Stormy has cancer

[Rich]

In one phone call we went from hoping for good news to knowing that from now on the news will only be relative degrees of bad. The lab report shows carcinoma in Stormy's upper jaw. This is a location where surgery is not really an option. We don't really know much more because the specimen was partially obscured by freezing on the way to the lab (love living in Iowa). There were a minimal number of mitotic cells which means that this may not be a very fast growing variety. Our vet is getting us an appointment with an Oncologist at Iowa State (one advantage to living here - this is a great veterinary school).  The only other option our vet mentioned was radiation - we'll just have to see. I'm kind of stunned and shell-shocked as is Deb. There really isn't much more to say. I hate to post depressing news, but we could all use some kind thoughts and rays for our big boy.  We'll keep everyone posted.

[DeeanDave]

We are sorry to hear the news on Stormy.  We're sending you all our thoughts, rays and prayers for Stormy.....and also, for you, Rich and Deb and Sophie.  Hugs to all.

[Ruth in MT]

Hugs and prayers for all of you.

[Valerie]

I am so sorry you got that bad news. 
I hope your appt goes well with the oncologist and they are able to do something for Stormy.  :xfinger:

[Kari]

I am so sorry! Major rays headed your way! Stormy is in our prayers 

[Merion]

Rich,
I am so sorry to hear Stormy has cancer.  I am glad you didn't say it was a malignant melanoma.  That is the one that is fast growing and no real cure that I know of yet.  We did that with our first male Doxie Moosie going on 18 years ago now. I am sure they have made some progress since then.  You will all be in our prayers.   
Merion & the ZZ's

[papbouv]

Sorry to hear of Stormy's diagnosis hope they will be able to give him a comfortable few more years have heard dogs do better with cancer radiation & chemo then people do.We are sending rays and will be hoping for a good treatment plan for Stormy.
Papbouv
Gizmo,Patches & Buddy

[Barb]

Oh Rich - I am so sorry - rays and prayers on the way that they figure out something to help him.   Please keep us posted and know that we will all be thinking of our gentle giant.  Smoochies and soft belly rubs to our Stormy.

[Jenny G]

Oh shoot!  That's just the worst call to get.  Annie's was malignant melanoma which we really didn't understand till we went to the oncologist.  Lots of hugs and prayers coming your way. We're all here for you and Deb!

[MindyKay]

So sorry to hear the news about Stormy.  You are right, though, Iowa State is one of the best veternary schools in the nation.  Many years ago, a cousin of mine took his beloved Doberman, Clinger, to ISU for cancer treatment, and although it was malignant, they did a wonderful job of helping Clinger live the best life he could both in terms of quantity and quality.  I'm sure major advancements have been made since the early 1980's.

You will all be in my rays and prayers.

[Mike]

Rats, rats, rats.  I was so hoping Stormy would be like Clifford and only have a bad tooth associated with the abcess.  Rays coming your way for some good news from ISU.  I have a former music student who went there to be a Vet Tech.

[David C.]

We're sorry to hear the news about Stormy.  Sending prayers and major dachsie rays Stormy's way.

[Roberta]

major rays from down under....
love and hugs for the big boy
roberta

[TerriL]

Oh no.....  Sending rays and prayers for Stormy.  Let us know how it goes with the appointment. 

[PattyInAK]

I am so sorry to hear this news.  I know how things can change in the blink of one phone call, lives can be turned upside down.  I will keep Stormy and you guys in my prayers.  Please let us know how it goes at the appointment at the university. 

[Frankys_mom]

my gosh, this is devastating news.  I am deeply sorry and we send lots of hugs and rays to your whole family.  Praying that the cancer treatment will help
Dawn
Franky & Delilah

[Sandishooligans]

I'm so sorry.  Stormy, hold your head high.  We're there for ya, fella.  Rich, prayers heading your way.

[cheryl186]

So sorry to hear this terrible news about Stormy.  You are all in our thoughts and prayers!!

[AnnieofNJ]

We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.  The furkids are sending major doxie rays to Stormy.

Annie & the New Jersey Gang

[Brekkesmom]

I know I'm late posting, but this has been on my mind!  I am praying for a slow-growing, but quickly disappearing cancer.  Sorcha-Angel and my dad had very fast ones, so Rich, please be aware that I didn't want to ask too much in Saturday's chat! CA rays have been, and will be coming, along with major prayers for Stormy the Battleship, as well as Sophie the Rocket - who will surely be helping care for her brudder!

[Barb]

Have you heard anything about the appt ?  Rays still coming to our Stormy.....

[Kari]

I was wondering the same thing? How is Stormy doing?

[Rich]

Stormy's appointment is Thursday morning with an oncologist at the ISU vet school clinic. Meanwhile, we can now see a lump on the side of his muzzle. We have a quote for the initial tests etc. which will eat our entire tax refund and it was a pretty sizable one. On the bright side, his appetite and behavior are still unchanged, he's just a happy boy. One day at a time - we can't think about the future until we know what we're dealing with. I'll post again Thursday evening when I get home.

[Merion]

We will continue to keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.   I know only too well about there goes the tax refund!!!!!  After Zack and his surgery and Zena has been going with an eye infection or allergies since Christmas now the car is on the fritz!!!! I could just scream.  I sure hope that they have some good news for you with the appointment. 


Merion & the ZZ's