Tomorrow morning is Dixie's appointment with the oncologist. I'll reply tomorrow and let everybody know how it went.
Over the weekend I cooked up several pounds of steak and chicken on the grill and I've been feeding it to her mixed with eggs and veggies like carrots and celery. We scrapped the dry dog food.
She seems to be feeling better and perkier. Lump on her neck has definitely gone down a little. With the radical change in diet, she's got diarrhea but hopefully that will go away once the body adjusts.
Once I get the blood results back and find out what stage the Lymphoma is in, we'll make a decision at that time. I'm leaning away from the chemo and more towards a natural "holistic" approach. From what I have learned, the chemo is poison and will not completely cure as lower doses are given to dogs than humans. Eventually the body will develop tolerance and the Lymphoma will return in full force.
We will concentrate on quality of life in the weeks (and hopefully months) ahead.
This thread hit a little close to home. Luckily my cancer was not lymphoma but I will soon be on post-surgery chemo. Not soon enough to relate my experience as an aid to you - what a blessing that you could afford all Dixie’s medical needs - but honestly I dread it more than any other treatment. If I hadn’t expectations of recovery afterwards & then *finally* getting on w/ my damn life, I would not even consider poisoning myself by degrees in the hopes that the cancer dies more quickly than the rest of me... much less would I ever subject my innocent dog to it.
I’m no medical professional at all, nor yet a very experienced cancer patient. But I admit to being pleased w/ the choice you have made for your beloved friend.
Three or four years ago, I managed to extend my kitty Pearl’s life by restraining her & forcing pills down her throat several times a day. Contact w/ me became a time of dread for her & little pleasures of life remained in her weakened state. Soon as the appetite enhancement pills ran out, so did her appetite (kidney or liver failure).
You know what? Soon as I promised her no more pills, that I would no longer force myself upon her, she *knew* & relaxed in my presence from then on. Was purring right up until the time I pulled the trigger. (She *hated* the crate & vet handling too, so I refused to make her last hour of life one of misery.)
Whatever life is left for your Dixie, you judge best. Such a pretty girl, I am sorry for her suffering & your agony of knowledge. You have blessed her w/ a GOOD life. Please know that.