Chummie: latest diagnosis -- possibly cancer
So I took her back to the hospital today and they were very concerned. Now they think that they did not do a broad enough MRI and suspect she may have cancer of her nerve sheath in her leg. They are also going to double check for lymphoma, which they had ruled out last month. If it is nerve sheath cancer, her prognosis will depend on how far it has spread. It can go straight to the spine and beyond. If it is contained solely in the leg, a "drastic intervention" is available which they say can have very favorable results. . . (that means amputation). The doctor seemed very optimistic about Chummie's chances as a tripod. I know I've seen lots of dogs who've adapted really well to it. Of course, there's the chance that, if she has it, it may have already spread beyond operable areas. . . They were able to negotiate a discount for me on the second MRI. I should know more tomorrow. . . In the meantime, I'm retaining my optimism until they beat it out of me. |
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| I'm so sorry, Val. Poor Chum. I hope the news is good. |
| Ill be thinking of you and Chummie today. Fingers are crossed and good vibes are coming your way.... |
Poor Chummie 
I'm so glad she has been feeling as well as she has! |
| I'm so sorry... I hope it's good news.... or something less serious and more easliy cured. |
| I am so sorry .. I will send postive thoughts your way and hope for good results. |
| Yeah, it is hard to figure out what exactly would be good news. I am hoping for an outcome where she can be happy, pain-free, and entertained for some years to come. I am also aware that may not be in the cards for her. . . . But I am determined to stay optimistic . . . |
Oh, Val  We're thinking of you...as always. |
| Oh no! I had hoped that the prednisone was the answer to it all and she was fine
I'll be thinking of you guys today... |
| Hope you get the results back soon and it's the very best news possible. Norman sends his best to his senior buddy! |
| Oh, Val... I'm hoping it will be something they can fix. If she should require amputation, many dogs do remarkably well when kept at a lean weight so they can maneuver easier.
I'm not sure if you saw a previous post but a few weeks ago I met a very special pure bred black Labrador Retriever that walks on her two front legs. She belongs to a former equestrian vet and his family. I was told that our vet had amputated one hind leg shortly after birth and the other locked up and became useless despite efforts to make it usable. She still has it but it doesn't make any contact with the floor. She is a happy, beautiful 8 year old poochie-girl with a remarkable ability to compensate. Dogs are truly amazing creatures and can overcome many hurdles that might be devastating to we humans. Please let us now what they find. Saying a prayer that Chummie will be well soon. Jaci |
Oh, no! This can't be happening to sweet Chummie!! 
I pray for the best possible outcome for her - meaning, it really isn't cancer. I'll be on pins and needles until you get the results. Big hugs to you from 60 miles north!  |
| Oh no!!! I'm hoping for a more favorable diagnosis for poor Chummie!!!! |
| Hoping you will get some good news from the last round of tests.
We remain optimistic with you.  |
| DAMN!
So sorry to hear about Chum. |
| I hope the diagnosis is good - it seems like a really scary time for all of you. We're thinking of you. |
| Hope its good news val
thinking of you Hugs Kim & Maizie |
| I think about Chummie's problems and my own gimpy MO. The vet still thinks MO's is arthritis, but I'm not sure, especially reading about Chummie.
DAMN is right! I hope the best for Chummie! susan |
| Thanks everyone. I just learned that the Vet wants to do the MRI at the human hospital instead of the veterinary imaging center. She says the images will be better quality. The cost is the same but we have to wait another day. The test will be done on Thursday instead of tomorrow. Chummie did undergo some more tests today to isolate the location of the nerve deterioration. She has to stay overnight tonight just to make sure she comes out of today's sedation ok (they said she had already woken up and seemed fine but they like to be on the safe side). I can bring her home tomorrow and back again on Thursday or just keep her there til after the tests on Thursday. I wish I could bring her home tonight. . . |
| Oh No, so sorry all this is going on after your lovely holiday with the girls and chum doing so well and so happy.
Keeping fingers crossed for you and chummie, you are both in my prayers and I hope all will be well |
| Thanks. Chummie is still in very good spirits, very cheerful. I'm sure the vacation helped lift her spirits (well, that and the prednisone). I'm determined to stay optimisitic!!! (if i keep saying it. . .) |
| Our fingers and paws are crossed here praying for good test results. |
| Good luck Val! Wishing you and Chummie the very best.
All paws and fingers crossed here. |
SheepieBoss wrote: I think about Chummie's problems and my own gimpy MO. The vet still thinks MO's is arthritis, but I'm not sure, especially reading about Chummie.
DAMN is right! I hope the best for Chummie! susan I hope your MO is ok! Chum's limp was very pronounced, in the front leg, and the muscle deterioration is pretty obvious. My Vet did think arthritis at first. But the specialty doc said her case has been so odd that she is not surprised that my Vet didn't catch it. After all, the specialists have not really figured it out after a week's worth of testing last month. What are Mo's symptoms? |
Valerie wrote: Thanks. Chummie is still in very good spirits, very cheerful. I'm sure the vacation helped lift her spirits (well, that and the prednisone). I'm determined to stay optimisitic!!! (if i keep saying it. . .)
Sending lots of prayers and big hugs to you and Miss Chummie Valerie. God Bless both of you ....... |
| Sending lots of prayers that everything comes back clear! |
| thoughts and prayers are with you |
| Oh, Val. I can't imagine what you are going through. What an emotional roller coaster.
Hugs and prayers coming your way... |
| Hugs and prayers to all of you. Our sincere hopes that Chummie has good test results and a plan to help will be a positive one.
Stay strong. |
Bosley's mom wrote: Oh, Val. I can't imagine what you are going through. What an emotional roller coaster.
It is weird actually. I feel sort of numb to bad animal health news. As the doctor was telling me her latest thinking, what flashed through my mind was my cat who died of fibrosarcoma, my cat who died of kidney disease, and all of the various possibilities that were discussed last month re Chum and I had this thought that whatever it is, we will muddle through making whatever choices present themselves as right at the time. In fact, when I first brought Chummie into the ER last month, I was worried about the possibility of amputation. Then, they made me think about some possibilities that seemed much more dire. Now coming back to the tripod scenario has less sting than when it first occurred to me. I really do appreciate all the kind words and thoughts on our behalf. This is a great community and I feel very well supported by all of you. . . Thanks so much, Val |
| Val, I'm so sorry about Chum. If she does have cancer please remember there are things you can do to help her. When Beau was diagnosed with synovi sarcoma I felt totally numb for a few days, then I got angry and found out everything I could about it. Most dogs do fine on three legs, the reason we didn't do it for Beau was because he was large (117 lbs) and we felt it wasn't a good option for him. One thing our vet suggested was to tie up the bad leg for a few days to see how he would do, then you can make a better decision. The miracle for us was that although we were told Beau would only have 6 months he lived for 2 years, so there is always hope. You can only take it one step at a time, one decision at a time. |
| Val i'm thinking of you at this time and i'm hoping that the news is good. Sending big ((((((((((hugs))))))))) your way. your in my thoughts and prayers. |
I got an update from the Vet this morning -- just miscellaneous info about the results of various testing, nothing particular. But then she said that Chummie was actually lying at her feet resting while we were talking and she got all warm and fuzzy saying how Chummie is such a great dog, great personality. She seemed to genuinely care about her and that made me feel great. She sounded like she liked Chummie alot and would take special care of her. She also said she was a drug sponge -- does not respond to normal doses. 
She's going to go with Chum for the MRI tomorrow to make sure she gets exactly what she needs. She also will bring her vet anesthesiology staff. Sounds like a complex operation. I asked again about whether it could be a trauma rather than a cancer and she said that the sequence of events just didn't fit. With a trauma, you see non-use first and then pain a few weeks after. Chum had pain first and then non-use a few weeks later. She is focused on the armpit and shoulder area. That made me worry about whether amputation was even an option but she says not to worry and we will know more tomorrow. I am expecting an update around 5 pm tomorrow. |
| Of course, what's not to like about Chum? She's great! Sounds like the vet is really focused. Glad she and her staff will go with her for the procedure. Hugs and kisses from us! |
| That is wonderful that she is getting such good care with your Vet.
It's so nice that they care so much! |
| Sending lots of prayers and we are keeping our fingers and paws crossed for good news. |
| Your vet sounds wonderful -- I hope Chum's OK, and I hope your vet is somewhat affordable. |
| Sending loads of hugs to you and chum.
Kim & maizie |
| Valerie,
I will keep positive thoughts for both you and Chum. From your many pictures and post it appears that you have two outstanding girls (Chumley and Maggie) and you are an outstanding Mom to them. If there is such a thing as reincarnation, I want to come back as your dog. Take good care. Jack |
| Your vet sounds like an encouraging and caring person. It is great to have people like that out there helping!! |
| Try to stay positive, your vets sound fantastic, and Chum sounds like she's enjoying the buzz. |
| poor chummie... i hope everything turns out ok, i will be thinking of you and your girls tomorrow! |
Of course she has won over the vet, she is such a darling sweetie. 
Keep thinking positive Val, I know it is hard as been there with bad news a long time ago and miracles do happen. Whatever the outcome you know you have done everything humanly possible for chum and you are such a wonderful caring mom to her. Sending white light your and chummies way and love to your special darling girl, we are all thinking & sending good positive thoughts for her all the way from Australia. Stay strong XX (((Hugs))) |
| DAMN is right.
I really really admire you. God Bless you and Dear Sweet Chummie. |
| You know how much I love that little girl, Val. She has the sweetest disposition and is so unassuming. I would be more surprised if the vet DIDN'T fall in love with her!
Keep up the optimism, friend. Waiting anxiously for the results right along with you. |
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