My Sam has lung cancer

[kshort49]

Hi-I am new here. My 10 yr. old lab Sam was diagnosed with lung cancer in Jan. It has now spread to both lungs. I went to a dog oncologist, who said she could operate on him for $3000-$5000 and remove the cancerous lobes, or I could give him chemo for $400 per week. It's wierd because I got him when I was diagnosed with cancer and he was the one thing that kept me going-now we've both got it.:( I decided not to do any of the treatments because besides not having the money, his quality of life would not be so good with the surgery or chemo. So my vet gives me antibiotics, pain medication, and bronchodilators to help the good part of the lungs as much as they can. He coughs and gags, like he has something in his throat, but he still likes to chase the squirrels outside and play ball. So he still has pretty much energy. It's just so hard looking at him, knowing he doesn't have much time left (the vet didn't think he'd bee here this long). So each day, I pray that he's alive when I get up, and that he's alive when I get home from work. I don't know how I'll be able to handle him passing on-he's gotten me through so many hard times with my cancer, and then he's going to be gone-he's like one of my kids. Has anyone else had a dog that has had lung cancer? My vet says it's rare, so I haven't spoken to anyone else who's pet has had it. Anyway, I'm sorry this is so long-I've really got no one else to talk to about this who will understand. Thanks, and God bless all of you. Kathy

[~Tucker&Me~]

I am so sorry to hear about your dog Kathy.
Sam will be in my thoughts and prayers...

I had a rescue who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of eight. One day we came home and found he had passed peacefully in his sleep. I know it's hard, but hang in there. Remember to do lots of fun things so he has many happy memories to take with him to the Rainbow Bridge.
**Hugs**

~Tucker

[kshort49]

Thanks Tucker, that's what I am going to try to do. I go hope that Sam passes peacefully on his own and until then, that he can be happy and comfortable. Kathy

[~Tucker&Me~]

Just remember if you ever need anyone to talk to all of Chaz is here for you.
Lots of hugs to be given out on this site, lol.

~Tucker

[bubbatd]

It pains me so when I read threads like this, as I know how much it hurts. Been through too many dogs in my lifetime . None is easy to lose. Love on each other, and if/when Sam needs to move on... do the right thing. I really don't think any chemo or surgery would help at this point. Please let us here at Chaz how things are going for both of you. We care ! (( Hugs ))

[jess2416]

I am so sorry to hear about Sam.. You and he will be in my thoughts and prayers..I am wishing you and him the best...

[AusCatDogs_4Ever]

Your poor baby Sam will be in my thoughts... I'm so sorry to hear about his cancer. :( We will be here for you if you ever need someone to talk to!

[navywife060901]

I am so sorry to hear about your dog, I had my child hood dog die of cancer, not of the lungs though, but he lived a great long life and I am thankful for all of the great memories I have of him. I also made a scrapbook of him the weeks after he passed on. We took tons of pictures of him the day we had to put him to sleep, it was all of a sudden that he had to be put to sleep, so we didn't have much time to prepare for his passing, but I recommend taking many pictures of your dog and keep making lot's of happy memories for you to hold onto. My thoughts and many prayers are with you. Don't ever feel alone because so many people have lost there dogs from one cancer or another. One thing to keep in mind which made me feel better was once my dog passed I was happy knowing that he was no longer in pain and not suffering and was free of his cancer!

[Barb04]

My thoughts and prayers and with you both.

[JFrick]

I really hate to hear that. I've had 2 dogs get cancer in the past. The first, Molly, had it on her spleen. Had that removed to give her some more time, but it was too late, had already spread. She lived about 8 months after the surgery when it spread to her brain and she started having seizures. I had to have her put down, she was 8.

Eddie was the second one to get it. He was Molly's brother. He was diagnosed at 10 years old. No warning or anything, took him in for his regular vet visit and they found a tumor the size of a grapefruit tangled up in his intestines. He never showed any signs of being sick (unlike Molly, who quit eating one day and became anemic). I opted for surgery on him, but they couldn't remove the tumor as it was too tangeled up in his intestines. Plus, the cancer has already spread everywhere, so I opted to have him put down while he was still under from the surgery. The vet told me he wouldn't fully recover from the surgery b/c of all the tumors...

B.H. is the third out of that litter. He is still with me (he's 11 now). So far there have been no signs of cancer in him, but it is time for his vet visit, and I'm honestly nervous about that.

I hope this doesn't upset you during this time, just thought I'd share my experiences with cancer and my dogs. Letting you know I understand and feel your pain as I've been there myself...

[bubbatd]

I had one put down during surgery too.... it was sad, as I thought she'd be coming home.... they called me when they openned her up....with the same results. It was sad for me as I hadn't held her and said goodbye...but it was best for her.

[kshort49]

Thank you everyone for your support. Well, Easter Sunday, Sam started to have trouble breathing. We thought it would pass, as had been happening on and off, but it didn't. The following day, my daughter and I took him to the vet. He said that one lung had totally stopped working, and the other was very congested. All he did was lay on the floor. At that point, we decided it was time to let him go, before he started to suffer. It was so hard to watch him stop breathing, but I know he is free of the cancer now. The house is way too quiet, and I keep thinking he's still around. I guess it will take a while to get used to him not being here. We are planning to go to our local shelter and bring a homeless pup home. I think Sam would want us to do that. Anyway, thanks for all your prayers and hugs-they helped us through a tough time. God bless all of you. Kathy (and Sam, at the Rainbow Bridge)

[bubbatd]

I'm so sorry for your loss....RIP Sam . (((( HUGS )))

[Carolyn]

I'm so very sorry for the loss of Sam :(

RIP. And when you're ready to bring another doggy home, I hope you have as much with the new one as you did with Sam.

I also hope that you are feeling ok too

hugs to you and your family


Carolyn

[Barb04]

I'm so sorry. Sam will always be with you in your heart and memories. I just know he is with all of our loved ones at the Rainbow Bridge watching over you.