April
2012
Day Six – good day for Bailey but not for mom5
Bailey was taken off the Rimadyl today and his pain meds were reduced because he has done so well. He is able to get up on his own, use the “restroom” on his own and he even made it through the doggie door by himself before we could tell him “NO”. He has true spirit and strength.
Well, if you recall in earlier writings, not sure if they were in posts or chat rooms, we were still waiting on the pathology reports regarding the tumors in his leg. They “suspected” osteocarcoma. Today we got the call it is hemangiosarcoma- cancer of the blood vessels. Not the best news as this cancer is very aggressive. The doctor says his life expectancy is not as long as with the osteocarcoma. Chemo was not necessarily recommended with the osteocarcoma since the cancer was removed, but is recommended with the hemangiosarcoma. Chemo will extend his life expectancy from possibly two months to eight to ten months. I am waiting to talk to my vet, as so far this doctor, who works at a veterinarian clinic with a great reputation, has not been right about any of her predictions (I understand this is not an exact science but your emotions go up and down based on what the vet says). She told us after she saw the tumors in his leg it would likely be osteocarcoma and be spread into his lungs already – she prepared us to start to think about euthanizing. When his Ultrasound came back it showed no cancer anywhere else in his body and now we find out no osteocarcoma. I recognized that the ultrasound only showed cancer cells larger than 3 mm; we understood there were likely cancer cells- just small. She said the amputation was still necessary because he would never heal and be in pain. I am not going to look back on this decision as I have a wonderful dog who is doing great.
In true Bailey form, once I got off the phone with the doctor and left the room to process outside the presence of my 5 year old daughter he came to find me and tucked his head into my stomach and just licked me. He always knows when I am sad and finds me to give me his strength.
I have already done my research and have found a book out there about a diet for dogs with cancer. Has anyone changed their dogs diet upon their cancer diagnosis? The book was basically discussing changing your dogs diet to include more holistic type foods.
All I know is that I plan on filling Bailey’s last few months, optimistically year, with as much love, laughter and fun I can. We only have a few more months until his 18th birthday (July). When he leaves this earth he will know he was truly loved.
So sorry you guys are going through all the uncertainty. This crap is bad enough without being thrown constant curve balls. Someone on this site told me early on that we can flip our dogs over and search all we want but we will not find a date stamp on them. And you know what? They were right. So many dogs on this site have made the vets and their statistics look silly. You have a great attitude – enjoy every single moment with Bailey and make sure you have no regrets!
Lisa
we’re sorry you are getting this news, but bailey only knows he wants to take your sadness away – what a guy. before you change up his diet, talk to your vet if you are opting for chemo. often we’ve seen where changes aren’t recommended with chemo, as the GI tract is so affected, it needs any consistency it can get. whatever you decide, when you make your decision with love for bailey, it will be the right decision.
charon & spirit gayle
Thanks for the advice. Will do. I am trying to look at this news as just news. With osteocarcoma they said 3 to 11 months and now it’s 2-10 months depending on treatment. Cancer, fortunately and unfortunately, is not an exact science so time frames out the window. I have always known every day with my 17.5 year old was a gift from god. Reality stares me in the face all the time when I remember his age, but it so hard to think of him as my little old man when he still acts like my little baby and plays like he did when he was a puppy.
Hello. Sorry to hear about Bailey’s new diagnosis. He is an amazing Dog and I’m sure he will amaze you some more. The two of you have had such a fulfilling life together and I know how much it hurts to see an end in sight. But you know what is most important right now in trying to make the most of the time that you have left. Wishing you much more time than expected and praying for each day to be more special than the one before.
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