Posted by Dinah on June 8, 2004, at 16:14:42
In reply to Re: Momdar, posted by Angela2 on June 7, 2004, at 15:33:02
Harry is my small dog who was diagnosed last September with a cancer so undifferentiated that it was impossible to identify. The tumor was 1/3 of his body weight and he actually died on the table when it was removed and was revived. I showed the lab report to some vet friends of mine and the general consensus was that he wouldn't make it till Christmas. That it most certainly would have spread since it was attached to the spleen and blood runs through there or something??? I dunno.
My own vet was more optimistic, and we put him on a cocktail including tamoxifen which is supposed to stop tumor growth by stopping the growth of the blood vessels they need to feed them.
He had a downturn in January or so, and another one just lately. I have a FABULOUS vet. He's always willing to try out experimental treatments, and I've always had good luck with them. I wish I had a personal doctor as good. He also generally respects my intuition about the dogs.
I rather suspect that his attitude stems from a mix of his natural optimisms and a certain feeling of helplessness. The truth is that even he, the most optimistic of any of the vets I spoke to at the time, now admits that it's astonishing that Harry is still alive. And the standard tests don't reveal anything. And I don't think I would agree to invasive testing. And if it's spread to his brain, not only can't we tell, but we can't do much about it either. Under the circumstances, I suppose that assuming everything is ok is as good as wringing his hands. :(
It's just really really frustrating to *know* that something is wrong and to really really want to help him, while he can't even tell me where it hurts or what he's feeling. He is the most consistent source of support in my life, and I want to give him as much as he's given me.
poster:Dinah
thread:354532
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040602/msgs/354850.html