Sherman #369 He is gone.

[Freedom]

Pat, I am SO sorry that Sherman and all of you are going through this. At the same time, I am glad he is in around the clock vet care. I hope they get some answers quickly, and the answers are good ones!

[lv4dogs]

Oh Pat, I am so sorry your guy is not doing any better. I was hoping to come back to a better update. Yous have been in my thoughts & prayers daily & you'll continue to be, even more so than ever. If there's anything I can do let me know. hugs to you all!

[luvofallhorses]

I am so, so very sorry. I will pray my hardest that he'll be okay. ((((Sherman))))

[lizbud]

I pray you feel better soon Sherman & that the Docs find out how
to cure this illness ASAP. You've been feeling down for way to long
sweetie. (((HUGS))) to you & the family too.

[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

[dukedogsmom]

I am so very sorry. I really do know how you feel. It hurts so much to accept the fact that it's time to let them go. I lost Duke to lung cancer, too. My heart is breaking for you all. The loss and hurt can be unbearable. The only thing that did get me through is all the wonderful people here. So now it's my time to return the favor. Tears for you all. Just love him as much as you can while he's still with you. And do take photos. Believe me, they will mean so much later. Please love him for me, also, will you? If you ever need to talk about it, I'm here.

[Daisy and Delilah]

I'm so sorry This is definitely the hardest thing anyone has to go through during their lives. My heart is breaking for you all, as I type through tears. I hope and pray that Sherman can recover but if he has to make that journey to the bridge, I hope it will be safe and without pain for him. Bless you all during this time.

[dragondawg]

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

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.

[Catty1]

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!