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Post Info TOPIC: Another Mast Cell Tumor Thread
lennap


All Grown Up

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Another Mast Cell Tumor Thread
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I just got the call that Voodoo has a mast cell tumor.  After my initial freak out (which occured after scheduling the surgery and pre-op bloods) I did some research and now know that this does not necessarily mean cancer.

A little background, I lost a beloved cat to cancer in Dec 06, a beloved dog to cancer in April 07 and my dear friend Seth (you may recall - Voodoo's father) to cancer in Dec 07.  Needless to say I had a long talk with both Voodoo and Raggedy Ann (my cat) about the fact that cancer is no longer an option in this house.

The lump actually appeared a number of months ago.  I ran by the vet when I first saw it, and we agreed it was likely a fatty cyst not to worry.  Last week was Voodoo's annual check up and I pointed it out again (different/primary Vet this time), although it had not grown at all since I first saw it.  He agreed it was likely a fatty cyst, but aspirated it to be sure.  Yup quesitonable cells which we sent to Cytology.

I will keep everyone apprised, but needless to say I am freaking out (to say nothing of the costs!).  Below are some pictures of my sweet girl.



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PawPrint


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Hello. Yes, it actually does mean cancer. However, it does not mean it is anywhere else. Have it removed asap and get nice clean margins around the tumor. Sent it to a lab for analysis so you can see what grade it is.

Boxers are a tumor breed. You can only pray they are external ones which at least you can removed. Crystal had a Grade I removed when she was 6 years old. She had a Grade II removed when she was 7. She lived until 12-1/2 years old and never had another tumor.

Sometimes it means something, sometimes it does not.

-- Edited by PawPrint at 02:24, 2008-02-08

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lennap


All Grown Up

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Thanks for your response, yep I am continuing to freak out.  She is scheduled for surgery next Thursday.  My heart is breaking for her.  She was abused in her youth and is really afraid of people - so now I have to leave her there, where they will slice her open - that's not going to do anything to help her fears.

I know I have to do it, I know it is the right thing - I'll just keep praying it's grade 1 and that we can move on from there.

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BoxersnMinis


Congratulations!

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Praying that VooDoo's surgery goes well and that the Path. report will show clean margins and Grade 1.

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 Beverly
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 (Denee)
Forever in my heart"
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I Can't Stop Typing

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===Sending good vibes to Voodoo===

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lennap


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Once again thanks everyone for the good vibes.  I spoke with the Oncologist today.  He's the one I worked with before trying to save my cat - wanted to let him know what's going on, and have him ready once the pathology reports are back.

He's fairly certain that given the size of the tumor, greater than an inch, it is likely a grade 2 - so he's asked that we immediately send samples off for a sub-grade test, to the University of Michigan, which will tell us how active the cells are.  It's a little rough as the primary vet and Oncologist are associated with two separate institutions, but frankly I don't care - Voodoo will get the best/most thorough care I can find for her.

The Oncologist also agreed with my insistence that while Voodoo is knocked out we do an ultrasound to see if there are any masses in her spleen or liver.

OY the preparations!  I'm going to be a full blown mess once she's actually had the surgery!

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BoxerSue


Congratulations!

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Sound slike voodooo is getting the best possible care. WIshes for an easy surgery, speedy recovery, and great path report with clear margins!

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Voodoo is definitely getting the best care possible. You are a good momma! There is nothing else you can personally do. Remove the lump, have it tested and go from there. Voodoo will be knocked out so no problems of being around strangers :)

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lennap


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Voodoo is back from the hosptial. The ultra sound and chest xray were normal/clear - in other words no tumors - thank G-d!

She is still shaky from the surgery/anesthesia and absolutely hates her elizabethan collar. Every time she hits something with it she just stops and refuses to move. Stairs were tough for her - which is rough as we live in a three story townhouse, and spend most of our time on the second floor. She made it very clear that she wanted to be on the couch, on her favorite blanket. Needless to say I helped her up. Yes she is a diva dog, and we make no apologies for that. She is now passed out with her head on my lap.

We sent slides or whatever to the University of Michigan to get all the specialized tests the Oncologist requested. Results should be back in 7-10 days. So hopefully by the time we get her stiches out (week from Saturday) we will know next steps, if any.

I will keep everyone apprised. Thanks for your support, vibes, prayers, etc.



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BoxerSue


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Sounds like a good prognosis should come from this. If there are clear margins, and I am sure the surgeon took wide margins to assure that, Voodoo should do great! Hang in there, I know the waiting to hear is the very hardest time!

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Susan **Boxers... not just dogs, they're an adventure!
PawPrint


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Good update ! And don't worry. They get used to the cone fast enough. Even the drama queens :)

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lennap


All Grown Up

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Waiting to hear isn't so hard, I've decided that the news will be as good as can be expected given the fact that she has had a cancerous tumor removed.!

I finally relented and took the collar off today. I just couldn't watch it anymore. Plus every time she tried to turn around in her crate the collar would hit the side, so she gave up very quickly and ended up on my bed. We didn't get very much sleep - she was not comfortable and didn't know where to put her head.

Needless to say now that the collar is off she is not allowed out of my sight!

I am going to run back up to the hospital and buy her a collar that is sort of like a whiplash brace. At least with that she will be able to eat, drink and put her head on her pillow.

To tell the truth it doesn't look to me like she could reach the incision - but I am NOT prepared to test that theory, so when I am sleeping, or out she will be wearing one of the two collars!

-- Edited by lennap at 20:00, 2008-02-15

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PawPrint


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Never trust how well they can bend. Just keep your eye on her :)

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BoxersnMinis


Congratulations!

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Hoping for a good pathology report for VooDoo.
May she heal quickly with no problems so that she can get that awful E-Collar off for good!

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 Beverly
Red Rocks Zam I Am (Zammi) CD, RE, CGC
Dusty Road's Walk'in on Air (Pilot) RN, CGC
U-CH/CH Naughty DeNevi at Red Rocks RN, CGC
 (Denee)
Forever in my heart"
Red Rocks RIMPAC Warrior (Tanner) CD, RE, CGC
Tanner, Zammi, Pilot & Denee
Red Rocks Boxers
lennap


All Grown Up

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Update: Got the stiches removed today - one moment of "excitement" as part of the incision appeared to open up and bleed, but a little skin glue did the trick (although I nearly passed out!).

Almost all the pathology reports are back, and so far everything indicates it was a slow growing (ie not very active cells) Grade II tumor with lots of healthy margin. So the prognosis is very good.

Will wait until all the reports are back and the meet with the Oncologist just to be sure he agrees with the Primary Care Vet that nothing else is necessary at this point.

Bottom line we are both feeling A LOT better now!

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Cinnamon Boxers


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Wonderful news!!

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PawPrint


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Wonderful :)

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BoxerSue


Congratulations!

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Excellent news!!!! I know it is a huge relief for you!

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lennap


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We still don't have all the tests results back, but I remain hopeful. Meanwhile poor Voodoo had to spend yesterday at the Vet as her incision didn't fully close. So they had to clean out the dry parts and restitch. She is such a trooper - they said the was super good about the whole thing and spent the day looking cute enough to get spoiled by all.

Thankfully this time when I picked her up her little motor (tail) was happy to see me, vs. last time when she was so traumatized by the elizabethan collar that she couldn't get happy about anything!

G-d bless these Bite Free collars!

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lennap


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CONFIRMATION!!!
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biggrin floating.gifparty.gif
The Oncologist just called - we have confirmation that this episode is over.  No follow up treatment required.  Just need to check her bumps as they arise.

Thank you for your time, your patience and your input throughout. 



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PawPrint


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RE: Another Mast Cell Tumor Thread
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Very good news. YAY !!!

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