mlaq55

My basset is 11 and a half years old and she has 4 swollen lymph nodes. We are waiting on results of whether it is a systemic infection or lymphoma. We live in Phoenix and with the haboobs we have had it is not outside the realm of possibility she has Valley Fever. That being said, I have the worst feeling that she has lymphoma. My question to the board is how long without chemo is a realistic timeline. I know the technical responses but I am looking fo people's actual experience. The 4-6 week timeline is just not something I can process at this time so yes I am desperate for a longer timeline. My hands can'tstop shaking as I type this because I am such a wreck. I know others will feel my pain so I am asking for some help. If I'm in denial so be it and I will deal with that when I have to but I need some hope longer than a damn month. I have not ruled out chemo but do not know how much it will cost and I will try if I can but I just don't know. I'm scared and sad.

Wworm

Wow, so sorry to hear about this. we will hope, hope too, that it's not lymphoma, yet also recognizing that it's unfortunately very possible in a baset this age.

we don't have the answers to your ??s being new basset owners ourselves, but please feel free to vent here anytime. we would love to hear more about your basset and your life together, if you feel like sharing...

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see what the Worm is up to: http://bassetworm.blogspot.com/

Scully

I am so very sorry to hear about your basset's possible lymphoma diagnosis. I understand exactly how devastating it is to get this kind of news, as I will never forget the day we were blindsided by my Scully hound's lymphoma diagnosis. Hopefully, for your baby, it is NOT lymphoma though.

I do not have any actual experience regarding a timeline without chemo, but we were told roughly the same thing as you were. We did choose to do chemo with Scully, who was 10 and a half years old at the time, and we had close to an extra year with her--8 and half months of which she was in remission. We felt that was the best decision for her, and I am very glad that we went that route, as she tolerated it very well, continuing to have a good quality of life until the cancer returned. Every dog and every situation is different though, so what may be right for one is not necessarily the best for another.

Please let us know when you find out the test results. Sending good thoughts for you both.

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Mom to Larsen, Ninja, and Scully (ATB ~ forever in my heart)
www.countercruiser.com

bubbad

Bubba with lymphosarcoma in his liver and intestines lived for 7 months after diagnosis on chemo meds that are far less expensive than chemo and he had good quality of life up to the end. Grace had lymphoma lived barely a month on chemo meds( same as Bubba) It is hard to tell how long ,it depends on the dog ,on the cancer,and on what kind of treatment you put him on, if any. Bubba was 3 his youth may have helped him go longer.Grace was 8. I wasn't ready to let them go either.

RustyStickers

I am sure you are sick with worry. I'll keep you in my thoughts & prayers that isn't the diagnosis. I do know that each & every dog tolerates treatment differently. When you get a definite diagnosis then you can meet with an oncologist and get the information you need. Let's hope that isn't the case. Slinging drool your way.

bigpawbasset

My 12 years old Harley is diagnosed with Mast Cell Tumor early this year, he is on meds (Steroid) only. Cancer cells already spread to lymph already. I totally understand how you feel now.
Just be positive and make your dog happy, enjoy every moment you spend with her.

mlaq55

Thank all of you so much. I am spending as much time as I can with her. She's already spoiled but getting even more love. She's in a great mood and am trying hard not to let that break my heart. If I can get figure it out I will attach a picture.

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Boomer's Mom

You can't spoil them too much. Ok, you can, but sometimes you've just got to.

She is a very pretty girl.

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Boomer: Born 4/18/2010
Biscuit: Rescued 1/26/12, approx. 2 yo

Chez Basset: Come for the kibble, stay for the belly rubs.

bassetmom26003

So very sorry to hear of Molly's enlarged nodes. My boy who was 11 at diagnosis lived 4+ months without chemo. I found enlarged lymph nodes in his neck and thought it was from an ear infection he had, but with research when the vet found others enlarged at his visit for needle aspirations my heart sank. I decided against chemo for a variety of reasons, and did not regret it. He disliked the vets and was a nervous guy with a touchy stomach. I tried to take the "Carpe diem" approach, and I spent as much quality time together with him as I could. We did use prednisone in his last 2 months when he became symptomatic. Very difficult to watch him lose weight and at times he had some significant facial swelling. His last day he spiked a temperature, was visibly uncomfortable, and began vomiting and then I had to make one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to do. He was my first basset and very much my heartdog. There is a yahoo group lymphomaheartdogs that has a wealth of info. regarding chemo and the lymphoma battle. I will pray for you and Molly it is not lymphoma. Please let us know what you find out.....

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"A basset is an asset" Kathy, Miss Annie Gotcha Day 4/27/11, and Angel Bentley ATB 3/1/11 gone but forever in my heart

Wworm

Mollee, u r very pretty. melikes how u changed colors. ya used to have a lot of pretty black on you. then it morphed into lotsa brown.

crossing my paws for you,
Worm

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see what the Worm is up to: http://bassetworm.blogspot.com/