Stage 3 Lymphoma

[Abbigail]

Well I received terrible news from the vet regarding my beautiful little princess Abbigail. She has stage 3 lymphoma ( She is a 9 year old Maltese x.

As you can imagine I am absolutely devastated!

About a month ago I noticed a lump near her breast, and being desexed prior to her first cycle of heat the vet was very surprised, however concerned enough to remove the lump and send off to pathology... Weren't we shocked at the results! She had another lump near her belly button which I noticed about a year ago, however was reassured that this was just a fatty tissue and nothing to worry about. Well after the results came back, she was rushed straight back into theatre and this lump was removed, and shocked to find may be the source of where it all began.

I am struggling with it because she hasn't changed in temperment, feeding, ANYTHING, she is still like my little girl!! I await the results of the second lump and was told if this also comes back stage 3, she will deteriorate rapidly and given a couple of months to live.

I can't really afford Chemo, as I am currently pregnant with my first baby (A GIRL!!!) and we are putting our house on the market as well, so it is just something else on my plate this year that I don't want to face! Everytime I look at her I just feel for her and want to give her lots of hugs (not to mention the elizabethan collar doesn't help :D ). I will find out more tomorrow which ways we can go with her pallative care.... I just don't want her to be in any pain - as soon as this starts to happen, I will have to dig deep and find the strength and courage to give her wings - How do people do it?

Chanel

Edited March 16, 2011 by Abbigail

[laneka]

I am so sorry for you. It is very hard to deal with. I lost my heart dog nearly 12 months ago and still shed a tear for him. It is a very hard decision to make but like you, I did not want him to suffer. I made that decision when his body could not cope anymore. The hardest part about making that call was his brain was fine. He was still very alert and happy.

My thoughts are with you :D I am sure you will make the right decision when the time comes.