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Not sure I made it clear...raw!

Just wanted to give an update on this. I visited the oncologist on Tuesday and it went about as predicted. She recommended several treatment options all of which included chemotherapy. Costs ranged from $4,000 to $9,000 with the most expensive being the "Madison Wisconsin Protocol."

During this time, I continued to feed raw food to my dog (beef, chicken, veggies) with the exception being boiled eggs (two per day).

After much thought, I decided to scrap all forms of the chemotherapy and stick with the raw diet.

A friend recommended a dog food shop that specializes in "holistic" treatment for dogs with cancer. I reviewed the foods they had available and decided upon Nature's Variety Instinct Raw which is 8-oz patties of raw meat (95%) with the remaining 5% a mixture of blueberries, apples, carrots, sweet potato and other natural produce. 0% grain.

The dog food I've been using all these years (Iams) had a high amount of grain.

It come in several varieties (beef, chicken, rabbit, lamb, duck) and is pretty expensive - between $40-45 for 12 patties (my dog has two patties a day). But much cheaper than the chemo options. I supplement that with at least two hard-boiled eggs a day and some cooked meat from the table!

Dixie is definitely feeling much better and seems much perkier. We have done several long walks this weekend. Will see how she does in the long-term. When I first got the diagnosis a couple weeks ago, was told that she had 4-8 weeks to live unless we started the chemo. At that time, she was sluggish, had no appetite and didn't even want to go outside. So big improvement. Will update this thread as time goes on.

OH, my screen is all blurry! I am so glad the time you have will not be all sickness and unhappiness. I would make the same decision and also for MYSELF at my age! Chemo is not the answer.

I don’t know about restoring full health but sometimes we have to take it a day at a time.

I bought a roll of frozen(? don’t think so) meat, dog food one time from TARGET...don’t shop there anymore. Dog loved it but do not remember the other ingredients. Sweet potato I think. Special case in the pet department and cost about like ground meat...

Please remember to post your situation. I really care and hope for a good result that makes you happy and proves your decision a correct one!

I treated my beautiful black Lab Tasha with chemo when she got lymphoma at age 9 (the lymph nodes were compressing her trachea, she was literally strangling). Cost about $4000.

She got a remission they said might last 2-5 years. It lasted four weeks, and I had to put her down.

Horrible experience. I would never do it again. Good luck with your dog, I know how much they mean to us.

Oh, and by the way - if you ever want to write a novel about dogs and their owners, spend six or seven afternoons in the waiting room of New England Veterinary Oncology or some other such place, to witness some amazing and heart-rending stories.