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Fight K9 cancer

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dog cancer support

Members: 15
Latest Activity: Dec 21

After losing our sweet Mouta (pictured here) on August 11, 2008 to cancer, my husband and I are still missing her terribly. She was diagnosed in February 2008 with a sarcoma in her spine. She was a trooper through the pre-diagnosis stage, when we initially thought she had a herniated disc in her spine, to the end. When aggressive steroid treatment only brought her from a stage 4 (almost no hind leg movement to a low stage 2...walking with assistance) we knew it was time for further testing. We drove 90 minutes away for her to have more test...a myelogram, which in turn led to surgery and the diagnosis of cancer. It was no doubt that we would pursue further treatment for her because out of the 4 pup-a-lups (my husband's term) she was our special baby...the calm in the eye of the storm, I always said. With the 4 dogs and cat, Mouta was always laid back and just really loved life. She was the ONLY one who could be off leash in the front yard and not run off 100% of the time! She LOVED being with us too much to venture off.

I did tons of research, talked to anyone who would listen, read everything I could find about cancer in dogs. And there's really not a lot of data out there. One of the deal makers for me when the subject of radiation treatments was discussed was that every question I asked about the success, the risk, the prognosis for Mouta was answered pretty much the same.."We don't know. There's not much data out there because most people opt for euthansia with the cancer diagnosis due to the cost of treatment." I felt that if by treating Mouta there was the slightest chance that we could have her in our lives a little longer and get her healthy again, it would be worth it. We had just bought a new house...I wanted new furniture, but you know, 'things' can wait...life can't. I still don't have the furniture, but we did have Mouta for 6 more months. We celebrated her 10th birthday with a cookout and I even baked a birthday cake for the dogs (you know there are lots of recipes online for homemade dog treats..even cakes!) When she finished her radiation treatments she was acting like a puppy again, not like the 10 year old that she was by then.

So, I started this group as a memorial to our Sharmouta. Anyone who has been through this, or who is facing this is welcome!

Discussion Forum

Where dogs go when they die... 2 Replies

Started by Lynn. Last reply by Lynn Nov 14.

Do Dogs Know? 5 Replies

Started by Lynn. Last reply by Caryn Wilson Oct 26.

Some helpful links

Started by Lynn Oct 22.

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Comment by Angela on November 4, 2009 at 1:19am: Dear Susan, Both Bella and I have you and Willow in our prayers. I had to put Ti'ana (pictured) to sleep in Feb. due to Cancer. I miss her so very much, but know now she can be a guiding angel for Willow and all others who have to go wait for us. I know I was doing the right thing, but will always have second thoughts... it is human. Anytime you need a shoulder, please contact me.

Comment by Susan on November 3, 2009 at 6:33pm: Tomorrow evening we will be sending Willow to the rainbow bridge. Her body is failing. She has had swelling in her legs the last 3 days and despite a change in pain meds and accupuncture she just is not comfortable.
I love her too much to make her go one like this any longer.
I know I have done everything possible to make her comfortable and I have no regrets.
I am so so very sad.

Comment by Judy Gaetje on November 1, 2009 at 12:30pm: you know that we all hold you and Willow and your family in our prayers and also know you are doing everything right for her...... don't second guess yourself... whatever you are doing is RIGHT..... because there is no right or wrong.... I didn;t believe that I would know when it was time for Hamilton to go but i did when it was time....... he did just with all the dogs do good happy dog one day and then the next was not. The decisison is not easy but when it is her time she will make it OK for you to say goodbye. As Lynn said yes you can grieve now sadness knows no boundaries..... nor does love... so love her and I will keep you both in my prayers. i miss Hamilton every day but I also know he is so happy and running free and his spirit is right beside me at this moment.. take care of your self. judy

Comment by Lynn on October 31, 2009 at 5:03pm: If it's any comfort to you Susan, my husband and I grieved when Mouta was diagnosed. The "C" word has so many connotations and we felt cheated that this happened to Mouta. We cried for her illness, we grieved because we knew her life with us would be cut short. We wondered how we would afford her treatment. It was a roller-coaster ride all the way...bad times...good times. Always going to the Vets office for treatment, checkups, meds, etc. Seeing her act like a puppy one day and then within a few weeks...BAM she was sick again. The elephant in the room that we tried to ignore but couldn't. I know EXACTLY what you mean when you talk about your emotions seeming out of control...they are. It is a huge burden, a heavy cross to bear...and it seems as if you are carrying it all by yourself. But you're not...everyone in this group has been where you are now. We know how it feels, how it turns your life upside down. And you CAN grieve here NOW...because your heart is breaking NOW. Sometimes I wish I could just reach out and hug people here. A hug works wonders when it comes from someone who really, really cares about what you are going through and understands how your heart is breaking. I know you are doing your best for Willow and I'm sure Willow knows it too. There are no words to say to take away your pain and sadness. Only time and God can do that...

Prayers for you and Willow.

Lynn

Comment by Susan on October 31, 2009 at 4:09pm: Thanks Lynn, I could use some chicken soup and comfort food.
I know that grieving is a physical thing, so taking care of my body is important, but hard to do sometimes.
This part is weird. the hospice care waiting phase. You can't start the grief process because you haven't lost your dog yet. But you are sad and fragile all the time.
I find I have way less patience and emotional resilience right now than normal. things that I would shrug off normally are huge issues right now. It makes me seem a bit crazy to people.
Glad I can come here and vent a bit.

Today was not a great day for Willow. Her shoulder hurts a lot. Breathing is gurgly. I don't know how much longer I can let her live like this. But she rallies in the afternoons and looks at me like " It's ok, I'm not quite ready yet." I hope I am doing the right thing. I have always known this dog so well. I hope I am reading her wishes correctly.

Comment by Lynn on October 31, 2009 at 3:46am: That's a really good article! Thank you for sharing, Susan. I pray for strength for you. I know how hard it is watching Willow suffer and trying so many things to help her. I hope that you remember to take care of YOURSELF too. You and Willow are in my prayers...and if we were neighbors I'd make you some chicken soup! Hang in there...

Comment by Susan on October 30, 2009 at 4:59pm: I found this blog helpful. Thought I would share it
http://www.theotherendoftheleash.com/category/death-of-a-pet/

Comment by Susan on October 30, 2009 at 4:56pm: ugh it is so hard right now. I got a lot of support right when she was diagnosised 2 months ago (hey she has lived 7 weeks past my vets estimate). But now not so much. People have gone on with their lives, and I live every day with my sick dog. Trying to figure out what she will eat today. Trying to figure out how to get her pills in her.
She has thrown up twice in the last week. I can't think that is good.
Breathing is worse.
My vet now thinks she might have a nerve ending tumor in her shoulder which is causing most of her pain. We have bumped up the tramadol and deramx. She also explained the hind end weakness as possibly coming from her being anemic or because she isn't getting enough oxygen. There is nothing I can do about either of these things.
I am in hospice care. I am exhausted. I am sad a lot of the time, but I don't cry enough to let my feelings out.
Oh this just sucks so much.

Comment by Lynn on October 30, 2009 at 1:21pm: You're welcome Judy. It has been a big help for me too...doing this in Mouta's memory. It's been over a year and we still miss her and I think of her every day. All furbabies are doing good...Grisa with her allergies and Niki's arthritis flares up from time to time, but those are minor issues that we deal with...otherwise healthy and happy!

I hope you are doing better. You are still in my prayers!

Comment by Judy Gaetje on October 30, 2009 at 11:46am: Hi Lynn... thanks again for this site... it has helped me so much and I know it is a Godsend to others...... hope your well and your fourlegged persanimals are well too... judy