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Originally Posted by btrtevino  Well today did not go well. Howevewr, I did get the answers I was looking for. I went to a consultaion with a surgeon to discuss my options for Sheva. Surgery is not an option. It was doubtful that even with a hemimandiblectomy it would be possible to make good enough margins to give her a good prognosis. Although part of me wanted suergery to be an easy fix, I am glad that I did not have to make a decision or wonder either way if I made the right decision. Although logically I am coming to terms that my Sheva will not be with me long, I still can't grasp the idea. Does any body have any suggestions that may help prevent bleeding at tht tumor sight? My vet gave me some silver nitrate sticks to stop the bleeding, but I would like to prevent it from starting because even though they work great, it is hard to rub the sticks on her tumor because I know it hurts. Also, for those who have experience with this is it normal for her tumor to grow so fast. In a matter of 2 weeks, it has gone from unnoticeable to painful and huge. Also, I hate to ask this because the though is so unbearable, but does anyone know how long she has before it becomes unbearable. She is now on antibiotics, dermaxx and tramadyl. I am sorry I am asking so many questions, but I really value personal experience when dealing with this tragedy. |
I share your feelings of despair, grief and desperation. Sophie's tumour in her mouth doesn't bleed though. It's growing so very quickly and has turned blue in color. The tumour is painful to the touch but the mandible (bone) doesn't seem to be painful. Is this the same situation with Sheva?
It may be worth seeing an oncologist and looking into the metronomic protocol. I've had Sophie on this since the beginning of January and it did stop the tumour in it's tracks for 3 weeks but it's now growing again. She does however have a quality of life because the Piroxicam and Tramadol are effective in relieving pain. If I see any sign of pain I increase the dose. I've only needed to do this once and was then able to cut back to the normal dose and she's holding well on this.
The oncologist does a blood count and a sterile urine test every time we go there and adjusts the drugs Sophie is taking accordingly. One of the drugs Sophie is on is to limit the blood supply to the tumour to try to starve it and another is to try and kill off tumour cells...it does kill off healthy cells in the process. She takes another drug to strengthen and build bone. She is also on a high dose of docycyline. These drugs are all tablets that I administer at home.
We had the pathology results showing an agressive highly malignant anaplastic tumour in December. Her prognosis was guarded and she was not expect to be with me for very long at all.
Sophie is still enjoying life and having fun. She still wants to play fetch, she is happy and is always ready for a walk. I put this down to the drug therapy she is on. It was not expected that she would have long but she is not ready to go yet. I don't know how much longer she has. I make every minute I have with her count.
Sheva will let you know when she's in pain. Be guided by her because she will tell you what she needs.
I'm so very sorry we are both in this situation with our beloved dogs.
edited to add that I have Sophie on a very alkaline diet because cancer needs acid to survive.