Mandible Tumor - 8 year old male?

[Anne]

Originally Posted by williamwheeler

Ben and I very much appreciate all your thoughts and well wishes. Sadly, the news I received today was not good - the radiology report echoed what the neuro said. My boy has cancer.

We have an appointment this coming monday with an oncologist to see what the next steps are, and what we're up against.

I feel like i'm in a vacuum, and the air has all been sucked away.

I know that horrible feeling you described so well. I'm so sorry your boy has cancer in his mandible. The location of Sophie's cancer is also in her right mandible. It seems to me to be an unusual place for cancer to raise its ugly presence.

Sophie's oncologist strongly suggested amputation of the mandible followed by chemo. I decided not to put my girl through that and asked about any and all other options available to us. The option we took is working very well for Sophie.

She is now 8 1/2 months from the first tissue biopsy which was inconclusive and 5 months from her definite diagnosis. The biopsy was taken from the tumour tissue, I did not agree to a bone biopsy because I think they can cause more problems than our poor dogs already have.

Sophie is still doing well and is free of pain on her regime. She is happy and playful and has joy of life. She has a lot of medication daily and takes all her tablets without issue.

I will be thinking of you on Monday and wish you well with the oncology consult. Oncologists do lean towards amputation. Ask about the metronomic protocol. That's what is working for Sophie.

[williamwheeler]

Well folks, here's the update:

Saw the vet on Saturday, and the chest Xrays showed some cloudiness that he wasn't happy to see. Nothing resembling a huge tumor or anything, but certainly not free and clear.

Ben's facial nerve is also getting some pressure from the tumor, and he's got a little one sided "droop."

This weekend he was mobile, sort of, and had good periods and bad. I have to feed him small bites of wet food at a time with a spoon so he doesn't get overly excited and hurt himself.

We're going to the oncologist this afternoon to get all the knowledge we can from that perspective. I just feel I need to gather all of the facts and find out all that I can before tackling the decisions at hand, though I think I've already made up my mind.

I truly think that he's hanging in there for me.


Now I just need to come to grips with the reality that my time with my best friend has a very limited shelf life.

I've never felt this brand of pain before.

Bill

[williamwheeler]

After another restless night, I have come to a final conclusion:

After days of watching my once active pup lay around, lost in pain medication and after hearing all our my treatment options - none of which offered much in terms of time, I have decided to act on my previous instinct. Ben's condition is not getting any better, and I know that I'm being selfish in keeping him around heavily medicated.

I will be taking him to his regular, familiar vet this afternoon (May 21, 2008), and will stay by his side as he takes his final rest.

I'm broken to bits about it, but in my heart know its the right course of action to take. He has given every ounce of himself for me over the last eight years, and so now I need to be strong in his last hours and try and return the favor.

This has been agonizing and has literally torn me apart.

[hokisteph5]

I'll be thinking of you and Ben this afternoon.

[AngelBunny]

You are the best owner Ben could possibly have had. Your generosity of heart, your love for your boy are wonderful.

I am so sorry. You're both in my thoughts.

[Nishasmom]

Bill, I just read your post...what a heart-wrenching end to a fabulous life. Soon Ben will be free of his earthly pain; what a wonderful gift you are providing him with. I will keep both you, and Ben in my thoughts. He will waiting for you, until you meet again.

[tcote]

Bill, you both are in my thoughts & prayers this afternoon..Thank you for doing the RIGHT thing for your sweet Ben. You are putting his pain before yours and that is a very kind and gracious thing...:~(

[observer]

Bill,

Having just been through this pain myself, I am so sad for you.... but I salute you for giving him a wonderful life, loving him right to the very end, and being strong enough to let him go while his dignity is intact. He will love you forever, and watch over you until you are together again.

[lucasmom]

Bill-
You are a brave and courageous man. I am facing the same decision with my boy and you are helping to give me the courage to do the right thing for my Lucas. I salute you and admire your love and compassion. Ben is free now and Lucas will be close behind him. I will keep you in my prayers. Laurie

[Anne]

Ben is a lucky boy to have you as his best friend. Your love for him is so evident.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.

[Vista]

Please offer your support in the Rainbow Bridge forum:

...until the next time we meet, my old friend...