tydyelady Posted November 25, 2012 Share Posted November 25, 2012 Within the past month we have noticed a lump on Opie's side on his ribs. We took him to the vet right away, she felt it and basically wanted us to watch it for a few weeks. Well, it did not go away, did not get bigger (as in longer), but did get puffier. So we went back to the vet on Friday, she did a bunch of needle aspirations, and just called us that it is some sort of tumor, cells were abnormal, but can't tell what type of cancer it is. We are scheduled for an xray on Monday, 3 views, to see if there is anything in the chest cavity, lungs, etc. Also being set up with an appt. with an oncologist, to determine type of cancer, etc., and course of action. Right now my head is spinning as we don't have all the information, so don't know exactly what we are dealing with, etc. All I know is something is wrong with my beautiful boy, and the "C" word is making its way into our house. Not even sure what I am asking from everyone, except that some support, some what comes next, some how do I deal with this. I feel like I am treading water in a pool and gasping for breath and don't have anything to hold on to. What should I expect, anticipate, do???? Do I send the xrays to OSU to get another opinion? I just can't believe this is happening,. I am shocked, angry, and frightened in no particular order. Quote Mom to Toley (Astascocita Toley) DOB 1/12/09, and Bridge Angel Opie (Wine Sips Away) 3/14/03-12/29/12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beledi Posted November 25, 2012 Share Posted November 25, 2012 I just read your post. I hope it is not cancer. I would get a 2nd opinion, but I would not wait too long. I am sending prayers. Please keep us posted. Hugs to you. We are here for you. A lot of us have been touched by this horrid disease. Once you get results you can decide on a course of action. Quote "Then God sent the Greyhound to live among man and remember. And when the day comes God will call the Greyhound to give Testament, and God will pass judgment on man." Persian Proverb Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kkaiser104 Posted November 25, 2012 Share Posted November 25, 2012 How old is Opie? Good thoughts coming your way! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tydyelady Posted November 25, 2012 Author Share Posted November 25, 2012 Opie is 9 1/2. The vet read me the report over the phone, but of course my heart stopped, and I wasn't comprehending anything. I did get abnormal cells, some sort of cancer, but could not tell what type, and she rattled off all the various types of cancers. Is it common for osteo to be on a rib, or would another type of cancer be more common there? I am just so confused and scared. Quote Mom to Toley (Astascocita Toley) DOB 1/12/09, and Bridge Angel Opie (Wine Sips Away) 3/14/03-12/29/12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greyhead Posted November 25, 2012 Share Posted November 25, 2012 Can you get the vet to email you a copy of the report sooner than Monday? (It is really hard to keep track of fast-flying technical names when you're hearing them for the first time about someone you love.) I'm so sorry this is happening to you and Opie. Skip and I will be joining everyone else in hoping and praying that it's a non-cancerous tumor after all. Quote Mary with Jumper Jack (2/17/11) and angels Shane (PA's Busta Rime, 12/10/02 - 10/14/16) and Spencer (Dutch Laser, 11/25/00 - 3/29/13). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
a_daerr Posted November 25, 2012 Share Posted November 25, 2012 Ugh... and they're sure it's not some type of cyst? Is it hard to the touch? This may sort of explain his recent weird behavior with your bird. Either way, I hope Opie is okay. Sending you good thoughts for a manageable diagnosis and treatment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Heehoo Posted November 25, 2012 Share Posted November 25, 2012 I'm so sorry. I'm praying for you to have strength thru this and that is is B9!!! It could be a benighn tumor that can be removed with surgery. I hate this for you & your pup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnF Posted November 25, 2012 Share Posted November 25, 2012 How frightening for you. If only the vet had said something to the effect of: "It looks like a benign fatty lump or Lipoma but we need to make absolutely sure it isn't malignant" you would have been more able to handle the sequence of investigations. Try to look at it in the sense that the more investigation work they carry out the better you will be able to deal with what it actually is without the emotionally destructive second-guessing that comes from incomplete diagnoses. Hoping to read some better news about your dog here soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlies_Dad Posted November 25, 2012 Share Posted November 25, 2012 I would suggest getting the information to OSU for a second opinion/advice. Yes Osteo can unfortunately develop on a rib although it is less common than a leg. Hoping whatever it is, it is treatable and you will find OSU very helpful. Good thoughts for Opie and you. 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...
tbhounds Posted November 25, 2012 Share Posted November 25, 2012 Just remember abnormal cells can be benign cells too--doesn't always mean malignancy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
galgrey Posted November 25, 2012 Share Posted November 25, 2012 Just remember abnormal cells can be benign cells too--doesn't always mean malignancy. This is true. In 2009 my vet was pretty sure my galgo had mast cell cancer but when the biopsy came back it wasn't. It was some sort of bizarre fungal infection. So abnormal doesn't always mean malignant. Sending good thoughts for Opie and for you. Quote Cynthia, & Cristiano, galgoAlways in my heart: Frostman Newdawn Frost, Keno Jet Action & Chloe (NGA racing name unknown), Irys (galgo), Hannah (weim), Cruz (galgo), & Carly CW Your Charming Princess http://www.greyhound-data.com/d?i=1018857 "It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life, gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are." -- Unknown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greytpups Posted November 25, 2012 Share Posted November 25, 2012 I don't have any advice, but wanted you to know we're thinking about you and Opie and hoping it's something easily treatable. Quote Jan with precious pups Emmy (Stormin J Flag) and Simon (Nitro Si) and Abbey Field. Missing my angels: Bailey Buffetbobleclair 11/11/98-17/12/09; Ben Task Rapid Wave 5/5/02-2/11/15; Brooke Glo's Destroyer 7/09/06-21/06/16 and Katie Crazykatiebug 12/11/06 -21/08/21. My blog about grief The reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not get over the loss of a loved one; you will learn to live with it. You will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered. You will be whole again but you will never be the same. Nor should you be the same, nor would you want to. ― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesiRayMom Posted November 25, 2012 Share Posted November 25, 2012 Deep breath.....don't panic yet. (Although I know I would be, anyway.) Prayers for Opie......strength for you. Quote Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mld Posted November 25, 2012 Share Posted November 25, 2012 Sending healing thoughts and prayers your way! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tydyelady Posted November 25, 2012 Author Share Posted November 25, 2012 Thank you all, it was nice to wake up to all your kind words. We slept in with Opie, and are going to take him to his greyhound group. I am trying so hard not to panic, but its so difficult. And he is just so normal - no pain, no loss of appetite, no loss of energy. I was just trying so hard to remember the exact words the vet said. She had left me a message, and then left her cel;# to call her back. She called me back @ 7:30 last night. Once I heard abnormal cells, and then something like appearing to be some sort of sarcoma but unable to determine exactly what, (something like that), I couldn't breathe and the room started to spin. Abnormal, "appearing:, all so vague but with hints of the worst. So yes xrays ASAP, Monday, and I have been told that there is an excellent canine oncologist near me that knows greyhounds, and yes I will get an opinion from OSU - BUT- now to get through today and tomorrow and get the xrays taken to have some at least better, more concrete answers. She did mention a biopsy in our conversation too I think, but after the xrays. I will keep every one posted when I know more. Its hard to even wrap my head around this, and not knowing exactly what type of cancer they even suspect is so frightening. Quote Mom to Toley (Astascocita Toley) DOB 1/12/09, and Bridge Angel Opie (Wine Sips Away) 3/14/03-12/29/12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duncan41 Posted November 25, 2012 Share Posted November 25, 2012 I hope that this is the worst of it. It's always hard to comprehend anything when there's even a hint of trouble, so I always ask for copies of all test results, no matter how many times the same tests were run. It makes it so much easier to have them to take to a consultation, research on your own or post here for others to see and respond. Sending prayers for Opie. Quote Linda, Mom to Fuzz, Barkley, and the felines Miss Kitty, Simon and Joseph.Waiting at The Bridge: Alex, Josh, Harley, Nikki, Beemer, Anna, Frank, Rachel, my heart & soul, Suze and the best boy ever, Dalton.<p> ....for all those hounds that are sick, hurt, lost or waiting for their forever homes. SENIORS ROCK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted November 25, 2012 Share Posted November 25, 2012 Sending hugs for yourself and best thoughts for your pupper. 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...
vjgrey Posted November 25, 2012 Share Posted November 25, 2012 Try not to panic until you have a definite diagnosis - although I know that's much easier said than done. Absolutely send the x-rays and lab reports to OSU for a second opinion and/or recommendation. I'm also really glad to hear you have a good oncologist nearby. We wound up paying a fortune for Gabe's oncologist, although we live in an area where pretty much everything costs a fortune. It was worth every single penny, though. He and his staff were phenomenal - with Gabe and with us - and it made such a huge difference in our anxiety levels. Quote Valerie w/ Cash (CashforClunkers) & Lucy (Racing School Dropout)Missing our gorgeous Miss Diamond (Shorty's Diamond), sweet boy Gabe (Zared) and Holly (ByGollyItsHolly), who never made it home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Downtownhoundz Posted November 25, 2012 Share Posted November 25, 2012 Oh no, not Opie !!!!! :beatheart Sending many good thought s and prayers your way Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macoduck Posted November 25, 2012 Share Posted November 25, 2012 (edited) As best you can, for the rest of tonight, just be Opie's mom. Not the woman who wonders about the big C. Not the woman who is about to launch into action every resource to save her dog. Opie loves you. Tonight just love him back. Edited November 25, 2012 by macoduck Quote Freshy (Droopys Fresh), NoAh the podenco orito, Howie the portuguese podengo maneto Angels: Rita the podenco maneta, Lila, the podenco, Mr X aka Denali, Lulu the podenco andaluz, Hada the podenco maneta, Georgie Girl (UMR Cordella), Charlie the iggy, Mazy (CBR Crazy Girl), Potato, my mystery ibizan girl, Allen (M's Pretty Boy), Percy (Fast But True), Mikey (Doray's Patuti), Pudge le mutt, Tessa the iggy, Possum (Apostle), Gracie (Dusty Lady), Harold (Slatex Harold), "Cousin" Simon our step-iggy, Little Dude the iggy ,Bandit (Bb Blue Jay), Niña the galgo, Wally (Allen Hogg), Thane (Pog Mo Thoine), Oliver (JJ Special Agent), Comet, & Rosie our original mutt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krissn333 Posted November 26, 2012 Share Posted November 26, 2012 Try not to worry until you can get more concrete information. Ace had little tumors on her thighs-they were removed and came back as malignant sarcomas. But, the vet feels he got good margins and we haven't had a recurrence. It might be just as simple as removing the tumor with good margins. There might not be anything to worry about as far as xrays are concerned. Quote Kristin in Moline, IL USA with Ozzie (MRL Crusin Clem), Clarice (Clarice McBones), Latte and Sage the IGs, and the kitties: Violet and Rose Lovingly Remembered: Sutra (Fliowa Sutra) 12/02/97-10/12/10, Pinky (Pick Me) 04/20/03-11/19/12, Fritz (Fritz Fire) 02/05/01 - 05/20/13, Ace (Fantastic Ace) 02/05/01 - 07/05/13, and Carrie (Takin the Crumbs) 05/08/99 - 09/04/13. A cure for cancer can't come soon enough.-- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tydyelady Posted November 26, 2012 Author Share Posted November 26, 2012 We took Opie to his greyhound playgroup, and his St Bernard friend showed up too. He had fun, we drove around in the car to run some errands, he had a nap with DH on the couch under a blanket. He will be getting some extra turkey tonight, and we are just loving him and trying to be normal until we get the xrays tomorrow. I am trying to breath normally and carry on and not worry - save that for when we know more information. Breathe, Breathe, Breathe. Quote Mom to Toley (Astascocita Toley) DOB 1/12/09, and Bridge Angel Opie (Wine Sips Away) 3/14/03-12/29/12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyPoopon Posted November 26, 2012 Share Posted November 26, 2012 I hope it's not cancer. Quote Standard Poodle Daisy (12/13) Missing Cora (RL Nevada 5/99-10/09), Piper (Cee Bar Easy 2/99-1/10), Tally (Thunder La La 9/99-3/10), Edie (Daring Reva 9/99-10/12), Dixie (Kiowa Secret Sue 11/01-1/13), Jessie (P's Real Time 11/98-3/13), token boy Graham (Zydeco Dancer 9/00-5/13), Cal (Back Already 12/99-11/13), Betsy (Back Kick Beth 11/98-12/13), Standard Poodles Minnie (1/99-1/14) + Perry (9/98-2/14), Annie (Do Marcia 9/03-10/14), Pink (Miss Pinky Baker 1/02-6/15), Poppy (Cmon Err Not 8/05-1/16), Kat (Jax Candy 5/05-5/17), Ivy (Jax Isis 10/07-7/21), Hildy (Braska Hildy 7/10-12/22), Opal (Jax Opal 7/08-4/23). Toodles (BL Toodles 7/09-4/24) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tydyelady Posted November 27, 2012 Author Share Posted November 27, 2012 I just posted this update on Facebook, and will repost here. Well, its bad news/good news. The xrays have been sent to the radiologist for viewing and report, but here is what we saw at my Vet's office. The bad news is that the tumor seems to be growing on the rib bone. The good news (I hope this is true) is that she did not see any other growths anywhere in an around the chest area. She took 4 views, including a close up of the lump. So now its more waiting - for radiologist to review and give an official report. In the meantime we also are going to the Canine oncologist specialist who happens to be right here in Renton. She also will review everything. She came recommended to me, as knowing about Greyhounds, and I see from her bio that she graduated vet school at Ohio State. (for those that do not know, Ohio State has a huge greyhound research facility, so this is a very good thing.) Of course my question was can they cut the rib off, with the offending tumor? And that is to be determined after radiologist, and my consult with oncologist. I am clinging to hope that since it "seems" (please please please!) to be localized, that is a positive thing. So, it more waiting. Quote Mom to Toley (Astascocita Toley) DOB 1/12/09, and Bridge Angel Opie (Wine Sips Away) 3/14/03-12/29/12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Downtownhoundz Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 Keep us posted, please ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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