Sherman #369 He is gone.

Oh no! I've been gone for a few days and came to check on Sherman. I am so sorry. :( There's really nothing more I can say to you. Just take advantage of the remaining time you have together. :(:(

Checking in today and hoping that Sherman is feeling a little better at least. My heart is just breaking for your family... those pics are beautiful and just make the tears run down my face even more. Gentle hugs and kisses, Shermie, and to your mom and dad and sis, too.

I've been reading all of this from the beginning, haven't really known what to say.

I'm bawling over here as I just read about Sherman.

((((HUGS)))) to you and a big (HUG), belly rubs, and nose kisses to Sherm. :(

Sherman, I hope you are feeling ok today and enjoying your family, love and attention. Be safe fella. You are one handsome dude. And you are loved, for sure.

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((Sherman)))))))))))))))) ))))))))))

Hugs and scritches to Sherman, and hugs to his humans. :(

I just feel like doingthis to my computer because of everything that has happend:http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/sa...smiley-035.gif

More http://deephousepage.com/smilies/hug.gif coming your way! :)

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Originally Posted by cyber-sibes

It breaks my heart to post this.
We brought Sherman home to be with us. It is very likely he will be making his trip to the RB very soon. Seeing him, I would say it's more a matter of hours than days.

Aside from oxygen, there is nothing more they can do for him at the hospital. They are encouraging us to wait until the test results are back (mon. or tues) before "making a final decision", but I think they're just trying to be gentle with us. You can see it in their faces.

While the specialists will not make a 100% diagnosis until the tests are complete, it appears that our boy has a substancial mass of cancerous tumors in his lungs. They believe it's spread to his bones and appears to be growing rapidly. The difference in his x-rays & ultrasounds from just days ago is, in their words, "impressive". They are sure enough that they are not beginning any therapy. They said if it turns out that he does have a fungal infection, his prognosis is extremely poor for recovery at all, and can't predict how much permanent damage is likely. They keep saying his case is so unusual, they don't see things like this very often. I just wish it was not happening to our Sherman.

He is resting, I can't really say comfortably, but he is here with us. He does seem happy to be home in his own surroundings. Star is just watching him from a bit of a distance, she looks so sad. We all are.

So, in between crying hysterically and trying to be stoic, I felt I should let all Sherman's friends here on PT know what's going on. They've sent meds for inflamation & pain home with us, (my mother had cancer that spread to her bones, so I know it's painful) and we want to do right by him. He deserves no less. It's just so damn hard to let go.

Thank you for all your prayers,
Pat, JoJoe, & Star

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Most cancer puppies have active or latent bacterial secondary infections at the point of diagnosis. Fungal would indeed be worst case. Ask the Vet what the probability is that they can pull him through the secondary bacterial(?) infection in his lungs. That will give you a good handle on decision making. With an impaired immune system it will be rough. Continued antibiotics along with the Predisone to help drain the fluid and decrease the inflammation in the lungs may help. The Prednisone may have some effect on the cancer, which with the infection is both good and bad.

If puppy can get through the infection, then Chemo might be an option afterwards depending on the type detected in the biopsy. Everything hinges on getting the infection under control and eliminated. Damn cancer.

If what Dragondawg says works out - I want to add this. When my mom's Golden Sandy had lymphoma a few years ago, the vet said chemo did NOT affect dogs the way it does humans, in terms of side effects. It was also surprisingly affordable.

In Sandy's case, the lymphoma grew like a fire with gasoline poured on it...and she was 11, nearly 12. She was sent to the Bridge.

But Shermie is young, so this might be worth a shot. Maybe print out DD's post for reference?

It may be a long fight, but if it is a good chance of winnable,

You know PTrs will help, too! Don't be shy to ask!

HUGS!

Thanks, dragondawg & catty, we're still waiting to hear from the vet tomorrow, but in all honesty we aren't holding out much hope because of how quickly he's deteriorating, and how far spread the diseased cells are. I didn't read the hospital report thoroughly until this evening (I think was still in shock when I had to sign off on it). It was worse than I thought. They know that his lungs are full of tumors, the largest being 9 cm, about the size of a baseball. Numerous smaller nodules are scattered throughout his lungs. His left front leg & toes already show damage from the lesions. Both his regular vet and the specialists commented (about the xrays) about how rapidly it is spreading. In fact, this hospital is a teaching clinic, and they told us they took additional xrays of his legs to use for instructional purposes, because they so rarely see something like this.
If it was a case with an isolated tumor, we would consider treatment, but even the doctors didn't seem to think that he would survive that.

Oh no....I am SO sorry...{{{{{hugs}}}}}

I can not even begin to tell you and your family how very sorry I am for all of you!!!! My heart is just breaking for you all, it is so hard to go through this, it brings back memories I am sure for most of us who have lost a furkid in this way, but it is worse for you, because you are experiencing it right now. Please know that my family are sending lots of prayers to yours and lots of hugs, to try and help you through this. I am just so sorry.

Re: this post and this post

I'm still praying for a miracle for Sherman. It's not too late. Someone over on another board i go to, their son's chest cavity was something like 70% filled witch tumors. They got him in to a good hospital. It's a few months later and he's one of those miracle cases. Most everyone thought the kid was going to die. Now he's your regular healthy rowdy teenager. I've been praying for a miracle like that for Sherm.

Vela stated what i was thinking best "I can't believe it went from "kennel cough" to this. I am absolutely shocked by this. I have no words at all that will offer comfort but I am sending prayers and love to Sherman and all of you. I am just horribly horribly saddened by this."

Oh no! Pat, I can't even begin to tell you how sorry I am that this is happening to you and Sherman. This brings back so many memories of what we went through with our Echo. I wish there was something I could say that could comfort you, but I'm at a loss for words. I'll continue to keep you guys in my thoughts. Once again, I am very sorry. :(

Pat - I'm so sorry this is happening to Sherman. Hugs and prayers for you, Sherman, Star and JoJoe.
:(

My heart goes out to you. Hugs.

I've gotten up the past two mornings with you all on my mind and there just aren't enough words to tell you how sorry I am that he's gone down hill so fast:(
All the sorry's in the world won't make you feel any better, just know we're all here for you, JoJoe and Star.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...owerxquill.gif

Still sending lots of prayers and hugs your way.

Thinking of you all

Hugs and prayers for you, your family and dear, sweet Sherman. I have asked my RB dog Sami to keep a close watch on him and help him out however best is needed. I am so very sorry.

Oh Pat.... I'm just getting caught up on weekend PT stuff and I'm in tears and speachless.....
I pray for you all every day.

You have my cell phone number, please call ANY time you need/want someone to talk to.

Hugs and prayers to you all.

I have just read this entire thread and am sitting here with tears in my eyes for you.

It seems so inadequate to say that I am praying for you and Sherman too.
But I am - and I send you much love and hugs at this very difficult time.

Hi God ~

THANKS fur helpin our Buddie, Sherman ...

We're prayin that he's Enjoyin Life at Home, wiff Mom, Dad, and Sista Star.
Please keep him comfortable and actin like da Happie Kampur we all know.

Food's good; treets are better; Yummie Chummies are GREAT ...
Give da Boy summore Yummie Chummies!

Take Care of him, God; and his Fambily, too.

/s/ the Prayer Pups

Long distance hugs and prayers on the way Pat.

Thinking of you today Sherman and hoping that you are soaking up
all the hugs & love that we all have to offer. (((HUGS))) Liz,Smokey & Maggie.

Pat, I'm sitting here looking at pictures of Sherman and crying my eyes out for you all.

{{{HUGS}}}

Pat - I am on the phone with Carrie right now - and she is going to post a notice @ the dog park about you and Sherman.
Hugs and lots of love on the way...

I just finished reading the weekend updates...........and I wish they weren´t that way..........

I´m so sorry what it has become and I´m so sad.........I really am........ I send my heart to you........ It aches so much........

I´m sorry........... hopefully there is one miracle left for our dearest Shermie..

whatever you need Pat........ we are here, lean on us, as we will be walking together along the way........((HUGS))

I keep coming back to check for updates..... everytime with tears in my eyes for you and Sierra's sweet sweet Sherman. :(

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Originally Posted by shais_mom

Pat - I am on the phone with Carrie right now - and she is going to post a notice @ the dog park about you and Sherman.
Hugs and lots of love on the way...

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Thanks, Staci. I wondered how to let our friends at the park know, although when I saw this, I cried. I so don't want this to be happening. :(

We're still waiting to hear something, nothing yet. Sherman had a really really good night. We doted on him yesterday, and gave him a nice long massage. He seemed to relax quite a bit and his breathing improved. That was good, cause he was looking a little bluish..he got nice & pink again. Then I gave him a nice luxurious brushing. You can see how much he enjoyed it, (I stopped to give him a hug).
I wish I hadn't pitched the huge bags of his fur I saved from last year. He's almost done shedding, but I'm saving what I can now to have it spun. Maybe there will be enough for a potholder, lol! well, if there is enough to have a small square knitted, I can center it on a throw pillow or something.

He surprised the heck out of me about an hour ago - I was starting to post an update, heard a sound, and couldn't believe my eyes - he came up two flights of stairs to come see me! He was completely exhausted, though, and couldn't catch his breath. After about 10 minutes, we went back downstairs. He's still winded, I stayed with him till his breathing leveled out, and now he's resting in front of a fan.

JoJoe & I want you all to know how much your posts mean to us - we're both reading them. To think Sherman has touched so many lives, it's humbling. We love you guys, too.

That picture is beautiful! Sherman looks so happy with the hug you are giving him. This whole thing has me in tears, it honestly does. I want you to know that I think about and pray for you all every day. I truly am sorry this is happening to your beautiful fur kid. :(

How sweet of Sherman to come up all those stairs to see you! Please give that adorable boy a massage and a hug from me too.
My thoughts are with you all.

Hi, Sherman, sweet boy ... I'm so glad to read that you have had a couple of good days ... I hope you have a few more in you so your mom can continue to love you for all of us. [[[hugs hugs hugs hugs hugs]]]

I have been following this thread and have not posted as I just didn't know what to say. The pictures are beautiful and I know you will treasure them always. Sherman looks so happy in the last picture you attached but I can see the pain in your eyes and it is so hard to see I can only imagine what you are going through. I hope and pray for a miracle. For Sherman's sake and for you and the rest of the family (skin and fur alike). Know my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Please give Sherman a big hug and smooch for me. And also give him an extra few minutes of massage for me too. Also do me a favor and give each other a hug from me to the both of you.

((((((((((((((HUGS from Italy)))))))))))))))))))))
Michelle

What a sweet boy. He looks so happy in that photo. I'm so glad you're getting some happy, though bittersweet ones. Still hoping for a miracle........

I've been reading portions of this thread and I just wanted to let you know that you and Sherman are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm glad to read that he's having a good day today. He sure is a very handsome boy. Please take care. (((HUGS)))

What a sweet picture. It is so hard to look at that smling face and know the pain he must be feeling. What a strong special boy. Lots more hugs for all of you.

Afternoon hugs to you from California!

Oh Pat. I feel aweful that I'm just now seeing this update. I can't believe this. :( :( :(

My heart breaks for you. The pictures are so sweet though. It just goes to show that Sherman wants to show you that it'll be okay when he went up those stairs to see you.

Give him a big hug for me. And tell him thanks for posing so nicely for me.

http://kia.cutestsandgirl.com/images...s/IMG_2838.jpg

Shermie - you always can smile for your family...and going up two flights of stairs! Your love for your people is so strong. :)

You are amazing, Sherman - so brave, and surrounded by so much love, from your family and your buddy Star.

Miracles happen, Shermie - and I truly wish one for you. You know how much you are loved, and your family would do anything to have you stay with them.

PT Prayers for a miracle, beautiful boy! HUGS.

I'm still praying for a miracle. I so hope he recovers form this yucky illness and pulls threw with flying colors. Those photos are so adorable. Sherman getting a hug brought tears to my eyes. I know how bad it hurts to see them in pain :(

Love,

Leslie & Family