Was Hoping For A Clear Answer

[Remolacha]

So, Molly has a tumor in her abdomen on/near the spleen. We did an ultrasound today, and I was hoping I would get "tumor has not spread, go for surgery" or at least "sorry, tumor has spread, no point in surgery" The second option would be horrible, but at least I would know. Ultrasound showed, one nodule on the liver, 'might' be a cyst, or 'might' be related to main tumor. Something going on with lymph node closest to main tumor. 'Might' be inflammation from tumor, 'might' (more likely) be start of tumor spreading. So, technically surgery is still an option, could remove the tumor and spleen and she would feel better, until the spread started again. How long? Of course, no one can say.

 

Aaauuugh! I have to make a decision and I keep going back and forth

[Guest RMarie]

Sorry you're going through this

[Batmom]

How old is she? Frail or pretty robust? Does the blood work suggest liver impairment?

 

I would be inclined to get that spleen out of there, realizing that I might need to let the dog go on the operating table. But that's me, and it sure isn't a clear choice .

 

Sending best thoughts for you in making a tough decision.

[MP_the4pack]

I did an amp on a 12 yr old because she was still a 'young' vibrant girl. And she did great for 6 months until the cancer hit another leg.

 

If Molly is a 'young' dog (not talking numbers, but spirit) then go for it. She'll have some wonderful days left.

[greysmom]

I agree with Batmom. Providing you can afford the surgery, and are prepared to let her go if needed, it seems worth a try.

[Tallgreydogmom]

I would go for it and be prepared for everything. I have to feel like I did the best I could for them.

[Fiona3]

With Fiona, they found a small lesion on her spleen and monitored it for about a month with repeat ultrasounds. As expected, it started to grow and her spleen was removed to prevent a rupture and bleed out of the spleen. The biopsy showed the lesion was cancerous. During the spleen removal, they were able to see if there were additional lesions/tumors to remove. Last week she finished the last of the 6 chemo treatments for the cancer. She will be monitored every few months for a while to be sure the cancer hasn't spread.

 

It's difficult to make the choice to go with the surgery but if the spleen is involved it is best to prevent a worse case scenario if possible.

 

I'm so sorry for what you and Molly are going through and know all too well how you feel. Sending good wishes to you both.

 

[Remolacha]

She is 11 1/2, blood work is good. She is not a "young" dog, exactly, but has always been healthy, not frail. I would have done the surgery, no question, if the ultrasound had shown the tumor had definitely not spread. I am inclined to go ahead with the surgery anyway, I guess my main concern (other than finding that it is worse and having to let her go right then) is that if it is spreading through the lymph nodes, it will spread faster and she won't have much time. But that is true whether I do the surgery or not. I know the surgery won't cure her, this is more like an amp for osteo, to control pain and hopefully slow the spread.

[macoduck]

Besides the ultrasound, did they do a chest xray?

[Remolacha]

Besides the ultrasound, did they do a chest xray?

Yes, they did x-ray's last week, chest is clear.

[Guest greyaspet]

I went through this with my 14 year old. For me due to age surgery was not an option we went day by day. My biggest concern was that I could not find anything Mitzi would eat and I mean I tried everything my fridge looked like a grocery store deli. She had 6 more months of good days when the bad started out numbering the good we made the decision to let her go. It is hard because you don't know what is going on or if surgery is the right choice only you can make that call. Quality of life short term and long term.

[Guest Fasave]

I went through this with an 11 year old except it was liver and spleen. Very high stress boy and I knew the surgery alone would be too much for him to handle. I brought him home and monitored him and he ralied and was great for a whole year. No one knows why. I let him go two days after his 12th birthday. His last year was great and he showed no signs of distress but it did come back suddenly and quickly. He went from having dinner, coming to bed and then being gone 12 hours later. I feel for you. These decisions are awful.

[krissn333]

My friend went through this - they removed the spleen (it had a 7 lb tumor in it!) and she did 5 rounds of Carboplatin. That was more than 2 years ago and she's doing just fine.

[galgrey]

[tbhounds]

Do the splenectomy--she's a time bomb waiting the mass to bleed. Many older hounds have "blemishes" on their livers. Also it is possible that even if it's a sarcoma it can be considered low grade. We have a wheaten in our practice that had a splenectomy last year -path returned with a low grade sarcoma--he was just in and we repeated bloods and rads and everything looked greyt.

Do the surgery but, remember the Amicar :-)

[Guest Scouts_mom]

_{In trying to decide about surgery, I would also think about how she is at the vet's. Does she have to be dragged in the door, trembling hard or does she race in, eager to see some of her favorite people. If it is the first and she were my dog, I would not do surgery. If she had to be let go, I would not want her last memories to be of terror.}

[Charlies_Dad]

Do the splenectomy--she's a time bomb waiting the mass to bleed. Many older hounds have "blemishes" on their livers. Also it is possible that even if it's a sarcoma it can be considered low grade. We have a wheaten in our practice that had a splenectomy last year -path returned with a low grade sarcoma--he was just in and we repeated bloods and rads and everything looked greyt.

Do the surgery but, remember the Amicar :-)

 

This is what I would do if it was my pup. I know it's not easy but a mass on the spleen will eventually rupture.

[Remolacha]

I am a little less worried about the tumor rupturing than I was with Fletcher, this one is very firm, almost hard. She is not good at the vets, has to be dragged in, but settles down pretty well once she is inside. I have decided to do the surgery. I want to give her the chance for some more quality time, and it think the odds are pretty good. I know there are no gaurantees, and it isn't a cure, but Imthink it is worth a shot. My vet is totally on board with the Amicar, I'll get the prescription filled next week. I am hoping the surgery can be scheduled for next week. Thanks everyone!

[cometdust1]

Wishing you only the best outcome and lots of time with your pup.

[3DogNite]

Good luck!

Praying for an easy surgery and swift recovery.

[sweetdogs]

Best wishes for your sweetie. Sounds like you have a good plan.

[IAMs]

Sending positive thoughts to Molly as you near the surgery.

 

-Joel

[cello]

We just went through this with our 10.5 year old girl Specky. She had a 10cm mass on her spleen, with nodules on the liver. Chest rads were clear, so we opted to do the splenectomy to give her a chance since splenic tumors are 50/50 benign/cancerous. We took our boy Riley in right before the surgery (this was all done on an urgent basis the day of the ultrasound) to donate blood for her. Specky unfortunately did not have a good outcome. Her liver was much more involved than the ultrasound indicated, and we decided to let her go while still under the general anesthesia.

 

I most sincerely hope and pray that your Molly has a better outcome and gets to enjoy a lot more time with you.

Hugs,

Carol Ann.

[Remolacha]

I am sorry you did not have better luck with Specky. I do realize that once they get in there, it may be much worse, but like you, I want to give her a chance. I hate the idea of having to let her go like that (not sure why it seems worse) but will do what's best.

[EllenEveBaz]

Thinking of Molly and her family today and tomorrow. I hope your girl is thoroughly enjoying the extra cuddling and coddling she's getting.