Today we took Stormy to the Iowa State Vet clinic today. He had a full panel of blood work, x-ray and needle biopsy of his tumor. Ironically, other than cancer, he is in the best of health. The bad news is that subject to section of the actual lesion, it looks like squamous cell carcinoma. This is the worst of the three possible tumor types they suspected. This is the fastest spreading and definitely one that they cannot pronounce cured after surgery. With a heavy heart we left Stormy there to face a CT scan and possible surgery tomorrow. If the CT scan shows metastases anywhere else in his body they will send him home to die. If the CT scan shows no metastases, they will remove the tumor and part of his upper jaw and we may be able to look forward to another year of good quality of life for him. Since the x-ray of his lungs was clear we are hoping that this is what will happen.
In the best of all possible worlds - it might still be possible that the pathology report on the actual lesion finds that it is some other type of tumor - there is still an outside chance that it may be a self-contained type where surgery can get it all. In such a world it might be that if it is squamous cell carcinoma, the surgeon might get it all - it has happened.
If the worst happens we will bring Stormy home tomorrow night. If they operate, then we will probably be able to bring him home Saturday and know what we face in the future.
After meeting the oncologist, the surgeon and the 4th year student assigned to the case we feel that he is in the very best of hands. He is being spoiled by the staff and of course he likes everyone. It's going to be a very hard couple of days for us. Sophie was very distressed that we did not have him with us when we came home. Keep those rays and prayers coming. Deb and I are pretty low right now.
Oh Rich - I am so so sorry. I will keep praying that it isn't a worse case scenerio. I will keep you and Deb and Sophie in my thoughts - I know it is so hard on all of you. Rays and prayers are coming in full force - please know we are all here rooting for Stormy. It is distressing for all of us too - we all feel that Stormy in a way belongs to us - like all the puppers here do. Please let us know tomorrow when you hear.
Hugs to all of you -
Barb
North Texas Doxie Rays and Positive Thoughts Coming Your Way!!
Janet J.
I'm so sorry to hear this, Rich. Rays and prayers coming your way.
Hugs, prayers and healing rays are coming in full force from Cincinnati, Ohio. We are praying for the best case scenario.....you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know the results as soon as possible. God Bless you All. :pray: :pray: :pray: :pray:
I am so sorry to hear this! Major rays coming you way!
We are so sorry to hear this about Stormy. :sad11:
When Moosie had his malignant melanoma that was the way they did that but it wasn't an option for him because his was where that little thing hangs down in the back of their mouth. We did have the tumor removed and did the chemo and he made it 8 more months. If they had removed part of the jaw the time would probably have been longer.
You and Deb and Stormy and Sophie are in our PPPP's :pray:.
:comfort:
Merion & the ZZ's
Hugs and prayers are going out to you and Stormy.
I thought of you guys often today. I'm sorry it wasn't better news. Still sending rays for the big guy.
Very sorry to hear that have been thinking of you all will keep Stormy in our thoughts and prayers.
Papbouv
Our thoughts and rays are with you all, but remember you are getting him help and doing all you can.
Hugs and rays
Roberta
Major rays, hugs and prayers to you and your family. Special belly rubs to Stormy and to Sophie, also.
Rays and prayers are on the way from Eastern Iowa.