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7:50 pm
25 January 2009
Offline
Hi everyone,
I spoke with the oncologist today. Marley's cancer was found to be histiocytic sarcoma. With chemo she'll have 4-6 months. They'll alternate CCNU and Cytoxin every 3 weeks. Normally they would just do CCNU, but it can affect the liver (6% can result in liver failure!) so they'll alternate with Cytoxin. The 6% is scary, esp with her liver issues, but otherwise... I guess everything is about defying the odds here.
He did say the prognosis is better with the amputation, but there's a 99% chance it's in the lymph node he says based on the ultrasound report (though aspirate did not catch it). Not sure what that means. I did find this online: This form of histiocytic sarcoma, which is often encountered on the extremities, has the best prognosis if treated early by surgical excision or by amputation of a limb. When spread to distant sites beyond the local lymph node occurs, the disease is then termed disseminated histiocytic sarcoma; this is more likely to occur unnoticed when primary lesions occur in cryptic sites (eg spleen, lung, and bone marrow).
So if it's in the local lymph node, maybe ok? gosh I am just grasping for straws here looking for hope that we'll get more time...
What I don't understand, is how to start counting down the 4-6 months? From the date she first started limping? from surgery date?
Gosh, all of this is so hard. To get through the amputation with such success and then to face the inevitable future... I guess we just need to keep remembering that she's no longer in pain and we can enjoy her TODAY. and for some time to come, hopefully longer than they say!
Thanks for listening,
Holly, Kevin and Marley
Hi,
Just focus on the positive. I'm sure Dr Pam can clarify the medical terms. Remember nothing is written in stone as far as how much time any one dog has remaining. Don't let the prognoses scare you... Sound like your doing all you can and that's the best you can do for Marley. There is no count down, just live it up and do things with Marley that she enjoys. All she knows is love and she has no concept of time, that's for us humans.
Keep us posted..
Kim & Buster
Kim & Angel Buster
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."
–Anatole France
9:28 pm
28 November 2008
Offline
I agree with Kim. There is no countdown there is only today and you must make the most of today to make Marley happy and to keep your sanity. Each day is a special blessing. You've been given that day to enjoy your companion. Those of us fighting the big C have to remember that just like humans, the dr's cannot know for certain how much time any patient really has.
Hugs to you and Marley. Live it up!
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Hi guys..Im sorry about Marleys prognosis, but if there is one thing I know, its that these dogs do amazing things. Dont count, just live...for the moment and for Marley. The rest will just happen. Enjoy the time you have with her and make the best of a situation you cant control.
Best wishes to all of you. We will keep the Labby prayers coming!
Paula and Max
Paula and Spirit Max
12:49 am
17 February 2008
Offline
Holly & Kevin, I agree with everyone and well said. Prognosis is all statistical data. Focus on the “now”. If you keep thinking of the 4-to-6-month window, you already set the timeframe yourselves!
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