Praying For Stella
I got some very bad news yesterday on my 10 year old chocolate lab, Stella. After being up the entire night before with her, thinking her stomach was upset or something, I realized that she was bleeding from the back of her mouth and rushed her to the AMC.
An hour later, the doctor hit me with what they think it is: a mass in her entire right jaw.
Today Stella goes for a cat scan and a biopsy to see exactly how big it is and what type of cancer it might be. I am holding out hope that it could possibly be something else. I guess we can use a few more prayers for her today.
If anyone has been through jaw cancer before with their dog, I would really appreciate that you reach out to me so I can ask you a few questions. Either way we are planning to visit Dr. Post at the Veterinary Oncology & Hematology Center in Norwalk, CT for a 2nd opinion before doing anything. We hear great things about him, but would love any more feedback if anyone reading this has personally used him before. As always, I appreciate any help from you guys and in my own messed up way, find this therapeutic to share with my readers. Somehow your wonderful comments seem to pick me up. So, thanks to all that left them in yesterday's comment thread.
Comments (33)
Noah - I feel for you.
Had the same with my mutt in the UK.. best is to put your pet out of it's misery.
Good Luck!
Posted by Sympathetic | February 24, 2009 9:04 AM
Dear Noah, I am so glad you are keeping us readers here informed about your dear Stella. The serious illness of a beloved member of one's family certainly trumps everything else going on in the world. We are rooting for you all! And saying many prayers, sending many hopes and hugs and wags your way. -Mrs. Otto and Kisses, our Yellow Lab.
Posted by Otto | February 24, 2009 9:05 AM
im so sorry about your dog...i hope its not cancer....and that she makes a speedy recovery.....my moms cousin had jaw cancer and it wasnt good - ie complications...i will spare you the details ......stay well...Michael
Posted by michael | February 24, 2009 9:05 AM
Dear Noah, I am so glad you are keeping us readers here informed about your dear Stella. The serious illness of a beloved member of one's family certainly trumps everything else going on in the world. We are rooting for you all! And saying many prayers, sending many hopes and hugs and wags your way. -Mrs. Bloggo and Kisses, our Yellow Lab.
Posted by Otto | February 24, 2009 9:06 AM
Just a comment for "Sympathetic:" modern day veterinary science has brought many a seriously ill furry creature back from the brink! Kudos to Noah for pursuing expert opinions and options before having to make what is surely the most horrible decision anyone should ever have to make. Again, Noah, best wishes.
Posted by Otto | February 24, 2009 9:09 AM
Noah - thinking of you and Stella today. She will be in my prayers, and I wish you strength to get through this.
Posted by OT | February 24, 2009 9:24 AM
Stella!!
Shes a lovely dog !!
wish u both the best
Posted by johnny | February 24, 2009 9:48 AM
Thanks guys, leaving at 11AM for AMC. Here is my plan.
If its confirmed, worst case scenario by both vets, I will NOT perform the surgery to remove her entire lower jaw. That is radical surgery and forever changes the dogs life, especially one that loves to eat. Besides, its not just the surgery, but chemo/radiation that will be needed after too.
Rather, I will discuss more creative surgery to remove bits & pieces of the back jaw where it seems the biggest problem is, dont remove the entire thing, so that the bleeding and pain can be managed. Then try some radiation to perhaps slow/kill the tumor. Chemo will deteriorate her to the point that it might not be worth it, but lets see what both doctors say.
The goal is 4 things: eat, wag, play, run. If she can do that, she is happy. If not, she is uncomfortable and probably in pain.
If this is a possibility with less invasive surgery, that is what I think I will do, until the point that Stella is physically uncomfortable. Then I will make that very hard decision.
Posted by Noah | February 24, 2009 9:54 AM
For most of my life I haven't been a dog person, but when my girlfriend moved in with me 3 years ago her lemon beagle moved in with her. I now consider him a true family member and would be devastated if anything happened to him. Best wishes for Stella, hope she does not suffer.
Posted by Seller | February 24, 2009 9:57 AM
Went through a cancer diagnosis with my childhood dog, and we made the decision not to have the surgery done because of the pain, complications etc. of the treatment. We didn't want to inflict pain she couldn't comprehend. Our dog lived a decent life for another 3-4 months, and then sat with her while she was injected. Very hard, but I think the best decision. Compared with what two of my aunts went through with cancer, our dog died peacefully and humanely. Hope things are peaceful for you and Stella.
Lee (A lurker on your terrific blog.)
Posted by Lee | February 24, 2009 10:09 AM
Prayers are with you and lovely Stella Noah.
EVB
Posted by Eastvillboy | February 24, 2009 10:16 AM
Noah, best of luck with Stella. I hope everything works out for her, and you.
Posted by faustus | February 24, 2009 10:44 AM
Dear Noah-
Our prayers are with you and your beloved Stella.
Truth be told, no pun intended, the illness of a pet is almost worse then that of a human. They depend on us and they really don't know what is happening. It sounds to me as if Stella is the sort of dog who is really extraordinary and she's very blessed to have you as a father.
Regarding options, if Stella were mine, I would be on Google all day and night, you'll find out everything you need to know.
We're with you and Stella, dear friend.
Posted by truthteller | February 24, 2009 10:46 AM
Noah:
What a beauty.
Prayers are on the way.
I first saw the pic on your blog and started to smile when I saw Stella. Then I read on.
We have many dogs and have been through much. Love labs. Had a Yellow and now a Golden and a Rott.
Thank G_d she's with one of the good guys who'll do everything that's best for her.
If you are not satisfied with your CT. specialist or would like to seek a second opinion there is
Katonah-Bedford Animal Hospital. We use them because they have specialists in every area and are pretty amazing.
If you need it:
http://www.kbvetcenter.com/
Just in case.
Posted by RobertLC321 | February 24, 2009 10:52 AM
My recommendation is that you contact Dr Sherilyn Allen, Ironstone Veterinary Hospital, Boyertown, PA (tel. # 610-367-6446). It's a 90 minute drive from NYC. Dr Allen truly has performed miracles on my neapolitan mastiffs - dogs that are genetic wrecks to begin with ... She has very high ethic standards. You should be careful about VMDs who want to operate on a dog no matter what. You are getting 2nd opinions, which is great. Dogs have a way to signal to their owners when it is time to make that inevitable decision ... but it is truly a heartbreak. My thoughts are with you.
Posted by chris | February 24, 2009 10:52 AM
Dear Noah, I don't have any specific advice but am sending you and Stella lots of good wishes. I hope the news is good, and if it is not, you will be able to take some time to say goodbye to each other, which is a gift. Sharon
Posted by Sharon | February 24, 2009 11:53 AM
Noah,
The only advice I can offer is that when you learn the facts you will know in your heart what is best for Stella. But it is equally important that you make whatever decision you choose in a way that you are comfortable as well.
I know that when I finally had to say good bye to my dog, we were both ready.
Posted by lars | February 24, 2009 1:06 PM
My best wishes and prayers for Stella. Stay strong for her during this tough and confusing time.
Posted by angler7 | February 24, 2009 2:47 PM
My thoughts and prayers are with you and Stella.
Posted by Colgin | February 24, 2009 3:19 PM
Noah -- Stella is beautiful. Lots of "knowing" in those gorgeous eyes. She will be able to help you make any decision you need to make. And it sounds as though she got lucky when fate sent her to your family....
Best to all of you.
-- A Reader
Posted by A Reader | February 24, 2009 4:52 PM
Noah, it depends on the type of cancer. Dogs handle chemo very well vs humans...
Posted by Cheers | February 24, 2009 5:26 PM
noah I have been thinking of you ever since you told me about stella I no what you are going though and it sucks my thoughts are with you every moment.Be stong love you shari
Posted by shari | February 24, 2009 5:30 PM
A dog parent myself, my thoughts are with you and Stella.
Posted by Rachel | February 24, 2009 9:28 PM
Noah -- Jeff and I are so so sorry to hear about Stella! It is so difficult to make these decisions about your pet, especially because they can't tell you what they want (well, in words at least). We went through a similar situation with our 15-year-old cat this past summer. Getting a second opinion is the best thing because whatever happens, you know you did your best and explored all possible options.
We are thinking of you and Stella!
xo
Amy and Jeff
Posted by amy brightfield | February 25, 2009 12:12 AM
THANKS EVERYBODY!!! Stella goes in today for tests, stupid AMC had us go there twice for same consult to tells us same thing (we need cat scan/biopsy), and I guess an extra $200 for them. Stella definitely did not need the stress of that 2nd visit, for no reason. Unreal. Just get me the results so I can go to Dr. Post for 2nd opinion.
Posted by Noah | February 25, 2009 7:03 AM
That's why dogs shouldn't be allowed to smoke!
Seriously though. I wish for a speedy recover. Best of luck.
Posted by Marlboro Man | February 25, 2009 10:04 AM
Sorry about your dog Noah. Last summer my German Shepherd died from caner (not jaw cancer) and from internal bleeding. She died 6 days after the vet gave me the bad news. Hopefully you will have more time.
Posted by Donald | February 25, 2009 1:39 PM
sending positive vibes - sounds like you are doing the right thing - they eat and play - and when they can't do that - we have to reevaluate our interference - nice to see a dog owner not going `way out`.... oftentimes the answer is in the middle
peace
Posted by frank | February 25, 2009 2:34 PM
Noah, I am very sorry to hear about Stella's sickness. Hang tough, your and Stella's wellness are in our thoughts. Pax nobis.
Posted by Bill | February 25, 2009 5:41 PM
So sorry to hear about your Stella. She is certainly a gorgeous girl and is obviously loved. Have been through illnesses with pets and know the difficulty of making each decision in the medical maze. Sending warm thoughts your way...
Posted by Martha | February 25, 2009 8:14 PM
Hi Noah, Mom just called and told me about Stella. I'm so sorry to hear about her illness. My thoughts and prayers are with you both. How are you doing otherwise? Hope all is well. Take care,
Rob
Posted by Rob | February 27, 2009 9:46 AM
Noah,
I believe my friend Dave went through this with his dog. It was quite an ordeal for him and the eventual loss of his dog really broke him. He is currently traveling and may be hard to reach but here is his e-mail:
dorindave@gmail.com
Best of luck!
Keith
Posted by Keith | March 1, 2009 5:05 PM
Thanks Rob & Keith!!
Posted by Noah | March 2, 2009 9:32 AM