Maggie needs radiation and I can't decide which type to choose. I posted on the sick forums but have more info now and can't decide between 2 different approaches at 2 practices. Briefly, Maggie is 10 1/2 and has a Meningioma ( tumor in tissue that surrounds the brain). Non- surgical, probably benign but without treatment possibly 2-4 months prognosis. Both treatment require anasthesia, general but light ( no pain killer required-- only propofol and gas) Treatment plan 1. SRT (stereotactic) radiation for 5 treatments. Anasthesia would be with IV each day. Is quicker, very targeted, but may not be effective for as long because total amount of radiation to tumor is less. This vet seems very experienced with this type of issue. He said either SRT or conventional is appropriate, but he would rec the conventional because may have longer effects, however due to distance (1.5 hrs) we would choose the University for the full treatment (15-20) Plan 2 is 15 treatments, maximum effectiveness compared to plan 1, but maybe not quite as targeted, though still should protect normal tissue (brain). Anasthesia is required but would use a "port" rather than a new iv each time. This is a university, but the rad oncologist here does not treat as many of this type. A lot of people choose the SRT which they do not have the machine for. They did more before SRT started being used. Travel here is much shorter. I can't decide between the 5 or 15. Anasthesia that many times scares me, yet I know people do it and it was the standard for a long time. Is it too stressful for Maggie to go 15 times,? She'll be 11 in April. Should I be trying to squeeze 6 more months out of her by risking the extra anasthesia? They can't even give good time estimates because we can't biopsy ( he said srt could give 12-18. I think the other he said maybe 2 years for the regular- no guarantees- I may have to confirm this).Don't know if it grows fast or slow and they think it's benign... But not positive. Maggie had a rectal tumor in April. 3 different drs doubt it's related. She has luxating patella and prior back surgery. BUT she is always ready to go for a ride, very alert and overall a really great little girl who prances along and people think she's a puppy.. she was pretty tired and depressed and maybe painful with this but the steroid really brought her back to 90% of herself. Please share if you have any experiences that will help. I have spent a week not knowing what to do and talking to doctors who don't think there is really enough info to know for sure the best path.. I think it might be the 15, but is it worth the risk? |
Based upon what you've shared plan A seems more in alignment with what I would choose. I would be concerned with going under 15 times. Your baby has lived a good life at almost 11 and I'm sure you love her immensely but if both plans are only going to give you a 6 month life extension I probably would allow her to live out her days without any treatment only palliative/hospice type care and then let her go. The life extension would have to be significantly more and the dogs quality of life not reduced for me to consider spending this type of time and money. We understand that with pets that we will most likely out live them and we will have to make some challenging decisions regarding their care especially because they are family members. I'm sorry you're having to make this decision and hope for positive outcomes for you and your baby. |
Thank you @rachel for your reply. We should be able to get her 12-18 months with the 5 treatments, and I've read even longer is possible. There hasn't been enough research and they often don't know why the dogs ultimately die from. I read a study about it and there was overall 2 year survival of 74% but disease specific survival was 97%. I'm going to be asking the vet if my understanding is correct and if they will be using similar method. I believe this is where he is getting the 24 months from....6 more than the 5 tx method. I am concerned about the extra anasthesia for the extra life expectancy and I'm trying to learn more about that potential risk and whether I really should be concerned about it. Hubby isn't worried about the money, we arent extravagant in other ways, such as travel. Thank you again, it is helpful to see points of view because I have over analyzed and am completely indecisive right now.. |
What a difficult decision for you. I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I know it probably seems worrisome to not know whether Maggie’s tumor is benign vs malignant, but with a brain tumor, the difference isn’t really as important. True, a malignant tumor will eventually spread, but a benign tumor is just as dangerous when it’s growing inside the skull where there isn’t any spare room to grow. So, given Maggie’s age, I wouldn’t worry about the difference. The important thing to decide is whether to put her through a somewhat to very difficult treatment regimen or to just let her live out what’s left of her life as happily and comfortably as possible. Either decision would be justifiable. If it were my decision, and if I chose to try to extend my dog’s life with radiation treatment, I would choose the five treatments rather than the fifteen. The fifteen treatment regime might extend Maggie’s life somewhat but, given the anesthesia risk, it also might end her life sooner, and it would almost certainly be more stressful and uncomfortable. Again, I’m sorry you’re going through this. Whatever you decide, it will be a decision based on love, so it will be the right one. |
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