Newman.
 

Hi guys. Just wanted to update. Still haven't gotten good or bad news from the vet yet. I guess he's still trying to hunt up some numbers as to survival after the surgery. This is kind of worrying me. If it's taking this long for him to get stats from the oncologist then they prob. arent' available. At any rate we are having a bad morning.

Newman was fine yesterday, but woke up this morning and the tumor is bigger then it was yesterday and it's now bleeding to boot. It looks as if he went at it so I'm sure a lot of the swelling is inflamation in which case I guess the doctor was right when he said last week that within a week it would ulcerate and he'd be in pain. He is uncomfortable. I cleaned it and wrapped it and he's now resting in his bed with a blanket. He's showing no interest in eating this morning which really concerns me since he's a chow hound. I have a call into the doctor to see if he can prescribe some pain meds and antibiotics to make sure he doesn't get an infection. I'm taking it day by day but I think my days are becoming few and well I guess that's what I'll have to accept and deal with. I'm having such a hard time letting him go and I keep hoping for a call and some good news. I just don't want to put him through amputation if it's not going to cure him. Will keep you posted when I have more to tell. Thanks again to everyone for their support. Elaine

Elaine, I'm so sorry that everything seems bad right now with Newman. I know this must be incredibly hard for you, but just keep your chin up! They lose their appetites when they're not feeling well. As soon as he starts feeling better, his appetite will come back...

Praying for you all.

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Sending prayers your way.

Hes in my prayers

I am sorry to hear Newman is not doing so well. You are both most definitely in my thoughts and prayers. I know when our babies hurt, we hurt...and for this I am sorry.

Sweet Newman
 

Good morning, Elaine. Today does sound like a rough day today for Newman. Has he been on pain meds in the past? When they are weak, the effect seems concentrated and not sure what is worse, their pain or "rag doll" appearance when drugged.

Thinking of you and please know that your journey is not an easy one. When I knew that I had to help Sophie, I fed her special snacks that she wasn't able to normally eat. Wrapped her in a fresh, beautiful fleece blanket and talked to her about how much I loved her, and the love she had given to me. Then we made the drive to the doctor's office. Even after she was gone, I held her, talked to her and gave her kisses.

Also, it is about timing. The first time I took Sophie to the vet to pts, it was noisy, dogs barking. That is not how I wanted my Sophie to spend her last minutes. The next time though (several weeks later), it was extremely quiet and peaceful for both Sophie and me.

Bless you.

Warmly, Deborah

I Need Help
 

The doctor finally got back to me around 2pm today. I have to bring Newman into him tomorrow morning at 8:30am. He wants to check his tumor and him etc. I need some feedback from my YT friends.

As you know we have two options. 1. to put him down when it becomes to uncomfortable (or) 2. have his leg amputated.

Here's the situation. 1. The tumor has never been seen before. It's extremely rare. Our vet has been practicing for over 30 years. He is one of the best in Ocean County. He has never seen it. He consulted with oncology at two diff. established and respected places and they have never dealt with it. 2. Newman is 10 years old. He has problems with his hips but not severe. Just arthritic at times. 3. He has a collapsed trachea. Nothing terrible but it's not great. He has trouble breathing from time to time and he couphs when exerted.

Here is what the vet found out; 1. As I said no one has seen this before. 2. They really don't know how he will do after surgery with respect if this will come back someone where else or if it will be cured for good. Normal odds would be 89 percent chance of cure, but since it's rare and never been seen before these really don't apply to him. 3. They would have to do tests prior to surgery such as ultra sound, chest x ray and blood work to make sure it has not spread.

My dilema. Plain and simple I don't want to lose him but I'm petrified that he won't survive the surgery and he'll die at the hospital without me. I'm petrified that he'll go through all of this and the cancer will not be cured. AND, I'm sick over the fact that I may have to put him to sleep. The only comfort I have in doing that (Putting him to sleep) is knowing that I'll be holding him when he goes.

Now I really need honest from the heart oppinions on what you guys would do if it were your baby.

Sincere Thanks to everyone
Elaine

Oh One other thing.
 

The doctor suggested taking a chance and I trust him. Been my vet for over 10 years but a part of me is also concerned that they may be using Newman as a test pilot since it's never been seen before. Maybe I'm just being paranoid but this concerns me also. Elaine

I have been keeping up with your thread, and saying prayers for Newman.
It's very hard to give advice on something like this - if only we could ask our babies what they want!

I hope you find the best solution for you and Newman. Maybe after the visit to the vet tomorrow you will be able to decide. I know it must be soooo hard for you. Although we hate to see them suffer, we hate to let go..

Thinking of you.

I wish I had the answer you are seeking. Forgive me if you have already said...but what kind of tumor is it that your sweet Newman has? Did the vet give you a name of it? My heart goes out to you, this is such a difficult decision to make. Possibly after his appointment tomorrow, you will have a clearer picture. Usually...you can just tell by looking at your beloved pet, holding them...look deep into his eyes...into his soul, he will let you know when the time is right to say goodbye. If he still has spirit, the time is not right, as he has not given up hope. Do what you can to show him your love for him...and he will do the same for you, it's in the eyes...he will tell you when he's ready to go. May God Bless you and Newman...I pray.

Wemple
 

Wemple. Thank you for your kind words. Newman has a Mast Cell Tumor which the vet has seen and dealt with but he's never seen it on the foot. It is a stage III. He said that he's done papers etc. and it was said that a Mast Cell on the pubic area of a male dog was more aggressive then in other areas and for this reason he does not know how this tumor will react. It's never been seen to this degree (Stage III) and in the foot. In most cases it never gets to this stage, it's removed and they are fine. It's common on the trunks of the dogs and they stage it remove it and surrounding tissue and never hear from it again. Thanks again. Elaine

Elaine, I'm so sorry for Newman and you. Wemple's advice seemed perfect to me. I was with both my son and my sister when they had beloved pets PTS. My son's cat literally gave up and Russ knew it was time. He held him and talked to him during the procedure, all the while crying like a baby. But he knew it was time, for Buddy's sake.

I drove my sister and her pom, Beau, to the vet when it was time for Beau, too. It seemed like Beau knew what was going on and was OK with it. He comforted my sister rather than the other way around. Right before the injection, he lay his little head on her hand and licked her, then closed his eyes while snuggling her hand. He knew he was loved right until the last.

I truly believe you will know with Newman.

Hugs to you and wishing you peace with your difficult decision.
Kim

I just did a quick search on mast cell tumors...stage III. I even talked to my hubby about it, we both agree...if it were us and Winston, we would probably take the chance...and do the surgery. But again, I would seek the answer by looking into his eyes...watching for a sign of hope or a sign of pity. Sometimes, unfortunately...we do things out of selfishness, for ourselves...not necessarily what is the right thing to do for him. Does he still have the will to live, then by all means give him the chance to live. But if he seems to have given up hope...has no will...then do what is right for Newman. Love him until the very end, when the pain becomes so great, too much for him and you to deal with, show him the love and respect he deserves and make that hardest decision, you will ever have to make. I'm sorry.

I wouldnt make any decisions until all the tests are in.If the cancer has spread. There is your answer.Just watch Newman.You will know in your heart what to do. I will be praying for you and Newman .

Oh my, I am sitting hear in tears reading this as it bring back such a heartbreaking memory for me. My Cairn terrier Ginger shared 15 wonderful years with me. In her last year, she was diabetic and I had to give her daily shots. But she still had the spunk and although I cried almost everytime I had to give her the shot, she was not seeming to suffer. After a year, she was starting to vomit continually. The vet found a spot on her liver and wanted to do a biopsy. I didn't know whether to let her do it or not because I didn't want her to suffer thru the surgery and pass without me with her. I finally agreed and was so happy when the vet said she came thru it okay and was at the time outside with a vet tech using the bathroom. I saw her only for a few minutes that day and she seemed ok. The next morning the vet called and said I think you should come down, she needs to see you. I was so shocked when I saw her. She was struggling to breath and the vet said she had been like that since I left the night before. She didn't think Ginger was going to make it thru the night so she stayed with her all night and watched her and called me first thing in the morning. When she saw me she wagged her tail and licked my hand, but I could see that look in her eyes that said, Mom it is time to let me go. I held her to the end and cried silently because I knew Ginger was pained to see me cry. I took my baby home with me and had a proper burial. Sorry this is so long (probably as much healing for me as it is informative for you)
At any case, Newman will let you know. I sometimes wonder if she would have been with me longer if I had not let her go thru the surgery. And I believe she would have! But the quality of her last days would have not been good. The biopsy was not going to possibly make her better. In your case, the surgery may make him better for a much longer time. It is a hard decision to make and only you can make it. Just remember that Newman will KNOW how much you love him no matter what you decide.
My heart goes out to you.

Hugs
Sonya

All of the above have obviously walked in your path, Elaine. This is not easy and remember, you don't have to make a decision right now. Step back after you see the vet again, take a deep breath, find your center and either decision will feel rational. PTS is painful, not for our beloved pets but for us. Surgery is always a risk, but life is a risk, isn't it?

Thinking of you and Newman, holding both of you in my prayers. Warmly, Deborah

I'm in tears reading this thread.....and know how hard it is to have to make such a decision....I'm sending prayers to you Elaine and Newman....

Saying a prayer for you both today.

I too am saying my prayers for you and Newman...any updates?

My heart is just breaking for Newman and you !

Any news today? A chance is still a chance -- as long as the cancer hasn't spread.

Seems like Newman is a vibrant 10-year-old otherwise. Since Ozzie just turned 10 some weeks back, I think I can safely say I'd have to try. Ozzie also is pretty active for his age and as long as he was not miserable or just facing a worse fate post-op, I'd have to give him every opportunity.

Thoughts and prayers for both you and Newman. :)