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Max Goes to the Oncologist

Posted : 7/8/2009 7:00:23 AM

Well the appointment went ok. We met with an oncologist specialist and the surgeon. Both feel Maxine's tumor is small. We xrayed her lungs no sign of cancer there and this type spreads fast to the lungs. They think they can remove the tumor with out too much damage to Max. They require a CT scan first to be SURE it is not like an ice burg, the surgeon does not want to cut her open and find he can not do it. They can schedule the CT scan and go right into surgery, that way she only has to go through anesthesia once. With the surgery they think from what they see with their eyes they can get it all, she would not need follow up treatments (chemo or radiation) and she will be fine. However we are talking a LOT of money.

Maxine is 12 1/2, I think she would handle the surgery fairly well. How much it would take out of her who knows. How much time without cancer does she have left with me is the big question. We are talking a huge investment into an old dog who has already had a lot of money put in her. I do not regret one cent spent, but I have to be realistic in this decision and it is the HARDEST thing I have ever had to do in my life. Emotionally she is worth the amount and then some, but we just paid off Teddi's hip and wanted to start saving money for other things. If we did the surgery would she live 1 month and die of some unforeseen situation or go on for years??? Without surgery, the doctors said she would most likely start experiencing problems in as short as 2 months.

We have scheduled her appointment but reserve the right to cancel. I just don't know what to do, and I wish there was a magic answer. Some great being who can tell me the future. This is my heart we are talking about. She was in bed with us last night, and I cried my self to sleep. I hate to say it, but I think I wish it was worse, to make this decsion so much easier. This is the hardest thing I have ever had to face. No such thing as "just a dog".

jennie_c_d

Posted : 7/8/2009 7:06:40 AM

((((((((hugs))))))))

kpwlee

Posted : 7/8/2009 7:15:06 AM

jennie_c_d
((((((((hugs))))))))

and some more

Every dog owner that loves their dog can understand how difficult a decision this is - I will send all my strength to you and say some prayers for all of you. I know that whatever you do it will be the RIGHT thing.

Please give her an extra lovin for me Sad

sharismom

Posted : 7/8/2009 7:15:57 AM

Ann, trust your heart and what Max *tells* you. You know her best.

(((Hugs))) at this difficult time.

iluvjamison

Posted : 7/8/2009 7:18:41 AM

Maxs Mom
This is the hardest thing I have ever had to face. No such thing as "just a dog".

Oh Ann . . . . . I have no magic answers either ~ just wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you and Max.

Deb W.

calliecritturs

Posted : 7/8/2009 8:52:27 AM

Maxs Mom
If we did the surgery would she live 1 month and die of some unforeseen situation or go on for years???

You will truly make yourself nuts if you try to answer that, Ann. We can't foresee the future, and honestly, no serious health issue or "unforeseen situation" is ever "expected" within 1 month. This wasn't expected, and you can't make yourself crazy looking around corners. You honestly have to make the decision based on her quality of life *now*.

I'm not going to call a dog her age "old". Senior? Heck yes! But not majorly geriatric.

One thing that might give you some clarity is to ask the vet what TO expect without surgery. What sort of "effects" will she feel? How painful will it be? How debilitating will it be and how difficult in the course of the cancer to figure out when she's in too much pain to go further with that. That path *could* simply be more and more difficult decisions awaiting you shorter term.

For *me* the answer usually lies in how I know I'll feel if I *don't* do the surgery and they start experiencing pain, how will I feel then? I know David and I spend more money on OUR dogs than most any other human being, but I have this honesty thing where I need to be able to look the dog in the eye and say "we tried, Babe ... we TRIED our best". And then I came to a dog like Kee Shu who just is NOT good with pain at all and then I have to be accountable to her for *that* and David and I have agreed that with her there will never be any "heroics" because she's not good at coping with them

What Sharismom said is truly the answer. Talk to Maxine -- you know her. How good is she at rising above and trying to overcome obstacles. Is it something SHE would want to do?

I hope this was helpful -- not more of a load. I've been there Ann, and yes, these decisions are very difficult. But pick your battles here -- don't do battle with things you can *not* know and can *not* predict. That's only more unfair load for you.

stardog85

Posted : 7/8/2009 10:49:42 AM

I really think Callie's suggestion about finding out more about the surgery's effects is a good one.

This is nowhere near the same level as what you're facing, but when Maggie had a tooth repaired I didn't ask about aftercare and boy was I surprised when the vet said she could no longer chew on anything after the procedure! Maggie is a big time chewer and to be told she couldn't have anything was just stunning - if I had known that upfront I would've just had the tooth extracted so she could still enjoy her chewies. Even though it would've meant a longer recovery her quality of life would've been much improved, as would my bank account (extraction is cheaper than repair oddly enough). As it is now, she does get limited chewies and so far, so good, but it's a pain to manage the toys and I think it does cause her some stress that I wish wasn't there. If anything else goes wrong with that tooth or something similar happens to another I'll just go straight to extraction.

Hugs! And lots of good vibes coming your way.

jessies_mom

Posted : 7/8/2009 6:42:46 PM

Ann; I can't add to the advice given by sharismom and Callie. I just want you to know I'll be keeping you in my thoughts; {{{{hugs}}}}

BEVOLASVEGAS

Posted : 7/9/2009 10:13:08 AM

Ann, I just saw this & wanted you to know that we're thinking of you.

JackieG

Posted : 7/9/2009 10:24:14 AM

Praying for you.

Maxs Mom

Posted : 7/10/2009 9:25:11 AM

We made the decision to not go forward with the surgery. We are going to enjoy the time we have left with her and the INSTANT she shows any pain, let her go. It was the hardest decsion of my life, and I am very heart broken.

Please hug your dogs today for me!

BEVOLASVEGAS

Posted : 7/10/2009 9:37:50 AM

Ann, I know that this won't make it any easier for you but I think that you're making the right decision for Max.

((((Hugs))))

stardog85

Posted : 7/10/2009 12:15:01 PM

I'm sure you've made the right decision - we know you had a lot to consider. Max will certainly appreciate the time you spend with her and she knows you do everything in her best interest. ((((hugs))))

Infiniti

Posted : 7/10/2009 12:22:59 PM

I'm so sorry, and if it's any consolation, I truly feel you're making the right decision. Hugs to both of you, and I'll be keeping you in my thoughts.

gradyupmybutt

Posted : 7/10/2009 5:17:31 PM

Oh, Ann. My heart goes out to you. I know how hard it was to come to your decision. Please know that you are so in my thoughts. Give Max some kisses from me. (((HUGS)))