I began writing about blind Widget’s lymphoma since we first learned of her diagnosis last September. During her long treatment process we’ve had some ups and downs, but through it all Widget has been in amazing spirits and as bossy and feisty as ever. After she came out of remission in March we began new chemotherapy courses, but one by one her lymphoma proved resistant to each additional protocol. In April we had tried a third, and what we thought would be her final, chemo drug. It slowed the advance, but didn’t put her back into remission.
I took these photos this morning of one of Widget’s?lymph nodes. You can see just how large this thing is. What’s been odd is that this particular lymph node is the only one that has flared up like this. The node on the other side of her throat is just a fraction of this size. Our veterinary oncologist, Dr. Kendra Knapik, described this as “atypical” but not unknown. In fact, in some cases — in a younger, healthier dog who didn’t have the serious heart condition Widget has — surgery would be an option to remove it. But Widget is not a candidate for anesthesia. So far the size of this node has only affected one thing: Widget’s little woo-woo-woo’s no longer sound the same. They’re hoarser sounding. We treasured her wooing, and it was heartbreaking when she no longer sounded like herself, but that was?a very minor thing compared to everything else she was facing. It has not affected her breathing or swallowing or any other functions. Here’s another view:
When that third “rescue” protocol failed in April, we spent a couple of weeks agonizing over what to do. The logical thing would be to say, “We’ve gone far enough, let’s stop here.” Our original goal had been to get Widget to Christmas. Well, the holidays came and went and she was still very much with us and doing fine. Our new goal was to get her to summer, so she could sit outside on warm evenings and camp out under her spruce tree again. (We’re almost there!) Most people don’t get as far as that third protocol anyway, Dr. Knapik said, so we felt pretty lucky. We watched Widget roam around the house, (hoarsely) wooing for her’servants to come running, and acting as if she still ran the place. We joked to Dr. Knapik that she must be sneaking some amphetamines into the chemo protocols because Widget had as much energy — and sometimes more — than she ever had.
We decided that if Widget wasn’t ready to give up, we weren’t either. She wasn’t acting sick, or feeling poorly, and it just seemed premature to sit back and let the lymphoma overwhelm her. During this time I?also learned about an experimental chemotherapy drug for canine lymphoma that is currently undergoing research trials. I contacted the company to see if we could get Widget enrolled in the trial or at least treated with the drug under a “compassionate” use provision. I hope to have more to report on that next week, but that gave us a “stretch?goal” to keep her thriving until we could get access to that new drug.
In the meantime Dr. Knapik has tried additional “rescue” protocols. None have sent her?back into remission, but they do seem to have bought her some more time by slowing the advance. Of course, this could change overnight. And there’s another danger: For months now Widget has had a bladder infection from rare bacteria that have?proven resistant to most antibiotics, so?part of her regular testing involves urinalysis and urine cultures. Because her immune system is suppressed by the chemotherapy, she is always at risk for the bacteria to get out of control. Thus?far the antibiotics have worked to keep the infection at bay, but it’s a tricky?balance: treating the lymphoma without suppressing her immune system so?much that it can’t help the antibiotics do their job. In that case she could die from a runaway infection. And every day we run the risk that her heart condition could do her in before the cancer does.
It’s been a roller-coaster, and the ride’s not over yet.
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She’s one tough doggie. Hopefully she will remain as comfortable as possible and will hang in there a while longer. I know she’s getting the best care and in good hands.
My poor little Widget she has gone through so much but with all of the love she receives from you and Alayne I am hoping she will get through this and will get the new drug to help her, Widget is my favourite little one always has been from the very first time I saw your website, of course I love the others too, but Widget is the ONE, I will be praying very hard for her.
Hang in there, all of you. I’m glad you- and we- get this extra time with Widget, for however long it may be.
I have a little dachshund with an autoimmune disease. She takes cyclosporine to suppress her immune system. Because of that she had chronic bladder infections. She takes 5 ml of cranberry juice every 12 hours and it is working great! Something in the cranberry juice interferes with the bacteria multiplying I believe. Anyway, you may already know about it but just in case I thought I would put my 2 cents in! Good luck Widget!
I KNOW THIS ISN’T YOUR FIRST ROLLER COASTER, BUT YOU TWO HANG IN THERE. MIRACLES HAPPEN EVERY DAY WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT THEM. THINKING OF WIDGET & YOU.
How could anybody deny Widget this drug trial after hearing her life story. I’m hoping & praying that the next report is that she is on this experimental drug and it is working for her.
Oh, poor Widget. Well really, poor Steve and Alayne, since Widget seems to be as happy as ever, and doesn’t even realize anything is wrong. I hope you’ll get admitted to the trial and that the experimental drug will work. Meanwhile, you can only take it day by day. Each day is a gift at this point, but you may end up getting many more gifts than you expect.
Wishing you and “The Widge” many more days together.
Sending much love and many hugs.
I know how very special Widget is to you and Alayne (to us as well) and I’m so glad that you’re taking the cue from her…like you said, she’s not giving up and you’re not either. As others have said, this isn’t your first roller coaster, but if anyone knows how to ride one, it’s you. Widget is a tough cookie. Even if her voice is different, I think she’ll still be woo-wooing for her minions for quite a while to come.
Amazing what they can all endure. Wishing the very best for little Widget. Years ago my lab was on an experimental drug for bone cancer. Not a cure, but she did very well for another 8 months.
You guys are the best! Alayne I really miss talking with you. keeping you all in our prayers!..Shawn
Widget you are amazing. Thank you Steve for the updated blog on Widget. I know how much you two lover Widget. Sending love.
I am so sorry to hear about Widget. I think we all want to hear that her cancer is cured and everything turns out fine for her. Unfortunately, it may not happen. I do know that she is in a loving home with two people who care about her so much. You will make sure that whatever time she has left will be filled with love and tenderness. So many dogs out there are not this lucky.
Oh, Widgie-Woo! You are the Queen of RDR and have had my heart for a very long time. I am saying prayers for her, and for your mama and dad!
As we recently had to say goodbye to our dear girl Annie, at 16 yrs!, our very wise vet assistant noted they will let you know when they are ready to go. With that advice, and a strong-willed girl, we were blessed with six months more together, with many conversations about not knowing whether we had a day, a week… etc. It was actually extra special to take it a day at a time because you never take it for granted, and everything that you & Alayne do is in Widget’s best interest. No better team to have in your corner. We are all pulling for you, woooo Widge! Much love, comfort, and care, and the special meds would be a bonus!
My Yumi died in October of 2012 from Lymphoma. She was seven when diagnosed, and I had never heard of the disease before then. It was a two year battle; she went into remission twice. I am sorry Widget is going through this, and because you love her, you too. I know you guys see this sort of thing often because you take in the animals no one else wants, but it is never easy to watch something or someone you love in pain. Widget is lucky to have you in her corner.
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for all you’ve been doing and all you will do in the future. It gives me hope to know that there are people like you in the world who really do care about the welfare of animals.
Love and good juju to Widget and all of the other furry friends at RDF!
Ashley, we’re so sorry to hear about Yumi but thank you for your kind words and best wishes for Widget. We appreciate it.