Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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The surgeon just called... they found enlarged lymph nodes in the groin and an enlarged liver. They're doing a liver biopsy and an aspirate of the lymph nodes this morning. She's thinking it may not be osteosarcoma - instead another carcinoma where the tumor in her hip is a metastasis, not the primary location. We won't get the results for 2-3 days. So what lies ahead, who knows! She mentioned chemo as a treatment. The question is how long it would give her...
She also is concerned because she's tilting her head, which I have noticed a bit off and on the past few weeks. She mentioned vestibular disease or masses in her brain...
I have no idea what to make of all of this. It does not sound good at all. The only good news is that we get to pick her up this afternoon.
So sorry that the vet only has this new findings on surgery day. Wonder why she didn't feel the enlarged lymph node before? It is going to be difficult for you to have anticipated for days for the operation, and only to find that you still need to wait for yet another set of results.
For the time being, try to stay positive, don't let Marley pick up any of your anxiety.
Thinking of you and Marley. Big hugs.
The liver biopsy is not a bad idea. I had a specialist ultrasound Tazzie's liver before surgery just to make sure that there were no liver mets. I skipped the biopsy but only because her ultrasound was normal and the location of her tumor was classic OSA (distal radius). I ended up waiting a total of 10 days from the time I saw the swelling on her wrist to the time I was able to get all of the tests done and get the surgeon in to do the amputation. That drove me crazy!! But you would hate to do the surgery if the cancer was somewhere else and maybe a different type that would respond to chemo.
It shouldn't take many days to get the results back...
Pam and Tazzie
Yes, I am trying to think that there is a glimmer of hope in all of this...however slim. One thing I wish I had asked the surgeon is if it is a type of cancer that can be treated with chemo (not thinking a cure of course, but time...) then how would they address the hip? there is definitely something there eating away at her bone - evident from her pain (can't put her foot down without oxycodone) and from xrays. Her oncologist is not in on Mondays... once again we wait!
Keep your spirits up, you have our best wishes. Thanks for the update.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Has anyone ever heard of a cancer starting in the lymph nodes and metastisizing in the bone? The surgeon did not think it was the other way around....
Hi,
Does the surgeon suspect lymphoma? Hang in there and wait to see what the Dr recommends...
Kim & Buster
Kim & Angel Buster
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."
–Anatole France
Not sure... she just said some other type of carcinoma of which there are so many... we get the cytology report back tomorrow, liver biopsy results 2-3 days. I did just speak with her again - I questioned how the tumor in the hip would be treated and she said chemo if it did in fact start in the lymph nodes, that the chemo would treat the hip as well. (Though she said once it spreads so the bone it is not a good prognosis at all.) I don't understand how it would be so different from Osteosarcoma which cannot be treated with chemo. I don't know why I try to figure this stuff out when I know so very little about it!!
Sending you and Marley lots of good thoughts as you wait for results. Try, try, try not to panic before you know exactly what you are dealing with.
Hugs to you and ear scratches for Marley.
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.
Oh I'm sorry about this news. I has to be hard to mentally gear up for the surgery only to have it be postponed.
Wait & see what the doc's say. It seems to me if its in the bone that they'd have to do the surgery anyway but I don't know anything!! Learning as fast as I can just like you are..
Hang in there!
Jenna & Zak
Heard back from the surgeon late today. "reactive, mature lymphocytes" were found in the lymph nodes, but could not tell what kind of cancer it is so the only way to move fwd is to amputate and get rid of this painful leg. She said 10% of osteo cases show enlarged lymph nodes. (not anything like seeing lung mets in terms of prognosis) So surgery is now rescheduled for this coming Monday! I think we're breaking a record for how long it's taking to have this surgery done. We found out about the tumor back on Jan 13th! Feeling anxious that we aren't getting rid of this tumor sooner. First my husband was away, then we saw an oncologist, two different surgeons, first there was a knee issue, then there wasn't, then we needed to schedule the surgery when my husband could be home for at least a week after (again, two kids and baby due 2 weeks).... then the lymph nodes were enlarged so needed to take an aspirate... The last thing to wait for is the results from a liver biopsy just to make sure her liver (shown enlarged on ultrasound Monday) is in ok shape to handle chemo. So here we are back to square one! another week of waiting...
I know the waiting is difficult, but don't let it get you down. They are just trying to make sure Marley has the best care that can be given. Don't get discouraged, you're back on track now.
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.
Well, it's good that you are going forward as best you can. Don't beat yourself up, other pawrents have taken as long, or longer to do the surgery. You covered your bases and checked all the options. What loving pawrents you are! Give yourself a pat on the back for doing all that you have done despite everything else you have going on in your lives. You are role models for pet guardians everywhere.
The important thing is that you are moving forward. We will be sending you lots of pawsitivity, and wishes for a speeedy recovery with good biopsy results. Keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Marley and Mom - Smokey and I will be thinking nothing but good thoughts for you all while Marley's surgery is coming up. I completely understand the anxiousness. I found out on June 19th that Smokey had cancer (skin cancer on his paw, he'd been limping since February but no one could figure out what was wrong). Two weeks later we were at the oncologist for a consult, then the surgeon about a week after that. It wasn't until August 20th that Smokey's surgery occurred. I was a nervous wreck and constantly questioned my decision. But I found this website and the amazing Jerry and fellow pawrents and I was able to post my thoughts and feelings and learn about other experiences that helped reassure me that I was making the right decision.
The day we picked him up from the hospital I was a basketcase! But as soon as I saw his face hop around that corner, I fell even more in love with him. The first day home was very hard and I must admit there was a part of me that thought - what did I just do? BUT... each hour, each day - Smokey continued to get better and he still amazes me! Sometimes I can't keep up with him on our walks! The best thing is knowing how amazing he is doing and that I've had the last six months with him. I picked him out when he was just six weeks old and we're going on 12 years together - I would do this again in a heartbeat if it meant that I had my best friend with me, even if for just one more day. I agree with Jerry that you've covered all your bases and your options and that is why you are the best pawrent Marley could ever have!
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