Mia has cancer

[Mama_Zookeeper]

My Mia the boston has cancer. I am heartbroken over this, I was at work when I found out. I felt embarrassed by my tears because of the looks my co-workers were giving me (except for one who spoils her cocker spaniels as much as I do my babies). I am not a crybaby, but crap I just don't want his to be real.

Her lab results from the excisions done 1/18/05 came back as Grade 1 Mast Cell tumors. The margins were clean, but our vet is concerned. Mia is young (3yrs old) and this is not what she expects to see in a young dog. She had two growths removed and today when the vet was inspecting her skin irritations from the latex medical tape she was running her hands over her and found another one that is very small. The fact that there is more than one shows that it has metasticized...though she is hopeful that it is "skin" deep only. I am awaiting recommendation from her to an oncology vet and feel so helpless. I am clueless as to what the next step is. My vet talked to me by phone but it is all blurry. The vet suggested at this time that prognosis is favorable, but these growths will have to be removed regularly. I am worried she will look like a patchwork quilt. When I got home I got home I cuddled with her and I can feel a fourth lump on her left hip. At this point I want ot scream how unfair this is after all my family has been through in the last year.

I think I just need to relax, in the morning I can start searching this forum and some of the links for info on this and what I need to do. It has not even been a year since I helped Bluto to the bridge and I cannot think Mia in that way. If anyone has any info or links to material I can look through please let me know.

Dora

 

[Rlr.Giraffe]

I am so sorry to hear that news Dora... it must be very hard to take, especially in light of everything you guys have been through. ((((hugs)))) I have no information for you, but just wanted to offer some support. From what you described though, it sounds like your vet is right on top of everything, that should ease your mind a little. I will be keeping fingers crossed and Willis his paws crossed that Mia is ok. PM me if you ever need a bit of comfort or support.

Jen

 

[Ciscobxr]

Oh no! I am so sorry to hear this! You should not feel embarressed over your tears at work, I think the majority of people would be the same way.
I will say a special prayer for Mia tonight, please keep us posted.

 

[SoleilBxrs]

Dora.. that is horrible news.. :( i hope that the next step is better. we're wishing you all the luck and (((((((((healing vibes))))))))))

-Kat

 

[craZ4HERKIE]

Oh Dora....how sad! I just know everything will be ok with her though. I'm sending positive and healing vibes your way. Give Mia a big hug and kiss for me. You've had a very rough year of it, and you've always been here for us. Please let us know if there's anything we can do.

 

[teag]

There is hope:o

Zoe, our boxer girl had a low grade 2 mast cell tumor removed when she was only 2 years old from her bottom. That was 2 years ago and (knock on wood) there has been no more lumps. Actually we just took her in 2 weeks ago because we thought we felt a lump but the vet couldn't find anything. I'd rather be safe than sorry.

Anyway I know how scarey this is and my prayers are with you and your baby Mia. Good Luck!!

 

[sanchasmom]

I'm so sorry to hear about your baby!!!!! My heart breaks at the thought of anyone having to go through what you are going through right now. I will say a prayer for you and your sweet baby, Mia.

 

[AllisonJ]

Dora,
I'm so sorry. My eyes are welling up. I remember when Abby was diagnosed with cancer. It is such heartbreaking news. I know how much it hurts.
I hope that the oncologist has some good news for you. My only cancer experience is with Abby's Lymphoma. We started her on chemotherapy one week after she was diagnosed. Her response was excellent, and even though it only worked for 4-1/2 months, she had a wonderful quality of life throughout the treatment. The oncologist told me that generally most dogs have very little side effects and if you didn't know they were being treated, you'd never know they were sick. I found this to be true with her.
Try not to scare yourself on the internet. I spent too much time on it, reading many horror stories. I had convinced myself that Abby would be dead within 2 weeks and/or we would end up spending $10,000, neither of which happened.
Good luck at your appointment. You're in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

 

[Mama_Zookeeper]

I have just spent the last 1 1/2 hours using the search engine to find info on mast cell tumors. While I am still scared, I am feeling a bit relieved because most of the stuff I have read does not seem too difficult. I need to get a handle on things...thankfully we are already feeding raw as I have now learned carbs (of which most kibble has in large %) feed cancer. I read quite a bit about boosting her immune system with vitamin C, but am not sure how to do this. I ranted, whined & had my pity party....now I want to learn more and try to make informed decisions.

On the positive side, no one seems to have relayed the news to Mia that she has cancer! She is currently being sociable and running around playing with cat toys with the kitties. I adore her.

Dora

 

[hanley]

So sorry about sweet little Mia's report

Dora, Sending you hugs & prayers,for both you & Mia. Hanley