My 5 1/2 year old Golden Retriever Charlie was found to have Lymphosarcoma in the first week of August. It has been just a little over 5 weeks since we felt the first lumps. As it surely happens many times, we didn't know anything was wrong until I felt the lumps in his neck (2 walnut-sized lumps on either side of his neck).
After lab tests confirmed the feared diagnosis, we mulled over the various options for treatment. For both financial and personal reasons, we decided to treat him with Prednisone alone. He has been taking the prednisone for about 4 1/2 weeks now and seems to be doing well. His appetite is back up and running (Thanks to the pred), which had declined a few days after we felt the lumps. His lymph nodes seem to have shrunk to a nearly unnoticeable size, and he seems to be feeling close to his pre-lymphoma self.
I would like to hear of anyone else's experience with treating lymphoma, and particularly with prednisone (non-chemo) treatment. I was interested in learning how long people have had good luck with the prednisone and how quickly the downhill progression sits in (is it gradual or does the dog go downhill quickly?) Any information would be great! Thank you!
Laura
After lab tests confirmed the feared diagnosis, we mulled over the various options for treatment. For both financial and personal reasons, we decided to treat him with Prednisone alone. He has been taking the prednisone for about 4 1/2 weeks now and seems to be doing well. His appetite is back up and running (Thanks to the pred), which had declined a few days after we felt the lumps. His lymph nodes seem to have shrunk to a nearly unnoticeable size, and he seems to be feeling close to his pre-lymphoma self.
I would like to hear of anyone else's experience with treating lymphoma, and particularly with prednisone (non-chemo) treatment. I was interested in learning how long people have had good luck with the prednisone and how quickly the downhill progression sits in (is it gradual or does the dog go downhill quickly?) Any information would be great! Thank you!
Laura