Confused and Overwhelmed-Diagnosed Anal Sac Carcinoma (Woody has passed)

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Originally Posted by goldengirl88

It would seem you got a good one with Jo Morris looking at the tons of experience. You and Woody are in my prayers and please trust that things will turn out for the better. It does my heart good to know Woody is enjoying himself and playing. We are all pulling for you both. I said a prayer for your Woody in the hospital chapel today. I went down all the cush babies and included them. I did a special one for my Tipper. I pray God is listening, as there is a huge brass bell outside the chapel in the hallway and you ring it for prayers. Let me tell you they probably heard it all over the hospital when I was done. Blessings
Patti

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Thanks Patti that was so sweet of you to include woody in your prayers.

We,ve had another good day, although woody has been a bit more tired today so maybe we just over did it a bit yesterday. He still had a couple of walks but we didn't go far.

I,m so glad you are all behind me in this, as I live in a small village in the countryside and Woody is well know in the village as he always carries a toy in his mouth when we,re out walking but today I met a few other people and told them about Terry there response was when are you putting him to sleep, sadly these are supposed to be dog lovers as well. Once I explained what I was going to do they got all "oh I couldn't put my dog through all that he would have to go" my answer to this was I,m glad I own Woody then and not you. I have beat myself up enough over this decision and I feel it is the right way to go for the moment.

Trish - again you are a star and Flynn is so much like Woody, I had thought of some of those questions but you have worded it perfectly for me so I will be taking all of them with me.

I,m really glad I found this site.

And we are really glad that you found us too.
It is never good to go through these things and feel like you are doing it on your own. Never mind just having people to bounce ideas off of when you need to.

We're here for all of that and more. You do have a support system in place, no matter what happens or what decisions you make. Remember that when it sounds like things are getting tough. You are not alone!

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Nah...those people aren't dog lovers, they are lovers of being dog owners - a HUGE difference. If their dogs get sick, they will simply put them down and go buy another until that one gets sick or pees on the floor too much or barks too much or grows a funky coat or any other minor thing they don't like and don't want to deal with. :rolleyes::mad: You don't give these people a second thought - they are no where near your caliber of human and don't deserve a pup like Woody. ;) You're a great mom and everyone here knows that without question. So just keep on keeping on, knowing you have a whole host of folks standing with you every step of the way.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

Try to put those ignorant people out of your head. You know Woody best and what is right for him. You are doing a wonderful job managing this. I would do the same thing if I were in your position. Like Leslie said dogs don't really have any value to people like that. Animals are disposable items to some people, they just put them down and go get new ones. I truly believe in my heart this is the best solution for Woody. You have done your research, and asked opinions for questions so we know you mean business. I am always pleased to meet another person who values the life of their dog more than anything. More animals should be so lucky to get a parent like us. I just know Woody will come thru this with flying colors. Keep your chin up, and know your family on here is right along side of you. Blessings
Patti

Evening all popping in with our daily report, Woody has been good again today so much so that I went back to work, I have to earn pennies to pay for his treatment. I do have pet insurance but I don,t think I have enough left on it to pay for it all, but I,ll find that out next week.

I only took him one longish walk today and the rest he just pottered about the garden, he even had a shouting match at a baby rabbit that had found its way into my garden so I think it may be official there is a lot of fight left in this little guy ;) he is currently tucked up in bed under his blanket as its cold tonight well it is Scotland after all:)

Hope everyone is well and all pups are on form.

Tracy x

Tracy, I have never posted to you & Woody before, but have definitely been following Woody's story. I wanted to let you know that I have plenty of experience dealing with a diagnosis of cancer in a pup. My first cushpup, Barkley, developed lymphoma at the age of 13. After all of the testing, biopsies, consults, I chose to put him through chemotherapy when the oncologist told me that without treatment, B would be gone in 6-8 weeks. We had already wasted 2 weeks trying to pin down a diagnosis. You should have heard the grief I got from my family. All of usual, "it's just a dog" kind of comments. It was literally heartbreaking to hear this kind of thing. My family didn't understand that Barkley had been a life line for me when my dearest Mother was battling Alzheimer's. The funny thing is that my cousin goes to the same hairdresser that I do. My hairdresser tells me much later, that my cousin was in for an appointment & was just raving about me wasting all that money on that dog's chemo & related medical care. Our hairdresser told her to leave it alone, it's her decision, that she only lost her mother about 18 months ago, & she's not ready to lose that dog. GOD BLESS, my hairdresser!

Now, when it comes to your oncology consult, Trish has given you a great list of questions to ask. I need to tell you that any survival rates or statistics about the success of treatment are just the numbers they have seen in their practice. B's oncologist quoted me 6-8 months survival with the treatment that I had chosen for him. Let me tell you, Barkley blew those statistics to the moon & back. The chemo gave him 20 months with an excellent quality of life. If I had it to do over, again, I would. I will be watching for your updates, especially with the oncologist consult.

Best of luck to both you & Woody,
Debbie

Yay Woody !!! Tell that rabbit of and I've got one here you can come and do the same with.

Glad to hear Woody is good still.... you go Woody !!

Tracy:
I would love to see your country some day. I bet where you live in the village is beautiful. I am glad Woody continues to enjoy the outdoors. Just remember one thing that will help carry you through all this. Several vets told me Jack Russell's are the most resilient of all the breeds, so don't ever count Woody out. I told Tipper about Woody, and when we pray at nite we pray for him. Blessings
Patti

Afternoon

StarDeb55 - this is pretty much what I,ve been experiencing but my family know how much Woody means to me so they have been behind me which is good. Anyone else with that kind of opinion can go jump :)

Spdd - I,m surprised you didn't hear woody tell off this rabbit as he was pretty loud and how dare anyone or anything be in HIS garden :)

I have been to work today and left Woody in the capable care of my Niece who he adores. I only work part time so came home after 2.5 hours to find them both snuggled up on the sofa sound asleep, my niece told me he had been fine and to be honest he look really comfy lying on the sofa.

If this diagnosis has taught me anything it is to stop and smell the roses, Woody has always played, and enjoyed his walks but after time I stopped actually noticing it, life gets in the way sometimes and I don't think I really appreciated how much Woody meant to me, course I,ve always loved him, he,s my boy but this week I,ve really took time with him, playing, walking, shouting at rabbits its like I,m seeing it all again through new eyes, the housework and everything else can wait for now its Woody time :)

Tracy:
What a beautiful picture you painted with that story of Woody and your niece. It is sadly true that sometimes we forget to be grateful for things in this busy world we live in. I have also learned to appreciate and treasure every second with my Tipper. God Bless you and Woody.
Patti

Hi Tracy

What a lovely story, it really is so important to just "be" with them. Enjoying the simple things like walks and spending time together. So pleased you have had such a good week.

It is hard to leave them, but I think it is important to get out and think about something else for a while or else it can become to all consuming and I do not think that is healthy in some cases. I hated leaving Flynn with my parents but I had too, bills don't pay themselves do they!! :D Must have been reassuring to see him snuggled up with your niece, nice to have family members who can step up when you need them.

Put those idiot others on "ignore" you don't need that shite right now. I had the same sort of comments though, first I was right pi**ed off!! :eek::eek: Then I just felt pity for them and ignored them, probably not the most mature thing to do, but that was my strategy and it helped :D xx

Evening everyone well we,ve had another positive and well weekend. My niece has went home, she stayed the weekend, and Woody has had a ball. She has pondered to his every need walked him, played with him and cuddled him and even got up with him during the night for the toilet. I felt a bit redundant lol but it was good to see them together as like me she is a massive dog lover and woody does so love her.:D He sure did wrap her round his paw but she knew it and just let him.

I also received a Get Well card for Woody and a new ball from his old dog walker that I became good friends with, I think she cried more than I did when I told her his diagnosis, it was good to talk it all out with her as I know she understands how I feel. I,m still staying positive about all this as it seems to be getting me through it, I still do have my 10 mins of despair but I just have to look at his sweet face and its all gone.

I hope everyone had a good weekend and all pups are well :)

Tracy and Woody x

That's great Tracy. Sounds like a really good weekend. I'm so glad you have your niece and your friend who understand. Every bit of support helps along the way.

huggers,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Tracy:
So glad to hear that Woody had a great weekend with two people that love him so. You niece sounds delightful, and wonderful for Woody. I am glad you have a friend to talk to during this trying time. Tipper and I are praying for you and Woody. His avatar is so cute, I wish Tipper could meet him they would have a ball together. Tipper really has no use for other breeds, she really only gets along with her own kind! I guess she knows another crazy terrier when she sees one! Tipper goes for her Ultra Sound tomorrow, and I have prayed for her for days. Blessings
Patti

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Originally Posted by goldengirl88

Tracy:
So glad to hear that Woody had a great weekend with two people that love him so. You niece sounds delightful, and wonderful for Woody. I am glad you have a friend to talk to during this trying time. Tipper and I are praying for you and Woody. His avatar is so cute, I wish Tipper could meet him they would have a ball together. Tipper really has no use for other breeds, she really only gets along with her own kind! I guess she knows another crazy terrier when she sees one! Tipper goes for her Ultra Sound tomorrow, and I have prayed for her for days. Blessings
Patti

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Yeah Patti they are crazy terrier and they are both fighters of that I,m sure :D

Tomorrow is our oncologist appointment, Woody will be getting another US and a prostrate flush, but they have assured me he will be coming home with me ;) I have all my questions written down and I am as prepared as I,ll every be. Feel a bit sick and nervous but I,m sure once we get there it will be fine. So fingers crossed I should be back tomorrow night with a full update.

We will be right there beside you in spirit through the entire appointment. So when you feel that over whelmed feeling that any serious doctors appointment can cause, we'll be the angels on your shoulders passing on our strength to you. Once you hear back what they say tomorrow, you might have even more questions, so take notes of what they say, it will be easier to go back and review it than taking it all in at once.

Hugs!
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Tracy:
I think it is a sign both Jack Russells are awaiting their fate tomorrow. I am with you 100%. So I will think and pray for you and Woody while I am awaiting Tipper's fate. It will be ok for both of us I am sure God heard me begging for 2 miracles. God Bless you both and know I am with you tomorrow.
Patti

I'm thinking about you today and how the testing is going.

Good luck to Woody. You show em Woody just how tough you are.

I,m back from oncologist and Woody is home too :D I am still pretty confused and overwhelmed I will give you the brief outline.

I saw Emma the IMS that first saw us the other week, we went over the test results from last time and how they were unremarkable except the adrenal gland (enlarged) and the lymph node (enlarged). I asked her how she had came to the diagnosis that Woody had Anal Sac Carcinoma, she said due to the position of the lymph node which is in the groin area then this is what it was likely to be. I explained that I had been fretting all week as I heard her say Anal Sac Carcinoma to me on the telephone and she said she said it was likely to be but I didn't hear her say that, but suppose I was upset and probably wasn,t listening. I then asked did Woody have Cancer and she replied defiantely yes, but we don,t know where the primary tumour is hence the reason for the tests today. I was really confused, so she asked Joe to step into the consult to explain more.

She was very nice and friendly towards Woody and explained in laymans terms that Woody was a puzzle, as the left medial iliac lymph node defo had Cancer in it, but on the scan they couldn't see the primary tumour and therefore wanted to do another scan and a prostrate flush. I agreed to this but told them I wanted him home tonight.

Woody was away for 4 hours before I was called to collect him. The results on this scan this time showed that the lymph node hadn,t got any bigger (yay) but it had cavited and the fluid flow was different so they took another biopsy of it and also more fluid to try and see what is going on. They also did a prostrate flush, which sounded awful when described to me as there was signs of inflammation but Joe was sure there was no sign of cancer on it but results will tell us more. Joe thought that Woody may have lymphoma but wasn't convinced as usually there is more than one node affected. They also took an aspiration of a lump under Woody,s armpit that was diagnosed as a fatty lump 2 years ago just to check and it was indeed just a fatty lump. So now I have to wait until tomorrow to get the cytology reports.

Now here is the good bit I think Joe the oncologist has said that maybe Woody just has that one lymph node that is cancerous and if removed Woody should do very well and may not even need any other treatment she even used the word "cured" in the sentence. Now I,m not getting too excited until I find out all the results but whatever happens it looks like the lymph node will be removed through surgery as early as the end of the week.

I asked lots of questions and got all the answers I needed and I even wrote them all down, so thanks to the power of all you angels I was able to keep a level head and get through it all.

So gloves and still on and we,re still gonna kick Terry,s butt :D

Well it's great to get some good news. By tomorrow you will have all your answers. I knew Woody was a tough little guy.

You kick it Woody !!

Tracy:
I am ecstatic with the news on Woody. That is fantastic news and I am so happy for you both. I prayed for Woody today while Tipper was having her ultra sound. I bet your heart is a lot lighter now! Woody is getting a miracle thank God. I know what you have been feeling and thinking the last few days. It had to be hard waiting for this appointment. I am so glad you went and I pray they can just get rid of the lymph node and that will be all that was affected by the cancer. This has made my day much brighter.I know you said that Woody did not have Cushings and that is a blessing, but please still keep in contact so we know how Woody is doing. God Bless you both and all of the hospital staff looking after him today.
Patti

Woody way to go. You really kicked terry's butt!!!!!!

Thanks Patti we haven,t kicked Terry,s butt just yet but we are kicking it of that I,m sure. They sure did make these terriers to last didn,t they. I have to admit to skipping out the hospital door and not like last time with a heavy heart.

Woody hasn,t been too good since we came home, he has been sick won,t eat and has really bad diar think he may have had a reaction to the anethestic and he keeps thinking he needs to pee when he actually doesn't but I was warned this could happen after the prostrate flush so looks like I,m in for a long night with him but I,m sure we,ll get through it :)

awwww....sorry he's not feeling so perky right now but having one's prostrate "flushed" sounds like a good reason to feel that way! I hope he's much better tomorrow!

I like the sound of your report so far very much and pray the remainder of the news is just as encouraging!
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

Gee, I don't even have a prostrate and I still think it sounds just awful. I think Woody is perfectly normal to be off after this day. :) Bet he'll be back to himself in a couple days though. I am sorry and it really isn't an off color joke, but can't keep a good Woody down.

Hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Lol, Sharlene! Tsk, tsk!

Sorry Woody is feeling sick and violated from his procedures, but it definitely sounds like there is cause for hope, and I'm hoping you heart is a bit lighter, Tracy!

Woody, those uncomfortable tests will be worth it sweetie.
It sounds like things aren't nearly as bad as you feared.
Yippee!

That is such good news Tracy!! Awesome to read this tonight when I logged on. Sending good vibes for the cytology report tomorrow, hopefully then they might know what type it is and get in there at the end of the week and get it sorted! Yay WOODY!!! xx

Tracy:
With all the messing around down there in your boys business no wonder he was not himself last nite. I am sure he will bounce back today and have a good day. Tipper and I are praying for a good report to come back on him. I bet you slept a little better last nite knowing things weren't as dire as first thought. I did not ask God for anything last nite, but just thanked him a million times for Woody's and Tipper's results. I will continue to ask for miracles for them both tonite. God Bless you both.
Patti

Well the cytology results are in and I,m back to square one. Woody does have Anal Sac Carcinoma, its microscopic which is why no one could see it on the US or feel it on his rectal exam. It has also spread to another lymph node so now in two lymph nodes, the prostrate is clear for the moment. I,m devasted again and I really can,t do this bloody rollercoaster of emotions again I,m done.

There are still options available but the cost of them are out of my reach I don,t know what to do :confused:

On the plus side Woody is almost back to his cheeky wee self today although has been tired ;)

Well I'm sorry to hear this, but what are the options? If it's only in two lymph nodes can both the anal sac and nodes be removed? Would chemo or radiation be an option? Are there not chemo pills a dog can take?

I have no clue at all how any of this affects the dog. I did see a woman who herself was having radiation and her dog was having both radiation and chemo at the vets office but I didn't ask her what for. The dog was a little terror in the waiting room and you'd never know it was sick.

I hope there are some reasonable options for you. Please take care, I certainly empathize with you when you say "I'm done."

oh no, I'm very sorry to hear that two lymph nodes are affected.
Yes, we all understand that cost can be prohibitive. So, what did they tell you might be options? If you do nothing, what kind of prognosis is there? Just to live out his life?
Big Hugs Tracy, definitely have you and Woody held close to our hearts.
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Aw, crap, Tracy. :( I was really hoping for a better report. But don't get discouraged just yet. Check out all your options, including ways to cover the costs of surgery and treatment IF the vets agree Woody is a viable candidate with a good prognosis after surgery. Gather as much info as you can about Woody's case and make your decisions based on that info. If it just isn't feasible for whatever reason for him to have this surgery, then accept the situation as best you can and try to enjoy each and every moment with him for as long as you can.

What you cannot do, is feel guilty regardless of the decisions you make. We all can only do as much as we can do; we are all limited in some way and must work within those limitations whether financial or due to the state of our baby's health or age. You have already gone far and above what many, many people would in your shoes. ;) Woody knows he is loved and that is all he knows. He does not know he is so ill nor what his future may hold - only that his mom loves him and that is all he needs to make his world complete.

We will be by your side every step of the way, honey. You are still not alone.
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

Tracy:
Just got home from Tipper's ACTH and read this. I feel like a punch to the gut. I am so terribly sorry. Again as Leslie said what is the prognosis? Is there anyone that would help financially? Would your hospital consider payments, and is that an option? I am feeling so bad for you, I know the place where you are at. Please don't put blame on yourself. Maybe we can think of some solution together??? We are all here in this with you. Blessings
Patti

Tracy,
can they remove the lymph nodes? Or, since it's microscopic, maybe a few doses of chemo will do the trick?

Please look at Care Credit as an option. Many vets also formulate payment plans.

Thank you everyone for your kind words, I,m just emotionally exhausted tonight I can,t even cry I want to but I,m too numb.

Woody is back to normal tonight still has a touch of diar but is playing with a toy pig at the moment, he does make me laugh :rolleyes:

Emma my IMS was lovely on the phone earlier, she was very sympathetic she couldn't say sorry enough but its not her fault. She gave me 4 options for Woody

1. The Gold Scheme (preferred option) which is surgery to remove anal sacs and the affected lymph nodes then chemo or radio which ever suits him best prognosis 1.5 to 3 years.
2. The Silver Scheme - surgery to remove anal sacs and affected lymph nodes - no chemo or radio prognosis maybe a 1 to 1.5 years
3. The Bronze Scheme - Chemo only prognosis 6months to 1 year
4. Or do nothing and let him live his life as it is prognosis a few months at most.

The cost of the surgery alone for the gold/silver scheme would be £2,400 then the chemo ontop of that which I,ve no idea what it would cost and how much he would need. I can afford the surgery as I have £2,500 left on my insurance which I contacted them today and they will pay out on the surgery but there is nothing left for the chemo and I,ve already spent all my savings trying to get him diagnosed. Now I,m trying to be sensible and calm about all this as I know time is of the essence where Terry is concerned and as this is an aggressive type then I need to make a decision quite quickly. I want to do whats best for Woody and not be selfish and do it for me. I don,t know if I can put him through surgery knowing that if he had the chemo he would have a good prognosis. But putting him through the surgery alone knowing that there was a possibility that there were still some Terry cells floating around his system and that the surgery could maybe only give him a few months more if the cells were to latch on and become Terry,s.

I know I,m the only one that can make this decision but I wish someone else would do it for me, this is killing me inside :(

Is there a way to get an estimate for the cost of chemo? I am thinking that knowing that cost might help clarify your treatment options. Some chemo agents are very expensive; others, not so much. In fact, prednisone is sometimes used to treat some forms of canine cancer and it is a very inexpensive medication...

Marianne

There are veterinary schools at the Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh. They might have clinical trials that Woody would qualify for that would reduce or even eliminate some of the costs.

Just doing a quick search, I found this website that has some ideas that might help: FightCanineCancer.com. I'll keep looking to see what I can find, but I think your first step might be to contact your vet and see if they can find out about any clinical trials or programs at the veterinary schools.

Tracy;
We have program in the US for pets that need life saving treatments and the owners cannot afford it. Can you research anything on your computer about this where you are? Do you have a Jack Russell Club there? They may be your best bet as they want to maintain the breed, and could possibly help financially. It may not be that much for the chemo. Can you call back and get a chemo estimate? Could you make payments on the chemo? The clinical trials are also an option. You got this far so I am just trying to think of anything that may help. What about the makes of the Chemo drugs, could you possibly contact them and work something out that way? Please don't give up, I am afraid you may regret it. With the surgery being paid by the insurance that is a big blessing. All I am saying is research all your options well so you know you did all you could. Whatever you decide we are with you on it 100%. We are all still here to help you, lean on us we will hold you up. God Bless You and Woody.
Patti

Another option - I see folks on Facebook raising funds for their pups for all sorts of reasons and reaching their goals. There used to be a place to do this called ChipIn but that site is now defunct. There is another site that works the same way but I can't remember the name of it! :rolleyes: If you have a PayPal account, you could set up a FB page for fund raising for Woody, telling his story and what the expected costs are then use the PayPal account as the place to make donations for his care. This gives you the potential to reach a world-wide base. While some folks may not be able to give much at all, every penny counts. Even when they can't contribute, they can share so another person who can help will see your page and Woody's story. ;)