Raven's cancer *Final recheck, pg 38 (post 568)*

[dragondawg]

Just got back from the vet. They did not get all the cancer, and it is beginning go grow back already. Pathology told him it would not be able to be excised, it is too deep. He is calling the University of MN to find out what our options are, but it will have to be something radical in order to stop it from metastasizing if she is to have a chance. Best case I am hoping for is if they think radiation will be effective. He also said we may have to remove part of her jaw.

My whole body feels sick and numb. God help us through this please.

In looking at the picture of your puppy, my Barney could be its twin.

Have the Vets yet to do an ultrasound on the body cavity checking for metastasis? Obviously if it has already spread then radical surgery isn't going to do much after the fact. If it hasn't been done, I'd ask the UM to check for metastasis.

I agree with your thoughts the best case is that if it hasn't gone into the underlying bone. Then another surgery with wider margins, and very quicky followed up with radiation might get it. One item I ran across in the literature is that the sooner after surgery radiation is done, the more effective it is in zapping left over cells. The reason is that scar tissue forming from the operation can form a partial shield for remaining cancer cells not removed. Time periods mentioned for radiation treatment starting was under a week post surgery for best results.

Hopefully you'll get the best case scenario out of the situation.

[jennielynn1970]

I just wanted to post this link that I saw for dogs that have cancer. It's for the Vetrinary Hospital for the University of Pennsylvania. It's one of the best teaching hospitals for the care of animals in PA. When a dog or cat is ill, and they don't know what to do at the vet office, this is where they go. This link is for the cancer section... granted it says it's lymphosarcoma, but it does have other links that are useful as well, and links for the vet hospital too.

www.dogdoggiedog.com

[anna_66]

Jess I wish there was something I could do or say to make this all go away, but of course the best any of us can do is give prayers and hope that they are able to take care of this and give Raven and you many years together.

Those pictures really made me smile. She looks so happy.

Many (((HUGS)))
Anna

[Kfamr]

Call me nerdy, but I've been reading up on oral cancers in dogs all morning. Just wanting to learn more about them and thinking of Raven.

I never knew how common oral cancer in dogs actually is. I didn't think it to be so common.

More {{HUGS}} being sent your way.

[finn's mom]

I'm still thinking of you guys daily. She's such a pretty girl. I hope this gets resolved.

[gini]

You both have my prayers. I am so hopeful that Raven can beat this!

[wolfsoul]

I haven't been on PT much lately so I've completely missed this. I'm so sorry to hear about Raven...I know what it's like to have a dog with cancer. If you ever want to talk, you know I'm here. Good luck with everything Jess, I'll be rootin' for you guys.

[My Peanuts]

Jess, I don't know how I am just seeing this. I'm sorry I didn't offer my prayers sooner. I can't believe this is happening to poor Raven.

I know that the cancer is growing quickly, but, for the most part younger animals and people's cancer does grow faster. It's because they can heal better too. I hope you can take some comfort in that.

I will be sending some money to help with Raven. I know how it feels to have huge un-plannable vet bills and I'd love to help you.

Again, I'm sorry I didn't respond sooner. You and Raven will be in my thoughts and prayers and I just know she will be ok.

Diana