Right and Left Nasal Cavities: Carcinoma

[AngelBunny]

This is a very difficult posting for me. My darling girl Riga has been diagnosed with carcinoma in her right and left nasal cavities.

This past fall Riga had been in several times to see our vet who was baffled by her symptoms. Our vet prescribed antihistamines for what she called “reverse sneezing”. Riga was having a persistent slight discharge from her left nostril, as tho she had a slight cold.

Our vet referred us to doctor #2 who believed that 1) given her age (8 yrs old next month) & 2) she’s a Rottie, Riga had cancer. We had a CT scan done before Christmas. The results didn’t look good. The fine bones in her nose on the left side have deteriorated. “The presence of osteolysis of the nasal septum, frontal bone, and ethmoid bone is most compatible with a malignant neoplasm of nasal origin.” Indicated too was “probable involvement of the olfactory bulb of the brain.”

Two weeks ago we had a biopsy done and yesterday we learned our sweetheart has carcinoma.

While we waited for the biopsy results, Mo and I did alot of research about radiation treatment (which doctor #2 discussed with us). We’ve decided that this isn’t the route we want to take with Riga.

For one thing, the treatment is 3 weeks long. Since we live too far away from Angell Memorial to take her there daily, we’d have to leave her there M-F. Doc #2 & all her assistants were diplomatic, but they told us that Riga was a disagreeable patient. (This is classic Riga--such a peach to us her nickname is PussCat--but quite tart to outsiders!) I think Riga would be stressed to be away from us for almost a months’ time. Radiation treatment has some nasty side effects. And worst of all, making her undergo radiation will not add significantly to her life span.

We talked to our vet about our decision; after we had told our vet that we didn’t plan to take extraordinary action, our vet told us that it was her opinion we had made an appropriate decision, given Riga’s condition.

I’m turning to you guys, not because I’m looking for a cure because I know there is none to be found. What I am hoping is that those of you who’ve been where Mo, Riga & I are going can let me know what we can expect in terms of her condition.

Our vet says that Riga may start to experience severe nose bleeds in about two months time. Doc #2 told us that since Riga’s brain is involved, she may begin experiencing seizures.

Mo & I have decided that if her nose bleeds can’t be stopped or when she gets her first seizure, we will have her put down. We’ve already talked to our vet about coming to the house.

Are there things we can add to her diet to help her immune system? (She eats Wellness.) We’ve read about herbal teas, garlic, ginger, kelp, nettle, vitamins, raw liver, raw bones --the list is extensive.

I am having a very hard time with this. I lost my male to osteosarcoma when he was seven. I did not know that nasal cancer is an issue with this breed. (I have been waiting to fill out that longevity & cancer study from Purdue til we heard--the list of cancers was appalling. And now what I have to say about my girl is terrible.)

And to look at our best girl you’d never know she was ill. Her appetite is as horse-like as ever. She plays with her toys. She bosses our younger dog. She’s breaking my heart.

[Volunteer]

AngelBunny -

I'm sorry that I have no answers for you. I have dealt with cancer, but not the type that has affected Riga.

Although I cannot offer advice, I can offer my support and, I'm sure, the support of a great many others on this board. We are here for you. Lean on us.

Deb

[This message has been edited by Volunteer (edited January 12, 2000).]

[jensav]

AngelBunny,

I'm so sorry for you, Mo and Riga. What sad news to get. I have no insight to offer, having never experienced cancer with this breed. All I can do is offer support, and healing thoughts. Thinking of you and Riga...

[SarasMom]

AngelBunny,
I'm so very sorry for you and yours. I don't have anything to advise you on the herbs, etc. The only thing I can do is offer my support and prayers. I do know what you are going through right now. I think that you are absolutely right in your decision to not put Riga through the treatments. It's not fair to have her suffer if the outcome won't be changed that much. I can just hope her last days are happy and comfortable ones.

[This message has been edited by SarasMom (edited January 13, 2000).]

[snakesNxD]

AngelBunny

While I can't give you any answers, you have my deepest sympathy. I have never been through anything like that before, so I can't even begin to fathom what you must be going through. Please know that my thoughts are with Riga and you, and I hope she lives out her life happy...and if she is with you, I know she will.

Liz

[calebmyboy]

AngelBunny

I am very saddened by your news, I will also offer healing prayers for you, I know what your going thru, New Years day we had to have our 12 yr old German Shepherd put to sleep, It was the hardest thing we have ever done, she had been having trouble getting up on her hind legs, I my husband built a ramp for her to use, & we watched day by day, knowing that the day would come when we had to put her down, well New Years Eve was the time & it took her so long to get into the house with our help, when she finally came in & laid down, we could see a look of defeat in her eyes.The thing that made it extra hard for us was the fact that inside her old body, there was still a puppy in there, she wanted to play & was so alert, she loved her treats & new when she should get them (after all our meals) & she knew & I can still see her face, looking so expectantly for her treats. I had her cremated & have her in the kitchen, her favorite place. Its so very hard, they are our kids. We will never forget them, the only peace I can find, is the fact that I know I gave her the best life she could have had. My healing prayers will be with you, to help you in this time of need.

[Lady B]

Ah Angel -- I haven't been down that road with my babies and I think for each guardian and companion the process is different -- the result remains the same. I, like, bearkat will be lighting a candle and hold all of you in my circle of prayers. I am so very sorry and give you my deepest empathy.

[bearkat]

AngelBunny, I am so sorry to hear of your Riga's disease. I have no answers, either, which is very frustrating. I will light a candle for her, and remember that you and your family are in my prayers and thoughts.

Cyberhugs & Rottie kisses-
Val & Clyde

[Nancy Estes]

Make the most of whatever time you have left, and you're right to have decided not to let her suffer when she starts going downhill. That's the hardest decision to make.

Nancy

------------------
von Dorow Rottweilers
doggo1@apex2000.net

[Elisha]

AngelBunny,
I'm so sorry to hear that yet another beloved Rottie has Cancer. I have no advice for this type. My 10yr girl had osteo in the shoulder when she left us last July. Just enjoy and spoil Riga to the maximum and know that when the time comes you will do what is best for her. I will add you all to my prayers.

[CarolineS]

Angel,

I don't often respond to posts bearing sad news, not because I don't care but because I just never know what to say. You are so passionate about your rescue work and your dogs...it's not fair that bad things happen to good people (and dogs). Like most of us who have the pleasure of animals in our lives, I have had to make this decision more than once in my lifetime. As heart wrenching as it is, it really is our final kindness to them. I'm so sorry.

Caroline

[Spoiled Rott'n]

I too am sorry to hear of the cancer. I can only offer you my friendship and support. I can tell from all of your postings what a wonderful mom you are to all your animals and wish you the strength dealing with this terrbile disease. Always breaks my hear to hear stories like this. I've never heard of cancer so much in Rotts before this forum. Lean on all of us - we're here for you!

[Barbara Surplus]

AngelBunny, we lost our Sammy to osteosarcoma on Christmas Eve. We decided to let him go when the vet said there was really nothing they could do (they could amputate but it would only prolong his misery) so we decided to not put him through any more of this. He was a wonderful friend and guardian and was so devoted to us. I truly know how you must feel and I'm deeply sorry that you may have to lose a very best friend soon. It's hard to make that decision but you will do the right thing for your sweetheart when the time comes. Love her to bits until then and make her last days on earth happy ones. My thoughts are with you.

[MVARTANIANM]

AngelBunny,

I am so sorry to here about your beloved friend. I know it is hard and I'll include your family of humans and animals in my prayers.

As to the herbal supplements, our Golden had cancer and he lived for 2 years after diagnoses, I believe in vitamins, and any holistic solutions plus regular meds. We also gave him ENSURE which is what they actually tell human cancer patients to drink.

I don't know if he lived so much longer because of the extra vitamins or he was going to live that much longer anyway, but I wasn't going to take the chance to find out.

I hope your road becomes easier, give big hugs from everyone here, and enjoy the time you are given.

[Eliza]

Angelbunny, just read your post today so sorry to hear. If there's anything I can do for you please ask, you were so kind to me when I lost my rotti to Osteo in July.I'd willingly return the favour.Give her all the love you can.