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

[Squirt's Mom]

Oh,Tracy, I am so sorry to hear this and I know your heart is just crushed, honey. What is the vet suggesting for him? I have a friend who's baby was diagnosed with liver cancer almost 9 months ago and she has done very well until this week when she stopped eating. I'm not sure what all they are doing for Jessie but I do know she is on SAMe and Milk Thistle plus other things. I realize things are different in different countries but I hope the vet has some plan of action to help our sweet Woody have as many good days as possible for as long as possible.

We are here for you anytime, sweetie. I can hardly bear to think of how scared you are, about the grief I know has settled in your Soul. You and Woody are not alone on this Journey, either. We are right by your side all the way.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[Woodydog]

Ok here goes, I've been trying to write this for an hour but can't stop shaking.

Woody has anal sac carcinoma which looks like it has spread to the prostrate. Lots of things were talked about most of which I can't remember there is various things they can do for him which could provided he pulls thru surgery have an extra 6 or so months I'm trying to stay calm but I'm crushed so I'm taking the weekend to think things over before making any decisions. I have an appointment with an ongologist for 15th oft should I want it, he wants to do more tests on Woody like taking a scrapping of his prostrate and something else that I can't remember to see how advanced the cancer is. I love this wee guy and he doesn't deserve this.

I took him to vet and he got a injection for his temp and some metronidazole vet just thinks it's stress he came home had a drink of lecade and is now throwing a plastic bottle around the room like a normal dog not a dog with cancer this is so bloody hard looking at him so happy and up until today I thought healthish x

[goldengirl88]

I wept reading your post. How cruel and unfair this is, but there are always miracles. Nothing is etched in stone as far as survival time. If Woody has always been healthy he may defy the odds. I am so sorry for you as I know how you love him. I know what you mean by it being hard to look at them. Today is Tipper's Birthday and I have cried all day non stop. I wish I had the magic wand to turn back time for you and dear Woody. Please don't feel alone, as we are all in the same boat. All we have is today, I know that stinks, but it will have to do until someone figures out a way to change it. Having a Jack Russell is like not like having any other kind of dog, I know this from my JRT. They are so endearing, intelligent, and tenacious they are in a class by themselves. Some children aren't as smart as my Tipper. I know it is like a punch to the gut hearing Woody's results. I never expected anything like this. Tell me has Woody been neutered? I cannot remember his exact age could you tell me? He seems fit enough with no other problems except pancreatitis right? Please don't give up yet, let everyone here help and think this out together. By chance maybe someone else has dealt with this and can offer help. We will help you, we are all with you on this. I know I am wasting my time saying don't worry, so I will just say pray to God and ask for mercy for Woody, and I will do the same. Miracles do happen. God Bless you and Woody
Patti

[Budsters Mom]

I am so sorry to hear this news. You are wise to take a little time to process the news and think it over before proceeding. You are still in shock, so please be gentle with yourself. Thank you so much for letting us know. We are here for you and Woody and will be as long as you need or want us. Hey, we'd probably stick around even if you didn't want us. Big loving hugs,

[Harley PoMMom]

Oh Tracy,

I am so sorry to hear this news and am keeping you and Woody in my thoughts and prayers.

Sending huge loving hugs, Lori

[Trish]

Hi Tracy

I wanted to say I have some thoughts on this but have to dash out, but I think I remember your in Scotland so probably in bed by now so I will get a post to you before you wake up. Try get some rest and we will all work on this together for you and Woody xx

[molly muffin]

Darn it, I'm so sorry to hear that the verdict really was cancer.

Okay, so Trish might have some thoughts that would be helpful. Taking time to think things over, when you aren't feeling as pressured and overwhelmed is probably a very good idea.

What was the prognosis if you opted not to do surgery?

hugs,
Sharlene

[FemaleK9]

So sorry to hear the grim diagnosis. You and Woody have my heartfelt sympathy. You are facing some tough choices as you try do do what's best for Woody. I hope you will be able to enjoy what time you will have together, short or long, and we will be with you all the way. Hugs,

[goldengirl88]

I read up on this as much as I could today. There is still hope, I will post tomorrow some of what I found. Please hang on to that thread of hope, I will pray for you both tonite. Blessings
Patti

[Woodydog]

I wept reading your post. How cruel and unfair this is, but there are always miracles. Nothing is etched in stone as far as survival time. If Woody has always been healthy he may defy the odds. I am so sorry for you as I know how you love him. I know what you mean by it being hard to look at them. Today is Tipper's Birthday and I have cried all day non stop. I wish I had the magic wand to turn back time for you and dear Woody. Please don't feel alone, as we are all in the same boat. All we have is today, I know that stinks, but it will have to do until someone figures out a way to change it. Having a Jack Russell is like not like having any other kind of dog, I know this from my JRT. They are so endearing, intelligent, and tenacious they are in a class by themselves. Some children aren't as smart as my Tipper. I know it is like a punch to the gut hearing Woody's results. I never expected anything like this. Tell me has Woody been neutered? I cannot remember his exact age could you tell me? He seems fit enough with no other problems except pancreatitis right? Please don't give up yet, let everyone here help and think this out together. By chance maybe someone else has dealt with this and can offer help. We will help you, we are all with you on this. I know I am wasting my time saying don't worry, so I will just say pray to God and ask for mercy for Woody, and I will do the same. Miracles do happen. God Bless you and Woody
Patti

Patti

Love and licks to Tipper on his birthday, and I pray you have many more together. Your right about the JRT Woody is very typical of the breed, stubborn, loving, feisty I could go on lol. Woody is a rescue dog is aged at approx. 5 years by the rescue but both my vet and IMS thought he was more like 8 years. As it was a rescue their policy is to neuter before rehoming so Woody was done 28 May 2010. Woody has a heart murmur and takes 5mg fortekor daily for this, has a luxating patella on his right leg, suffers the occassionaly bout of pancreatitis but this pretty much it. He came to me with the heart murmur and patella, he spent a lot of time in rescue and no one wanting him due to his medical conditions which to me were never a problem.

Hi Tracy

I wanted to say I have some thoughts on this but have to dash out, but I think I remember your in Scotland so probably in bed by now so I will get a post to you before you wake up. Try get some rest and we will all work on this together for you and Woody xx

Thanks Trish I,m not ready to do the whole research thing just yet, I will but I would appreciate any thoughts on this.

I,ve calmed down quite a bit, still feel sick but better than I was. My own vet called me at the end of his surgery tonight to check on Woody, he also told me that he had the report faxed through. to him from the Hospital and its a prostate flush they want to do as well as the scrapping. The options that I have got are listed below:

1. Go see ongologist on 15.10.13 and let them do the additional tests on Woody but he wouldn't, be kept in due to his stress
2. If I don,t decide to treat they are giving him a 2-3 month time scale depending on how fast the tumour grows.
3. If I decide to treat depending on the results from 1 then they can remove the anal sacs and glands on both sides and treat with chemo this may give him 6-12 months.
4. There worry is the surgery as its very tricky on a small dog (not impossible) but they are worried about his heart being able to stand the operation, recovery and then the chemo. Now I am fully aware that dogs with heart trouble are more at risk but I also know that anathestics are more advanced now.

So although its pretty grim its not over for him yet and there are possibilities out there its just choosing the right one for Woody, not for me.

Thanks again everyone

Tracy x