Pet Lovers

[eddyandme]

Well, Jade and I had an appointment yesterday at Tufts.  It was a long, exhaustive day.  She was given all kinds of tests, including an ultrasound,  I was very pleased to hear that everything checked out very well; was told her results were those normally of a much younger dog.  (Jade will be 11yrs old, Sept 19th.)  Unfortunately, bone cancer is basicallly a nontreatable disease in the sense of curing.  And, as was previously mentioned, once it mastasticizes to the lungs (normal course of things) they won't operate and survival is normally two to four months.  Treatment is designed to suppress pain.  Game plan was Palladia Radiology:  radiation aimed at the bone tumor and then giving her a radioactive pill to swallow; treatments being once a week for four weeks.  Also blood, et al, would be tested.  Yesterday evening her Tufts doctor, Dr. Lew, called me and said they wanted to take another xray on Friday, after Jade had a two-hour exam with Dr. Karas, a pain management specialist.  (I had said I had an accupuncture doctor lined up and was also going to use Chinese herbs in treating Jade - this would also have to be coordinated in the pain management plan, for intance a certain herb lessens the efficacy of the Pallidia treatments.)  Dr. Lew told me that all the doctors had decided the size of the tumor in her leg didn't correlate with the intensity of pain Jade has.  So they wanted to take another xray and reevaluate.  At that time she mentioned that tumor might not be malignant.  So, I emailed her this a.m. and she called me after rounds.  I wanted the tumor tested to see if it's benign.  She explained due to the minute size and location they would have to operate to remove then test the tumor.  I said I wanted it tested:  she told me Jade's vitals, et al, are fine so not to worry - anesthesia always scares me.  Monday morning Jade and I have an 11:30 appointment with the surgeon, Dr. Byrd. 

I'm hoping against all odds we luck out.  If the tumor is benign, then they will run special tests (forgot names) but if no nodules are shown in the lungs, she would be a candidate for surgical removal of the tumor (only possible way to cure).  It's a very longshot, but with all the love, prayers and positive thoughts you have all sent up - maybe we can pull this off!  If not, we tried out best and will thoroughly enjoy our time together. 

I've slowed down and took the time to experience what we all know:  it's the simple, quiet time spent together that determines true happiness and quality of life.  For me and Jade, it's sitting outside in her yard from 5a.m. 'til it becomes too hot and sunny outdoors and later in the evening for a few more hours quietly enjoying out time together.

Again, thank you all for being so loving and kind.  Joanne and Jade   

[cowboy sam]

I would like to offer prayers for Jade and hope all goes well.

[Anita Bourbon]

My dog had osteosarcoma and we only found out because her leg spontaneously broke one day.  The doctors told us her leg would never heal and that we should have it amputated, which we did.  I remember at the time we weighed the possibilty of having radiation treatment but the prognosis was not great even with treatment and so we opted to give her lots of love, make her comfortable, and let her live out whatever life she had left naturally.  Long story short, my three legged greyhound lived another six years after that; there were never any lung mets and she died of something else altogether.  You never know how things are going to turn out and I certainly wish for the best for the two of you and I hope you find some peace with the situation (whatever it may be).   

[PamfromCT]

Hoping for the very best outcome for you and your sweetheart Jade!

[Vivian]

I have gone through cancer with three of my dogs. It is very upsetting in so many ways. I wish you and your fur baby all the best.

[HappyDaze]

@eddyandme I will pray and pray and pray that it is benign. Miracles can and do happen. Please keep us updated. You are such a wonderful mama to your girl!

Your last paragraph reminds me of what I did when my baby was sick. We spent alot of time together laying in the sun, just enjoying each others' company. I also made sure to spend a few minutes several times a day to stop and sit with my boy and pet him and talk to him, giving him loves and kisses. I know how much that made him feel better. He'd just close his eyes and take it all in. He thrived on the attention.

Bless you and Jade and praying for a miracle!

[CinNC]

What kind of dog is Jade? How large? 

My greyhound (who has since passed) had cancer in his front leg. It was not osteosarcoma.  We got a treatment protocol from a vet center in Ohio. It involved injecting a very old inexpensive human cancer drug called C5 directly into the tumor. It's a treatment that is done in Italy since they don't have radiation available for dogs.  It worked and he lived several more years until he was 12.5 years old  - had to be put down due to his hind legs/back going out on him. 

Best of luck to you and Jade. Please keep us posted. 

[eddyandme]

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@CindyinNC wrote:

What kind of dog is Jade? How large? 

My greyhound (who has since passed) had cancer in his front leg. It was not osteosarcoma.  We got a treatment protocol from a vet center in Ohio. It involved injecting a very old inexpensive human cancer drug called C5 directly into the tumor. It's a treatment that is done in Italy since they don't have radiation available for dogs.  It worked and he lived several more years until he was 12.5 years old  - had to be put down due to his hind legs/back going out on him. 

Best of luck to you and Jade. Please keep us posted. 

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@CinNC

Thanx,CindyinNC.  I'll inquire about C5.  Jade is a yellow lab, the English lab line.  A week ago she weighed 92lbs. but Wed she weighd 82lbs.  She's a big girl - about as tall as me when she stands on hind legs (5'2").  What is the name ofthe  place in Ohio - Tufts doesn't use C5, but maybe they'd check into it.  Sorry for replying at this time.  She got hot and was huffing and puffing so we're up at a strange time on the east coast.  I sleep when I can, but it works for us!  Looking forward to your reply...  Thanks.

[Tissyanne]

Joanne and Jade,

Sending prayers, and good wishes. You both are so blessed to have each other. I know that Jade is in the very best of hands. 

[qvcaddition]

I can feel the love you have for JADE, a beautiful name. I will pray every moment of the day for both of you.   I have a rescue that is my life, so I can only imagine what you are feeling.  Please give a pet and hugs and kisses to Jade from me.