[Dailydrool] Lucy's Tumor

[Deborah Roberts]

I haven't posted in such a long, long time.  However, after reading
about Lucy, I felt a huge need to just put work aside for a few minutes
and tell my story.

 

Back in 2002, our 12.5 year old hound Stanley became incredibly
lethargic.  He couldn't get up, wouldn't eat or drink and was very pale.
We immediately brought him to the vet.  She found a softball-sized mass
on his spleen and referred us to a specialist.   She thought if his
spleen was removed we could buy another year.  The specialist saw him
that day.   This particular surgeon is a god, but that is another story.
He really, really did not want to do the surgery.  He felt Stan was too
old, and he didn't think he would be able to save him.  I cried and
pleaded and wanted to try, so after a blood transfusion from Penelope
(ATB), off to surgery he went.  We saw him the next day and he didn't
look good.  He had a huge incision, but was fairly alert so we were
hopeful.  He wasn't eating and couldn't come home until he ate.  The
next day, we were asked to bring food - he still wasn't eating.  We
tried everything.  He turned his nose up at cat food, cheese, crappy dog
food, everything.  The vet said it didn't look good and wanted to have a
look at his heart.  Hemangio likes blood so the heart is a target.  The
ultrasound doctor was not available until 9AM the next morning, so we
had to wait.  At 10:00 the next day we got the news - the hemaniosarcoma
was in the heart and there was nothing left to do.  He was suffering and
it was time to say goodbye.  It was a gloomy day, but when they brought
Stan outside, the sun burst through the clouds.  We spent about an hour
with him and then said our good-byes.  Even the vet cried.  It was
horrible and I've never completely forgiven myself for putting him
through so much.  When they found a mass in Penelope six months later,
we kept her comfortable until it was time to say goodbye.  

 

My advice - if you decide on surgery get an ultrasound of the heart
first.  If the hemangio is in the heart, there is nothing left to do.  I
would also really think hard about surgery at all.  Hemangiosarcoma is
the worst of the worst.  By the time it's caught, it's usually too late.


 

If you decide against surgery, you will definitely know when it's time.
Hemangio leaves no doubt, and I still wish I had listened to my head,
and an incredible vet,  instead of my heart.  

 

Good Luck!!  Much drool is being flung your way.  Give Lucy a big hug
from me.  Feel free to e-mail me privately if you'd like.  

 

Debbie

Owned by Clarabelle and Roscoe

Being Watched Over by Penelope, Stanley and Casey ATB

 

After a visit to the beach, it's hard to believe that we live in a
material world.  ~Pam Shaw

 

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