Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I just found out after a core biopsy of a lump she has on her backside. Mast Cell Tumor, Stage 2 low grade, vet says she has a chance. Will have ultrasound and xrays with possible surgery on Sunday if nothing spread. OMG, Im not over or will ever be over Zeus. We've bonded since hes been gone. I need everyones opinion, I dont know what to do but I trust everyone on here. Please help us...
Deb, Belle and Angel Zeus
Oh wow... Deb ... I cannot even imagine. My heart aches for you. I am so sorry. I am not familiar with mast cell tumors but lots of members are and I KNOW they will chime in. What would the surgery entail? Just removing the lump?
KNow that your tripawd family is here to support and love you .... no matter what .... always!! And we will help the best that we can. I wish I could be more help but I am not familiar with treatments for mast cell tumors but I think I read if they can remove most of them, the treatment / recovery is better?!? But I don't want to give you false info or false hope.
HUGS!!!
alison with spirit shelby in her heart (and little jasper too)
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
OH no I am so sorry! Holy moly I can't imagine what a whallop that was to hear news like that. Ugh! But OK, it's grade 2 and you know you have a terrific vet team. You have been there done that and even though you're grieving for Zeus, you are stronger because of the cancer battle you just fought. Stay strong, take a deep breath and remember that this is something you just have to deal with one day at a time. You can do it Deb, I know you can. We are here for you too, you are not alone.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
The good news- mast cell cancer tends to be the most easily treated cancer in dogs.
Bad news- well, its cancer.
Where exactly is the tumor? Please try not to panic until you have more information (yes, I know!).
If the other tests show no spread then the surgery will be to remove the tumor with as much tissue as possible to get clean margins. Then the tumor will go in to get a pathology report- you will get the tumor grade and mitotic index (MI). Be sure you get the MI, it is the best thing to know how aggressive the cancer might be. Mast cell is graded I, II, or III. I is pretty much benign, III can be very aggressive and bad. II is not really informative- could act like a I or a III- that's why the MI is important.
The surgery usually results in a ridiculously large scar- Maggie's first tumor removal resulted in a 7" incision- it's to get clean margins. The surgery tends not to be too painful because it is generally in the soft tissue and does not involve bone. It is uncomfortable- but nothing like a knee surgery or an amp.
There are several options when dealing with mast cell- radiation, surgery and chemo, but until you have the details of what you are up against you can't chose a path.
Nothing about this is fair- none of us should have to deal with even one cancer journey with our pups, but there are many of us who have done it. And of course you have your family here to help you through.
Let me know if I can help with anything.
Karen
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Deb ~ I don't know anything about mct, but I'm here for you. I'm so sorry that you're having to deal with this with Belle.
Hugs! Donna
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
Hi Deb,
So sorry you are going through this cancer thing again, I just went through it last week myself with mast cell cancer and my 3 year old Lab Pearl.
First off, Karen gives great advice, she has been through this several times and is very knowledgeable on this particular cancer.... I have gone through it twice now, once with my angel Polly, (she beat this cancer), and now Pearl, and I can say that a grade 2 is very manageable. Believe me, I was half out of my mind with this the last few weeks, but we got a very good report from Pearl's surgery and biopsy, so I just want you to think and stay positive for your Belle.
Keep us posted, and all of us are here to help you through,
Love,
Bonnie, Angel Polly, Pearl, and Zuzu
Oh Deb! This is just rotten.
I'm so glad Karen and Bonnie chimed in. Unfortunately, they are all too familiar with this poece of crap disease. So, as they've noted, this .ay not be as bad as the initial shock leads you ro believe it is.
To tell you not to worry is pretty futile. But to tell you we are by your side and you WILL deal with whatever comes you're way. You have us, you have Zeusy Bear as your Guardian...and you have already displayed you jave incredible strength and courage...if even you don't see it right now.
Right now, try not to jump forward. You've done the necessary steps ro find out what needs ro be done next. We've got your back!
(((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Deb and Belle I'm so sorry that you are having to deal with this. We are all here for you. Rich & Jack
Oh Deb I'm so sorry to hear this. Both Karen and Bonnie have given you great first hand information having unfortunately been through it. As Karen said take one step at a time. Of course it goes without saying that we'll be enveloping you and beautiful Belle in healing thoughts. Please keep us posted we'll be right by your side along with Spirit Zeus. We're all sending you hugs reach out and grab them. (((()))). Let us know if we can help in any way.
Love,
Linda, Riley & Spirits Ollie & Mighty Max
Love you all! Having ultrasound tomorrow. Thanks for loving us too and yes for the wonderful advice as I trust this family explicably..
Deb, Belle and Angel Zeus
Saying prayers that ultrasound comes back good tomorrow. Please keep us posted! Much love!
Surrounding you with all the positive healing energy of your Tripawd family AND all the Guardians at the Bridgtoo! And thats a boatload of positive healing energy!!
And remember, no matter what, Belle doesn't knlw she has any lumls st all! She's a strong gal. Talesw after her Mom!
Love!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Checking in for an update and sending more good thoughts.
Karen
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Hi everyone...
Ultrasound came back good! Only concern by my regular vet is the location and getting good margins. Karen, would chemo/radiation help after sx to maybe prevent reoccurence in your opinion? Thanks!
Deb, Belle and Angel Zeus
Oh Deb! Ultra sound coming back "good" is GREAT!!!! Okay, that gives a little brighter outlook now!
A d maybe a Surgeon specialist can give you a better idea about clean margins.
Lots of hugs and love!!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
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