– Amy Sedaris
Bella's vet called me this afternoon and delivered the news we feared. She has a high grade (fast growing/aggressive) large cell lymphoma that starts in her lymph nodes but will likely spread to her spleen and liver. Left untreated it will kill her in weeks, so it is as bad as we thought it might be.
Had we not noticed her swollen lymph nodes, we'd have no idea that she has a terminal illness...she acts completely normal and retrieved tennis balls, took a walk, ate her food and treats as normal. I suppose many people and their dogs simply sail right into the late stages of cancer blissfully unaware of what the future holds. Unfortunately we KNOW and will soon have to begin making decisions about what to do next.
I have asked her vet to refer us to an oncologist nearby to understand what's involved with chemo....costs, side affects, schedule of treatment, likely remission, etc. Hopefully we'll get to do this early next week. Time is of the essence; I know that this fucking disease is doing its best to kill her RIGHT NOW.
I've spoken to Nick and Sherry and will soon talk to Jon about this. I want them to understand that Bella is OUR dog, not mine and this is a decision that we should make together.
In the meantime, Bella seems completely unaffected- she's eating, pooping, drinking, sleeping and exercising normally. We've been taking long walks at the farm and she's retrieving tennis balls the way she always has. She bounds out of her kennel in the morning like a young dog and eagerly attacks her food bowl and begs for treats. So far her quality of life is at 100%.
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