My Xena- good news, bad news and really bad news

[frontierrots]

The good news
Xena is now a week post spay and is back to her happy self. She has some nasty clipper scratches on her belly and she throws herself on her back on the couch for me to apply aloe :)

She's eating great and seems to be in great spirits, stitches and all

The bad news
The pathology report came back on her mammary lump and it was indeed a mammary carcinoma and was of intermediate to high malignancy. What that means in real life I need to research a bit

The really bad news
Xena has a firm enlarged area at the joint of her shoulder and upper arm. It starts inside the upper arm (where it is pretty large) above the elbow and comes up tothe joint with the shoulder and continues (in a much reduced size) up the shoulder blade edge about 1/2 way

This area was either not there two weeks ago when we washed her or was barely there. We found it- unfortunately the night she was spayed. If we'd found it at the vet we could have x rayed it before spaying her and removing the mammary lump

This weird area is neither squishy nor rock hard. But I have a very very bad feeling about it. It is also inhibiting her reach forward with that leg and she limps a bit because of it. She was not at all lame the day before surgery

It does not appear to cause her any pain as I can rub and poke at it all I want and she keeps up her "happy to be patted" face

I was with her the entire time she was at the vets so no it is not an injury. The only thing done toher front end was to tie her front legs during surgery and to get a penecillin injection in her scruff after surgery

I'll be talking to the vet tomorrow and we'll probably do an xray soon.

Please continue to have good thoughts for our Xena girl. She just this week turned 6 and was our Darla's mom

[Major]

Intermediate to high malignancy in human cancers is very bad. It means that it is a cancer that spreads quickly. Coupled with the news about the new lumps that appeared very quickly this is not good. I am very sorry to hear this.

[TrinityRun]

I'm sending good thoughts your way, D. Hug X extra tight tonight. :)

[Trinitii]

Sending prayers and hugs your way. Very sorry to hear the news.

Trinitii

[Miabella]

I'm so sorry, Diane. My thoughts are with you and Xena.

[frontierrots]

Yea Major I knew that part :( But mammary cancers are often different because of where they are and how easy it is to get the whole thing. I have no false hopes though, I just wish we'd found the other area last Fri when actually at the vets

Her mammary lump was incredibly fast growing, going from about quarter size to about 4" across and 2+" in height in 6 months
I went into this with a heavy heart and I guess it is to get no lighter <sigh>

[spidey]

Oh Diane, I'm so sorry. :(

I don't like the sounds of that lump - the pathology report by itself would be cause for concern, but just because a type of cancer is malignant doesn't mean it's actually spread, as you know - but the sudden appearance of the lump coupled with the fact that it's not painful are worrying. But still, you don't know until you know so don't give up hope - I'm sending good thoughts your way. Keep us posted, and hang in there. ((hugs))

[rottlove]

Poor girl, I hope it is something they can excise quickly. Sorry to hear that.

[BostonRott]

Diane,

Very sorry to hear the path report results, was hoping they'd be better. Give Xena a huge hug, and know that the whole crew is pulling for you.

[frontierrots]

IF it's another patch of cancer we will NOT be doing surgery or amputating the leg/shoulder. We will NOT be doing chemo or radiation

I won't put this sensitive to strangers dog through that no way.

She will be loved and allowed to remain with us as long as it is humane.

May she be like her grandmom Angelica and live healthy and pain free despite the cancer. Angelica will be 12 in Nov and was diagnosed with bladder cancer May 2002

If not then that just means Darla neededed her mom more than I do

see Xena, Bill and Darla (Mom, Dad and Daughter) on our 2001 hiking trip at http://www.angelfire.com/trek/rescue/pittsburg2001.html

[LynnS]

Diane

Although I don't always respond to your threads,I follow the stories of your dogss and my heart aches for you. The one thing I admire about you the most is your passion and caring. Wishing the best possible outcome for Xena.....

[Luvs]

I am so very sorry. You and Xena will be in my thoughts and prayers. Please keep us informed on how she is doing.

Carol

[poohbearsmom]

Hoping the best for Xena with a heaviness in my heart right now.
My thoughts are with you girls.

Kind regards,

[LORHEL]

I am sorry to hear Xena's diagnosis, and both of your pain for the situation...:( :(

Xena may you have the strength to fight this, and many hugs to your mommy she needs them also right now.

[Karinka200]

....from the Midwest....

Sincerely,
Karinka and "pack"