Mira, 7yr old Husky - Cushings ruled out; liver cancer (Mira has passed)

Janis,

I'm so very sorry for what you're going through, and know that you and Bud are doing everything possible for Mira. You're all in my thoughts and prayers.

Jane, Franklin and Bailey xxx

I am so glad you have options - be strong for your girl. I have learned on this site that chemo does not have all of the side effects on dogs as it does on humans so that is a blessing.

Hugs to you,

Thanks for the update. Please know we are cheering you on. Your goal now is quite simple - enjoy every single day with your dear one. And that is a lesson to all of us right? Continued hugs and prayers, Kim

Hi Janis,

Girl, I am so proud of you! :):) One step at a time, one day at a time and you are stepping out! :cool::):cool:

I don't know what "round" could mean in reference to a mass, but we can sure try to find out. If you will notice under our logo at the top of the page, the second word in white at the bottom is "Educate". That applies to all of us; we learn from each other then share what we learn.

I encourage you to join one or more of the canine cancer forums. You will be able to talk to people who are facing the same thing you and Mira are and who can share their unique experiences with you. Again, that does not mean you can leave us!!!! ;) You and Mira are family now and we want ya'll here with us.

Keep your chin up! You are doing a great job, Mom.

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

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Originally Posted by Casey's Mom

I am so glad you have options - be strong for your girl. I have learned on this site that chemo does not have all of the side effects on dogs as it does on humans so that is a blessing.

Hugs to you,

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Yes that is what they told me. I will try to met with the person who the ACC doctor asked me to see. On Thursday. They have already discussed it.

Last night I called ACC and asked for all of their records on Mira. They sent me ten pages. They did everything you can imagine. All written in greek of course. I think I read the cancer type but I'll have to look again. Maybe the lung mass came first. It was refered to as the primary I think.

We had a good night. No coughing, almost no whining and only a tiny tiny bit oh Tramadol over twelve hours. I even got a wag a couple times wow.

Here's one for you... Mira's affected lung is on her LEFT side. She has an mild ear infection on the LEFT side. She has an unexplainable bad limp in her LEFT front leg. They can find no reason for the limp. I'm really concerned about this limp. You know how a dog gets when he can't walk anymore. Can't make his legs work right. They set it down wrong (knuckle over) then look all confused. God i dont want to remember that. Anyway... It seems like that. I sure hope I'm wrong.

I appreciate everyone of you here truly. You are all valuable and caring in your own way.

Janis

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Originally Posted by Squirt's Mom

I encourage you to join one or more of the canine cancer forums. You will be able to talk to people who are facing the same thing you and Mira are and who can share their unique experiences with you. Again, that does not mean you can leave us!!!! ;) You and Mira are family now and we want ya'll here with us.

Keep your chin up! You are doing a great job, Mom.

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Janis, I just want to "second" what Leslie has already said (with additional emphasis on the part about YOU NOT LEAVING US)!!!

Also, I think I can shed a little light as to what the vets mean when they use the word "round" -- I believe they are indicating that Mira's cancer falls within the category of being a "round cell" type of tumor. Mast cell tumors are among the most common type of round cell tumors. I believe that round cell cancer occurs most frequently as tumors on or just below the skin. But some round cell tumors can also invade internal organs, as appears to be the case for Mira. Here's link to a brief description of the different types of round cell tumors:

http://www.vetinfo.com/the-5-types-o...s-in-dogs.html

Marianne

Hi Janis,

I'm so glad to hear that you and Mira had a much better night. :) I really haven't a clue as to why Mira is limping but I do know that just like all of the other body parts and organs, cancer can affect the radial nerve, which pretty much operates the foreleg. When this happens a dog will knuckle over because the leg goes numb and they can't feel it. Hopefully, the specialist you will be seeing on Thursday will be able to shed some light on the subject.

Glynda

"Hepatic and thoracic masses likely related and likely neoplastic, pending stat cytology...."

That's what it says under Assessment on one sheet. She told me all about it in detail over the phone but all I could remember was round. That's why I went after the records. She did say that the two sample matched. She hoped the lung was a fatty harmless type. If it started there it could be something she breathed in. My husband thinks it was his failt. He sprays foot spray every morning. For years and years. I don't want to blame him but it is possible and Mira sure hated it. I didn't say anything. Bud comes in this morning and says "no more spraying". Poor Bud, I keep thinking of things I did too.

Damn why is Mira crying now? A lot..

Oh ok. She wanted Kira's spot! Kira had the spot next to me. This happens a lot. Mira will whine and whine until Kira gives up something. I'll look at Kira and say can she have it for awhile Mira is driving me crazy. And Kira does it. If it's a bone I'll take it and give it back to Kira after a while. My dogs learned to share they do it on there own a lot. Yup that was it. It's all quiet again.

Huskies whine a lot. How do you know when it's pain? I'm glad I figured this one out. I don't want Mira to be in pain.

Ok... I'm 54 and live in Orange California. How about you all? I will stay Marianne..

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Originally Posted by lulusmom

Hi Janis,

I'm so glad to hear that you and Mira had a much better night. :) I really haven't a clue as to why Mira is limping but I do know that just like all of the other body parts and organs, cancer can affect the radial nerve, which pretty much operates the foreleg. When this happens a dog will knuckle over because the leg goes numb and they can't feel it. Hopefully, the specialist you will be seeing on Thursday will be able to shed some light on the subject.

Glynda

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Oh that would be good (I think). Bone cancer, would that be visable in an xray? God I don't want to know? I think my brother mentioned bone cancer. Please no more....

Ummm Mira's poop is soft. Its the Tramadol right? It started getting soft then and continues to get softer. Not much form left now. It says I am to report diarrhea. Her belly makes noise right after she eats too.

Janis

Janis, I'm the one whose dog took tramadol and had the runs all night long while I slept. :o Yes, normal. I didn't know the side effects so that's why I warned you. Didn't want you worrying. If you have any canned pumpkin (plain, no spices) give her about a tablespoon. It plugs them up and works fast. It will harden the poops for you. Plus it is good for them. Just don't give more than one T as it can do the reverse. I learned that trick here and it does work.

It is normal to try to blame yourselves.. don't. Focus on what you have left. I don't know about your family but mine is WORTHLESS at giving me advice on my dog. They aren't dog people like me and they try sometimes but usually do more harm than good... just my experience. You have enough going on and I say leave it to the experts and not the arm chair quarterbacks. ;)

Keep the faith. You got the dx out of the way. Now its onto the treatment phase. You are holding up fine. Feel free to rant to us... we can take it. More hugs, Kim

Someone changed the thread title. That was good!

Kim - thank you for the pumpkin idea. I think I have some canned pumpkin. I always check out new meds for the dogs. I like to know how common they are, if they are the one most used currently and the side effects. But it is comforting to know if others have had the same problems huh? They terrify us with all these things that can happen huh?

I'm so sorry that your family doesn't sympathize with things concerning your dogs. I'm so lucky. My family was all in tears on the 5th too. It's hard to imagine that lossing a child could be any worse. I supose it is but how could anyone keep their sanity? You know? My mom lost her first child at age 1 1/2. Us kids never knew him of course. He choked to death on the changing table strap. They didntknow the danger of it back then. Mom said she felt like her skin was pealing off! It's the ultimate helplessness. Some people just get that close to dogs too. Some poeple can truly see the real value in dogs and we love them so much for it. Personaly if I hear a baby cry it doesn't bother me at all. Butif I hear a dog it tears me apart.

Mira is laying in the kitchen staring at nothing. I don't think she has slept in days. What is she thinking? I'm going to go cook her some hamberger. She has been eating well. We'll go for a short slow walk too.

I find nothing! Anywhere! That there is any hope at all for Mira. I find where it says lung cancer can cause lameness. Everywhere it says chemo makes them ill. Oh but you can do this and this and this and this...................... That can help. Mira is an extremely sensitive dog. I can just see the first treatment sending her into a fit of pain. And my screamer's blood murder scream for real. Two hours later she has a heart attack and dies. Maybe I shouldnt have gone in search of this illness this time. There is nothing remotely good to be found. God I shouldn't have looked. My beautiful girl.
Why didn't they mention lung cancer and lameness? Her leg is not getting better. At her food bowl tonight she started to tip over. I need to buck up and go see a specialist and not wait until Thursday. See what they say. Don't asume your dog is ok. Get chest X-rays, complete blood tests and ultrasounds done often. I havent had to work in years, I rarely leave the house, my dogs are with me almost 24/7 following me everywhere, always in the house near me and I didn't have a clue.

Dear Janis,

I know that every situation is different and that there are no promises or guarantees regarding treatment. But here's a bit of a different perspective to perhaps balance the bad news that you have been reading. This is a quote from one of our Moderators, Debbie, when she offered support last spring to a member who was considering chemo treatment for her golden retriever diagnosed with lymphoma. As you will see, Debbie's own dog who was also treated for lymphoma benefited from many months of remission following chemo:

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When I quote you average remission times, please remember that an oncologist is going to give you %'s based on the treatment histories they have seen in their practice experience, some dogs do better, some do not do as well. When B was treated with the dox, the average remission time I was given was 6-8 months. B was one of his oncologist's huge success stories as his remission lasted 16 months with an excellent quality of life. I had serious doubts about treating as I'm a medical lab technologist who works in hematology, & I know what chemo does to people. I was repeatedly assured by B's oncologist that dogs do not respond like humans, chemo actually improves their quality of life. I'm looking at her like, "yeah, right! Do you forget what I do for a living?" She was right. I had a very sick boy who was literally dying day by day in front of me. About 10 days after his first round of chemo, I got home one afternoon from work, B came out immediately to meet me. I was ecstatic. I knew I had my boy back. It was literally like his fairy godmother waved her magic wand & said "You will feel better!"

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The member to whom Debbie was writing did end up opting for chemo treatment, too, and her dog has also tolerated the chemo without problems and is still doing well six months after starting treatment (and recently celebrated his 12th birthday in style!). Once again, I realize that Mira's cancer is of a different type, and therefore an oncologist's recommendations may also differ re: possible chemo treatment and likely outcome. But I do strongly encourage you to hold onto hope until you have had the chance to talk to the specialist. It may be impossible to gain as much extra time with Mira as you would wish and pray for. But it may still be possible to give yourselves at least a number of quality days to savor and fill with love.

Marianne

Angels I tell you. Marianne you never fail to make me feel better as I ride Hells Rollercoster. I'm not going to read any more about it. At least i hope i dont. (hmm someone is peering at me from under the coffee table, i love you Mira) The doctor said we were somewhere in between but it looks to me we are at the very bottom. With this lameness (which is said to be related to lung cancer) I think there is more then we know about. I pray it's not headed to her brain. We didnt look there. I tried to brush her tonight but she didn't want me to.

CARDIAC: large L lateral thoracic mass effect (suspect pulmonary) 6.2cm x 8.8cm identical appearance to hepatic masses.
(mass overlying cardiac silhouette on lateral views. Remainder pulmonary parenchyma WNL)

LIVER: two large confluent hepatic masses (mixed echogenicity no cavitations but swirled appearance with hyperechoic foci (not obviously mineralized) within L liver 12.3 x 8.1cm (together) third mass (appearance identical) within caudate lobe 3.2cm diameter not obstructing GB/billiary tract. Remainder hepatic parenchyma WNL.

Is that first one lung cancer or something else? Why would it be listed under cardiac?

No chemo...

My brother read the records he says it's too late. His daughter has been a receptionist for a vet for years and years says don't do it, do that other natural thing. His wife tells of two horrible experiences with her pets and horrible deaths. Everything I read says it won't work. I don't think the chemo poeple will tell me the truth. They want to do their tests. I don't blame them for that.

Me and Mira went for a long walk. Two miles maybe. She loved it and did well, even pulling some. She was not happy that I took Kira after that briefly. She was telling me off I think. I will take her again in a while. And again and again until she doesn't want to anymore. Until there is no more happiness in life.

Dear Janis,

We will totally respect any decision that you make. Because we know how dearly you love Mira, and that you are wanting the best for her. The only comment that I know to add, however, is that sometimes "chemo" can be something as simple as giving a dog prednisone tablets or steroid injections. I know your top priority is keeping her as comfortable as possible, and that you will be the best judge as to the quality of her life. But if the visit to the specialist is not too burdensome for you financially, you may still want to at least hear what they have to say. You don't have to pursue any treatment that you are not comfortable with. But they may have some prescription medication suggestions that you would want to consider, even if it is only for the short run.

Marianne

Oh GOD Mira just walked by looking like her back leg was glued to her hip!!! It held her up but didnt move at all Then she drank a half a bowl of water. *I'm so scared. It's a little better now. But it was fightening to see her do that. My god she was fine two weeks ago. *She hurt herself on our walk last night? I gave her some Tramadol.

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Originally Posted by labblab

Dear Janis,

We will totally respect any decision that you make. Because we know how dearly you love Mira, and that you are wanting the best for her. The only comment that I know to add, however, is that sometimes "chemo" can be something as simple as giving a dog prednisone tablets or steroid injections. I know your top priority is keeping her as comfortable as possible, and that you will be the best judge as to the quality of her life. But if the visit to the specialist is not too burdensome for you financially, you may still want to at least hear what they have to say. You don't have to pursue any treatment that you are not comfortable with. But they may have some prescription medication suggestions that you would want to consider, even if it is only for the short run.

Marianne

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Money is not a problem. I'm so confussed and scared.

Now my KIRA is coughing and I'm lossing it..

Hi Janis,

If you're appointment on Thursday is with the Veterinary Cancer Group in Tustin, they are not going to lie to you. They will tell you exactly what you are facing, whether there is a possibility of remission with chemo and how long they think Mira has with and without treatment. As Marianne mentioned, there is probably more than one treatment option, which VCG will discuss with you. They are a great facility and treat cancer patients from all over So Cal.

It breaks my heart that you are so confused and scared and I'm hoping that the docs at VCG can makes things a lot more clear for you. Perhaps you might want to consider calling VCG to see if they may have an earlier appointment.

Glynda

I will be praying for your beautiful baby.
sonja and Apollo

I don't think she is going to make it. I wish it wasnt so late, I wish I had someone to talk to.

Still reading and sending support and strength your way. Is there anyway as Glynda suggested to move your appt up? Huge bear hugs, Kim

The watching and the waiting can drive you crazy and break your heart. Hopefully today will hold some better moments when Mira seems to be more comfortable and you two can have some quality time together. I'll be thinking of you both.

Marianne

Sending lots of love and strength your way. I hope you have a better day today.

Love and hugs,

She is limping horribly. I called ACC they said it was ok to increase Tramadol. I told them that she was not sleeping, appetite has gone way down and legs not so good walking. They said then you better bring her in and move on to the next step. I was afraid to ask what the next step is.*

I increased the Tramadol. I had to force it down her throat. It did not help her leg at all. But she was barking in her sleep awhile ago. She looks peaceful now.*

I'm just putting off the inevitable. I talked to her for awhile. Asked her if it was time to go. She didn't say. She finally turned away from me.*

I went for a long walk by myself. I found nothing.*

When i got back, I tricked her into looking out the window at me. Our Mira who liked to look at the window.*

And once again I'll fail her as she dies because I won't be able to be with her. I'm not sure I'll be able look at her when she is gone. *

As Mira limped her way over to me just now... Kira looked at Mira with worry in her eyes. And she whined a couple times. That's the first time I have seen Kira do that... Kira was never the same after Kodi died.*

I really don't know what to do. I've changed my mind three times in the last twelve hours. Probably more. I guess I should go to ACC but I'm scared she will never come home again. God she's only seven! I asked my husband to stay home today. Chemo really seems unlikely now. How can I put her thru more? Well at least she's no crying. My brother says as long as she eats and doesn't vomit and isnt restless then she is doing good. God help me...

Thank you for being here you guys.

Janis, I know it is probably impossible for you to believe this right now. But you are not failing Mira. You are with her every minute, and you are witnessing her pain, and you are judging how much it is fair to ask of her and how much it is fair to want for her. These are things that tear apart your own heart as you try to decide what is best. So you are not failing her, no matter how it feels to you. When the time comes to release her from the tumors, you will not fail her if you cannot bear to be physically present. She will feel your love from the ends of the universe.

I wish I could somehow share your burden. But you are the one person who is best able to judge what is best for Mira. Whatever you decide is right, because your decision comes from your love for her. Whatever happens, we are here for you.

Marianne

I do have one more thought, though. Could you call ACC and ask them what they would do for Mira if you bring her in -- what the "next step" is? That way, it might feel easier to make a choice about it.

Marianne

God Mairanne. I have spent my whole life avoiding to asking for stuff like that. An old vet used to say "well fido has given us 13 good years" and I knew what he ment. This sounds like the same thing. But Mira's only been here seven. Had I known a year ago I probably could have easily saved her. I will think on it Marianne. If they say put her to sleep today I will flip out!! Just how humane am I capably of being? She rests peaceful but not sleeping. Hang on for another day? Another bright moment that only feels bright for a moment. Does she want to go? Of course she doesn't she's only seven! Damn it!!

Ok Marianne I called. They don't know what the girl meant other than a doctor she see her. She said they would not tell me it was to put her to sleep. But still it could easily end up that way. Mira my sweetheart who always follows me (sob) limped into the room and sniffed at the front door. She wants to go out. She wants to go for another walk!!!

Janis -

You need to remain positive no matter what. Mira is hanging in there and you are doing what you need to do for both of you now. Although this is scary, I was always an odds player. If the vet told me there was a 50-50 chance, I usually took those odds and ran with them. Mira is counting on you to make good decisions and be a good advocate for her. Changing your mind is not necessarily a bad thing, it just means that you have changed your mind, that's all. No more and no less. Your being here and venting with us is a good thing too. We feel your pain and helplessness and want to help you make a good decisions.

Sending white light and good vibes,

Gretchen and Rusty in NC

I should go to ACC huh? And find out. I don't have to put her to sleep even if they suggest it? I have to get my husband to go too. I can't do this one alone. He may not agree she needs to. I'm going to get dressed and try to wake him up. This is hard I don't want to go.

I think I'm going to hyperventilate. This can't be happening.

Janis -

You don't have to do anything that you are not comfortable with - ever.

Gretchen and Rusty in NC

Dear Janis,

If you can, go to ACC and just talk to them. Take Bud with you and ya'll just see what the specialists think. Then you have a bit more info which may provide the answers you need. Have you talked with anyone from the cancer forums? Did anyone have any experience similar to Mira's story to share?

Oh, I wish there were words to help you understand that you are not failing your baby girl in any way. To emotionally fail Mira you would have to walk away from her and erase her from your heart, never looking back. You are right by her side instead, holding her, hugging her, kissing her, and doing all you can to keep her comfortable and happy as she can be.

I can only imagine the helplessness you are feeling. It is this feeling of helplessness that fuels guilt; we always feel there HAS to be something we can do, there HAS to be something we are missing, there HAS to be something somewhere but we are simply unable to find it...we aren't smart enough, strong enough. So we feel as if we are failing and the guilt begins to eat us alive. Which makes us feel even more helpless, and hopeless. A terrible, horrifying cycle which we cannot stop and we become lost in the vortex.

But, you know what? Not all humans are capable of feeling these emotions, of finding themselves in this vicious cycle, because they can't comprehend the depth of love required in order for our souls to reach such a state of despair. To shed a single tear for a "dumb animal" is beyond their comprehension! How small and empty and cold their souls must be.

You and I and everyone here have been blessed; we were giving souls capable of holding love beyond measure. Each and everyone of us knows when we first fall in love with our furbabies that one day we will face the pain of losing them, of waking up one morning to find their physical place beside us forever empty. Yet we take them into our homes and hearts willingly, gladly, with joy, and we love them completely every single day we are given to share with them.

You love Mira and, Janis, love never fails.

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

Janis, you probably need to see an oncologist but if you can't get in to see one at VCG today, I would suggest that you take her back to ACC. Please keep us posted.

Glynda

Janis, I agree with Gretchen, Leslie and Glynda. You will still be in charge of any decisions, regardless. The info that the specialist can give you may help you make up your mind. But you and Bud are still the ones in charge. And nothing needs to happen today other than the vet just taking another look at Mira.

Marianne

We here now will let you know