Dealing with Cancer

[Xena Rio's Mum]

Hi everyone

I am new to this website and came across it by chance last week. This is the 3rd time I have logged on to tell you my story but each time I have broke down in tears and could not write what I wanted to say. Last week my 10yr old bitch Xena was diagnosed with Mast Cell tumours. I half prepared myself for bad news because from her seeing the vet the previous week for 2 lumps to be removed at either side of her neck, she had developed about 8 more pea sized lumps around the back of her neck and on her shoulders by the time she had to go in for them removed. Even though I thought I had prepared myself when the vet actually said the words she has Cancer and has only weeks to live my world fell apart and it feels like a piece of my heart has been ripped out. I am back at the vets tonight with her for her stitches out (32 in all) and if the wounds are healed enough, I think he is going to start her on Prednisone. After reading the many posts on here, even though I do not know anyone it makes me feel like I am not going through this terrible thing alone.

[Sheenagirl]

Welcome to the Forum.
You are definately not alone. So many of us have been where you are now.
You know you are doing everything possible to help your Xena - sometimes it is just out of our hands.
I will keep Xena in my thoughts and prayers...

[observer]

I'm sorry to hear of this. There are several others who are dealing, have dealt with mast cell tumors. Do a search here on "mast cell" and you will find more help.

[Xena Rio's Mum]

Went to the vets yesterday and Xena has been put on a course of Prednisolone combined with Aktivait. She seems to be taking very short breaths at the moment but it does not seem to be affecting her wanting to go for walks. Has anyone else had breathing problems in any of their dogs with cancer. Also does anyone know which is the best diet to feed her. I can't give her masses amounts of protein as she has a slight problem with her kidneys. Any help whatsoever would be greatly appreciated.

[Xena Rio's Mum]

Hi everyone

Well Xena seems to be responding well to the Prednisone. I am feeding her 3 smaller meals a day rather than two larger ones. I am going to start her on some homeopathic remedies next week after discussing them with my vet (I wanted to make sure they were ok for her to take whilst she was on Prednisone). She is struggling a little getting in and out of the car so I have bought her a step so she can get in and out of the boot alot easier. My other bitch Rio seems to sense there is something wrong with Xena as she keeps going up to her and giving her kisses. Does anyone have any hints on what diet is best to give dogs with cancer?

[Che54]

So sorry to hear your news.

I feed my girl a homecooked diet for cancer patients. She also has mild kidney problems but I'm careful with balancing her phosphorous/calcium ratio in her diet.

There is another yahoo group called CanineCancer. I'm sure you'll find much helpful information there.

I'll keep you in my thoughts.

Che

[Kev]

I am so sorry to hear the bad news. Cancer is horrible. My thoughts are with you in this terrible time.

[rottielover2004]

I am so sorry to hear your news, I too just found out my baby has cancer :(.
Best thing we can do for them is be there for them, and when quality of life diminishes, let them be at peace :(

[Carol4dogs]

I am responding to the original poster to ask her to do a search on Mast Cell tumors. Depending on the stage of the tumors and how successful the removal of them was with wide margins being taken, the prognosis for this type of cancer can be surprisingly quite positive.

I have an 11 year old Weimaraner who had two tumors removed three weeks ago, and one of them was a grade 2 mast cell tumor. This is the third time that this dog has had this type of tumor removed over the past several years. All have been either grade 1 or grade 2 MCTs, and no treatment was done following their excision. I find that any tumors that appear, disappear only to reappear at a later date are most likely MCTs. My vet aspirates the individual tumors and removes any that appear to be MCTs upon microscopic examination. The tumors themselves are then sent out to a lab for a pathology report. So far, we have been lucky and this girl has recovered very well.

Supposedly, there are some dogs that seem to be MCT factories and their tumors never seem to go beyond grade 2...such appears to be the case with my dog. Hopefully, yours will be as lucky. The important thing is to have any suspicious lumps examined and removed asap if they appear to be MCTs. I never let them go too long and have the chance to advance to a more serious grade 3 or grade 4 tumor...both of which have a less favorable prognosis.

One other thing, this time the tumor was so large (the size of my fist) that the vet injected prednisone directly into the tumor and waited a week for it to go down in size prior to removal. This tumor was in the thigh muscle and the object was to reduce the size of the tumor, prior to removal so that less tissue would have to be removed. I have to say, it worked, the dog recovered beautifully and was home and acting as if no surgery had ever taken place. Her movement has not been affected at all. Hopefully, your dog will respond as well as mine has.....we will say an extra special prayer for you and keep you in our thoughts.

[Xena Rio's Mum]

I'm not sure what stage the tumours are at but I guess they are a stage 3 or 4 as the vet told me she only had weeks to live. The only thing bothering me at the moment is her breathing it is very rapid (although she is still managing to sleep alot) so I'm guessing it is not causing her any distress. I know the prednisolone causes panting but her breathing seems to be getting shorter so I think I will ask the vet to do a chest x ray next week when I see him. Has anyone else had any problems with their dogs with cancer and rapid breathing?

Anyway thanks for all the replies so far, even though I am over the other side of the world it is nice to know I have the support of everyone on here.

Thanks

Michelle

[rottielover2004]

For the rapid breathing the cancer might have spread to her lungs, that was the first thing my vet told me to watch for, difficulty breathing

[AngelBunny]

All my Rotties with the exception of one were afflicted with cancer, tho not with mast cell tumors. Thus, I have nothing concrete to offer or suggest.

I am posting to let you know I am thinking of you and your Xena.

[Bowlforthedog]

Dealing with it too. My boy has Lymphoma.. It really freakin sucks....

[Anne]

I too am living with my beautiful and ,much loved girl who has cancer. She turned 7yo in January.

What is going on with our breed that so many of them are suffering cancer?

[Bowlforthedog]

I am not sure but it really makes ya wonder. Maybe the food. I am not sure..