Lou's biopsy results

[suethejam]

I've just had Lou's test results - sadly she has cancer - a very unusual lymphoma which is incurable but treatable to prolong her life...

We're hoping to see the oncology team at the royal vet college hospital within the next few days to discuss her options. Treatment will probably involve chemotherapy and maybe surgery to reduce the mass in her throat to make it easier to breathe/swallow, but we will need to balance all of that against her age and general health with her kidneys/joints, all of which will affect the quality of life remaining to her.

I fear there are difficult days and tough decisions ahead, in the meantime she is reasonably comfortable and remarkably cheerful considering how ill she is - long may this continue, as the more well she is in herself, the greater the chance of her tolerating/surviving treatment.

Hug your hounds - they are so very precious....

[pumalass]

So sorry to hear about Lou our thoughts are with you and whats ahead, I totally agree how precious they all are our boy Bart we feel had cancer in his spine but for his age and the pain he was in we couldn't put him through any of the treatment that would have entailed, but as you say if Lou is still good in herself then try anything you can to prolong her life.
Chris
x

[leefizz]

It's not fair, I'm so sorry. Sending you my best wishes and support. Hugs to Lou.



Lee & Fizz

[sarah]

So sorry to hear this Sue.thinking of you all at this time,and sending Lou big hugs xxxx

[sallydog14]

I am so sorry to here about Lou. Sometimes life is so unfair is,nt it? We are sending you all our love and hugs. From Anne, Trevor and Peggy xxxx

[Deleted]

My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. The odds may be stacked but they are there to be knocked down. Come on Lou!!!!!

Dave (and Ted) x

[patricksparents]

What a B*gger! Sending you love and prayers. Patrick sends doggy love too.

[rachael]

Really sorry to read this, they are such precious dogs. I hope that the vets can keep her comfortable for as long as possible.
Rachael

[suethejam]

Thanks for the good wishes everyone - it was shocking news but I've just had a very positive meeting with Lou's regular vet, who sees lymphoma as very treatable (not curable!).

I wanted his view on whether Lou was well enough in herself to withstand whatever treatment regime that the oncologists suggest. Lou's vet suspects that the Lymphoma is probably present in the lymph nodes throughout Lou's body (though no proof of this!, so it could be making a big contribution to her general pain/discomfort as well as to her poorly kidneys. He thinks it's well worth giving treatment a try as he thinks it may improve her wellbeing generally, not just her throat/breathing/eating.

We have an appointment with the oncologists next Thursday - the week's delay is because they have ordered another set of analyses on the tumour samples so they will know exactly what they're dealing with by the time we get there. Treatment options may include chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery (any combination of the three)- but we have to steel ourselves for the possibility that they will say it is untreatable.

I have a clear plan for what to do if Lou becomes acutely ill over the next week so I feel a bit more confident that we can nurse her effectively until we get (hopefully) a treatment plan next week.

So, we'll take each day as it comes for now....

[andic]

Oh sue, I'm so very sorry to hear this. You've been through so much with your pooch pack already it's very unfair.

It brings back memories of my boxer, sadie, who passed away some years ago from the same thing. It was quite early days then and all vets I spoke to just took it to be untreatable unfortunately, but I know there have been so many advances, and dogs can lead a very happy life with treatment. Sadie passed away before her 1st chemo session as she got an infection in her lung after an op to remove the tumour, it was very unfortunate.

I'm so glad you're getting all the help you need and it sounds like you have a great vet.

We're all here to support you, and truly hope Lou starts to feel a little more like her old self very soon.

Andrea

[sueb]

Sue & Richard

Sorry, I have been away for a few days, so have only just read this.

So sorry to hear about Lou. You are getting her the best medical care and of course she will receive such good TLC from you and you will know what to do for the best and when. Here's hoping she will be comfortable and be top dog for many years to come!
Sue & Tony
XX

[patshep]

love and kind thoughts are winging their way through to you.

Big hugs for all your hounds.

Pat S

[jennyr]

So very sorry to hear this news Sue. Thinking of you and sending big hugs to Lou. I truly hope that a treatment plan can be found that will keep her as comfortable and well as she can be for as long as possible. xx