I was wondering that too...hoping for the best

Marianne

We were also wondering, hoping for the best.

Trish, Honey and Abby

Me, too! Continuing to send golden thoughts that the lab report will be benign.

Marcy

Unfortunately, it was not good news. She does have lymphoma and now we have so many decisions to make. She is too sweet to put thru a lot of tests and without the tests (surgical biopsy, ultrasound, etc.) it is hard to "stage" how bad it is. Her blood work was great, go figure, and our vet says she is still pretty healthy at this time. Without treatment, time is measured in weeks, 4-6 usually. Although we would not do any strong treatment, steriods could buy us a little more time BUT they also drain protein which weakens her muscles and she already has a weak hind leg. We have an appointment Monday the 31st with an oncologist just to see what the best pallative care is for her. I do not want her to suffer not even for one day. This is going to break me, she is my heart dog, one in a million, I am so grateful to have had her for these 14 years but I would give anything for more.....
thank you all for your support, it means so much to me because I know you know how I feel. Please, please keep those golden thoughts coming for a peaceful, painfree journey for my girl.

Darn Judie. You will make the right decision for Abby. I will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers.

Let us know what the oncologist says ok?

Vicki

Oh, Judie, I was praying the news would be good. My heart is breaking for you. I know you'll do what is best for Abby even though that may mean helping her begin her journey to RB. I looked at her Christmas picture again,and just can't believe she's ill! She is beautiful and has such a sweet smile on her face.
Please give her a kiss and gentle hug from me. And, know that you and your family are in my thoughts at this difficult time.

Love,
Marcy

Judie
we are so sorry to hear the news
we will continue to send tons of prayers and extra specail golden thoughts your way

tee and daisy

Judie,
I am sorry to hear the news. Mey heart breaks for you.
Treasure all your special moments. I don't think you can ask for more that to keep your sweet girl as confortable and happy as can be.
Sending lots of support and hugs.

Oh, I'm so very sorry to hear the sad news about Abby. I pray that she will have many more happy, pain free days with you. And I know that you will do what is best for her. What a terrible way to end this year and start a new one. Pamper that sweet girl for whatever time she has left.

Judie

I'm so sorry - Please give her a big kiss from me - I know how hard this is...you'll do the best thing for her, whatever that may be...

Marianne

It sounds as though it is the worst possible news . . . and we are very sorry you've been the one to receive it.

Rick C
www.goldentales.ca

Judie, I am so, so sorry that the news for Abby wasn't better. You will do, as you've always done, the right thing for your girl. Please give her some gentle hugs from me....

I was hoping for good news. If the oncologist does not have any treatments that are gentle, there are, in our area, some holistic practices which offer more gentle treatments for our beloved older dogs with cancer in its various forms.

In the meantime, go out and see the Christmas lights one more time, go to the drive-through, for a romp in the snow, and all of the things that will make special times for you and Abby.

I'll be lighting that candle again for you and Abby.

Regards,

PJ

Judie,

I'm very sorry that the news wasn't better. Maybe, just maybe, because her blood work was so good, it was caught very early and maybe the prognosis will be better after your meeting with the oncologist.

Sending golden thoughts to you and Abby. Take care of yourself and do all your favorite things with Abby. Give her some hugs from us.

Judie, I'm so sorry that you didn't receive good news. Please know that I'm thinking of you at this difficult time.

Hugs to you and your heart dog. I understand what you are going through.

Sandra, Faith & RB Murphy

What sad, terrible news, I am so very sorry.We will continue to send good thoughts and prayers and light a candle for her in our Garden of Hope.

I am really sorry to hear it. I know you will do right by Abby. Give her a pat for me.

Please know you & Abby are in our thoughts and prayers! Chemo gave us more time with our sweet Belle and she seemed to tolerate it amazingly well - after she started treatment she seemed to feel much better for quite a while - but she was only 6 1/2 when diagnosed with lymphoma.

Wishing you and your sweet girl all the best!
Fidele & Cedar

Judie,
I am so very sorry to hear your news. I will send lots of golden thoughts Abby's way for happy memorie making days ahead.

Judie,
I am so very sorry to hear your news. I will send lots of golden thoughts Abby's way (and yours too).
Hugs to you both,
Karen, Belle, Soph, & Snickers

Thoughts and peayers are with you and your family.

My heart breaks for you. I pray you will have many good days left with your sweet girl and you will enjoy each moment with her. It's been a rough year for you. Keeping Abby in my thoughts and prayers.............
Jill

Oh Judie--We are so sorry to hear the news! We are sending all thoughts and prayers your way.

Trish Honey and Abby

Oh I am so sad and sorry to hear this news. We will keep dear Abby close in our thoughts at all times.
Take care all of you and golden kisses to Abby.
Debbie

I am so very sorry, Judie. I'm hoping that palliative care will give her time to spend with you. My RB Chelsea had no good options either, but she had some
very good days after diagnosis... I pray that you will get those days also.

Hugs to you both,
Carol

Judie:
How sad to hear this news. I just know that you are heart broken. You are thinking of her comfort and pain level, not your grief. She knows that she is much loved and that you will do the best thing for her when it counts.
I'm so sorry
Bill

Judie,

I am sorry to hear your news. I know you will make her last days special for her.

Wendy & Bailey

Judie, I'm so very sorry that the news wasn't better for your sweet Abby. I'm hoping that the time you have together will be peaceful and painfree for her... She knows that she couldn't be more loved.

Thank you all for your kind thoughts. Now that the shock is over, we are determined to make her remaining time here good for as long as possible. At her age, we are almost positive that any chemo would just be too harsh for her but we will know more after our visit tomorrow. At this point, we are leaning towards the steriods so if anyone has any hints, thoughts or even bad things to watch for, please let me know. I already know about the extra water consumption and urination but any other tips would be appreciated, deeply. Thanks again for all the support.

Judie-

Our friend's non-golden had lymphoma, and he was sixteen. He had a very gentle chemo, and lived another eighteen months. That is why I am lighting my golden retriever candle for you. I hope that you will get the same. (By the way, it was a good eighteen months for Odysseus, and he had lots of treats and walks and doggy day care. He received extra-special treatment every day that he went to doggy day care, and had a great extended life!)

Regards,

PJ

Wow, that is so hopeful. Any chance you could find out more about that "gentle chemo" like what drugs they used, etc. Or even get me in touch with them? My home email is shown above. I am interested in any and all ideas. Thanks so much.

Hi Judie!

Just talk to your oncologist. They have some standard protocols now, and can keep things gentle for an older dog. I read some inspiring stories tonight on older dogs with lymphoma. Be sure also to check into supplements and any supportive therapy available.

I am hoping for the best for you and Abby.

Regards,

PJ

Judie -
One thing my vet did not tell me about steroids was that once you start, if you decide to opt for chemo, the steroids make chemo less effective. I know "time is of the essence" but take the time to check out all Abby's options. And to echo what others have said - dogs tolerate chemo well & it may be an option for your sweet girl. Good Luck!
Fidele & Cedar

One of my dogs had chemo many years, with adriamycin, I believe. She suffered no ill effects other than a very full bladder after the treatment due to the large amount of liquid and her small size (11 pounds). Dogs tolerate chemo much better, and with few or no side effects, than do humans.