Indy Has Nasal Cancer

[IndyandHollyluv]

Please welcome the newest member of the cancer club. My beloved Indy, 12, has nasal cancer.

 

Funny, as a greyhound owner you mentally prepare for the osteo diagnosis. Although Indy didn't get snagged in the osteo spider web, he does have another common greyhound malady, lumbosacral stenosis, which is what I thought would eventually lead to his demise. But we have managed the LS quite nicely with acupuncture, chiropractic, and herbs. But nasal cancer?? Who would have thought?

 

In October 2008, Indy's right nostril started to drip a little blood. Rhinoscopy, blood work, cultures, biopsies, dentals -- all results came back negative or inconclusive. The nosebleeds (never profuse) would come and go, and for the most part, 2009 was fairly uneventful. However, in December, shortly after he turned 12, Indy clearly began to decline and the nosebleeds started again in earnest.

 

The past month has been a blur. I took Indy to see a specialist, where they performed a CT scan which revealed a sizable soft tissue mass in his right nostril. Biopsy results spelled c-a-n-c-e-r.

 

Nasal cancer is not a common cancer, but for obvious reasons due to the location of the mass and the complex, delicate structure of the nasal cavity, the prognosis is very, very poor. In time, the mass could penetrate the bone and press into his eye or brain. So after crying buckets of tears (of which I keep getting free refills) and reading many heartfelt, enlightening GT posts about loss, I have decided to say goodbye to my beautiful brindle boy "a day too soon, rather than a day too late." No chemo, no radiation. Indy wouldn't want any of that. I want him to leave with his dignity intact.

 

And although this is breaking my heart, I guess it's his time to go.

 

I sincerely want to thank all of you who have shared your deeply personal stories and journeys. Your experiences helped me process my thoughts and feelings and inspired me to do what I believe is the right (and unselfish) thing for my hound.

Edited February 3, 2010 by IndyandHollyluv

[maggiespet]

I'm so very sorry. Cancer is just so unfair and unkind. I hope the time you spend with Indy is full of love and comfort.

[Guest Bens_Dad]

My heartfelt sympathy to you. I am so sorry to hear about your pup.

[Guest smudgebear]

So sorry to hear this news. You and Indy are in my thoughts.

[Guest Lovemyhound]

This is exactly what happened to my boy. I lost him last summer. Your description of Indy's symptoms bring back stomach upsetting, lump in my throat kind of sadness. Yes, this is pretty rare and difficult to treat/manage.

 

My heart goes out to you, my prayers are with you.

Mine is a very long story, we can talk privately if you want.

Connie.

[Guest Smiley]

I am so, so sorry. My heart is breaking for you. Wrapping you in a gentle hug.

[Magdalyn58]

I'm so terribly sorry to read this. Please know that you and Indy are in my thoughts and prayers.

[MandysMom]

I'm so sorry. You and Indy are in my prayers.

[MP_the4pack]

I so feel for you.

 

I always thought I would lose my Pearl to heart disease or a stroke from hypertension.

 

Cancer is taking her too.

 

My vet said on Monday that years ago, kidney failure in old dogs was the prevalent cause of death. Now he says it's cancer.

[silverfish]

I am so sorry.

 

Indy was lucky to have been yours.

[Guest Greytluv]

Enjoy you time together.

[patricia]

Sending my many prayers and gentle hugs.

[GreyPoopon]

I'm so very sorry.

[Guest Energy11]

We are soo very sorry for your loss. Based on what you described, you did the right thing, ... being a day too soon, than a day too late.

 

Our heart goes out to you for the loss of your Indy!.

 

God Speed your baby!

 

Dee, Curfew, Goldie, Oakly, Staggerlee, and Cari. Robert H. (Bob) DeYonker, Bold Energy, Dasher and Max, who let Indy at The Bridge.

[3DogNite]

This is the last gift of love, which breaks our hearts to give!

Spoil Indy and cherish every last moment with him!

[PattyE]

I'm so sorry. I'm sharing tears with you this morning. Gentle hugs to you and Indy.

[PrairieProf]

I am so sorry. Nasal cancer is what took my precious cat Quinn ... I know, not even a kind of cancer you ever thought about before. I hope you have much good time left with Indy still.

[Guest MorganKonaAlex]

I'm so sorry.

[Guest greytexplorer]

If it helps any....I know you are making the right decision to save your pup from pain.....bless you for that.

Holding you close,

Pat

[Guest Heehoo]

A good friend of mine's Papillon was just diagnosed last week. He's not doing good at all & will go to the bridge on Friday.

Edited February 3, 2010 by Heehoo

[grey14me]

I am so sorry

[sabrina]

So sorry for Indy & you not an easy decision to make.Hugs to you both.

[Burpdog]

Although rare, this is the third or forth grey that I know of with this type of cancer....

 

[AliWest]

Oh, I am so sorry. This was the same thing that my Luther had. It started with a little blood dripping from his left nostril and reverse sneezing. Actually the reverse sneezing started before the bloody nose. He was diagnosed in Sept. of 2006 and we had to let him go that December.

[dante2zoe]

I am so very sorry. Bless you for taking his pain and making it yours.