Guest KennelMom Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 (edited) **6/3** Stella is MUCH happier w/o the bandage on her foot. She ate a lot yesterday, so hopefully her appetite is back and she'll start putting on weight. Side view...they had to remove part of the foot/pad as well as the outer toe. Surgery was done 5/20. Her skin had pulled away from a couple of stitches, but we already have some good granulation going on there. She's still on restricted activity until that happens. The skin is purpley b/c the wrap had just been removed. The color is pretty much normal today except right around the suture areas. I kidded her that she has a chicken foot now **6/2** We met with the oncologist today and they did the ultrasound. No sign of metastases elsewhere, though the lymph nod in her groin is "mildly plump." That could just be reactive from the surgery or it could be caused by cancer. Because cancer was found in the lymph node they removed from her leg, the oncologist is recommending 4-6 chemo sessions. We can't do anything until her foot completely heals. She's also dropped a lot of weight and we need to put some back on her. So, nothing has to be decided for sure for a couple more weeks. At this point, we are leaning away form chemo at this time and just doing some follow up ultrasounds at various points. On a plus side, they decided not to re-bandage her foot today so that feels like forward progress. **5/31** 10 days ago Stella had a toe and part of her foot removed because of a tumor that came out of nowhere. They also took the lymph node behind her knee since it was slightly enlarged. The pathology came back as cystadenocarcinoma...the doc called it "cancer of the sweat gland" The margins in the foot were clean, but the lymph node showed that it had metastasized there already which is unusual for this type of cancer (according to the doctor). We're meeting w/the oncologist on Thursday. We had chest Xrays done 10 days ago and they were clear. I'm sure they'll want to do an ultrasound, which we will do. We have a previous ultrasound to compare it to, since that was one of the things we did several months ago when trying to figure out what was wrong (ended up being Cushings). The path report says (regarding the lymph node): "the neoplastic cellularity is more poorly organized and differentiated and locally infiltrative. The primary tumor has been totally excised by digital sacrifice, but the presence of neoplastic glandular epithelium within the popliteal lymph node suggest the possibility of more widespread metastasis." (it actually says a lot more...it's four pages long, but most of it written in "doc speak.") She's 10 years old and also has the aforementioned Cushings. She's a pretty spooky girl and stresses out (understatement) when away from home and separated from her pack. She started getting picky with her food and not wanting to eat a couple days before her surgery. The struggle to get her to eat has continued. Advice, experience and commiseration welcome. Here's our not-so-happy patient Edited June 3, 2011 by KennelMom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrairieProf Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 (edited) I am so sorry. A setback today with Beth, but news like this reminds me what really bad news is. to you and Stella. "Digital sacrifice" ... sounds like a bizarre religious ritual. Edited May 31, 2011 by PrairieProf Quote With Cocoa (DC Chocolatedrop), missing B for Beth (2006-2015)And kitties C.J., Klara, Bernadette, John-Boy, & Sinbad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MerlinsMum Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 CRAP. No experience with this, but I'm really sorry :( Quote Kerry with Lupin in beautiful coastal Maine. Missing Pippin, my best friend and sweet little heart-healer 2013-2023 Also missing the best wizard in the world, Merlin, and my sweet 80lb limpet, Sagan, every single day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brandimom Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 CRAP is right. No advice at this end but sending prayers with hugs to you. I am so sorry to hear this................ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 Aw, crap indeed. The only thing I can offer minor advice with is eating. When B was ill, I focused on high-calorie, protein-rich foods (beef, chicken, chicken livers, tripett) ... but fed him all kinds of other things as well -- whatever he expressed interest in and/or I thought he might eat. Last couple months we put him on a low dose of prednisone, which sparked his appetite again. I don't know if that is an option with Cushing's? Some of the things B liked were scrambled eggs, graham crackers, Pepperidge Farm cinnamon bread, and spaghettios, as well as vanilla ice cream. Sending all kinds of good wishes for your sweet girl. Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greysmom Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 You might contact OSU and see what, if anything, they can offer. They have been very supportive and responsive as we are dealing with Dude's osteo. The oncologist should have something to offer - chemo, radiation - though if you're not inclined to treat her they may be moot. Make sure to talk about pain medication options and have them on hand. You don't want to have to scramble to get them if she needs them unexpectedly. I will only say that I was astounded by how well my spook did when she was in the hospital in December. She had a horrible reaction to a vaccine and died, was resussitated (sp?) at the e-vet, and they kept her for three days. She actually ate and went potty while she was there, and all the techs talked about how sweet she was. She was a bit anxious as this is an emergency clinic and very noisy and busy, but she seemed remarkably calm in her kennel at the times when I visited her during her stay. Quote Chris - Mom to: Felicity (DeLand), and Andi (Braska Pandora) siggy by Chris Harper, on Flickr Angels: Libby (Everlast), Dorie (Dog Gone Holly), Dude (TNJ VooDoo), Copper (Kid's Copper), Cash (GSI Payncash), Toni (LPH Cry Baby), Whiskey (KT's Phys Ed), Atom, Lilly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mountain4greys Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 Double Crap! So sorry to hear this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest KennelMom Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 Thanks everyone. Bad news certainly sucks Jey, good advice. I'm willing to feed her anything she'll eat at this point. Most of the time I can get her to eat chicken and sweet potato, either home cooked or Natural Balance can...I can also sneak in a cup or so of kibble all mixed in. I'll have to try eggs. I'll even give her spaghetti-os It's kinda crazy b/c we have her on lysodren for the Cushings, which kills off part of the adrenal glands. Then when she started with this not eating thing, they put her on a low dose of pred to stimulate her appetite which basically counteracts what the lysodren is doing. But, I guess it's harder to adjust the lysodren than it is to just add back in a little prednisone. I already talked to the internist treating her Cushings (fortunately all these specialists are at the same practice) and she said we may have to increase the pred even more if we opt for chemo. What pisses me off at "fate" the most is that she had JUST bounceding back to normal after months of feeling crappy before we got the cushings diagnosed. Poor girl Ken is not inclined to opt for chemo. My vote really hinges on what the oncologist has to say. We've met with him before when Rocky had cancer. Does OSU work with weird cancers like this or do they mostly just focus on osteo? It never hurts to get a second opinion and few folks know greyhounds and cancer like they do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 OSU works with weird cancers, too. Not guaranteeing they'll have experience with yours, but I suspect they will. Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest KennelMom Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 You might contact OSU and see what, if anything, they can offer. They have been very supportive and responsive as we are dealing with Dude's osteo. The oncologist should have something to offer - chemo, radiation - though if you're not inclined to treat her they may be moot. Make sure to talk about pain medication options and have them on hand. You don't want to have to scramble to get them if she needs them unexpectedly. I will only say that I was astounded by how well my spook did when she was in the hospital in December. She had a horrible reaction to a vaccine and died, was resussitated (sp?) at the e-vet, and they kept her for three days. She actually ate and went potty while she was there, and all the techs talked about how sweet she was. She was a bit anxious as this is an emergency clinic and very noisy and busy, but she seemed remarkably calm in her kennel at the times when I visited her during her stay. Thanks for sharing your experience...She has had to go in for a day her or there when they check her hormone levels for the Cushings, and she had to stay overnight after the surgery. She didn't love it, but she did survive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesiRayMom Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 No experience or advice, but much commiseration..... and for your lovely girl. Quote Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sabrina Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 (edited) Sorry I have no advice just to you & Stella & I will hope for the best Edited May 31, 2011 by sabrina Quote Caroline, Mom to Daphne (49B-50215) and Penny (41D-55779)Remembering Bridge Angels Margo and Sabrina Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest brcgreys Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 Here's the fat ball recipe that put the pounds on Dusty. After freezing, I put three balls in each Ziploc bag so I can thaw a day's worth in the fridge. They are pack in calories and in a small volume, so it works well with ones that only want to nibble a little or the hounds that have been starved, as in Dusty's case. Everyone with seniors, picky eaters that need weight or that does rescue should keep this recipe handy. I hope this helps. Fat Balls Recipe 5 pounds of real fatty ground beef (73/27) 8 ounces Philadelphia Cream Cheese 16 ounce jar natural peanut butter (no salt etc.) 1 cup wheat germ 2 cups oatmeal(quick oatmeal works great) 12 egg yolks Half and Half (to soak oatmeal) Soak oatmeal until soft in Half and Half. Mix all ingredients (raw). Spoon golf ball sized balls onto wax paper in the freezer. After balls are frozen, store in Ziploc Freezer bags until ready to use. Thaw (do not cook) in microwave for about 30 seconds. Feed one Fat Ball, three times a day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Samantha Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 No advice here either, but Im sorry to hear that xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest june Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 I am so sorry to hear this. You're right: CRAP! I don't know if she will eat this but when my dogs are sick or off their feed (not often thank God) they will always eat ground turkey and rice cooked together. Sending prayers and good thoughts, june Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gazehund Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 Sorry to hear about your spooky blue girl Heather. Wishing for many more good days for all of you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinw Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 (edited) I'm so sorry. Yes, OSU works with weird cancers. I know this from personal experience. Phoenix was recently diagnosed with osteo and pouring lots of chicken broth over his food works wonders, as does canned beef-a-roni, etc. I had a disagreement with a guy in an upscale pet supply store the other day. He was concerned about the amount of sodium in the junky food additives. I was like, " you've got to be joking. he has osteo!". if it works, it works Edited May 31, 2011 by robinw Quote Xavi the galgo and Peter the cat. Missing Iker the galgo ?-Feb.9/19, Treasure (USS Treasure) April 12/01-May 6/13, Phoenix (Hallo Top Son) Dec.14/99-June 4/11 and Loca (Reko Swahili) Oct.9/95 - June 1/09, Allen the boss cat, died late November, 2021, age 19. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaineysMom Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 no advice, just many, many hugs. :grouphug Quote Kim and Bruce - with Rick (Rick Roufus 6/30/16) and missing my sweet greyhound Angels Rainey (LG's Rainey 10/4/2000 - 3/8/2011), Anubis (RJ's Saint Nick 12/25/2001 - 9/12/12) and Zeke (Hey Who Whiz It 4/6/2009 - 7/20/2020) and Larry (PTL Laroach 2/24/2007 - 8/2/2020) -- and Chester (Lab) (8/31/1990 - 5/3/2005), Captain (Schipperke) (10/12/1992 - 6/13/2005) and Remy (GSP) (?/?/1998 - 1/6/2005) at the bridge"Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut." -- Ernest Hemmingway Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LadyChester Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 I'm so very sorry to hear this, Heather. Please give Stella some scritches from me. She's a special gal! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AstasMinion Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 Oh no, sending hugs and prayers for your sweetie-pie. Quote Lisa Dog mama to angel-boy Ewan (racing name Atascocita Ewan), 3/26/10 to 8/23/20, and angel-girl Asta (racing name Pazzo Asta), 6/16/01 to 9/7/13. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbhounds Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 Totally a Couto call. Must admit--I thought I knew most cancers but, this is a new one for me-- guess we shouldn't be too surprised-- afterall we are talking greyhound here! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovinggreysslp Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 I am sorry to hear your news. I agree that consulting with OSU would be a good step. I also agree with the high calorie foods. I will put Stella in my prayers. Quote Cosmo (Fuzz Face Cosmos), Holmes (He's a Dream), Boomer (USS Baby Boomer), Ella and missing our angels Clay (Red Clay), Train (Nite Train), Trip (Bock's Teddy Bear),Larry (Bohemian Frigid) and Jimmy (Bohemian Raw) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest PhillyPups Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 Oh Heather that so sukks. No experience with that cancer that I know of, or cushings, but too much experience in your position right now, sending you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maggiespet Posted June 1, 2011 Share Posted June 1, 2011 So sorry to hear this news. I always suggest VanPatten Natural Balance food rolls. I really don't know the quality of this food - but my old guy lived for months on this alone when he refused everything else. I just needed to keep calories going into him. It's helped a few others as well. Hugs to you all and many prayers coming for your sweer girl. Quote http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g240/mtbucket/siggies/Everyday-2.jpgJane - forever servant to the whims and wishes of Maggie (L's Magnolia of JCKC) and Sam the mutt pup.[/b] She's classy, sassy and a bit smart assy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlies_Dad Posted June 1, 2011 Share Posted June 1, 2011 I'm sorry to read of Stella's diagnosis. No experience with this kind of the big C, every type sucks. Quote Kyle with Stewie ('Super C Ledoux, Super C Sampson x Sing It Blondie) and forever missing my three angels, Jack ('Roy Jack', Greys Flambeau x Miss Cobblepot) and Charlie ('CTR Midas Touch', Leo's Midas x Hallo Argentina) and Shelby ('Shari's Hooty', Flying Viper x Shari Carusi) running free across the bridge. Gus an coinnich sinn a'rithist my boys and little girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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