Surgery, Nubbie removed

[karens]

Hello everyone. I have an appointment next week to take my Nikki (she turns 11 in April) in for surgery to remove a mast cell tumor from her nubbie tail. The problem is I am having second thoughts about the surgery. For one, since these tumors branch out so to speak and they have to remove larger margins, they will have to remove her entire nub. I am afraid at her age, this will be a big surgery and extremely painful for her. She has had other mast cell tumors removed and they have all been grade one with no reoccurrence. I had her completely xrayed and I also had an ultrasound and there are no signs of any other tumors or problems.

My vet recommended we go ahead with the surgery and thus, I have an appointment. I also worry about her reaction to histamine release if I do nothing at all.

If anyone has any advice or similar experiences, I would appreciate your stories or opinions.

Thank you - Karen

 

[Kosmo's Mom]

Karen,
I do not have any advice for you but I just wanted to wish you luck.
If you do opt for the surgery I hope Nikki comes thru it with flying colors.
Keep us posted

 

[Poohsmom]

Karen,
I can't offer any advice either,but I just wanted to wish you and Nikki the best of luck on the surgery. We'll be keeping everything crossed that she does well.
The kids send Nikki lots of sloppy kisses and hugs

Sue and the kids,Pooh,Bownser,Dozer & Cissy

 

[karens]

Thank you both, I am so nervous about it being that she is getting older. I have decided to go through with it after talking my Boxer buddies here at work because of the growth of the tumor and the side effects of the histamines. (We almost have a BW here as there are four of us with Boxers and three quarters of us have mulitples!!)

 

[Austin's Mom]

Wishing Nikki lots and lots of good luck and positive healing vibes for her surgery. And a big ((hug)) for you, too.

 

[Muttluvr]

Have you considered getting a 2nd opinion? You'll either get other options, or the 2nd vet will confirm what the first vet said, which would ease your mind about the surgery.

 

[debbie knowles]

Hi Karen,
I know all dogs are different and all surgeries are different, but I just wanted to take a moment to let you know that I had my 10 year old neutered because of testicular cancer. They did the complete removal of everything and it was major. I, too, was so very worried about his age, but he did just fine and lived past the age of 13. At age 11 this same guy had a tumor removed from his lip and again did fine. As I said, I know all experiences are different but maybe this will help encourage you in some small way. I know you will still worry but if it helps any...we'll all worry with you. Please know that we'll keep Nikki in our prayers for wonderful results on Monday. Good Luck and we'll be thinking of you. I have this huge soft spot in my heart for all of our older guys and girls and I do hope that Nikki comes through with flying colors. djk

 

[karens]

Muttlover, my vet goes above and beyond the call. SHe consulted with another very trusted vet in the office and her husband is an oncologist and she took Nikki's file home for him to review as well. Whenever they need to send me to a specialist, they don't tell me anything new or different then my vet has diagnosed.

Debbie, thank you so much. Same to your situation with your baby living through testicular cancer, I keep telling myself if I she's around for another two years, it will be worth a little pain now for her. I am going to tell my vet that if he opens her up and it looks bad to just remove as little as necessary and to leave her be.

She is my heart and soul, and my first Boxer. I am blessed to have had her for eleven years with little incident! Her xrays and ultrasound came clear, and apart from her (as my Grandma calls it) Arthur-itis, she is doing well.

We'll keep our fingers and toes crossed and I will let you know how it all turns out after Tuesday.

 

[bigears]

Good luck! We'll keep Nikki in our prayers!

Allison, Mugsy and Shadow

 

[momstaxi]

Nikki will be in my thoughts and prayers. hope all goes well for her.