Oh gosh, I'm in tears now. I'm so, so very sorry to hear about your Barkley...
But to be honest with you, I think your choice to do without the chemo is a good one (this is just my personal opinion)...Â
We lost our beloved Rottie (Slater) last year, he also had lyphoma. It started with a tumor on his paw (stretched across his paw pad actually), which couldn't be removed comfortably. He was 9 1/2 years old & 145 lbs. To get rid of the tumor entirely (and all the tissue cells around it), they would have had to remove half of his main paw pad, plus two toes. At his age and size, he wouldn't have been comfortable, nor would he of been able to get around easily. Once the tumor was diagnosed, we found out it had also attacked a lymph node. We didn't even think about the cost - we underwent chemo right away (+ prendisone), as recommended by our vet. But, after just two sessions of chemo - it took it's toll on him...
We stopped it after the 2nd session, as we could tell he was scared and uncomfortable. He was really good during sessions, he had about 4 vet techs (all girls) sitting with him on the floor, petting him the whole time (Slater was SUCH a ladies' man)!
 But, when we'd get home afterwards he would have a lost, blank look on his face. It just wasn't right...
A few weeks after we stopped the chemo, Slater passed away in his sleep one Sunday morning with me laying right beside him. I knew he was leaving us, as he was in the deepest sleep I'd ever seen him in. He was comfortable, and I held him in my arms (somewhat - he was big)! He took one last deep breath, and was gone. Even though he had cancer, our vet asked us if she could take a look at him, to determine the cause of death. He died of heart failure. She said it was just "his time". We were actually lucky that he passed away at home, with us by his side. He left on his own terms, on his own time...
Slater had a happy last week with us, he was himself (just a little lazy), but we wouldn't have wanted it any other way. The way he was during the chemo wasn't what we wanted for his last days. The day Slater passed was the hardest day in my life (OMG - here come the tears again!) but we knew he loved us, was given the best life a dog could ask for, that he would NEVER be forgotten, and most importantly - that we WOULD see him again one day, at the bridge, with him patiently waiting...
Without going into detail - Slater was actually the one who led us to our dog (Kate) that we have now, even though he wasn't here. Long story, but us finding her was dealt by Slater's hand (or shall I say) - his paw. They are ALWAYS with us...
I hope that you have a great time (no matter how long it is) with your Barkley. You saved his life, so know he will leave you being loved, which is the most beautiful gift Barkley (or any dog) could ask for. I am so sorry for your news, but am glad to hear Barkley is in good spirits and feeling well. It sure makes a differnce when they're happy
I feel for you and am here for you - anytime.
I've attached some pictures of our dear sweet Slater - we miss him so much, and think about him every day. He will always be with us, as will your Barkley
Kelly & Kate
P.S. One thing I will say to watch is the dosage of prendisone. After a few days, it made Slater's breathing quite laboured (breathing from the belly), which didn't look comfortable. I'd recommend if you notice anything like that with Barkley, to ask your vet about it ASAP. As soon as we noticed it with Slater, our vet cut the dosage in half and his breathing was normal.
