"Ribby", age 9.5 yrs diagnosed with Gastric Carcinoma

[BudH]

kelseighgirl,
Milford Animal Hospital is her normal vet but for the Cancer we've been using Veterinary Specialty Center of Delaware near New Castle County Airport. Is that the one?

 

[BudH]

I'm so sorry for the hard times you're going through with Ribby - there is nothing worse. We too do not have children and loved our Rocco like the fur-child that he was. One of the things that we were so glad that we did after we got his diagnosis (lymphoma) was we went and got professional photos done of him. The pictures will always comfort me, and to have beautiful, detailed professional photos helps me remember every funny detail of his cute face, his big paws, and his goofy tail. I'll be thinking of you and Ribby and sending good thoughts - be strong, smile at her (you are the light of her life!), and shower her with love!

That's a great idea! We should really do that! We have lots of photos we've taken ourselves but a professional quality portrait, maybe of the three of us, would be a terrific keepsake!

 

[kelseighgirl]

Yep, thats the one. My girl has been there for ARVC/Dialated cardiomyopathy since last monday and my male was seen there last year for a MCT. I am very pleased with the staff and the treatment that both have received.

 

[Lisa H]

We are extremely sorry to hear the sad news and will keep our fingers and paws crossed for you. We too are law enforcement officers. My husband was the K-9 officer for 10 years with a GS and we now have a boxer as a pet that I had prior to us getting married. He cannot believe how loving and smart boxers are and agrees that he has now found a new favorite breed. She is also our only child and we wouldn't change it for anything. Ribby will be in our prayers...live everyday to the fullest!

Lisa and Justice

 

[kelseighgirl]

How did everything go with the oncologist today?

Fingercrossed and lots of prayers!!

 

[BudH]

How did everything go with the oncologist today?

Fingercrossed and lots of prayers!!

Unfortunately, this type of stomach cancer, almost certainly Adenocarcinoma, is not responsive to chemotherapy, according to her oncologist. Ribby's entire stomach has been attacked by the cancer cells, causing almost the entire lining to thicken. It's not a situation involving just one or two tumors. Chemotherapy might somewhat slow the progression of the disease but it could possibly cause negative side effects. Nausea, or worse. To me, it seems that the risks of chemotherapy for her would outweigh the potential benefits. If I was guaranteed that for $20K she'd happily live another year with no suffering, we'd do it in a second! Unfortunately, such a guarantee is impossible...

The National Canine Cancer Foundation - Gastric Cancer

We're now going to attempt to wean her off of the Prednisone to see if Palladia and a non-steroid anti-inflammatory like Piroxicam or Previcox will work. However, I'm supposed to immediately put her back to 20 mg of Prednisone twice a day if her appetite decreases.

She ate two eggs and some cheese for breakfast. Didn't want anything en route to or from the veterinarian (120 mile drive round trip). She did each some string cheese, boiled ham, and more string cheese for dinner. Thankfully, Ribby has always loved cheese. We played in the yard for at least an hour this evening - she loves to bark at me while I swing her toy tire / rope over my head for a while, telling her "I'm havin' it". After I release it, it flies across the yard with her in pursuit. Sometimes I tell her to "stop" while she's in pursuit and it seems to be the most important thing to her in the world that she stop when I tell her to. She just loves this game! I guess I'll know when she's getting ready to leave us if our girl becomes disinterested in playing it with me anymore.

Thanks so much for your interest!

 

[kelseighgirl]

Im so very sorry that the news wasnt better. Im not sure there are any words that can ease your sadness.

I will keep you, your wife and Ribby in my prayers.

 

[EKR16]

Wow Bud, it sounds like our girls have the EXACT same thing...glad to hear that the Prednisone is working for you too. Ro ate ice cream tonight. It has always been her favorite, but for the last few weeks she wouldn't touch it. It was such a relief to see her skinny butt finally eating again. Like you, I definitely plan on enjoying every minute I get with her to the fullest & when she is ready, she will let me know. Good luck & God bless you guys & Ribby!

 

[Swampo]

I'm so sorry to hear about Ribby's sickness. Sounds like she's had a great life so far and I know that you will make the best of the time she has left. We too, have no kids and have always kind of considered our Boxer's our babies. We lost our first two about a couple of years ago. They were both around 12 and letting them go was very difficult. Even though it was extremely painful, it was so worth it to have had them in our lives. They never, ever leave your heart or memory. Sending love and positive, healing vibes from my pack to yours!

 

[johann]

I'm sorry that you didn't get better news from the oncologist. :( I hope the new meds can keep her comfortable and eating

Ribby is a lucky dog to have such loving owners, and I'm sure you'll cherish every moment with her.