We received the lab report findings last night for Catfish- it is not good. The tumor was what they put under the general terms a peripheral nerve sheath tumor. It was malignant after that info I kind of got lost in my head so I do not remember what this refers to just something about a count of cells and 2 or 3 would not be so bad – Catfish’s was at 20.
We will get more information today from the vet and a referral to a doggie cancer center so we can have more information. So far what I have found on the internet is rather depressing yet there is a sort of irony in it also.
Nerve sheath tumors occur in the myelin sheath of the peripheral nervous system .) The tumor originates from the Schwann cells, which make up the myelin sheath. They have high rate of reoccurance (71%) so many times amputation is recommended. But and this is the problem in making decisions – if it has spread it will appear somewhere else anyways. The average time after diagnoses for survival is 2 years.
As my little buddy watches me type I hope the right thing to do becomes obvious. I know that his not being in pain is a major factor after that I am not sure. We would almost have to re mortgage the house to cover the cost of some of the treatments I have been reading about and I hope that cost will not have to become part of the decision.
Well I have to get ready to head off to PE class – and of course give Catfish and Annie scooby snacks before I head out.
Jan, I’ve been wondering how Catfish was doing – almost emailed. Very sorry to hear this. Good luck navigating information and gaining clarity on what you need to do.
Donna
Sorry for the silence lots of things mulling around in my mind while waiting for the results. Plus the stress? I dunno.
thank you for your concern and email anytime we like email LOL so does Catfish email me and I will give you his email LOL
I’m so sorry to hear this, Jan. If it’s any consolation, it’s probably way harder for you than it is for Catfish. You’re the one agonizing over the tough decisions — and, in the real world, cost is always part of the calculation. As long as Catfish doesn’t hurt, and gets lots of hugs and Scooby snacks, he’s a happy guy. I’d be him, any day. We’re here for you, whatever you do.
I know you know. I am sort of leaning toward the no pain and not putting Mr. Catfish through the trauma of the alternatives available. I will take him to the specialist to get the 411 but the quality of life for him is up most important. Because of the location of this tumor the chances of amputation buying much time is slimmer than if it was closer to his paw area.
I am researching the diets that help canines with cancer – can not hurt. Lots of scooby snacks of course, lots of cuddles and his favorite past time fishing on the banks of the Sutter By Pass – Cat fishing of course. He spent his first weeks of life with us there fishing until he could come home with us.
This really sucks! It is what it is.
You said it! It sucks. I know you’ll get the complete 411 before making your decision. No pain is the goal. Catfish doesn’t know what medical treatments are for. Those are for us, not them, I think. Sending bib hugs to catfish along with a good backscratch.
Uh, those would be big hugs, not bib hugs. Geez.