Hi Laura,

I remember you (we were in the same time period).

I'm so sorry about Kali. We don't have any radiation experience. Just wanted to send you my prayers and support.

Here's to pawsitive thoughts and health.

  hugs,

Denise

Hi Laura,

As Karen mentioned, we have lots of experience with Mast Cell tumors.  If that ends up as the diagnosis, then on the one hand it's better news than osteosarcoma, but on the other, cancer is cancer, and it's too bad that you're having to deal with this again.

Rio's first mast cell tumor was in her "armpit" area.  As such, it was difficult to get really good margins on it, or maybe it was just a particularly obnoxious manifestation of MCTs, because it would grow back just about as fast as we could remove it.  We decided to go for radiation, and following her third surgery, she went for a course that was twice a week for about 6 weeks.  She was seven at the time.  I can honestly say that her cancer never came back -- in that same area.

Most folks don't go the radiation route, because there aren't a lot of places that have the resources to provide that sort of treatment.  We actually went to Swedish Cancer Center in Seattle for ours -- a people care center -- because there were no vet facilities that provided radiation treatments.

Some of the new targeted drugs (that Karen mentioned above) have shown some promising results, although, like all new therapies, they are a bit spendy.  We tried the Kinivet as a last ditch effort when the final round of chemo didn't work, but from everything I've read about it, it actually is more likely to have positive results when used as a first-round effort (vs. following traditional chemo).

If I can answer any questions, please feel free to PM me.  Here's hoping the biopsy gives you some definitive answers, and that it's good news.

Micki, Rio's momma

We've had no experience with radiation, but sure understand this agonizing process. I am so sorry you may have to go through the whole cancer thing again — sending you good wishes and pawsitive thoughts.

Beth and Spirit Smilin' Sammy

Hi There!  We didn't do radiation, either, but I currently work for a veterinary oncologist and we see many patients who have.  Our oncologist doesn't do rad onc, but we refer our patients to WSU or a radiation oncologist down the road who uses a human facility after hours.  Usually, the doggies do quite well!  There may be a slight burn appearance or pigment changes in the skin, but that's no biggie.  The thing with radiation is that it requires multiple sessions, and the dog must be under anesthesia.  This may be a non-issue, it just depends on how comfortable you are with having your dog anesthetized multiple times, and any risk factors that Kali may have with regards to anesthesia (each anesthesia session carries a risk of death - it has happened).  The thing I would be worried about would be if it turns out to be a MCT - the skin issues related to radiation can cause itchiness, and if she scratches at the site, this can irritate the Mast Cells and cause them to become inflammed.  Also, if it's a MCT, it should be graded, and an ultrasound should be performed to make sure it hasn't spread to any internal organs.  The only issue we've had with a patient that received radiation was for an oral mass - the procedures caused holes to be burned on either side of his tongue which made for breathing and swallowing issues.  Once discovered, the holes were stitched up and he is fine.  Radiation can be a good option depending on the type of tumor, grade of tumor, or location of tumor.  Just be sure to weigh the benefits and risks, make a list, and discuss them with your oncologist!

<3 Laura and Invisible Jackers

Hi Laura, of Tai - and also Laura of Cap'n Jack - this is like a reunion

That has to be a bummer to face another form of cancer this soon and with such a young pup. I am so sorry to hear this.

I did not do radiation and Tazzie of course had OSA, not whatever Kali has, but if I were in your shoes and was really uncertain about what to do I might consider talking to the people at CSU (Colo state). I think you are in Calgary, right? I wasn't terribly impressed with the high-priced specialists there (I think we went to Western and I realize there is another place in town and have heard better things about it).

CSU has that fancy form of STS radiation that is higher dose but more targeted, so it seems to be one or two sessions rather than a multitude of sessions.

A few dogs on this site have used radiation for OSA when amputation was not an option (bilateral OSA). Timberkins had a good result with STS at CSU. They used bisphosphonates to strengthen the bone at the same time. Pez (sp?) might also have had radiation - not sure but you can probably search the archives. He was older and the vet did not think he was a candidate for amputation due to age and arthritis. I think after 6 months or a year of bisphosphonates and radiation they did amputate, and he did great and lasted quite a long time.

Good luck on Tuesday. I hope there is good news. Keep us posted.

Susan

p.s. to Laura of Jackers - Congratulations on your position! You are rattling on about oncology treatment the way you used to rattle on about Jack's list of supplements! Gold star