sassy is relapsing.

[Sheena]

Alyssa

Please read this Mercola article very carefully – there is a test for lymphoma & explanation of symptoms, bloodwork anomalies etc. Never assume the worst, always hope for the best.

http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/12/13/blood-test-detect-lymphoma-in-dogs.aspx

[alyssa]

Thank you Sheena. I had looked at that (and many, many many others) while waiting for our visit. I don’t think our vet has that test, but her old vet that is more technological advanced may. If results on aspiration come back inconclusive, would it be feesable to opt for this test instead of sedation & biopsy if I can find it? I do not think I would do biopsy at this point. I want to know, but if she has lymphoma, which is all the biopsy would confirm, she is not a candidate for chemo and I just don’t want to put her through a surgery recovering in what may be her last weeks.

Im trying to have some hope, but I feel like the nodes are getting slightly bigger now, and her mood is reflecting it, suddenly. Could be just that it was a very stressful day. I gave her tramadol and am letting her rest.

The vet also thinks this could be the reason for her mysterious stomach pains, that still happen from time to time if she strains herself. That the unseen nodes we can’t feel may be pretty enlarged in her abdomen.

She is also highly suspicious that these swollen nodes popped up after reducing her prednisone, which is the treatment for dogs that don’t do chemo and only gives a little bit of extra time.

[Sheena]

Hi Alyssa

I would always prefer a test like that rather than a biopsy, but it depends if your vet can get hold of one I suppose. I’m so sorry you are going through this worry. Let’s hope the aspiration is conclusive & you will know where you stand, either way.

Found this site for the test:
http://lymphoma.avactaanimalhealth.com/

Will have a look around & see if I can find more this afternoon.

Sheena x

[Sheena]

Cancer panel test
http://vdilab.com/services.php

A bit more about Avacta – this looks very useful:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140923085935.htm

http://www.bdbiosciences.com/eu/applications/clinical/blood-cell-disorders/oneflow-reagents/m/1641972/overview

Info about fine needle aspiration & biopsy
http://www.caninelymphoma.com/canine-lymphoma-diagnostic-process/
This says fine needle aspiration is almost as accurate as a fully biopsy, so hoping your vet will get result from the sample taken already.

Keep us posted – we are all thinking about you & Sassy, crossing fingers, toes & paws.

Sheena x

[alyssa]

Thank you Sheena. I’ll be reading those links shortly. In the mean time I had a question.

I don’t understand what I’m feeling at this point. From the charts I’ve looked st, most only list 1 lymph node per side under the chin. However some charts show more that that. I believe that I feel 3 distinct balls starting at the base of her chin, right where her neck starts (still on the chin; not going down, into her neck), and then 2 that to above that, sort of following the jaw upwards.

http://tinyurl.com/hmj9cge

I feel like this is the layout I’m feeling which are salvia glands, not lymph. but as I said some charts have lymphs in those areas I assume those are ones you aren’t suppose to feel at all perhaps unless they’re grossly enlarged? These do not feel grossly enlarged. they feel swollen but still sort of small. I don’t known Just confused. I thought lymph nodes were 1 bean shaped thing. This is definitely 3 distinct things. It does not feel like a deformed lymph, it’s definitely all separate. Each one feels smooth. It’s ok both sides.

[Sheena]

Hi Alyssa

I got fooled myself with salivary glands – Worzel’s seemed a bit swollen to me & at the time, I got the vet to check them out in case it was something untoward. It was the drugs & the fact that his muscles had shrunk around his head/neck with the drugs that made them seem enlarged. They were absolutely fine.

My Mum had lymphoma. She had an enlarged lymph gland the size of an egg appear all of a sudden on the side of her neck – it was her tonsil. When I was nursing, I was taught that bilateral gland enlargement (i.e. inflammation of glands on both sides of the body) is generally presumed to be infection & should be treated as such as a first line therapy with appropriate antibiotics. A single (or unilateral) gland is more likely to be something untoward, & needs investigation. This is a general rule of course. My Mum complied to that rule. Her gland swelled up to about 10 times it’s normal size in a couple of days- this is common with lymphoma – they get big really quickly. Our friend’s great dane had lymphoma too – I am not joking when I say her neck glands were HUGE – you would not be in any doubt if you saw those as to what it was.

My Uncle (Phil’s side) also has had lymph gland cancer secondary to bladder cancer & they were unilateral – one side only. He had them all removed 5 years ago & is monitored closely. He has another one causing suspicion on his last scan which will be removed endoscopically. So it’s certainly not hopeless in these cases – curable absolutely.

It’s not a nice subject, I know, but both my Mum & my Uncle had no pain at all – I promise – so don’t feel Sassy is suffering pain. I think we are jumping the gun anyway – your vet has done all the right things. Your vet is also the one to point out the glands you are worried about to – they have the skills & experience to feel them & give an opinion. Let’s assume the best for now & worry about the worst if it happens. Wait for the results & we’ll see – you might be worrying over nothing. I hope so!

Sheena x

[alyssa]

Thank you Sheena. I don’t think you know how many times you’ve calmed me, even if only a little, over the past year. I can’t say I’m worrying any less right now, but I’m comforted by you ladies & my family. We are all bracing ourself and trying to remain hopeful. I really appreciate the story of your mom & uncle. That’s very personal information to share.

I’ll say that there are no improvements in Sassys swelling today, but so far she’s given me a real treat. She’s been UP since 6:30am just being a big goofball. More than I’ve saw her do in a while.
She pulled her toy from her box again today but actually squeaked it several times before leaving it alone. She hasn’t been groaning at all or grimacing ; I also noticed that for a while now, she was groaning everytime she pooped. Just a little. I just chalked it up to it being difficult to squat with her wasting muscles. However as of yesterday she’s not groaned anymore at all when pooping.

Let’s see. There was a hilarious disaster with her breakfast, too. I picked up a new food last night made with bison instead of poultry and very limited ingredients incase this is some kind of allergy. I just don’t know how else to explain the thick, heavy ears. But anyway I just brought her inside and she marched right over to stand by her bowl/drink and I just dropped her leash as I couldn’t take it off due to her drinking. I got a scoop of food and bent down to pour it/remove her leash and she saw the cup in my hand and made a ridiculous face and tried to follow my hand that was trying to go to her neck. Which resulted in slapping it out of my hand all over the floor and a frenzied attempt by Sassy to eat it all. Never saw her move so fast! I was in stitches. I think she really freakin likes this food. I hadn’t laughed so much in days, and I’m so happy she is having such a good day so far.

After this she got in her bed and groomed (rare for her – another sign she’s feeling good), rolled onto her back and growled (feeling REAL good sign), then shortly after she sailed up into her spot on the couch all on her own, I didn’t even ask her to .

Gosh I’m describing all these little things like she just solved world hunger. They feel so big to me though.

[admin]

Hi Alyssa

I’m sorry to hear of your worries with Sassy’s lymph nodes. I have to admit to not knowing the first thing about canine lymphoma, but I wanted to tell you my lymph node story in the hope it will give you some hope. I’ll cut a long story short, but I had an enlarged lymph node above my collarbone (a bad place, often malignant). It didn’t go down as it should with infection, and at ultrasound and biopsy (aspiration), the radiologist stated it was ‘highly suspicious’. It went on weeks, the aspiration was inconclusive, and I was convinced it was lymphoma. A further ultrasound was done by an amazing radiologist who told me it was completely fine. It’s still there, just about.

So, as you can see, even if it feels like the worst, it just might not be. Shotty lymph nodes are common in response to infection, as I’m sure you know. Lymph nodes are very sensitive and the more you poke and prod them, the more you’ll inflame them (as I learnt, although I know it’s the hardest thing in the world to leave them alone). I do also remember reading that (in humans), enlarged lymph nodes should be small, mobile, smooth, and rubbery. Hard, fixed, irregular shaped nodes may be more of a concern. The last thing I want to do is give you false hope, but given Sheena’s stories and my own, I hope you will be able to feel a bit more optimistic.

I am so happy to hear that Sassy has had a good day. Small things mean the world, and we all totally understand that.

Much love and all my best wishes

Mary x