Oncologist visit

[kshort49]

Hi everyone-I wrote last week about my lab being diagnosed with lung cancer. I am devistated. Like I said, I bought him when I was diagnosed with cancer myself. Mine has been trying to come back, and the last thing I ever would think would be that he had lung cancer. He's 10 years old, and I'm not leaning towards removing a lung. I have decided to visit the oncologist and just see what her opinions are. I was wondering if anyone has been through something like this, and what kind of questions I should ask. I don't want him to suffer and I think the surgery would really hurt. He is eating again and his cough is much better. If I hadn't seen the x-rays, I wouldn't know that he had such a serious illness. I'm a single parent, and Sam has been with me through all kinds of tragedies-he's the one who gets me through chemo, my lupus flares and kid raising things. I can't imagine him not being here. But he's never been sick in his life, except for a spider bite. Oh well, I guess this is just another thing I have to face and work my way through it. Thanks for any ideas you can give me. Kathy

[IcyMist]

Oh Kathy I am so sorry you and your sweet little one are going through these medical problems. I don't have any answers for you, but I will be keeping both of you in my prayers. God bless you both and I hope that you find the answers you are looking for.

[Luvmyjob]

I'm so sorry! This is so heartbreaking I can't seem to muster any words....if you need to vent, feel free here any time, we will listen! ( )

[Gingee]

How aggressive is your dog's lung cancer?

[Deb's Tiny Dogs]

I would ask for all the treatment options and for every option how much time, on average, will that prolong your dog's life? Chemo rarely cures cancer in dogs like it can in humans, it just buys them some time.

What are the typical side effects of every option?

What are the costs of every option?

What is the prognosis if you do nothing?

If your dog starts to have significant pain, how do they approach pain management?

Is there anywhere you could take your dog that would have more advanced, cutting edge treatment? Ask him/her to explain as much as they know about this treatment, if it's available or to give you a contact you could talk to, if you'd even consider this route.

One other thing, I would take someone with you to the vet appt. This person should take detailed notes for you so you don't have to get distracted during the visit. If you're like me, you get home and can't remember half of what was said. This "notetaker" is invaluable. I always ask the vet if they mind if I take notes and have never been told no.

I know this is a very difficult time. It's so hard to imagine losing your steadfast friend that saw you through many difficult times.

I hope this was a little helpful.

[Faith]

i'm so sorry for you. best wishes to you and your furry friend.

[arfvol]

I'm very sorry for what you're going through. I know it must be tough.
I'd be happy to give you the name of the advanced oncology veterinary center i work for upstate a bit from you, +/or the name of an oncologist at the AMC if you want to stay closer to the island. we have radiation, advanced surgery, chemo, etc here if you want another opinion or more options if hard to find where you are. Good luck to you both.
Christine, LVT arfvol@wildmail.com

[ravybaby]

so sorry to hear your loved one has cancer my throughts are with you both