Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Bad news--the Big C


My vet took as much of the lump and the skin and fat around it as she could. She said it's not the worst it could be but it is a mast cell tumor grade 2 -- 3 is the worst. The pathologist said he couldn't say we got all of it but it looked pretty clean around the edges. Any more and she would have had to take the stomach muscle which would cause a hernia, probably.

The treatment is a mild chemo and prednisone. I thought I would let everyone know the steps of the treatment and about mast cells. I will go see a specialist who my vet trusts completely and we will get all the info about the future.

Meanwhile, because mast cells send out histamines I am to take benedryl twice a day. Mast cells also cause ulcers so I am to take 10mg. of pepcid twice a day. My vet said if you squeeze a mast cell tumor it can actually kill a dog by flooding the body with histamines and they go into shock and can't breathe. Grade 1 mast cells can appear to be 'skin tags' and fool you. Where my lump appeared is rare--usually it's on the side and vets will take the muscle part then.

I am young and strong and my mom will treat me like she always has--like I'm precious.

Here are some pictures from this weekend:



 

30 sniff-Arooos:

Kari in Alaska said...

So sorry about the Big C diagnosis :(

Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com

Pei In The Life said...

Well crap. There's another Big C word. Sigh. We're sending Paw Power River. Mom said she'll be off looking for Pom Poms to cheer you on through this.

We're sending ear scratches for you and Nose kisses for your Mom.
-Bolo & Family

The Ladies of Beaglebratz Manor said...

Oh we du hate the big c werd. It iz good they were able tu catch now tho. We r sendin'out sum Power of the Paw healing vibez fer u - an'prayerz tu.
Shiloh'n Shasta

Mogley G. Retriever said...

We will call for the Power of the Paw to focus on you. Cross our paws and hope for your recovery.

Mogley G. Retriever

Golden Woofs! SUGAR said...

Woof! Woof! Not so good news but YES You are young, strong very precious. Your C will be gone soon. Sending you Lots of my Golden LOVE and Healing Thoughts. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

Ruby and Penny said...

Hi River
Sorry you have the Big "C". We know your mom will help you get over this.
Sending lots of doxie rayz your way.
Love Ruby & Penny

Raising Addie said...

LOVE your snuggle pic River! You look very comfy!

We are so sorry to hear this. You are strong River and you will beat this!

We will be praying for you sweet River!

BIG hugs to you and your family!

Lots of Luv & Kisses
Addie, Lucie and Hailey

Asta said...

Wivew

I know you can beat this!!!!!
I am cwossing my paws and howling to the dog staw fow you my sweet fwiend! You awe vewy loved and young and stwong and my Daddi beat the big C, so can you!!!!
smoochie healing kisses
ASTA

Peanut said...

My dog Peanut was diagnosed with a Mast Cell grade 2 just last month. His is on his foot. After some research it seems radiation is preferred over Chemo but I'm sure the specialist will let you know what your options are. There is a yahoogroup just for mast cells
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Canine_Mast_Cell_Tumor/

if you are interested they are very helpful.
My thoughts are with you.

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Oh River, we are so sorry to hear that it is the evil C. But it sounds like your mom and your vet have a good plan. You ARE precious and we love you. We have our paws crossed for things to go well for you. Hugs from all of us.

Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

Trixie, Lily, and Sammy-Joe said...

Hi cute River! We don't know you but we came over from the Beagle Bratz when we heard your news. You ARE young and strong, and it sound like you have a very smart vet and a Mom who is willing to do all she can for you. We will be praying for you!

Laura said...

Get well soon River! We are sending all our positive healing thoughts and love from NZ. You're a tough little guy - we're sure you'll come through this just fine.

Lacy said...

w00fs, always thinking of u all..get well soon River..

b safe,
rocky

ThePainterPack said...

Oh little River, I am sorry for such a diagnosis as the big C. But you are right, you're young and strong! And I know you can beat this thing! We will keep you in prayers, crossed paws, and sibe vibes.

Molly the Airedale said...

We're sending you TONS of AireZen and crossing our paws for you, River!

Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

Lots and lots and lots of Sibe Vibes flowing from PA -

Along with khrossed paws!

We know woo and your mom will beat this!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra and Her Mom

Anonymous said...

Feel better We are thinking of you that you make a speedy recovery!!
Licks, & Puppy Kisses,
Kylie & Jimmy

Lorenza said...

River!
Paws crossed and prayers here for you!
I know your Mom has a plan and you will conquer that C thing!
I will be thinking of you!
Take care
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

Piappies World said...

Hi River,

We are sad to hear the news but we are supporting you and your Mom in battling the evil C. We have all our paws crossed for you, precious River. Our prayers are with you both.

Love,
Piappies Fudgie, Princess, Frappie, Mocha, Sugar, Wai-Pai, Wai-Max & Forgie

Sam said...

Goodness gracious, I'm so sorry to hear that all of this has been going on. The big C is such a scary, scary world. Thankfully, you have a momma who seems to be looking out for your best interests and well being. I hope that you'll be feeling better in no time. We'll be thinking of you - please keep us updated.

Kess And Her Mama said...

Oh no...I'm so sorry to hear abt the diagnosis. At least treatment is possible, although will be challenging. Our thoughts are with you.

Brandon - The dog with a blog said...

We are furry sorry to hear this, but we know you can make a great recovery in know time!
Paws crossed,

Rudy

Nancy at the Farm said...

Hey big guys,

We are rooting for you and hoping you respond well to your chemo. If we can do ANYTHING you let us know and we will be on it like a bad suit.

Your pals, Dozer and Cooper

Cinnamon and Mint said...

Oh, I am sorry to hear about the diagnosis. We are sending healing vibes your way and I hope it helps in any way.

Love,
Cinnamon the Beagle

The Animal Doctor said...

Please hang on tight, River! We are sending you all the pawsitive thoughts we can muster...Remember we are here, cheering you on in this battle you have to face. Be the strong guy that you are!

lovelots,
SCarlet

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry you heard the "C" word. I wanted to let you know that there is hope. Our yellow lab, Rosie, is alive and well and loving life after being diagnosed about 20 months ago. She is in remission now.

I documented her diagnosis, decisions about treatments, and 18 months of treatment at http://rosiesroad.wordpress.com.

Rosie's Mom

Sapphire said...

Our thought are with you River, Mom, and everyone else around you. Keep us updated and be strong. Sending you lots of LURVES. we are all here for you :)

Jed and Abby in MerryLand said...

River, we're also sorry to learn the tumor was malignant. We also have faith that you are going to beat this. You're a strong, plucky little dude with a loving & concerned family that is going to help you through this. And you'll have the power of the paw from all of us for however long it takes for you to regain your full health. Live strong!

Jed & Abby

Anonymous said...

Oh Dear River. I am sorry. Mine was malignant also. It seems they got good margins. I will blog about it later this week. Big hug to you and your mom. We are strong and going fight this together :)

Sell WOW Gold said...
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