At the lake again

[Dainerra]

First the bad news

Dr Sarah confirmed that Rayden has cancer. She said that as long as he is happy and comfortable we don't have to worry about any decisions.

What do you think? I think he's going to be around for a while
















Rayden at the lake - YouTube

Arriving at the lake - YouTube

2012 12 09 07 37 54 478 - YouTube

[llombardo]

I would keep doing all the things he loves to do. Let that boy run and play in the water, carry sticks, and do all the stuff that makes him feel good. I'm sorry that he has cancer

[Dainerra]

in less than a month the tumor has gone from size of a 50cent piece to the size of 2 fists. It is on his thigh into his groin. So he limps pretty bad but he's not showing any signs of slowing down.
At his last appt, he had actually gained 2 lbs.

[llombardo]

Originally Posted by Dainerra

in less than a month the tumor has gone from size of a 50cent piece to the size of 2 fists. It is on his thigh into his groin. So he limps pretty bad but he's not showing any signs of slowing down.
At his last appt, he had actually gained 2 lbs.

I firmly believe that its not over until the quality of life is gone. I had a lab that had a brain tumor...I kept him around as long as possible. We did all the things that he loved and some extra stuff too. Just enjoy him and take lots of pictures and videos. How old is he?

[jocoyn]

Sorry to hear but agree with the others. It is a special time which I know you will treasure later. Those times when you know the end is coming but do what you can to make the last times enjoyable for your dog.

May want to ask about turmeric. Not as an attempt at "cure" but I gather it slows down progression and, more imporantly, is a good anti-inflammatory. My old guy seems to tolerate it quite well. (unless he is arleady getting meloxicam/metcam - turmeric just has the natural variations of the cox-2 inhibitors)

[Dainerra]

I will ask her about the turmeric. I believe I have heard it before.

with his other issues, removing the tumor isn't an option. But Dr Sarah says that with his attitude he could keep going for quite a while.
When we took him in because his hock was swollen, the mass was the size of a 50cent piece. Friday it is the size of my 2 fists.
He gained 2 lbs since his last visit though, so that is encouraging. His appetite has never wavered; he's eating about 2000 calories a day. He is back up to 73.6lbs but sill a far cry from his usual 87lbs.

llombardo, he is 9 1/2.

[Daisy&Lucky's Mom]

I am so sorry. Rayden looks very happy at his lake and it sounds like he is still having a great time every day. Take care.I pray for the day no one human or canine has to hear those words.
Maggi

[jocoyn]

I figure these are solid legitimate links - along the lines of maybe it well help. It probably won't hurt. A teammates older GSD has been taking 1500mg daily for about a year (arthritis) and really has a new lease on life. I just got the go ahead to restart Grim on it after my vet verified that it wont interact with some Oriental Herbs he is taking.

My take home is (if vet is ok) slow introduction, caution, look for GI issues, and its a nonono if the dog is already taking NSAIDS

Curcumin: Can it slow cancer growth? - MayoClinic.com
Turmeric
Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University

[Dainerra]

he is on Prednisone and Tramadol.

[jocoyn]

Probably not then. But the most important thing is him enjoying his remaining life! I feel for what you are going through. Been there a few times. Another teammate just lost her dog to cancer and the last month she was able to really dedicate to her old girl.