Hemangiosarcoma

[Butchie'sMom]

Our 5 year old male boxer was recently diagnosed with a cancer called hemangiosarcoma. He had a large lump pop up on his shoulder literally overnight. The vet removed a 4 inch tumer and half of his bicept muscle. He had the biopsy done. We got the the terrible news about 2 weeks ago. He has healed remarkably from his surgery and started chemo yesterday. Has anyone else delt with this type of cancer? Prone to Boxers they tell me.

 

[boxers4life2001]

I'm sorry to hear about your baby's tumor:(

I have never had to deal with that type of cancer so i'm not to much help to you. I have had to deal with a lot mast cell tumors but never hemangiosarcoma. What did the vet say about this type of tumor? Were they able to get clean margines? Do you know if skin hemangiosarcomas are less aggressive than when they are on the spleen, liver etc.?

I just wanted to let you know that your baby will be in my thoughts and prayers. I wish him the best of luck with his chemo treatments, how long does he have to have it? Please keep us updated on your little guy!!!!

~Carrie~

 

[Butchie'sMom]

The news is not very positive

about the type of cancer our Butch has. It is a blood cancer and is very aggressive. He had a blood test and xrays before we started chemo and they were good, but our vet stressed that because of the type of cancer we should not have false hopes of the results as he could develope a problem at any time. The vet told us he had 6 months and that chemo would not cure maybe prolong his life by 3 months (high end). The hard part is our boy looks, acts perfectly normal (just a tad spoiled since his diagnosis). This is a major factor in our decision to start chemo. Maybe he has a chance. As fate may have it our 21 yr. old daughter took him to church to be blessed 10 days before his tumor developed. Weird, huh. I think that we are living a dream world because he seems just fine. When things turn for the worst it is going to be horrible. Butch has made such an impact on our lives, and I mean everyone in our imediate family. My mother came and checked on him 2x yesterday. Our childeren are for the most part all grown, 17, 18 and 21. Butch is my baby and companion. He is such a good boy and doesnt deserve this!

 

[SkippyToo]

I have not dealt with cancer either. I almost lost Samson once and I do not like to think about it.

God bless you...you and your baby are in my prayers.

 

[matilda8255]

I am very sorry to hear abut Butch. My Caesar had lymphoma and lived seven months because of chemo. I don't know anything about this particular type of cancer but if you want some info on supplements & chemo do a search for Caesar & lymphoma. There is a wealth of info. Aside from an upset belly & being very tired Caesar had no side effects. Take care of you baby and hang in there. Sending positive vibes...

Stephanie & Gang

 

[Aimee]

I am so sorry to hear about Butch. My heart goes out to you. We are sending Butch our best boxer healing vibes. Be strong and hang in there. We're all here if you need us. (((HUGS)))

 

[jaimie]

I am so sorry to hear about Butch! I lost my girl Britnee in May, she also had Hemangiosarcoma but it was in her heart. Her tumor ruptured and we needed to put her down. It all happened in one day, I took her to my vet because she was acting funny & her gums were VERY pale. Well, they sent me to MSU Vet center, which is where they diagnosed her. I was going to go home with her but she went downhill so fast I told the Dr to get the stuff and help her. Her cancer was in between her right & left atrium (pretty much the center of her heart), it ruptured and caused her pericardium (sack around her heart) to fill with blood making it so her heart couldn't pump properly.

I am sorry to hear about Butch and I hope things go ok for you & him. My thoughts & prayers are with you & Butch.

Jaimie

 

[Butchie'sMom]

Jaimie thanks for responding

to my message. First let me begin by saying how sorry I am about the passing of Britnee. I also have to say what you describe is what I have nightmares about. From everything I read, there is no telling when the cancer will go to a major organ and our beloved pet will bleed to death. Because of Butch's over all good health (besides the dreaded C) we decided to do the chemo to maybe stall or slow down the cancer. From what I read this type is one of the worse you could get (not that any is good).
I also read that this more common in large dogs, and males more then females. Had you read that? After just about one week of chemo, so far so good. We have gotten alot a negitive responses from people for "putting him thru chemo". I just want him to have the best time left we can give him. Is your Britnee in the picture you have posted? I can't figue out how to put Butch's picture on. Thanks again for your post.

 

[Cindy Creel]

We had a scare with Delilah in January. We were also prepared to go with cemo if it was cancer. Do not worry about those negative people. Stay positive. I am so sorry to here about Butch. My prayers will be with you and Butch.

Cindy

 

[Cindy Creel]

Make sure he is on a good diet with the cancer diet. In the Nov 2003 of The Whole Dog Journal there is a great article of Feed the Dog Starve The Cancer. It saus to the carbs your dog eats. The cancer cell like carbs. Use fish oil supplements to reduce or eliminate some of cancer's metabolic alterations. Other suggestions are: Organic foods, find a holistic vet, Vitamin
C, Fresh veggies like broccoli and dark green leafy veggies like spinach, digestive enzymes, a clove of garlic a day, safflower oil. This article is long so I tried to give the hi-lites. The web address is: www.whole-dog-journal.com. You may be able to order the Nov. 2003 issue. Sending positive boxer vibes.

Cindy