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Re: Part 2: Fawkes Has Lymphoma
[Re: ]
#607802
08/08/08 10:47 PM
08/08/08 10:47 PM
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 6,254 Kansas
queenduck
Serious Glideritis
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Serious Glideritis
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 6,254
Kansas
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Gina, sorry hun? None of us can give you the right answer. I have seen people on Chemo and seen people on high dose Prednisone, it is not pretty on the best of days. I say let him spend whatever time he has left in the most natural way, use magnets, research diet, give him lots of extra love and attention, and if the time comes where he looks uncomfortable, use pain meds to ease his discomfort. I can't suggest experimental treatments that will make him feel horrible and may not work, or may only work at adding a little more time... but not quality time. But it doesn't mater what we think, you have to do what you feel is best in your heart, we will be here for you with eithor choice.
Last edited by queenduck; 08/08/08 10:49 PM.
Alicia aka Queenduck, Bentley's Nana
We need role models who are going to break the mold ~ Carly Simon
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Re: Part 2: Fawkes Has Lymphoma
[Re: ]
#607803
08/08/08 10:48 PM
08/08/08 10:48 PM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 22,749 80 acres of paradise in KS
Dancing
Glideritis Anonymous
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Glideritis Anonymous
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 22,749
80 acres of paradise in KS
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Gina...what I learned with my mom's lung cancer and the chemo she went through is this... chemo can reduce the tumors and even stop the growth of them, putting the person into "remission". The cancer is still there and can start to regrow at any time. Often coming out of remission, the cancer comes back stronger and more agressive than before. My mom went through chemo twice in 4 years as well as radiation (which I would NOT do to an animal) and yet she still died due to the lung cancer.
Many of those, like me, that have survived cancer, survived because of surgery. The cancerous mass was removed and in my case, they got it all. With some, the surgery is done to remove what they can and then chemo is used to "zap" the rest and put the person into remission. But once a person has cancer, there is always the chance for that cancer to come back again, even for me.
620-704-9109 Judge not until you have walked in their shoes and lived their lives. What you see online is only part of the story.
I could have missed the pain But I'd of had to miss the dance
The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes had no tears.
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Re: Part 2: Fawkes Has Lymphoma
[Re: Srlb]
#607804
08/08/08 10:51 PM
08/08/08 10:51 PM
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,356 Austin, TX
USMom
Serious Glideritis
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Serious Glideritis
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,356
Austin, TX
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My thought is that Fawkes doesn't understand why he is miserable and sick and everytime mom takes him in the car he gets sicker. You can explain it to a person, that they will get better, but not to him. I know you are posting for opinions thoughts, etc... there is mine. Honestly, do you let him die, do you put him to sleep, do you do the chemo, make him miserable then maybe he lives longer because of it, is there something else? I don't know, and you are the one there, in those shoes. I know you are looking for as much hope as there is right now, and if I had a magic wand, pill, cast a spell, say a prayer whatever, he would be whole and healthy. I wish I had answers not more questions. I know Peggy is trying to get ahold of Tim. I will ask my vet, who Tim went to school with, and see what he has to add, too.
Shawna Who are you networked with? Networking could save your gliders life. Create one now.
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Re: Part 2: Fawkes Has Lymphoma
[Re: Dancing]
#607805
08/08/08 10:54 PM
08/08/08 10:54 PM
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Monster
Unregistered
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Monster
Unregistered
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This sucks...
If anyone is is phone contact with Donna, could you PLEASE call her & ask her to PM or email me, or ask GC Admin for my phone #...
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Re: Part 2: Fawkes Has Lymphoma
[Re: Srlb]
#607809
08/08/08 10:56 PM
08/08/08 10:56 PM
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Monster
Unregistered
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Monster
Unregistered
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Re: Part 2: Fawkes Has Lymphoma
[Re: Srlb]
#607814
08/08/08 10:58 PM
08/08/08 10:58 PM
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Monster
Unregistered
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Monster
Unregistered
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Re: Part 2: Fawkes Has Lymphoma
[Re: Srlb]
#607818
08/08/08 10:59 PM
08/08/08 10:59 PM
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Monster
Unregistered
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Monster
Unregistered
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TY, I need a lot of those right now...
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Re: Part 2: Fawkes Has Lymphoma
[Re: Srlb]
#607841
08/08/08 11:39 PM
08/08/08 11:39 PM
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,830 USA
SugarBlossoms
Serious Glideritis
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Serious Glideritis
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,830
USA
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Gina, knowing what I know about cancer (my mother had the same as Teresa's mother) and what I know about animals in general..and well, gliders, my heart felt advice is this..
Personally, I wouldn't go with chemo or the steroids.
I KNOW how much you love Fawkes lady, I love mine like that too. There are some times when we just can't allow our babies to go through more agony. If Fawkes is eating, playing, etc., love him this way. I just lost the most precious thing to me, Peanut. Sometimes, we do everything to save someone and in reality we are being a bit selfish. We can't let go, we WON'T let go. What happens is we end up hurting ourselves more and only having more questions than answers. Actually, I believe at times we hurt the others more by trying to save them.
I know my mother had had enough when she told me to 'let me go' but I couldn't. In the end, she passed away leaving me more angry and with even more questions about what could have been done differently.
It's bad enough when people cannot tolerate the sickness and pain of chemo, the remissions, knowing most likely the cancer will return (not always) but with our gliders, they have no idea why they are going through so much pain and suffering.
To us, our gliders ARE our children and we want to do everything in our power to save them, but...sometimes, we can end up doing more harm than good.
My advice is to give him all the love in the world, leave your touch of tenderness on his heart and soul...so that if Fawkes does glide to heaven sooner than later, all he will have known is love and a gentle touch, not pain and sickness.
I'm so sorry Gina, these are only my thoughts after what I've been through. Please don't hate me for saying these things, I personally believe just loving him for the time left is best. I pray you get to talk to Donna soon, in the meantime, I am praying hard for your little guy..and you.
Keeper of Handprints on my Heart, You left your Footprints on my soul. My precious loves that left to quickly, Peanut, Katie Isabella, Kiwi, Bonnie and Monroe.
Spread your wings and glide free of pain, Until the day I see you again.
God speed my precious angels. I love you. Mama.
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Re: Part 2: Fawkes Has Lymphoma
[Re: LSardou]
#607855
08/08/08 11:58 PM
08/08/08 11:58 PM
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PeeperKeeper
Unregistered
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PeeperKeeper
Unregistered
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Gina, I'm so so soooooo sorry to hear about this. I'm just now catching up. Poor Fawes! I so know you want to do everything possible to get him through this. He is such a precious little guy. But, if we're taking a poll, I'd have to say I'm with Shawna, Alicia, T and Peggy. I would go the naturopathic route, with nutrition, supplements, magnets, whatever you think might work, but I agree that chemo would just be too rough on a glider. When I lost Jeepers, I had a certain amount of guilt over the last couple days of her life when I was forcing food, fluids and medications down her in an effort to keep her around. I'm afraid maybe I was doing it more for myself and Sydney and only extended her suffering. In fact, that's exactly what Sydney and I were discussing when she took her last breaths and died in our hands. Okay, can't talk about that anymore, but suffice it to say that I think quality of life trumps quantity in this situation. All that being said, it is your decision. If you decide to go big guns after it, I am with you. Okay, here's some more of these:
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Re: Part 2: Fawkes Has Lymphoma
[Re: ]
#607871
08/09/08 12:12 AM
08/09/08 12:12 AM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979 Wisconsin
Feather
Administrator
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Administrator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979
Wisconsin
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My heart aches for you and little Fawkes. After watching my mom have chemo, go into remmission and then have it flair up again a month after she was considered in remmission then lose her three weeks later because she got pnuemonia from having no white cells in her body because the chemo did its job. I could never put one of my beloved pets or horses through that. Chemo is so toxic that when mom had her IV leak they got a hazmat team in wearing suits to clean up the small spot on the carpeting. I can't imagine what a little sugar glider would go through as they can't understand why they are so sick, when the medicine that is suppose to get them into remmission almost kills them in the process. I will keep you and little Fawkes in my prayers. May God watch over that little sweetie.
Kimberley Feathers-Sweetie, Mister Peanut & Big Mack Fur-Guinan, Mr. Spock, T'Mir, Cho, Toothless, Maverick & Maharet T'Pol, Elizabeth & Curzon TY, TJ, Light Fury, Madison & T'Pring Forever in my heart, Gizmo, Tucker, Khayman and the rest of my babies over the
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Re: Part 2: Fawkes Has Lymphoma
[Re: Feather]
#607895
08/09/08 12:43 AM
08/09/08 12:43 AM
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,830 USA
SugarBlossoms
Serious Glideritis
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Serious Glideritis
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,830
USA
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Chemo is so toxic that when mom had her IV leak they got a hazmat team in wearing suits to clean up the small spot on the carpeting. I had almost forgotten my mother suffered 3rd degree, yes, 3rd degree burns from the chemo when the I.V broke in her hand. Her entire left hand had to be treated at the burn unit for months. I've always wondered what on earth that stuff does to the INSIDE of the body.
Keeper of Handprints on my Heart, You left your Footprints on my soul. My precious loves that left to quickly, Peanut, Katie Isabella, Kiwi, Bonnie and Monroe.
Spread your wings and glide free of pain, Until the day I see you again.
God speed my precious angels. I love you. Mama.
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Re: Part 2: Fawkes Has Lymphoma
[Re: SugarBlossoms]
#607908
08/09/08 01:05 AM
08/09/08 01:05 AM
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 21,060 Kansas
LSardou
Glideritis Anonymous
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Glideritis Anonymous
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 21,060
Kansas
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Gina, even though I've explained to you what the magnetic treatments have proven, I will write a brief summary here for those who are following this thread. I spent 8 years at the University of Arizona studying the effects of magnetic fields on skin cancer, which is the hardest cancer to treat. After 3 consecutive studies, the results had shown that with the cancer cell exposed to the magnetic field it causes the tumor to necrose from inside out, leaving 0 invasion to the blood vessels, muscles, and surrounding tissue. The tests showed that after 8 hours of exposure the cellular structure of the cell looses it's viability and can no longer attach to proliferate. We also discovered that iron surrounds the cell itself, which is one of the main reasons for chemo treatments is to dissolve the iron while trying to destroy the cancer itself. In our studies, it has shown that since iron is 'paramagnetic' exposure to the infected area breaks up that iron barrier and allows the iron to dispose through the normal functioning channels in the body. Our tumor growth rate decreased in the treated group by 70%, with no tissue, muscle, or blood vessel invasion. All the tumors in the treated group had also necrosed from the 'core' outwards. Whereas the non-treated groups tumors grew to their full capacity with partial to full invasion through the CNS, muscle, and surrounding tissue. Investigative Radiology-Volume 27, Number 10
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Re: Part 2: Fawkes Has Lymphoma
[Re: LSardou]
#607934
08/09/08 02:38 AM
08/09/08 02:38 AM
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,008 Greeley, CO
Usha77
Glider Addict
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Glider Addict
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,008
Greeley, CO
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Brenda 970-616-2872
Gliders: Eugene, Sandy, Seri; Bobbi, Spice; Star, Squiddi; Pearl, Pip; Petrie; Jimny, Pinocchio; Anna & Elsa Dogs: Nacho & Dory RIP my glider angels: Nynaeve, Poppy, Lan, Toffee, Zoey, Tika & Tas www.sugargroup.org
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Re: Part 2: Fawkes Has Lymphoma
[Re: Srlb]
#607955
08/09/08 04:49 AM
08/09/08 04:49 AM
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Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 7,603 Virginia Beach, VA.
Ellen
Owner:Emeritus-Mother Hen
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Owner:Emeritus-Mother Hen
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 7,603
Virginia Beach, VA.
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Gina, Bruce just home about midnight and I did not read this then.
I will ask him in the morning and he or I will post. You can always call us. Since he didnt get to bed until late and I am still up call after 11AM. He will be glad to talk to you and that might help.
One way or the other we will be in touch OK?
Love and kindness is a gift. Use it freely.... My Gallery
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Re: Part 2: Fawkes Has Lymphoma
[Re: Ellen]
#607958
08/09/08 05:58 AM
08/09/08 05:58 AM
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,297 Quincy, IL
glidrz5
Serious Glideritis
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Serious Glideritis
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,297
Quincy, IL
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Chris Illusion, Malcom, Isabell, Annabelle, Zach, Isis, Aly & Indy AND Miss Emmy & Miss Chloe kitties My Angels: You are always in my heart. You've flown to the rainbow and wait there for me Someday I will join you together to be
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Re: Part 2: Fawkes Has Lymphoma
[Re: glidrz5]
#608011
08/09/08 09:18 AM
08/09/08 09:18 AM
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Rachel
Unregistered
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Rachel
Unregistered
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Gina, I went through exactly what you're explaining with two seventeen year old cats a few years ago. Man, it's hard.
What was right for us was palliative care. Treatment would have been traumatic and damaged both cats severely. They told us in their own way when they were ready to go.
Do your research though. Maybe the treatment available to you isn't brutal for the baby.
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Re: Part 2: Fawkes Has Lymphoma
[Re: ]
#608019
08/09/08 09:40 AM
08/09/08 09:40 AM
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,089 Central Connecticut
BCChins
Glider Addict
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Glider Addict
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,089
Central Connecticut
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Gina I am so sorry to read the results on Fawkes. Please know I am here for you any time day or night just call. I work 3rd shift so if in the middle of the night (or day) you find you need to vent or talk PLEASE feel free to call me 860-508-4853 as sometime those are the loneliest times when you lay there and think. Many
Have a Good Day Brenda & Mr. Magoo
Friendly Reminder please have an e-collar ready before you need it......
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Re: Part 2: Fawkes Has Lymphoma
[Re: SugarBlossoms]
#608022
08/09/08 09:55 AM
08/09/08 09:55 AM
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 11,015 MA
pappy1264
Glideritis Anonymous
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Glideritis Anonymous
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 11,015
MA
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Gina, First off, I want to say how terribly sorry it is Lymphoma. I was praying for anything else. Now I have to agree, having had an animal with cancer and seeing what it does to them (and this was a 112 lb dog) I would not think a glider could handle it. My biggest concern is the risk to his other organs. Chemo may kill cancer cells, but it also kills a lot of other cells, as well. I am not trying to make this harder for you, believe me. When Jake was diagnosed, I knew he would want to fight but after seeing how it affected him, I don't know if I were ever faced with it again that I would/could do it. I so wish Donna would call you! The steroids are another one......I don't see why they would give it with Lymphoma. My bil's dog had Lymphoma and she had been on pred for other issues, but they had to take her off for the very reason stated (it would alter the effects of the chemo), so that has me confused. Sadly, this is a very hard decision, as the bottom line is, weighing trying to extend his life, to what the quality of it will be in doing so. My heart goes out to you, as it is an almost impossible choice. I know when Timmy's lump was removed, I discussed it with her (if it was cancer, what our options were) and she said that chemo was not safely possible in a glider. That from what she knew, it had been tried, but not with the best results and she felt the risks outweighed everything. I am lighting a candle and sending prayers for clarity and stregnth for you. I know this is a heartwrenching decision either way. How is Fawkes doing today? When Jake was sick, my vet kept saying to me 'treat the dog, not the disease.' In other words, watch him, see how he is doing. Don't keep thinking 'but he has cancer'. Was he eating, was he playing, doing the things that gave him quality of life. God, I wish I had some better answers for you. Know you have my love and prayers.
Timmy, Gidget(RIP), Bandit, Petey(RIP), Phoebe, Jake (RIP) Piper(RIP), Pru(RIP), Paige, Cole, Molly(RIP), Oliver, Wyatt, Roo(RIP), Romeo, Pennie, Mandy(RIP), Madison, Garth, Kikipoo, Stasia, Bella, Petunia(RIP), Helen, Sydney, Kizzy and Sweet Pea's mom, Mary
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Re: Part 2: Fawkes Has Lymphoma
[Re: SugarBlossoms]
#608055
08/09/08 12:03 PM
08/09/08 12:03 PM
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joan248
Unregistered
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joan248
Unregistered
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Hi Gina.... I am kind of new to Sugar Gliders but was a Oncology RN for years. I have no idea about Sugar Glider Chemo but I wanted to tell you how far they have come with Lymphoma Tx Chemo for us human animals. I agree with everyones comments about QUALITY of life but because I have seen good outcomes with Chemo Tx (some people tolerate it and side effects well) I just wanted to tell you what I tell people facing these issues. Discuss with the Drs / vets probable side effects and how other small fragile animals have done with same tx. If the info they give you is acceptable and If Fawkes is doing well, strong, eating and drinking, consider it. You can always quit and just give supportive care and love. My thoughts are with you. No matter what... Fawkes is lucky to have you.
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Re: Part 2: Fawkes Has Lymphoma
[Re: ]
#608065
08/09/08 12:41 PM
08/09/08 12:41 PM
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Monster
Unregistered
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Monster
Unregistered
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Thank you everyone - after sleeping on it (or rather, not sleeping), I have decided against the chemo. If it will only extend his life, I don't want that extension to be miserable. Whatever time he has left needs to be as good as it can be... As far as the steroids, I am still on the fence. I have 2 differing opinions from vets. I know that both Lord Darcy & Kira were on them & both of those gliders are still with us. Kira had a different type of cancer, but Darcy was diagnosed with Lymphoma. I have asked Peggy to talk with Dr. Tristan today & get his opinion. Also, the vet from UT is consulting with another suggie vet today & is supposed to get back with me this evening. Fawkes is doing well - he stays in his pouch a bit more than he used to, but he is eating and is brite-eyed. He was out and about with his family last night at dinner time. I'll post again once I've heard from the UT vet & from eggy about Dr. Tristan's advice...
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Re: Part 2: Fawkes Has Lymphoma
[Re: ]
#608066
08/09/08 12:42 PM
08/09/08 12:42 PM
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Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 7,603 Virginia Beach, VA.
Ellen
Owner:Emeritus-Mother Hen
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Owner:Emeritus-Mother Hen
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 7,603
Virginia Beach, VA.
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Gina, this is Bruce posting. I would prefer talking to you than posting as I have some questions. Let me know if you want us to call or you may call me. Ellen said you have our phone number.
Will be waiting to hear from you.
Bruce
Love and kindness is a gift. Use it freely.... My Gallery
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Re: Part 2: Fawkes Has Lymphoma
[Re: BRoss]
#608149
08/09/08 03:02 PM
08/09/08 03:02 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979 Wisconsin
Feather
Administrator
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Administrator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979
Wisconsin
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Gina,
I know it was a difficult decision to not put little Fawkes through Chemo. I feel in my heart that you made the right decision.
The day after my mom died, my dad said to me that he wished that mom would have just come home to pass on instead of going through Chemo agian. She suffered so much those last three weeks. I know mom wanted the Chemo because she felt she needed to fight for Dad's sake as she was dad's primary caregiver since he had his stroke in '95.
I will pray that the lord gives you a lot of time with little Fawkes, make the most of each moment you have with him.
Prayers,
Kimberley Feathers-Sweetie, Mister Peanut & Big Mack Fur-Guinan, Mr. Spock, T'Mir, Cho, Toothless, Maverick & Maharet T'Pol, Elizabeth & Curzon TY, TJ, Light Fury, Madison & T'Pring Forever in my heart, Gizmo, Tucker, Khayman and the rest of my babies over the
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