I just can't deal with this much intrusion on my life from one sort of disease, particularly when I feel so powerless to do anything about it.
Yesterday we found a spot on Doggie Derkins' chest. My 5 year old, hardly-not-a-puppy-to-me fur kid. It looks like an engorged tick, or a blood blister, but it's angry looking and attached all the way around. I took him to the vet today to have it checked out, and the vet's seriousness really freaked me out. He's having surgery to remove it on Wed. AM, and getting it biopsied. We recently found out that a half brother of his died suddenly in March of hemangiosarcoma, and (damn you Wikipedia!) the pictures of dermal hemangiosarcoma look way too close for comfort. His vet didn't do much to allay my fears about that. Not that it's her job to, but you know. Doggie D can't have cancer. He's only 5. It's not time for this stuff yet. And I've been through it with both parents already, which I know doesn't matter, but it makes it feel really unfair. To make it worse, I have to leave Wed. night for 5 days (combination work + family), so I won't be here while he's recovering. Fortunately Calvin will be home with him.
My mom's also having a scan today because they think her cancer may have come back. We won't get results for a couple weeks. My dad's still in remission, but he's my only person who's "won." I'm feeling really overwhelmed and freaked out.
Post by hbomdiggity on May 14, 2012 15:31:22 GMT -5
Omigosh - we went through something similar with our dog. He had a weird bump on his leg so we took him in to the vet to check it out, but at 3 years old, cancer wasnt even on my mind. About 3 months prior, his dad had suddenly died of that hemo-whatever cancer and the vet (also treated his dad) was super concerned and did a biopsy right away. I was freaked and totally cried. Thankfully it was nothing and just a bump - but it was scary.
Considering what you have been through with the disease - I hope everyone in your fam hears good news.
Thanks everybody. I am home by myself now after taking Doggie D to the vet, and was just feeling super stressed. I appreciate the outlet.
I have read that the dermal version of hemangiosarcoma has high success rates with just surgery, so I am hopeful. It is good to remember that. The C-word [that that TN didn't bleep] is just so ominous sounding.