Our 10 year old was diagnosed with histiocytic sarcoma

[Nala'sFamily]

Our girl Nala went to the vet last week to have a mass removed and biopsied from her rear ankle. Outside of her moving a little slower the past couple of years due to arthritis she was otherwise fine.

Well, the results came back as a soft tissue sarcoma. We immediately scheduled her to see a specialist to assess options. After reviewing test results brief exam, the vet discussed options as chemo, amputation, or steroids. He felt she had 60-90 days left unless we chose to go the chemo route that could possibly extend her life to 5 months.

As Nala is almost 11 years old, we opted for the prednisone, wanting to make the the time she has left "quality time". I only hope we will know when she is in pain. She has been a great companion and I do not want her to suffer.

We will adjust her diet, add supplements, and hope the prednisone can stop, or slow the growths enough making her final days with us as comfortable as possible.

I came accross this forum while reading and searching for answers and advice.
I am glad that I found it.

Richard

[jlaack]

I am sorry to hear about Nala. I am not familiar with this type of cancer, but if the statistics on survival are only to extend life for several months, I probably wouldn't treat conventionally either. Does the vet have any non-invasive tx they would recommend? If not, perhaps try an oncologists and/or a holistic vets. There is a lengthy thread on a different type of cancer where dogs are being managed through a variety of methods and have had an extended life beyond the prognosis. You will be in our thoughts.

[AngelBunny]

I am sorry you found RDN under such unhappy circumstances. I will keep you and your girl in my thoughts.

The sad fact is that many of us here have dealt with the heartbreak of cancer in our beloved canine companions. Cancer is a dreadful scourge in this breed. I am so sorry your girl is among these Rotties.

I think you are doing the kindest, best thing for your girl, taking an approach that is the most compassionate.

[Nala'sFamily]

Thank you for your kind words, thoughts and prayers. I will continue to research
non invasive treatments that will make her more comfortable, and ease her pain on her final journey.

Nala has been a "rock", always strong, probably stronger than me as I sit here with eyes welling up as I look back at not the quality of life we gave her, but the quality of life she gave us.

Thanks for listening.

I will try to post a picture of Nala in the gallery.

Richard