Hey, Nancy... sorry to hear about Stelly's mast cell tumor.   

Whether or not it will come back in that location, mostly depends on whether or not they got clear margins (this is why they take so much flesh along with the tumor).  C and I (unfortunately) have quite a bit of experience dealing with this type of cancer.  Once the path report is back, you might want to discuss, with your vet, starting Stelly on a supplement regimen to boost her immune system, and overall health.  I fully believe that supplements and TLC bought Booker T much extra time after his diagnosis.  Now, I am not saying that Stelly is dying of cancer... she will likely be just fine, but some supplements couldn't hurt.  C and I would be happy to answer any questions you might have about what we used on Booker T.

Waiting to hear a great pathology report!!!!   

Hugs to Stelly, and make sure she is wearing stylish t-shirts during her recouperation!!

ZEKER589 wrote:

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Yes I would LOVE to know what supplements to use!!

She seems to be getting hives on a regular basis too....are hives the result of a problem with her immune system??

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The hives have nothing to do with immune system. That is an allergic reaction. Not uncommon with so many things. The problem Susan and I were faced with was systemic mast cell tumors including in the bones. Were it a single tumor removed, all would have been fine at least for then. But this diagnosis was about as bad as it could have been.

I learned about boosting the immune system when I was treating Crystal for her Degenerative Myelopathy. http://drschoen.com/articles_L1_10.html is a site that goes over the supplements you can give. Vitamin E, A and others definitely can help. As well, a daily antihistomine (sp?) to help keep mast cells at bay. Susan would probably be better to explain that. It was using those earlier lessons learned from Crystal's affliction and combined with suggested treatment by an Oncologist which definitely bought a huge amount of good days with my beloved boy. But again, do not worry. He had been hit with a problem that went beyond a single external tumor.

Boxers are tumor factories. At least, that is what an Internist told me several years ago. Another vet told me they are Bump Watch dogs. So you keep watch and investigate everything suspicious. That faster you can identify and remove suspicious items, the better :)

ZEKER589 wrote:

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Thank you Christina....it's a lot to ingest....I'm going to take it one step at a time...I'll post her results.....and then we can go from there, I reallllllllllly appreciate both your's and Susans input....

My little girl is laying in bed with me, knocked out with pain meds.....and yes, wearing her very fashionable T shirt...LOL...

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Thank doG she is wearing a fashionable t-shirt!!  LOL

OK, you mention that Stelly has been getting hives frequently.  There could be a connection between the hives and her Mast Cell tumor.  Mast Cells are the cells that produce histamine.  The release of this histamine causes hives, itching, etc. (allergic response).  Putting her on a daily regimen of Benadryl might not be a bad idea with the frequent hives.  It sounds like her immune response to allergens might be in overdrive.  Benadryl acts on the mast cells. It keeps them from flooding the system with the histamine they produce.  I would speak with your vet about it.  I know there are other breeds who commonly have mast cell disease (grey hounds are one) that we will put on a benadryl regimen, or prednisone if it is really bad.  Also, boosting a healthy immune system with supplements could be a good idea as well.  Vitamin C, B and other antioxidants boost the immune system, and help keep inflammation down.

Boxer Sue wrote:

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Any word on Stelly's pathology report yet Nancy?

I know I told you in a private post.....Just now getting around to post ....her mast cell tumor was a (is this the correct way to say it) "stage one" tumor??

Anyway, it was explained to me that it's NOT in her system.....but we should be on the look out for more...which we always have been, everybody gets the rub down at least once or twice a week, for any new lumps and bumps.

She gets her stitches out on Monday the 29th, and has had no problems, she's even back to her silly dancing, counter surfing self....

Again, thanks for all of your input!!!

Nancy

PawPrint wrote:

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They probably meant Grade I. The grades are I, II and III. So you are doing fabulous :)