Thinking of you...
Here is my experience with oral melanoma with my Tasha. I know when I was given the diganosis I was unable to find many people who had experienced it (lucky them) and at times didn't really didn't know which way to turn. Anyhow, I am not saying this is the fate of your Oscar, however, I just thought I'd share my experience with you. On August 13 (I remember the exact date because it was my b-day), my 9-year-old was diagnosed with malignant oral melanoma. The following week she had a mandibulectomy and recovered VERY well from the surgery. It was amazing!!! She was back to normal within 2 weeks. She received a cancer vaccination every Thursday to eliminate the melanoma from metastasizing. There are only 2 places in the country that "develop" this vaccination. I "donated" to the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine. Anyhow, 6 weeks ago she showed signs of kidney failure, so instead of stressing her out and putting her in an emergency room for fluid therapy, my vet who is just wonderful, gave me a quick lesson in IV fluids and I gave them to her at home. She responded well from the treatment, but during this time she began developing masses on her skin that would bleed and developed another mass in her mouth. After a week of 5 good days one bad day, etc... she took a turn for the worse which involved 2 episodes of seizures. It was an AWFUL 36!!! 2 weeks ago this past Saturday (Oct 4th) I did the only thing I could do for her and said "good-bye." I was the best thing for her but the hardest for me. :'-( My vet feels that in addition to the oral melanoma she had developed hemangiosarcoma which was effecting all her organs. I held her during the procedure and she is back with me in a special little urn. Please keep us posted. You and Oscar will be in my thoughts and prayers.
