We just got back from the specialist a couple days ago and are trying to deal with the tragic news about our 5 year old boxer Dexter. He had a lump by his armpitt removed by our local veternarian a month ago, which turned out to be a mast cell tumor. He had another tumor appear in the same area within a couple weeks and he had that one removed as well. The test results came back, and the tissue around the area still had cancer cells so then took him to see a specialist.

Our apointment with the specialist was monday. He did some tests, and then broke our hearts with the bad news. The cancer had spread to his lymph node and he would only have a couple of months to live without Chemotherapy, and he needed to start chemo immediately. We are devistated by the news, and dont understand how such a young, happy, healthy boy can be that sick. 

The chemo medication that he is taking is Prednisone, Vinblastine, and Cyclosphamide and it is a 6 month treatment. Most of his medication is in pill form and is done from home, and every 3 weeks he gets medication through an IV. The specialist said that we shouldnt see any side effects other than him wanting to drink and eat more, and Dexter having to urinate more often. He also said that Dexter still might only have an average of 6 months to live even with the chemo  :o(

Is anybody else going through Chemotherapy with their dog? Its a heart breaking experience and im so scared of the road ahead. What is/was your experience like and how are you dealing with it? Ive had to stop working so I can take care of my baby. Please tell me your chemotherapy experiences and outcomes....it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks :o)

Hi, Can't offer any answers, just wanted to send you and Dexter {{{BIG HUGS}}}

I've sent you a PM - there is a lady on one of the Aussie breed rings going through the same thing, so I'm sending you her email - you may be able to support each other {{hugs}}

Margot

Thinking of you and Dexter and praying for you both.  God bless, Teri x

I am so sorry :(

I hope the time you have left with him be happy and pain free :)

Lucy
xx

Sending both you and Dexter a big(((((((((hug))))))))))) enjoy every moment with him, and try and be very brave for him.
regards polly_45 and my boxer babes

ps i have sent you a pmxxxxx

I hope this won't upset you too much, but in my honest opinion, if the prognosis is not good with Chemo, I would not use Chemo.  My view is that it is better for the dog to live out his remaining months being spoilt rotten without such treatment, given that your specialist suggests that Dexter may not live past 6 months with the treatment.  Although Dexter may not have serious side effects from the treatment, this is not a given.  My view is the same for humans in this situation.

It's an awful situation to be faced with (I've lost 2 dogs to cancer in the last 2 years) and you must do whatever you think is right for Dexter, regardless of the opinion of someone on a internet board.  I would have a long chat with your regular vet to ask his/her opinion.  Specialists are generally great, but they can sometimes be very keen on treatment IME which is not really in the best overall interests of the dog. 

I'm really sorry for you and Dexter - cancer is an awful disease and it can strike any dog and any person.

Bengidog

It's quite obvious you do not have a clue what you are talking about.

I am very offended at your remarks.

I lost my previous male dobermann to lymphoma, he was 5 years old. He had an extra quality year of life by having chemotherapy (the same regime as Dexter). The side affects are not always as bad as expected and can be dealt with as they appear. If Dexter does not have his chemo then he will not have a few months to be spoilt rotten - he will probably only last a few weeks, getting sicker every day. Having chemo will give him some quality and then when he looks to be suffering he can be humanely PTS.

At this moment my younger brother (age 35) is having chemotherapy for a grade IV Non Hodgkins Lymphoma. If your view is that chemo is not an option then I hope your family are never faced with this disease!!!

IMO specialists are exactly that..... I would advise the OP to take their advice on treatment. I think the reason for posting was for views from people who had been through this treatment with their dogs.

If Dexter's owner (sorry I have forgotten the OP) would like to PM me, I will be more than happy to share my experiences.

Angela x

I suggest you read my post again.

The point is whether the prognosis is good. 

My best friend had Non Hodgkins Lymphoma and is likely to live as long as me - it is a cancer which is 'curable'.

My first Lab had lymphoma - we went the chemo route, not very stressful for her, no nasty side effects as can occur in humans although shaved patches of hair grew back very very slowly.
We got 12 months extra - 12 quality months

Bengidog.

My reading skills are more than adequate, thank you.

I suggest that you check your facts. The term Non Hodgkins Lymphoma covers 30 different cancers and let me tell you, out of these there are only a couple in which the prognosis is halfway good, not for a cure but for remission. I think you will find that your friend had Hodgkins Lymphoma which has a better chance of long term remission.

The prognosis of any cancer can never be certain. So why would you risk not having the treatment.

Angela x

I would suggest this thread is not the time or place for this discussion!

Sorry ChloeH, if I feel I have some relevant facts then I will respond.

I'm sorry you don't like it, but then, hey, neither do I!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dexter's Mom, I'm so sorry to hear that you're going through this. Dexter is so young and it never seem fair to me.

My only experience with a dog with cancer was my 13 year old collie cross. She was fit as a fiddle one day and the next couldn't get off the sofa and I knew something was seriously wrong. She had a really nasty malignant lymphoma plus a secondary tumour in her liver. I can't remember what tablets she was on - I know it was a steroid and a large oval white pill. The vet said that stronger chemotherapy wouldn't have made any difference in her case. We had about 2 weeks not knowing while all the tests were done and another 6 weeks before her quality of life wasn't acceptable any more and we had to have her put to sleep.

The important thing is that YOU are happy with Dexter's treatment and that his quality of life is as near normal as possible. I find that a good question to ask the vet is what would he do if it was his dog.

Another thought... do a search on Google for Cumin and Mast Cell. It's apparently had good results on human mast cell cancers. If you can get it in capsule form from the health food shop, I don't suppose there's any harm in trying it alongside the chemo.

Dexters mom

I would do what you can for this little boy, he is so young and may prove people wrong. My 12 year old boy died of cancer in March, but it was not diagnosed until the day before he died. His prognosis was beyond poor, it was just a matter of time and I was faced in having to make the hardest decision, but Barnie made it for me and died in his sleep. He was seen by a specialist and she was fantastic and gave me all the options and it was up to me to say what tests should be done, they weren't out to make money out of my misery.

I am currently going through tests for our other dog to rule out pancreatic cancer, but if he does have it, I would not let him suffer like Barnie, but then he is 11 years old and has had a good life.

Your boy is young and it does seem so unfair, but all I can do is give you big hugs and let you know that my thoughts are with you.

Sarah

Hi dexters mum. I lost a 7yr old boxer to lymph node cancer last october. like you we did everything possible to try and keep her for just  few more precious months, sadly it wasnt to be we lost her within two wks of lymph node being diagnosed. we was told she would drink large amounts of water and would want to toilet more, what no one told us at the time was how she would loose all her dignity Ie whilst asleep wetting herself and lying in it not even aware of what she had done, drinking her water bowl dry then for it not to touch her stomach before she brought it all back.and in her last seven days lost over a stone in weight. my it was dreadful to watch a dog that we loved very dearly and that had been apart of our family from her being only 6 1/2 wks old. After a very sleepless weekend we had to decide that we wasnt being fair on her and after one last visit to our vets to see if there was something that they hadnt tried that could possibly just make it easier for her, there was nothing.We lost our girl after two short weeks of lymph node being diagnosed.So Dexters mum i would say you do everything possibly for him give everything a try its not a cheap option by any means but it may work.
sending you my thoughts and prayers and xxx for dexter.

Thank you all for your support, it means the world to both of us. It was so sad reading some of your stories and our thoughts and prayers are with you.

I am a little worried about Dexter today and am waiting for the specialist to call me back....It was a long night last night, Dexter was contantly leaking urine, and when he was outside peeing, he would pee for a good 5 mins...it wouldnt stop. I know that drinking more water, and urinating more frequently is a common side effect from the Prednisone, but I dont know at what point is it a sign of toxicity. He is doing a lot better today....He is only leaking a couple of dribbles here and there, and when he urinates, it is longer than usual, but not abnormaly long like last night. I am also worried about his breathing....sometime his breathing is very fast (quick inhale, hard exhale) its not all the time, but it does happen!! Anyone else experience this?

Gabrieldobe and BusyDoggs, I am so glad to hear that you had success with Chemotherapy!! I have been on so many forums trying to find a positive outcome and am so thankfull I found two and I would love to hear more about your chemo experiences. Gabrieldobe, I would PM you but I dont know how, I hope you read this!!

For all those familiar with chemo, outcomes good and bad.........What type of cancer did your dogs have, and do you remember if they were on the same Chemo medications as Dexter? Did your dogs show any signs of cancer before you started the chemo. Dexter showed no signs of having cancer, he still acts the same as he did a year ago. For now, Dexter is is taking 30mg of Prednisone(pills) every day, every 3rd week he takes 270mg of Cyclophosphamide(pills) over a 4 day period, and 2.8mg of Vinblanstine(IV) once every 3 weeks as well. Does this routine sound familiar to you guys?  What side effects did you experience and how long after starting chemo, did they appear. Also, what are the first signs of depression in dogs?

Chemotherapy wasnt really a option for us, it was basically we start the Chemo right away, or Dexter goes down hill and looses all quality of life. The last thing I would ever want is for Dexter to loose his quality of life, and would never put him through any pain or depression. I thought that Chemo if nothing else might give him a couple more months of happyness. He is such a clown, and loves life so much that I know if he could talk, he would want to try chemo. The vet bills are the last of my worries at this point, and am only trying to do the best thing for Dexter, not myself. Cancer is a very scary desease, and all I can do is pray that he doesnt suffer in any way.

This is what dexters paper work says......I know it doesnt sound good, but I think there is still hope...right?

Daignostic Test and Results: - CBC and serum biochemisrty profile - with normal limits
                                       - Survey thoracic radiographs - no evidence if metastatic disease
                                       - Fine needle aspiration cytology of right prescapular lymph node - node completely replaced by               aggresive mast cell tumor,   size of lymph node(2x5cm)

Clinical Diagnosis: Metastatic high grade mast cell tumor

Prognosis: poor

Hi dexters_mom
if you click on the posters name it takes you to their profile page and then click on message ( top right ) you can send a PM :)

}}}}}hugs{{{{{ to you and dexter
thinking of you

Oh Dexters mum i really really feel for you at this moment it isnt nice at all and like you have said if it means only a couple of extra months with him it will be well worth it.like i said in a pm and on a earlier post my girl was diagnosed with the same dreadful dreadful disease.ive owned boxers for years and knowing how much of clowns they really are. my girl coped rather well with her cancer(better than us here) she was still wanting to go for her long walks in the country, she would play with my other boxers as if she was still a youngster herself but at 7yrs old she wasnt old.i could tell when she was in pain as her eyes i know its strange to say but they went really pale looking and her age showed, but she had lots of good days which i treasure, on the day we finally lost her she bounced into the vets waiting room as if nothing was the matter with her and that in itself was the hardest part she looked a fit healthy dog apart from her weight loss, i have a wonderful relationship with one of my vets and he told me he had gone down every avenue possible to try and find something else that may give her a week 10 days longer with us, but it wasnt to be i knew she was suffering and her shivering and lack of dignity told me as ive always said when the time came we had to do the best for her.and not for our own selfishness of keeping her to suffer.i had bought her for my 11yr old son back in 1996 they had grown up together got into mischief together but he was very brave he stayed with her and cuddled her.
all i can say to you is you do what can be done for Dexter go down every avenue give him the treatement and enjoy every moment you have with him, and when the time comes which i think you will have to decide is right. Dexter will thank you and leave you with wonderful wonderful boxer memories. sorry i cant type any more as tears are streaming down my face. ((((((((((((Dexter&mum))))))))))))))

Hi I've sent you a PM if you want to ring me my bitch is going through chemo at the moment.

((((hugs))))) I do hope Dexter is ok

Update on Dexter:

We took dexter to the vet last week for his bloodtests. The vet said that his blood count was excellent and his lymph node felt softer, which is the first sign before it shrinks. Dexter went to the vet again yesturday for his second round of chemo, and the lymph node shrunk so much, he could barely feel it! In just one week!! I am so excited by the great news! Dexter is looking so good, a lady at the vet couldnt believe he was 5 years old, she thought he was much younger. He is still so full of life, bouncing around like is still a puppy! Please keep us updated if your dog is going through chemotherapy or any illness. Thanks

So pleased for you that Dexter is responding well to treatment - that he's happy and bouncy is wonderful and may it long continue to be the case.

Best wishes and {{{hugs}}} to your boy.  Teri x 

Wonderful news :) 

Hopefully those lymph nodes will stay down!!!  Having an immediate response is a good sign.

Thinking of you and Dexter.

Angela x

Hi,
My experiences of pets having chemo is positive and just wanted to let you know this. At the practice where I work we have had 3 dogs and 1 cat that have almost identical treatments: 1 cat was very elderly and also had Diabetes but she still had almost one whole year of good quality life which she probably couldn't have had without the chemo.
A wire fox terrier was diagnosed almost 2 years ago, he has finished his treatment and is doing really well, leading a normal life. A boxer, although about 12 years of age has also done really well despite her age - even though she is slowing down generally due to her advanced years, she coped very well and has given her owner the extra time she may not otherwise have had. and a Bull Terrier who has been having the treatment for 3 months has also done well although he slipped a disc at the weekend and has problems relating to this. Dogs do respond much better than people do generally and seem to bounce back after their i/v session much quciker than a person would. I have my fingers and toes crossed for you and Dexter, good luck and best wishes.

Hi,

I've only just caught up with this thread,my Golden was diagnosed with a Mast cell tumour.Cambridge university blasted it with 4 doses of radiation,after only giving 6-9 months to live she was cured from it they were absolutely fantastic,chemo was another psossible but they thought it would better treated using radiation,she s bounding around and returned to the showring we were so lucky

Briony :-)

Dexters Update:

We went for another blood test on friday, and his lymph node is completely back down to normal size!! The vet said that dexter was doing better than most dogs he has had on chemotherapy. I forgot to ask if that means that there is a change for a cure, or if we are still going for remission. I might call the specialist tomorrow to find out more details on dexters progress, I havent talked to him in almost 4 weeks, and would love to hear his opinion and how he feels about dexters outcome now that he is doing so well.

Things seem to be going well - fingers crossed that he stays in remission for as long as it takes for the specialists to decide that this is a cure.

Margot

I'm so pleased that Dexter is doing well - you must be thrilled.  There's nothing to match that feeling when the news is much better than you dared hoped for, is there ?
Hopefully you'll enjoy many more happy years with him.

Hooray, hope Dexter continues to do well! :-)

Just caught up with this - fantastic news.  I'm so pleased for you and of course Dexter :)  Give him a huge hug from me and take care of yourself too!

Luv Teri xxx

Yet another update:

Poor dexter had a rough time at the vets yesturday getting his blood tests and his 3rd round of chemo. It took the vet soo long to draw blood and poor dexter was shaking like a leaf and was even crying at one point it was so painful. I had tears myself seeing him so scared and in pain, and feeling very guilty for putting him through this. I had to leave when he was getting his IV and catheder because I couldnt bear to watch him go throug anymore pain. I have been debating with myself ever since...am I doing the right thing putting him through chemo! Anyway, dexters red blood count is so low that the vet had to call the specialist before letting dexter come home. He seems fine today, but was lacking energy yesturday. I am worried because the blood tests were taking before the IV was given, and next tuesday dexter takes more chemo medication through pills and isnt suppose to get a blood test untill after he finishes the pills. I just hope his red blood count isnt too low from the iv. I think I will call the specialist tomorrow and see if he thinks it is safe to start the chemo pills with his red blood cells so low. I hope all your pets are doing well. We will keep you posted....thanks

hope dexters blood count is ok, will keep my fingers x'd for you.  Of to vets tomorrow as Alfie (8months) has lumps on his testicles and am hoping that his nothing nasty.
Keep your chin up hun.xx

Just sending you and Dexter {{hugs}}

Margot

Fingers crossed for Dexter, keep us posted.
Take Care
Debbie
xx

sorry to hear about dexter .... I have a 3 yr old boxer bitch who developed lymphomia last christmas .....she was just over 2 rys old ... all her glands came up including the ones in her back legs .... it was so sudden .... took her to my vet expecting her to say that it was due to an infection but alas not the case .. a biopsy was done and I had the tissue typed to be told it was a t cell cancer ..... she was started immediately with chemo and had an amazing result ..... the lymph nodes were back to normal after two weeks ..... the regime she was on initially was 8 wks of chemo .. comprising of iv injection once a week and a course of steroids every other day and a cancer fighting tablet every other day ... after the 8 wks the treatment was reduced to once a fornight then once a month ...... she carried on for 3 mths then gave her a break .. unfortunately the remission only lasted 3 mths and the lymph nodes in her chest started to enlarge again .... took her back and we started the chemo treatment again but this time just for 4wks ... same regime as before but the iv was at a stronger dosage .. she was quite ill after the first dose so it was reduced slightly for the other 3 doses .... we are now back on once a month again and it seems to be keeping her in remission ... I have been told there is no cure they can only try to keep her in remission .. but she is full of energy ... chases and catches rabbits on a daily basis ... as naughty as ever and I'm so pleased  that I've got my little girl in good health again .. its a year further on now and she has coped incredibly well with this illness ..... I hope you have as a good a result as i have had ..... i know exactly how you must feel because I've been there myself ... good luck and a big hug for dexter xx