Jezebel's Visit to the Oncologist

Just got back from the oncologist who seems to know her stuff. First off, she wanted the pathologist to take a second look at the lab report because the language the pathologist used was confusing and there was nothing about the margins included. At that time, the oncologist knew that they might not be able to get the margins due to the friable sample but she wanted that spelled out and included as an addendum to the report. She spoke to the pathologist who conceded that the language she used in the report was incorrect (she used the term transitional – type in a descriptive manner rather than as a term of art). The pathologist went back and looked at the report and clarified that there was definitely nasal cavity carcinoma (nose cavity that could potentially extend into the brain and involves the lining of the nasal cavity – more serious) rather than cancer of the planum (just the black part of the nose). Those are different types of cancer and, unfortunately, this was not good.

She examined Jezebel, did a full blood workup, took ex-rays of her heart and lungs (to check for metastasis) and also aspirated the lymph node to check for metastasis. The original emergency vet thought the lymph node was swollen but the oncologist didn’t think so (this was good). The good news was that her blood work was spectacular, she showed no signs of a tumor in the gross physical examination, her ex-rays and the lymph gland showed no signs of metastasis. The lab work did not show an aggressive tumor, rather, it was pronounced “low grade” and that is excellent. Other than this, she seems to be the picture of health. During this time, Jezebel had the good sense to hide behind the chair. She doesn't trust people in white coats wearing rubber gloves.
From there, we scheduled at CT scan for in the morning. The CT scan will see if there is a tumor in her muzzle and, if so, how far back it goes. At that point, the plan was that if the tumor was only on the tip of her nose, we probably wouldn’t do radiation – we’d just check it periodically. If the tumor extended beyond the nostril, she would probably have to have radiation. The CT scan would tell them how far back towards her brain the radiation would have to go. If the tumor goes a long way back (and it could) quality of life issues may make us decide to forgo treatment. If it only goes back a certain way, we will decide if that is what we will do. According to the vet, the CT scan will pretty much tell the tale EXCEPT if it looks like the tumor is only on the end of the nose, she’d want another pathologist to take a look at the original lab result. She also said that if it was her dog and the cancer was only at the nose tip, she’d skip the radiation and have periodic CT scans to see if it is on the move. I certainly hope this is the case but realize that nasal cavity cancer frequently fills up the whole area and the growth may have only been the tip of the ice burg.

I set up the CT scan for in the morning and was waiting to pay when the vet called us back in (the dogs were actually in the car with Husband and the vet called him on his cell). Seems the original pathologist got nervous about the questions being asked and went to take a re-look at Jezebel’s actual slide. Now, she isn’t sure – it might be a melanoma. She is going ahead and getting a second opinion and we should know in 24 – 48 hours what they come up with. My hope is that it is not that long. Melanoma is a bad, bad thing. The oncologist says that will probably amount to a bunch of pathologists in that lab all standing around looking at it and reaching a consensus. The oncologist says that melanoma typically is found in the mouth and not in this area. It is my hope that the pathologist is just freaked out at this point. She insisted, however, that whatever it is, it is definitely a tumor. I’m hoping her boss will look at it and pronounce that she is an idiot and it was only an expensive bee sting. I can dream, anyway.

The mean survival time for this sort of thing, with treatment, is 12 – 15 months (assuming it is a nasal carcinoma and not a melanoma). That is the mean, however. Jezebel is considerably younger than the mean age and in excellent health. It is frustrating not knowing what sort of cancer she has. We will hopefully know within a day or two the type of cancer and the extent it has invaded the nasal cavity. We won’t put her through hell but maybe we will get lucky. She is such a good girl.

So in the morning, we head off for the CT scan. If it looks like she is going to need radiation, they'll shave her muzzle so they know where to direct the radiation. The hair may never grow back or it might grow back a different color. She is such a pretty, pretty girl... Oh well. If it works, I'd be thrilled.

More as I learn more...

Home is Where the Heart Is

We've spent the day getting rested up from the drive back from Oklahoma. Notwithstanding the awful news about Jezebel, the rest of the trip was absolute bliss. We had gutters installed, visited with family, had the pasture brush hogged, new fences were installed, new dryer vent and flashing, we bought a refrigerator, ate at Sonic and Braums (local establishments for the unfortunate non Oklahomans reading this). We also ate at the landmark Cattleman's Steakhouse down at the stockyards.

Here is a picture before brush hogging:


The morning following our arrival I was still on East Coast time which means I was up before the sun. I saw an incredible lightning storm that rated an "A" even by Oklahoma standards.

The weather, for the most part, was hot, dry and perfect. Check out this blue sky!




Lots of new and exciting bugs for the girls but not the biting variety. I forgot that I rarely need bug spray in central Oklahoma. Fabulous sunsets, inspiring sunrises. I stood out in the dark on several nights just soaking up the sounds and the smells and looking at the stars. A front blew in one morning and watching the dark clouds roll by was cheap entertainment. These pictures were taken after the brush hogging.




We reconnected with family and old friends, several of whom offered jobs if we would just return home. Makes you feel welcome. For that matter, the brush hogger AND the roofer invited us out to their respective homes to meet their wives and see their properties - which only illustrates how friendly the people in Oklahoma can be. And they did great work, too!

We were amazed at the cheap grocery prices (after 8 - 10 years, you forget) and visited the local feed store three minutes from the house. We bought Jezebel a new collar (after hearing the bad news) in hopes that she will be able to get good use out of it, regardless.

Husband's family graciously let us bring the girls with us whenever we visited so we didn't have to leave them, too much. Especially after hearing the news about Jezebel, we didn't want to leave her.
Here is Evelyn:


Neither of us slept too well. Check out the futon - see that lump in the center? It is a lot less comfortable than it looks... I felt like I was sleeping on a railroad track.


On the plus side, Husband's arthritis dissipated. He was moving like a kid, again.


On Friday, we loaded up and headed back to the East Coast. We were on the road for two more days but the girls were troopers. Well, Jezebel was. Evelyn does not like to "eliminate" at the end of a leash. She is a free range dog!!!


Tomorrow, we take Jezebel to the oncologist. Please keep good thoughts in mind for her. She is such a good girl.

The Road from Oklahoma

We just drove in from Oklahoma and had a wonderful two weeks.

I could go on and on about what a great time we had and while I don't want to take away from that, I have to share my heart breaking news about Jezebel, our 7 year old Samoyed. We took her to the doctor the day before we left for vacation, on June 24th, because her right eye was watering and that is unusual. They found nothing.

On the morning of July 4th (our 8th wedding anniversary), I looked down and saw a pea sized tumor in her right nostril. We rushed her to the hospital in Oklahoma, they looked worried, put her under for surgery and removed it. The lab results came back several days later - cancer - and a particularly aggressive, virulent kind. It is not hopeful. She has an oncologist appointment on Monday at noon.

I am utterly heartbroken over this situation. I can't even think about it without getting emotional. The good news is that she has no idea that she is sick and is not acting sick. Her appetite is good, her energy level has not lagged. Her loving personality remains constant. So even though we may lose her and/or she may be facing horrible treatment, SHE doesn't know. She had an absolutely fabulous time in Oklahoma and I've never seen her so happy. She is a free range dog! She caught a turtle THE FIRST DAY!!!! I don't know if it is appropriate to ask for prayers for a dog but I'll do it anyway. If you have any problems with praying for a dog, I'll ask for them for Husband and me.

Oh! And I should have posted, before - looks like Austria is the pattern. Thanks for your comments!