednisone does cause muscle deterioration and makes him more vulnerable to heat. He is definitely a lot weaker than he was three months ago. The heat was hard on Hysson last weekend, when conditions on the Washington coast were sunny and an amazing 80*F (what is so rare as a sunny warm day on the PNW coast?). My son's beach umbrella unfortunately picked Sunday to disintegrate, so we had no shade. Hysson lay in the lee of a log and panted except for occasional trips to the water's edge to cool off. The grandkids once more said a tearful goodbye when they left, and we took a bunch of pictures.
Just to confound everyone who thought Hysson was at death's door Sunday afternoon: Monday, the temperature was 20 degrees cooler and he bounced all over the beach!
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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey
Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6800
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
After nearly 4 months of remission, the lymphoma came back over the long weekend. Hysson passed away peacefully in my arms this morning, after eating up most of the vet clinic's dog biscuits.
I've had an incredible gift for the past 10 1/2 years.
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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey
Registered: 02/05/03
Posts: 3293
Loc: Portland, OR
I'm so glad you had a few months to get used to the idea and to enjoy him. Saying goodbye is never easy, but it helps a bit to know that's what you will be doing before it hits you out of the blue.
after eating up most of the vet clinic's dog biscuits.
I couldn't help but smile reading this. Rest in peace, Hysson.
Thanks, already have; several times. Our Rosie is a seven year old, purebred, Golden Retriever princess so we are facing the lymphoma issue as well. We love her dearly as we have other dogs that have gone to heaven over the years. They can never be replaced, just remembered. Rosie's AKC name is Krishna's Second Hand Rose. She doesn't know that name: she thinks her name is "damn-it Rosie".
My wife Kathi and I send you our deepest sympathy for your loss of Hyson. When you get to Heaven, I'm sure he will be the first one there to welcome you home.
Mary, I am so very sorry to hear about Hysson. Bennie and I had wonderful adventures hiking with you both in years past. He was a wonderful dog and will be missed.
BF
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Hammockers aren't stuck up, they're just above it all.
Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6800
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
Thanks, bigfoot! Please give Bennie a hug for me!
I've been asking all those who expressed sympathy to hug their pets for me, until someone on portlandhikers.org suggested a piranha! I suspect those are not huggable!
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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey
Registered: 06/18/13
Posts: 13
Loc: Northern California
Sorry for your loss. I hiked for years with my two buddies, Hemingway and Penny, well-trained (by me) American pits who would fan out in front of me as we hiked. They were family, and the thought which made it easier for me to let them go at the end was if I got the best of times from them for so many years, then I have to go through their final hours. And I did. Still miss them greatly.
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