Results are in....

doxielady5569128 · November 23, 2011, 10:19:38 AM

We got the results on all 3 tumors today. Tumor 1: Found in between the teeth, is a BENIGN epulis (as I reported a few days ago) Tumor 2: found in the back of the cheek, by the back teeth on the right side is BENIGN epulis. It tried playing malignant for a bit, but after running further tests it showed benign on all except for one false-positive. Tumor 3: Found under the tongue (black) sesame seed-sized one is Malignant melanoma. The tests are indicating that we caught it early and got it ALL out.

There will be no chemo at this time, no radical jaw surgeries, and no treatments. I have to do a daily check of Porky's mouth trying to check the hard to see areas as well. (Which, I'm sure after this week, he will let me do) Then we have once a year dentals so the vet can check for any more in the gum tumors and look at the jaw to make sure we don't have any jaw erosion occurring. If we begin seeing more tumors before our next dental, or at the next dental, we will consider having Porky get jaw x-rays and a dental every 6 months.

Since I had so much time to prepare myself, I have researched and talked over the options with my husband. We are not taking it too hard, although there are moments I sit on the couch with my "baby" and cry. We are sure he will lose all his teeth eventually, just not sure how long before that happens. We are not sure if he will get more tumors or never see one again. We are sure the cancer had not invaded any other tissues or organs. Had we waited a month, or even a few more days to get his dental, we probably would be talking a full-on invasion of his other tissues. This cancer usually goes straight for the lungs and is quick! So I'm going to hug my buddy tight and enjoy every day with him that we get. I am praying he never gets another tumor (even though I know that's truly wishful thinking). My husband and I are discussing what our plans are if we find out he has another tumor, needs chemo, needs part of his jaw removed, etc... These are all awful and VERY heart wrenching decisions, but ultimately, we want to do what is best for Porky.

I am staying upbeat about it all (most of the time) and know my boy will fight hard if he needs to. Usually once a malignant tumor is found and surgically removed, the dog usually has about 511 days left. (How they get that number, I didn't ask) Porky's prognosis should be better than that as our vet said there is no way to know when the next tumor will pop-up, or if it even will. Now that I know the signs to look for, etc... it should make it easier to spot these nasty buggers right away. I could lie and say I'm not devastated by this news, but I won't. I am trying to stay positive though and will definitely enjoy every minute with my boy that we get blessed with.

This year, I'm most thankful that my baby will most-likely see next Thanksgiving!

peterparker · November 23, 2011, 11:03:56 AM

I'm so glad you caught it early. Porky will be just fine. Are you using a pen light flashlight to check his mouth. Sometimes it's easier to see problems. Parker doesn't mind me checking now. He's used to it. He loves having his teeth brushed and will now come when I call him. He used to disappear as soon as he seen the brush. With the toe choppers, and his bath towel in sight I still have to dig him out from under the bed.
As for Porky's future, as with all our puppers it's all about quality of life. Don't think to far ahead of yourself. Have a plan, and put it away. You don't need it right now.
When Eddie started having health issues, my husband and I discussed the plan. 8 years went by before we had to refer to it. It was all about quality of life and unfortunately money ($5,000 to possibly get him a few more months). Eddie was in congestive heart failure, pain and needed to be rushed to another city for further evaluation and treatment. No guarantee that he would even survive the journey. Vet gave him morphine to keep him comfortable, and because of his age (15), and other health issues we made the heart breaking decision to help him to the bridge. In my heart I know it was the right decision.
Everybody that has a pet knows it coming. Why we get another pet after a loss is beyond my comprehension but most of us do. I have the love of Parker now and I don't think about the plan. But we have one put away.
Take care and hug that brave little Porky.

sollysmom · November 23, 2011, 11:42:59 AM

I, too, am glad you were able to catch it early. Porky has a great hoomom and hoodad in you guys. Hilde and I will keep all paws and fingers crossed that the Piiester never gets another tumor! We are, also, sending some nice warm healing rays for him.

Darcel & Hilde

Roberta · November 23, 2011, 01:39:05 PM

Happy news, now enjoy him, toothless, hairless in the future he will still be Porky, and hide the plan, you always come up with something when the time occurs, as you never know what life could have thown you. We had Ingrid that we though would be with us for 16 years and was taken at 8 months.
So go enjoy Turkey time and start planning for Xmas, and give that boy a big hug and be good to yourselves.
Roberta and da gang

Merion · November 23, 2011, 01:49:39 PM

We will all think positively that there will be no more tumors. If he does need chemo at some point my dogs who have had it tolerated it very well. So it isn't the end of the world for them. They even perked up on it.

Sending HHHHHHHH's & PPPPPPP's for all of you.
Merion & Zena

Dee Dee and Hallie · November 23, 2011, 02:19:40 PM

I am so sorry to hear one was a melanoma but it really is a miracle circumstances were such that you found this so early! Hopefully you will never see one again but if one does pop up, as often as you will be checking him you will find it early again. Keep us posted on the little guy!

BonniesMom · November 23, 2011, 09:17:39 PM

It may be one bad one but it sounds like all of it got yanked out. A very positive outcome. Keep an eye on things and I just know our Mr. P. Pie will be just fine and dandy.

papbouv · November 23, 2011, 10:20:28 PM

Not sure why but dogs do pretty good on Chemo, Glad they got it all hope he never gets another anywhere Rays and Hugs to you all.
Patches ,Buddy,papbouv

Barb · November 25, 2011, 10:37:02 AM

I think it is a GOOD report !!!! You got it early and will be proactive in checking for anything else to pop up...and will catch those early too.

So glad all turned out well....just enjoy each and every day with Porky....that is all any of us can do..... Their time with us is NEVER long enough...but we make the best of it - and spoil them rotten - LOL !!!
Smoooooochies to Porky !!!