Mast Cell Tumor

[utahmomma]

No real question - just need to vent/share.  I you remember, my 10 year old dachshund, Sienna, had 7 tumors removed a few weeks ago.  All were benign.  About a week ago I noticed another lump - about 1"x2" in her chest area.  It was very near an incision (for one of the lipomas) that I was checking to make sure all the stitches were intact after she played with the puppy.  I took her to the vet's today to have the stitches removed and mentioned the new lump to the vet.

He came out and apologized.  He said they did a very *thorough* search for tumors and it wasn't there then (and he would have seen it - it was right next to a lipoma and they looked all over that area).  

Then he said the biopsy (needle) was completely mast cells.  She goes back in for surgery tomorrow.

We don't know how far it may have spread but it popped up very, very quickly.  She has also lost 2lbs in a week.  She needs to lose some weight but not from cancer.  :-(

I'll be speaking in depth with the vet tomorrow when we find out just what we are looking at.  She is still very spunky but I know she couldn't handle chemo.

It hasn't even been two months since we lost Buster to diabetes.  I know she kind of lost her will after he died but, man, oh man!

(sigh)

Anyway, thanks for listening.

Utah

[lola57]

So so sorry about Sienna I wish I could make you both feel better just love her and let her love you. I can not say I know how you feel but I do dread the day I ever have to part with my doxies my thoughts and prayers are with you and Sienna.

[utahmomma]

Just brought her home from the hospital.  The tumor was just under about 1" in size and went deep - very close to her jugular.  The vet had to take quite a bit of tissue and muscle but he thinks he got clean margins - although it is hard to tell because the mast cells are microscopic.

The histology report won't be back in until Tuesday (at least).

She is in more pain than I've ever seen her in.  I can't have her around the puppy because he wants to play and the beagle is growling at her (no idea why but I don't need another fight between them).

It's going to be a long night but at least she is home.

Thanks so much everyone for the support!

[utahmomma]

Yeah - skip the toast.  :-(

If she was younger and stronger I'd consider the chemo but she can barely deal with the surgeries.  The last surgery (for the 7 benign tumors) really laid her up.  She's going to suffer enough (and has with her surgeries and losing Buster) so we'll do whatever we can to keep her happy until the end.

Thanks Jaybay.

[Jaybay]

Oh CR*P on toast!  Utah, all I can say is how sorry I am that you and Sienna have to deal with this.  I completely agree with your decision to not put her through chemo, and know with certainty you will keep her as comfy as humanly possible.  :-(