Me and B picked some weeds and then put them in front of our faces.
Ivy Lou is kind of like my child ( THERE I SAID IT).
About 10 months ago, we found out Ivy Lou had cancer, but she had surgery to remove it, which was so good! and it hasn't come back!
But then last month we found out she now has a different kind of cancer (Lymphoma) than she had before (nerve sheath tumor). Unfortunately, because it's systemic, the only treatment is chemotherapy.
We really, really struggled to come to the decision to go ahead with treatment.
We've read a lot of anecdotal experiences from guardians who uphold the perspective that chemotherapy is unethical to force upon dogs, who have no understanding that their suffering (with chemotherapy) has a purpose. This is what I've mostly been worried about. But I've read just as many stories from guardians who posit that their pooches actually felt better while undergoing treatments. Plus, all studies point to minimal adverse events and relatively good response rates for Lymphoma.
So far she's gotten through two treatment sessions, and has actually come out feeling better (from what we can infer from her behavior), rather than worse. If she comes out of any treatment session feeling noticeably worse and it becomes apparent that the chemotherapy is a detriment to her quality of life, then we'll stop immediately and focus on more palliative care (I say more palliative care, because chemotherapy in dogs is largely meant to be palliative in itself, whereas in humans it's meant to be curative).
The treatments are really, really expensive. My mother is a dog lover through and through, and even she is struggling to understand why B and I are willing to go through with this and spend thousands of dollars, when it could only end up extending her life by just 8 months or so or maybe even less (without treatment, she'd only have 4 weeks). We are definitely going to struggle to pay for this, but I can't think of much else that's worth my money if this isn't.
Hopefully the chemotherapy (or palliative drugs, if something changes and the chemotherapy ends up reducing her quality of life) will give us a little extra time to prepare for her parting. I hope it'll allow her to live out her final months with comfort and dignity, and eventually--peace.
TL;DR: I love my dog. She has cancer. She's getting chemotherapy. I hope it makes her feel better.
oh man, this made me cry.
ReplyDeletewishing you comfort and good health, ivy lou.
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ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about your dog. She's beautiful. Best wishes.
ReplyDeletePoor wee beagle. She looks so glowing in the sun. Hopefully the treatment means that she will have a happy last few months. And that you guys can too, of course, enjoy some happy times with her too.
ReplyDelete~virtual hugs and pats~
Oh god. I'm so sorry! This is terrible.
ReplyDeleteI hope the rest of her time is peaceful and comfy.
She's beautiful.
Awww. I hope Ivy Lou keeps feeling better. I'm a dog lover too and I can't even imagine how horrible this must be for you. I'm glad she's responding well to her treatments though!
ReplyDeleteNever had a dog go through cancer, but it's still tough whenever a furry pal is hurting.
ReplyDeleteShe looks pretty happy still, hopefully she'll pull through.
Poor pup, I'm glad she has such dedicated and loving people to look after her.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry you are having to go through this and I hope that it continues to work and make her feel better.
ReplyDeleteThese photos are gorgeous. My mum had lymphoma, I didn't realise dogs could get it, but it sounds like you're doing the right thing. If she seems to be happier, and it gives you more months with your lovely pet, then I would definitely do the same. xx
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about your mom!
DeleteShe's lucky to have you guys. Wish the three of you the best.
ReplyDeleteI started tearing up when reading this. Poor Ivy Lou, it must be really rough on everyone to see her have cancer again. She looks like such a sweetie, I'm sure if I was in your position I would also pay for the chemotherapy. Dogs are worth it!
ReplyDeleteSending my best thoughts towards Ivy Lou, she seems to be looking super happy in these pictures. That is always such a hard choice for pets, and I really think it just has to be a personal decision, which you have obviously researched and thought a lot about!
ReplyDeleteI think you are a terrific puppy momma!
Aww...sorry you had to go through this difficult decision-making. Sounds like you made the decision that makes you feel good, though. Hope everything else is going well and we'll see your pretty face around here more!
ReplyDeleteoh this is sooo sad! I hope it gets better or not even worse! I have a dog myself
ReplyDeleteand this love is undescribable! All the best!
<3 xx
ReplyDeleteiampolkadots.blogspot.co.uk
oh, julia. im so sorry to hear this. ivy lou really is the sweetest and i love seeing her cameos on here. you guys are the sweetest, kindest pet owners and i'm sure she knows how much you love and care for her. i would do the exact same thing to give my pet-child more time especially if it eased their pain!
ReplyDeletesending hugs and good vibes your way...
this beginning of the post made me want to sneeze, the ending, made me want to cry. great job
ReplyDeletebut in all seriousness, I hope all is well with you and your pup.
I honestly cannot imagine what I would do in your position. My immediate, guttural response would be to prolong my pet's life because I cannot imagine my life without them. Insanely selfish, I know but that is my knee jerk reaction. I would, just like you guys have, research all the options and weigh what I think is best for my furbaby. There are strong opinions on every side of the fence, but as long as you're doing what you think is best and your animal isn't suffering, it's your business. I'm sending all the furry, wet nose internet hugs I can for you 3.
ReplyDeleteit sounds like you did your research and have a good grasp of what's best for your dog. i'm sending positive vibes your way.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Monique.
DeleteGod it's so early in the morning, and i'm ready to cry! Your dog looks so lovely, I hope all the best for the three of you! Big hug to Ivy Lou!
ReplyDeletemerci!
DeleteI always get so sad hearing stories like this one. Every time one of my dogs has been sick over the years my family has done everything possible to save them because they are truly family. Just about a month ago my one bloodhound got really sick and we were told that he wouldn't make it. They gave us the option of surgery and we were seriously considering dismissing the surgery and letting him go somewhat peacefully instead of in such pain. My family, for some reason, despite all of the not so positive news and less than positive success rates, decided to go ahead with surgery to remove a giant mass that was bleeding internally and to remove his spline. If it was not for our instinct and love for our dog he would have been dead. We now have our super active, healthy bloodhound back thanks to the surgery that didn't have a great success rate.
ReplyDeleteI know so many people don't understand paying that much for a dog, but they are so much more than just dogs, they are life savers in so many ways. I'm proud to call my dogs my best friends and it pains me so much when one is sick or ultimately passes away.
It's such a hard process to go through, but I wish you and Ivy Lou the best of luck. It is so difficult to deal with, but know that the little bit of extra time you get to spend with her will be so meaningful.
That pup has a good life and great owners.
Thanks you. This really confirms what I've been feeling lately. We're the first week into her second treatment and she's feeling better than ever- she's almost returned to normal! Tons of energy, appetite improved, etc etc. The only thing that seems to bother her a little is taking pills every day, but that's a 2-minute event during a whole day of being her normal, happy beagle self. At this point I can't even fathom that not doing the chemo would have been the better choice. I hope the good results keep up. Thanks for your reassuring words.
DeleteSaw you, B, and your pup out today in the fan... sending all my good thoughts for your pup, even from half a block away i could tell how precious she is.
ReplyDeletewoah, awesome/thanks/come say hi next time!
DeleteJulia, I am so sorry.
ReplyDelete:( heartbreaking! your pup's face is adorable in that first picture of her. i hope the chemo does its thing and y'all have her for a long time, happy and healthy
ReplyDeletethis is so heartbreaking and upsetting, I'm tearing up. Your dog is adorable and I hope everything works out for you all. I think if I was in your position with my doggy I'd probably do what you have chosen to do! I'd do anything to improve the quality of life for my dog, she's more than just a pet, she's a friend, a companion and stops me feeling lonely.
ReplyDeleteI wish you all the best x
Aimée x
http://xthelostgirl.blogspot.co.uk/