Tara is a 10 1/2 year old, female shep/husky type mix, adopted from a shelter at the age of approximately 10 weeks. Aside from developing colitis and more than a few bouts with cystitis, she was generally considered to be in good health. 

On June 17, 1996 I discovered a lump about the size of a grape, on either side of her neck. The next day I took her to the vet's for blood work and she was put on antiobiotics, hoping this was an infection. The blood work came back normal. A fine needle aspirate was then performed, which showed nothing abnormal. The second FNA showed nothing conclusive either, but possibly some abnormal cells. These tests are only 60% conclusive according to my vet. Two days later Tara had surgery to remove the left scapular lymph node for biopsy. After six horrifyingly long days, my vet called to tell me the biopsy showed lymphosarcoma.  I was devastated as I had read that life expectancy after diagnosis is only about 2 months. My vet referred me to an oncologist for a consultation. Tara was scheduled to begin receiving chemotherapy treatments 4 days later. She had to stay overnight at the veterinary hospital to receive chest and abdominal x-rays, a bone marrow aspirate and mostly because the first treatment is a heavy duty combination of three drugs. I was told her liver and spleen were also enlarged. 

The protocol included prednisone, Adriamycin (Doxorubicin), Cytoxin, Methotrexate and Vinchristine - all administered intravenously (except the prednisone). Blood was drawn before each treatment to check the white cells and hemoglobin. 

All in all, Tara received 44 chemo treatments over a 2 year span - her final treatment was July 8th, 1998.  Her oncologist said she is doing excellent. I thank God, the vets, and everyone and everything involved for the fact that I still have my beloved baby with me. 

 (Tara is still doing well as of 9/99).