My seven year old Havanese baby girl has had two surgeries in the past two months for mast cell tumor in rear hock. Unfortunately, the tumor was originally diagnosed as a lipoma, but we’re doing what can be done now. Oncologist at Animal Medical Center says it has spread to nearest lymph node (also surgically removed) and advised radiation or amputation followed by Palladia. We are going with amputation also at the AMC. This web site has given me much advice and solace. I hope Lucy Lu’s blog can do the same for others. Surgery is this Tuesday. I plan on being home with her for a week and then going in to work for only a few hours a day.
We hate why you have to join the club but we’re glad you’re here! Amputation is often easier on dogs that aren’t using the limb but they do adjust very quickly. It is great that you’re able to spend so much time with her as she adapts. The first 2 weeks can be rough on you, the human, I won’t lie. The pain medication they give us dogs had me tasting colors for a bit. It made me wobbly, pant, and just not myself.
After the stitches out, you’ll have your hands full keeping Lucy from overdoing it. I wasn’t able to jump into the car BEFORE my amputation, I’m still not sure why I tried after the amputation but I really was feeling good.
Are you looking at any nutritional changes? I’m grain free and I recommend making the switch to anyone who will listen. Cancer likes sugar and you don’t want to feed the cancer.
Welcome to Tripawds.
My pug Maggie lost her left rear leg to a MCT. We didn’t know about the lymph node involvement until after her amp. You can read her story here: http://maggiesjourney.tripawds.com/maggies-story/ . There is also a tab that details her amp and treatment.
We have another new member from the UK named Anna who is contemplating the amp decision for her pup. You can read her forum posts here: http://tripawds.com/forums/presentation-and-diagnosis/my-little-terrier-has-just-been-diagnosed-with-mast-cell-tumor-and-now-its-decision-time/ . You might consider sharing your story in the forums- there are many more people over there if you are looking for answers or support. Also, feel free to send me a PM or email if you want to talk more.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
Yes, we’ve changed her diet to freeze dried raw. She loves it!
Hello!
My Jill is also treated at AMC. You are in GREAT hands!!! Which oncologist are you seeing? Jill goes to dr Hohenhaus.
Keep us posted- I know it’s soooo scary but you’ll be amazed at how well she does on three legs!!!
Good morning, Jill,
We are seeing Dr. camps for oncolology, Dr. Kovak for surgery. I will definitely keep you posted. Happy post Valentine’s Day to you and Jill.
Oh dr Camps is great! We’ve seen her in the waiting room often! Jill didn’t have her amputation at AMC, she had hers at Lincoln square vets, but Ajax the doggy another nyc tripawd had his done at AMC and he is doing great!!! Hope all goes well tomorrow!
Thanks, Jill. I feel more comfortable doing the surgery at a major hospital where there is overnight care. I’m a nervous wreck. Lucy is as calm as a cuke. What she will miss most during recovery is sitting in her window seat watching the world go by (a Havanese trick). Lucky for dogs they can’t project!
I totally understand! Lincoln square luckily had overnight care and they called in a special surgeon to do the amputation or else i would have 100% done it at AMC! Also Lincoln Square is a few blocks from my apartment so it was easier for me to visit her there (not really recommended to visit dogs in the hospital as they get worked up when their owners leave and cats really could care less 😉
You are really in terrific hands at AMC, Jill had all her chemo there and I never ever felt worried about leaving her there all day. We are very lucky to have such a great hospital here!
PS- I have pet insurance which I’d rather never have used, but decision making was definitely easier knowing I was covered for 80%! Thank you for the advice on visiting. I will wait to pick her up, should be Wednesday afternoon.
Hi Lucy! Hope you’re feeling good and the surgery went well, keep us posted oK? xoxo
I was ready to jog home. My surgery was a complete success, but of course I’m reddish and swollen. Mom is using cold compresses. I’m resting, eating, a bit blue, but I’m quite happy with the results. Next step is suture removal and visit to oncologist to determine how to follow up. I plan on looking great in my bikini this summer!
The staff and doctors at the Animal Medical Center here in New York were just great. They thought I was adorable and very fit. Complements will always get you far.
Thank you for the support of this site.
Report from Mom: Oncologist just called. She used the “cured” word — she’s glad we did the amputation and not radiation as the biopsy showed a large number of mast cells in her leg, but they could not find the “armpit” lymph node which is an excellent sign. Lucy will be on Palladia for six months as backup treatment. Oncologist says 40% of dogs with mast cell tumors get another one, so I’m not totally joyful, just mostly!!!!! Said it’s a good idea to do annual x-rays and ultrasound.
Lucy: Mom went out shopping (she was getting stir crazy) and I did a bad thing. I jumped out of my x-pen (I’m quite an athlete). She was pretty surprised when she came home and I greeted her at the door. Mom has blocked off the couch (I already leapt onto it when she wasn’t looking and that’s a big no no) and I’ll stay in the living room when she goes out. I was very bad last night. I hate my X-pen and I whined and barked and kept the neighors up. Mom says the oncologist saw me after my surgery and I was so jolly and active she asked the surgeon when they were going to do the surgery!
I’m getting my sutures out today. Can’t wait to jump on the couch!