Fluff Cancer #TeamBentley

From Bentley's Mahm:

This all began as a Gl issue back in August. I honestly thought it was due to all the treat training from beginning agility class. There are tons of treats involved! It was causing soft/runny stools and I tried home remedies and nothing was helping. I even started using freeze dried chicken only for training. Still crazy bowels.

We went to the vet to test for parasites; nope. So he had an exam and seemed fine other than losing some weight so they put him on a prescription probiotic. That only worked a smidge.

We tried more bland diets of chicken, rice and pumpkin, other probiotics and nothing was working.

I started to notice he was getting tired quicker on activities he loved! I tried taking him on an easy hike (mostly walking path the first half). He kept wanting to sit. Usually I have to keep up with him! My intuition was telling me something wasn't right.

We went back to his vet and explained what was going on and he did in fact lose 3lbs. I could tell because I could feel his spine and ribs more than usual. As we sat there during the exam his vet finds all his lymph nodes swollen. He started mentioning Cancer and possibly leukemia. I was truly shocked and thought he was crazy for even suggesting that. Then I cried. Bentley isn't even 2 yet! Clearly I thought he was wrong. We did blood work and a fine needle aspirate and we were referred to a vet oncologist.

It took me a few days to make that appointment because I just couldn't believe this was happening to my precious boy!

They placed Bentley at the top of the wait list due to his age and pending diagnosis. Thankfully they got us in the following day for an exam and consult.

We decided to start chemo at that appointment. He left in very good spirits! His energy levels are low, so he naps a lot. I think he will get more energy now that I'm getting some good nutrition in him (and hopefully he gains some weight). He came home with a 'goodie bag' of prescriptions which he thought was treats! Sorry buddy! But he is enjoying small meals like a hobbit throughout the day. 1st breakfast, 2nd breakfast etc.

First off, Bentley is doing REALLY well with his chemo treatments!

He's had 7 weekly treatments so far, total treatment time is 25 weeks. Thankfully I have pet insurance to cover a large of portion, however it does not cover everything, including special diet, supplements, tests and ultrasounds and medication changes. Chemo will not cure my sweet boy, but it's prolonging his life, and for that I am truly grateful. He is such a gift!!! I received his test results which confirmed he has a rare T-Cell lymphoma leukemia. Each day that I have him is counted as a blessing. FLUFF CANCER!