lymphoma

Question
Hi again - you answered me back in April regarding my male dog being diagnosed with Lymphoma. He's been undergoing CHEMO at our regular vet as well as taking herbal supplements from a VET out in The Hamptoms who was highly recommended by a Boxer Breeder as well as being profiled on GMA. At any rate he had his last chemo on Tuesday and up until now had been doing great - though the past few weeks he's battled secondary infections. Sadly he got his last chemo on Tuesday and Tuesday night (because of the drug used he stays overnight at the vet - I think it's Doxyrubicin) the vet said he was fine, but on Wednesday morning his lymph nodes were extremely enlarged. My wife and I are devastated by this. So is our vet - who is holding out hope that the lymph nodes are enlarged as a result of the infections and suppressed immune system. He sent a culture to the lab and will know in a few days if the lymphoma is back. We don't know what to do - he had been doing so well - he looked phenomenal - we both check his lymph nodes in his neck all the time and so does our vet. We thought (and hoped) that between the chemo, the herbal supplements, and the higher fat/low sugar/carb diet that our boy would do well. To go out of remission the day after his last chemo is devastating. I've been trying to find information about Recovery Protocols and what the chances are for going into remission again - - and also if we should put our dog through this again? To keep him alive solely for chemo? We don't what to do - and while I know no one can make this decision for us, I guess I just wanted some outside thoughts on this. Again, we're hoping and praying that it ISNT lymphoma, but my gut feeling is that it might be.  Thanks for 'listening' - - NICK

Answer
Nick,

I'm so sorry to hear that your boy may be out of remission so soon after his last treatment; I'll send hopeful vibes that the swollen nodes are related to infection.  I've heard/read that on average, dogs have 10-12 months remission after chemo; sometimes a "Rescue Protocol" can kick them into remission again if the lymphoma returns.

As far as whether you should put him through chemo again, if the lymphoma is back - well, you know ultimately it's your decision to make, but I think the important thing to consider is his quality of life.  It sounds as if he's done well with the chemo throughout, and if that's the case I personally might be tempted to try it again; if he spends most of his time tired, or ill, or miserable, it might be best to end his suffering.  This is one of the hardest decisions an owner has to make, but what's best for the dog should always be the guiding consideration.

Again, I am sorry for this possible setback, and I wish you strength and peace, whatever the outcome may be.