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My girl Maggie

38K views 363 replies 42 participants last post by  SandyK 
#1 ·
Our golden, Maggie saw the vet yesterday and she has several enlarged lymph nodes. The vet did a FNA on two of the lymph nodes to send to a pathologist for examination. The vet, though non-committal looked at the slides and said that they looked suspicious. Maggie has been losing weight and not eating for the past two weeks. The first vet we took her to, ran all of the necessary blood tests but could not make a diagnosis. That is when we decided to get a second opinion. She will be undergoing an ultrasound this afternoon and we expect the results from the pathologist tomorrow. We are almost 100% sure that she has lymphoma. She is six years old and the love of our lives. I have started doing research on lymphoma and came across this forum as a source of both information and comfort. I am also researching chemo options, but I do not know how to proceed at this point. When I have an update, I will post. BTW, her WBC and platelet counts are both below normal as well as her absolute lymphocyte count :(
 
#2 ·
#3 ·
So sorry that you think this is what she has :( we will keep our fingers crossed for you.

You'll find lots of advice and useful info on here from people who have gone through this with their dogs. As suggested, have a look at the link the other user sent as Andy is an inspiration to anyone experiencing lymphoma with their golden!
 
#8 ·
Sending healing thoughts for lots of cherished days....
 
#11 ·
My heart goes out to you and Maggie. As you deal with this situation make sure you post on here. The members here are incredible (not me though) and they will give you fantastic advice on practically everything. If there is an option that your vet has not mentioned, trust me, one of these fine people will let you know.

Praying for both of you. GO MAGGIE!!!!

Pat
 
#19 ·
Ultrasound results

We got the ultrasound results- cancer in her spleen, liver and mesentary, which the vet said is common for this type of cancer. Her WBC is too low to start chemotherapy. We still do not know if she has B or T cell. If we opt for chemo, assuming she is healthy enough to tolerate it, we were thinking of going with the single drug Doxorubicin therapy. Does anybody have any experience with the effectiveness of this drug. Thank you.
 
#20 ·
Gman

GMAN

MAGGIE is a beautiful girl and I love her pictures!!
Wish I had some wisdom to offer with the chemotherapy, but I don't.
Will be praying for her.
 
#22 ·
Maggie is so beautiful, will keep her in my thoughts and prayers.
 
#23 ·
GMAN

Our boy, Andy, was diagnosed with lymphoma the beginning of December - over 5 months ago. He's doing very well. You wouldn't know there's anything wrong with him. Stage IIIa.

I'd recommend the Madison-Wisconsin 25 week protocol. Except for a reaction to Cyclophosphamide (pills) that Cerenia (an anti-nausea med) took care of, he's having a great quality of life. You wouldn't know he's sick.

The one drug protocols don't provide as long a remission or life expectancy. While the MW is more expensive on the front end, it gets more affordable as time goes on. Andy's doc thinks (I stress 'thinks' because she doesn't know for sure) he came out of remission about a month ago about 5 weeks shy of the end of the MW protocol, he went on another drug called CeeNU (CCNU) that's been working really well. Everything's looking normal.

I'd try to find an actual veterinary oncologist or internist in your area if there is one. If not, your regular vet can administer the various weekly drugs but the doxorubicin.

Yes, the diagnosis is devastating, but there are goldens on this site who lived out their natural lives with T-Cell!! Read about Meggie. Her story is on the main page on "Most Viewed Treads" (right column up top) - 'Lymphoma'. Here's the link:

http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/cancer-information-golden-retrievers/28984-lymphoma.html

This is not a death sentence. Remember, dogs don't know they're sick. We're taking the 'Carpe Diem' approach; "Seize The Day", and acting like nothing's wrong - doing fun stuff .. swimming, playing, etc. just like we always have.

You can send me a private message if you'd like (I think you have to have 15 posts first). To send a PM click on anyone's name on threads and a pop-down menu appears with 'Send a Private Message' as an option. I'll be happy to message you my cell number and email address if you'd like to chat.

We're here for you. There are several of us here with dogs who have lymphoma.
 
#24 ·
BTW, GMAN, do NOT start Prednisone before chemo. I've read it makes it less effective.

The do prescribe Prednisone as part of the MW protocol, and it tapers off as the protocol goes on until they take them off of it completely.

Lymphoma is among the most treatable cancers. Don't despair. We were thinking we'd lose Andy by Christmas, but here he is 5 months later enjoying life.

I would recommend you get Cerenia from your vet or oncologist and pretreat before the Cyclophosphamide just in case there's an allergic reaction. Our first oncologist didn't mention it. Even after Andy got so sick it was our regular vet who gave it to us. From that point on when Andy took Cyclophosphamide and we pretreated .. no problems.

Please keep us posted. Hang in there. Like I said, even Meggie - who had T-Cell .. the worst kind - lived over 2 years and for her full natural lifetime, passing away from old age.
 
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