Newman.

[jrsygal37]

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

[Yorkieluv]

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...

[Patti]

Praying for you all.

[ImCKN]

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

[Yorkiekids]

Sending prayers your way.

[chachi]

Hes in my prayers

[wemple2]

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.

[SophieRose]

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

[jrsygal37]

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

[jrsygal37]

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

[saphire]

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.

[wemple2]

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.

[jrsygal37]

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

[IluvLucy]

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

[wemple2]

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.