{ Needing Help For Our Dog }

[Bengalholic]

I haven't been around very much for the last few weeks because me and my wife have been dealing with major health issues with our great dane, Roman. 


A couple of months ago he started acting very lethargic and not eating much. We took him to the vet. He couldn't figure out exactly what the issue was, so he gave him a general antibiotic and a steroid shot, and sent us home telling us to bring him back if he didn't get better. Well, he got worse over the next couple of days so we went back and the vet took blood to have tested. We got a call a days later with the vet saying he referred us to the OSU vet center for a full workup because he was concerned about lymphoma and a couple of other things after seeing the blood work. 

So, we end up going to the OSU vet center, they did all their stuff and then we came back home to wait for the results. We got a call the next day wanting us to bring him back to see a specialist. When we got there, the specialist told us they wanted do do a biopsy of Roman's spleen to check for Hemangiosarcoma. After every thing was said and done, they were able to verify that's what it was. 

We had never heard of that, so the specialist spent a lot time explaining exactly what it was, and that it was in his spleen. The worst part was when he got to the life expectancy. Without surgery, most dogs die within a month. Removing the spleen could give him up to 6-9 months. We were devastated after hearing that, but then he told us that given Roman's overall heath and his age, he was very confident that removing the spleen, in combination with chemotherapy would give Roman 'at least' another full year post chemo. The 5 rounds of chemo will take about 3 1/2 months, so overall, Roman could live another 15 months or so, if the vets optimism is accurate, which we really hope it is!

I'm trying to keep this as short as possible, but trying to include the important stuff too. So, after learning this, my wife wanted a 2nd opinion to confirm the diagnosis, treatments, etc. We went to the Metro clinic in Cleveland and had them check everything. They pretty much confirmed everything OSU said, and they were also cautiously optimistic about surgery with chemo giving him a few extra months. 

After that, we scheduled the splenectomy at the OSU vet center. The total cost with everything involved was almost 3,500. That surgery, plus the costs of all visits, meds, testing, travel, etc leading up to it...basically wiped out our bank account. We actually had to ask for help from family to fully pay for the surgery. My wife doesn't work anymore because she's dealing with her own health issues, so our income isn't what it used to be.

It's now about 2 weeks out from the surgery and they are saying we need to start the chemo within the next week to 2 weeks. The amount still needed towards the 5 rounds is 2,800. We just do not have the money right now to cover that, and I really don't want to ask those family members again. So, I told my wife I would ask my 2nd family for help - you guys. It's pretty embarrassing to have to ask for help, but we're in a time crunch and we placing our hope in the chemo and the optimism of the vets. So, I want to ask for any help you guys can give...and I apologize for even having to ask.

Our St Bernard died a few years back. He was like one of our kids, such a huge part of our family. My wife took his loss very hard, but a couple years later we decided to get another big boy...and Roman came into our lives. He's been an incredible pet and companion and is my wife's best friend. I know even the optimistic expectancy of an extra year after chemo might not sound like a lot, but to us, and especially my wife, that's invaluable extra time we get to spend with him. 

I'm sorry this is so long. If you would like to help, I made GFM. It's what we use for our fundraisers, so I know it's safe and easy to use.
https://gofund.me/1b707817

Again, I hate asking for help from you guys for something that is not board related, so I apologize again for needing to.

BJ and Melissa



***I know this thread isn't JN related, but I wanted the most people to see it for a few days.

[Big_Ern]

Look into fendbendezole for cancer. You can use it for that and can be bought on Amazon. My dog was diagnosed with significant lung tumors at the age of 12.5 the weekend of the Bengals 2022 season opener and he's still around.

[kdgjr]

BH, good luck with this! I'm chipping in a VERY small donation as that's what I can do right now.

We had twin Boxers and one got a huge tumor on her side. We paid roughly the same amount and she still passed away within 9 months. Her brother now has the same tumor but the vet told us to leave it alone since his sister didn't make it.

He's been living with it for two years. Yeah, he's got a big lump...but he's living his best life!

[Leon]

sorry to hear buddy. might be best just tp put him down so he dont suffer

[Whatever]

I made a small donation. Good luck to you and your family during this difficult time.

[Leon]

(07-11-2023, 02:05 PM)kdgjr Wrote: BH, good luck with this! I'm chipping in a VERY small donation as that's what I can do right now.

We had twin Boxers and one got a huge tumor on her side. We paid roughly the same amount and she still passed away within 9 months. Her brother now has the same tumor but the vet told us to leave it alone since his sister didn't make it.

He's been living with it for two years. Yeah, he's got a big lump...but he's living his best life!

you nailed it buddy, chemo is a scam. my wife is going thru chemo right now for breast cancer an shes sicker than ever. my advice would be put him down to end his suffer or pass on chemo an put it in Gods hands. 

[*michaelsean*]

Can't get on there from my work computer for some reason.

Boy those bills run up. Spent close to $7000 on the previous one. Have you looked into care credit?

[PCB Bengal Fan]

I dropped you a little, hope all goes well.

[casear2727]

I would, but you suspended me for fighting with Fred................... just kidding, you didn't and I am happy to help.

[XenoMorph]

damn that is heart breaking... i wish i could help but currently in a struggle myself as my wife's medical issues are back

I hope and wish him the best and may your time remaining together be a good as possible.

Asking for help is always a hard thing to do. I just wish i could help

[Truck_1_0_1_]

(07-11-2023, 01:55 PM)Bengalholic Wrote: I haven't been around very much for the last few weeks because me and my wife have been dealing with major health issues with our great dane, Roman. 


A couple of months ago he started acting very lethargic and not eating much. We took him to the vet. He couldn't figure out exactly what the issue was, so he gave him a general antibiotic and a steroid shot, and sent us home telling us to bring him back if he didn't get better. Well, he got worse over the next couple of days so we went back and the vet took blood to have tested. We got a call a days later with the vet saying he referred us to the OSU vet center for a full workup because he was concerned about lymphoma and a couple of other things after seeing the blood work. 

So, we end up going to the OSU vet center, they did all their stuff and then we came back home to wait for the results. We got a call the next day wanting us to bring him back to see a specialist. When we got there, the specialist told us they wanted do do a biopsy of Roman's spleen to check for Hemangiosarcoma. After every thing was said and done, they were able to verify that's what it was. 

We had never heard of that, so the specialist spent a lot time explaining exactly what it was, and that it was in his spleen. The worst part was when he got to the life expectancy. Without surgery, most dogs die within a month. Removing the spleen could give him up to 6-9 months. We were devastated after hearing that, but then he told us that given Roman's overall heath and his age, he was very confident that removing the spleen, in combination with chemotherapy would give Roman 'at least' another full year post chemo. The 5 rounds of chemo will take about 3 1/2 months, so overall, Roman could live another 15 months or so, if the vets optimism is accurate, which we really hope it is!

I'm trying to keep this as short as possible, but trying to include the important stuff too. So, after learning this, my wife wanted a 2nd opinion to confirm the diagnosis, treatments, etc. We went to the Metro clinic in Cleveland and had them check everything. They pretty much confirmed everything OSU said, and they were also cautiously optimistic about surgery with chemo giving him a few extra months. 

After that, we scheduled the splenectomy at the OSU vet center. The total cost with everything involved was almost 3,500. That surgery, plus the costs of all visits, meds, testing, travel, etc leading up to it...basically wiped out our bank account. We actually had to ask for help from family to fully pay for the surgery. My wife doesn't work anymore because she's dealing with her own health issues, so our income isn't what it used to be.

It's now about 2 weeks out from the surgery and they are saying we need to start the chemo within the next week to 2 weeks. The amount still needed towards the 5 rounds is 2,800. We just do not have the money right now to cover that, and I really don't want to ask those family members again. So, I told my wife I would ask my 2nd family for help - you guys. It's pretty embarrassing to have to ask for help, but we're in a time crunch and we placing our hope in the chemo and the optimism of the vets. So, I want to ask for any help you guys can give...and I apologize for even having to ask.

Our St Bernard died a few years back. He was like one of our kids, such a huge part of our family. My wife took his loss very hard, but a couple years later we decided to get another big boy...and Roman came into our lives. He's been an incredible pet and companion and is my wife's best friend. I know even the optimistic expectancy of an extra year after chemo might not sound like a lot, but to us, and especially my wife, that's invaluable extra time we get to spend with him. 

I'm sorry this is so long. If you would like to help, I made GFM. It's what we use for our fundraisers, so I know it's safe and easy to use.
https://gofund.me/1b707817

Again, I hate asking for help from you guys for something that is not board related, so I apologize again for needing to.

BJ and Melissa



***I know this thread isn't JN related, but I wanted the most people to see it for a few days.

My car's timing belt snapped last week and I will be carless for 2-3 months while I build up some funds, but I will try to donate a bit towards the cause, when I get paid on Friday.

Sorry to hear, 'holic: our pets are absolutely members of the family and I would extend them the same love and treatment that I would any human.

(07-11-2023, 02:08 PM)Leon Wrote: sorry to hear buddy. might be best just tp put him down so he dont suffer

I really don't want to detract, but I just can't not say this.

You are the absolute worst, a horrible black stain on these absolutely awesome boards.

[Leon]

(07-11-2023, 05:35 PM)Truck_1_0_1_ Wrote: My car's timing belt snapped last week and I will be carless for 2-3 months while I build up some funds, but I will try to donate a bit towards the cause, when I get paid on Friday.

Sorry to hear, 'holic: our pets are absolutely members of the family and I would extend them the same love and treatment that I would any human.


I really don't want to detract, but I just can't not say this.

You are the absolute worst, a horrible black stain on these absolutely awesome boards.

what the heck?? all i did was give some freindly advice from someone whos been on a farm an around animals my hole life. sometimes you gotta make hard decisions. and really if you dont have no more money to put in to it. just being reasoned so not sure why your attacking me

[Mer]

(07-11-2023, 01:59 PM)Big_Ern Wrote: Look into fendbendezole for cancer. You can use it for that and can be bought on Amazon. My dog was diagnosed with significant lung tumors at the age of 12.5 the weekend of the Bengals 2022 season opener and he's still around.

This right here. It's one of those secrets the people that get rich off cancer treatments don't want you to know.

WTS, the study I saw was for lung cancer too, but it appears it kills the cancer cells for lung cancer so maybe it can kill other cancers as well.

[Leon]

(07-11-2023, 06:05 PM)Mer Wrote: This right here. It's one of those secrets the people that get rich off cancer treatments don't want you to know.

WTS, the study I saw was for lung cancer too, but it appears it kills the cancer cells for lung cancer so maybe it can kill other cancers as well.

exactly! doctors push chemo cause its a money maker . they keep other good treatment a secret 

[HarleyDog]

Done. 

[Bengalholic]

Thank you so much kdgjr, Whatever, PCB Bengal Fan, casear and Harley for the help, on behalf of me and Melissa.

This has been extra hard on her because Roman has helped her through her own health issues.

[George Cantstandya]

(07-11-2023, 06:14 PM)Leon Wrote: exactly! doctors push chemo cause its a money maker . they keep other good treatment a secret 

Not the time or the place for this discussion. This cause is for Holic and his family and up to them how they want to deal with it.  So if you don't want to help then don't.  I'd suggest keeping the rest to yourself and stop derailing the thread. Thanks.

[Leon]

(07-11-2023, 07:11 PM)George Cantstandya Wrote: Not the time or the place for this discussion. This cause is for Holic and his family and up to them how they want to deal with it.  So if you don't want to help then don't.  I'd suggest keeping the rest to yourself and stop derailing the thread.  Thanks.

im trying to help the guy actualy. the chemo aint gonna work. it never does. i know. that way he dont need to sacrifice his pride an beg for money or waste it on spmething that aint gonna work anyways. im actualy saying for him to put it in Gods hands and trust He will do whats best for the guy and his family and his dog. 

listen ive spent my hole life on a farm. had tons of animals and lots of family pets. its always hard so i feel for this guy and his woman but also. you dont want the pet to suffer just so you can keep them alive. sometimes hard chooses need to be made.

thats all im saying. just giving some honest advice to this guy. not you. he can do what he thinks best but im praying for him either way

[Leon]

(07-11-2023, 06:39 PM)Bengalholic Wrote: Thank you so much kdgjr, Whatever, PCB Bengal Fan, casear and Harley for the help, on behalf of me and Melissa.

This has been extra hard on her because Roman has helped her through her own health issues.

buddy im just giving some advise not being mean. but folks are coming at me for just trying to help.

sorry again for you and your woman. whatever you decide for your dog. im praying for you ok

[*Go Cards*]

Prayers for your dog and your family.

Hits me at a bad time because I'm running a fundraiser for a girl that lost everything in a fire presently and all my extra money just went to that cause.

Yet if I come across any extra cash soon, will certainly donate to your family to help the dog. Love dogs.

But would certainly investigate this medicine folks are saying, per they are claiming it cures in lieu of just buying time. However I know nothing about it so can not really weigh in on that at this time.

To Leon, you gave your opinion on this matter and now are just being redundant at a sensitive time. Not all people are as used to losing animals as a farmer may be, and certainly they become our family members. No reply is necessary.

Once again prayers and good vibes.