Lena's Prognosis

We got the results back from the cytologist -- a specialized kind of pathologist -- for the fluid aspirations they took from Lena's liver and spleen. As suspected, they are not favorable. Our wonderfully attentive veterinarian said they are indicative of lymphoma, at stage IV. The prognosis is median survival time from this level of cancer is 4 weeks, although they had plenty of disclaimers around that time. The tumors have not metastized into her lungs and bones yet though.

The options are limited at this late stage. There is a palliative drug treatment that does not actually extend the lifespan but may reduce some of the symptoms, such as fatigue and anorexia. If we were more aggressive, and the dog was younger, there is the possibility of administering chemotherapy by taking the animal in for intravenous injections weekly. At her stage, and age, they think that has about a 50% chance of adding 6 months to her lifespan. We have decided not to put her through that, and will make a donation in her name instead to our local clinic.

The growths are not "comfortable", and the weariness/fatigue she is experiencing will only increase, but she is not in pain currently. Jenn and I are closely monitoring her mood and activity to determine when we add pain management drugs for the final stages.

To get her tail wagging again we grilled a big T bone for her, which she chewed on with unusual relish. Realizing our time together is limited, we are full of joy to spend time with Lena. Every hound-doggy howl, each wag of the tail, every piggy snore is a blessing.