The vet called tonight with Halley's biopsy results. Of the two kinds of tumors Halley could have, she said it is the worst one.
Halley has what's called an intermediate level mast cell tumor. The good thing about this type of tumor is that it doesn't spread to organs, or, say, the lymph nodes. But it can still be fatal, because it causes other, larger bumps and can affect the stomach.
The vet took off Halley's bump and a good portion around it, but the lab said the patch she took off only has a 3mm "clear zone." So there's tumor in everything she took off except 3mm around the outside. So, technically, she got it all, BUT she said that's not nearly enough room to be comfortable.
So she said we have 3 options: 1- do nothing, since technically she got it all, and watch the area to make sure nothing else happens. 2- see an oncologist, who might recommend chemotherapy. 3- go back ASAP and take a larger section of skin around the initial sample, so she can be sure she got it all.
I asked for her best recommendation, and she said #3. She said Halley's bloodwork was good, and that she's confident that if she takes more off, there's a 90-95% chance the whole thing will be over and Halley will live a normal life. After the second surgery, we have to watch very closely to make sure no other bumps pop up. She said that if it were her dog, that is the course of action she would take. So she's going back on Wednesday for another surgery.
I talked to my stepmom tonight and she said my dog Odie, who I had when I was a kid, had the exact same thing and she had it removed and was fine. So that gives me hope.
Anyway, I wanted to thank you guys for checking in on her. Thanks especially to luckylily and Mia for your PM's, because they helped a lot.
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"We live in an age where unnecessary things are our only necessities." --Oscar Wilde
I am glad you kept us updated. I hope that the vet gets it all and that chemo will not be needed. Pets become such a huge part of our families that it is so hard to deal with them being sick. Let us know Wednesday how everything turns out. Prayers to your baby Halley to have a fast recovery.
Thanks for the update. I've been thinking of her. I know you didn't hear what you wanted to hear, but it sounds like she has a really good chance of making a full recovery. Give her a big kiss for me.
Thanks guys... it sounds cheesy, but I have been through SO much with this dog, and I am terrified that she won't recover. She and I have been through so much together that I can't imagine living without her.
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"We live in an age where unnecessary things are our only necessities." --Oscar Wilde
Hmmmm...Darnit! I am so sorry to hear that the news from the vet wasn't better. However, it sounds like you've got a really good vet, and that Halley is going to come out okay on the other side. Hang in there. I'll be thinking about all of you in the next few days.
I'm so sorry to hear that the news wasn't the best but it does sound hopeful and like you have good options. It's so weird because I just went through the exact same thing with my mom a few months ago when she was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer - the doctors not being comfortable with the margins and having to go back in and removing more tissue and then going ahead with further treatment (radiation) - and got kind of choked up reading your post. I hope everything goes well with the second surgery!
Well I'm sorry to hear that this wasn't the news you wanted, but I think it sounds like Halley's got a great chance at a full recovery. Try not to worry too much (I know how hard that is), because I am sure Halley will be just fine. I'll be thinking of you and her - please let us know how it goes ((((hugs))))). I know how hard it can be to go through something like this w/a pet...I dealt w/a sicky doggie I had my whole life a couple of years ago - they are so much like a member of the family. She'll pull through
90-95% are good numbers, Halleybird, and it's all about the standard of care, which I know very well, with you as dog-mom, will be the highest possible.
You are one of the few people I think feel the same way about their dogs as I do - I can't even contemplate something happening to either of my dogs, it is too terrifying. I am wishing and hoping as hard as I can that this turns out OK for you and for Halley. Good luck.
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"Don't be cool. Cool is conservative fear dressed in black. Don't limit yourself in this way." - Bruce Mau
Awww....poor Halley! I'm sorry the news wasn't better, but as the other girls have said, it sounds like you have a really good vet who will take good care of her. And I know you'll take good care of her too.
I'll be thinking of you guys on Wednesday and I'll have my fingers crossed. In the mean time, give her lots of TLC and buy her a treat or a cute new shirt.
halley will pull through. i'm glad there's a good chance of recovery because you really seem to love your dog the way most people should. you're such a wonderful owner, she is lucky to have you.
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"i tell you one lesson I learned
If you want to be something in life, You ain't gonna get it unless, You give a little bit of sacrifice, Oohh, sometimes before you smile you got to cry.." -The Roots
Thank you for the update, you guys have been in my thoughts. I'm sorry that you didn't get the news you were hoping for but it seems very likely that she will be able to live a normal, healthy life. Give Halley lots of love for all of us. I'll be thinking of you both.
Halleybird, I'm sorry about the bad news, but it does sound like the surgery results will be very positive overall, and I think you would have hated to put her through chemo. My thoughts are with you and your husband (and Halley, of course) for a speedy, and "all clear" recovery from the next surgery.
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"Good taste shouldn't have to cost anything extra." - Mickey Drexler