Sadie

UPDATE 1-22-2012—

Well, where do I begin? I always made sure Sadie, my Great Dane, had her yearly inoculations and regular exams from her vet. If anything suspicious came up, it was another visit to the vets. She is ten years old and the only thing wrong with her is she has slight hip dysplasia. One week before Thanksgiving of 2011 my Sadie girl went to sit on the sofa as she usually does. She slid to the floor with such a resigned expression of "oh well I might just as well stay here" She finally made it to her destination. The next evening I noticed her back right leg, just below her hock, was slightly swollen. I assumed she must have sprained a muscle even though she never cried out or whimpered the night before. She has always been very stoic. I applied the usual ice & heat treatment thinking this would be the answer. Some swelling did go down but I noticed the remaining was hard. I was puzzled. After not having any more success it was time to have a visit to her vets.

Two weeks before Christmas, after our vet visit, the vet said it could be a couple of different things . One was a cancer, the second an infection from valley fever. We live in Arizona so this was not out of the ordinary. Sadie was taken to get her blood work done and some x-rays were taken. We came back in two hours to pick her up and get the test results. We were taken in the back to have a look at the x-rays. Our vet showed us where Sadie’s injury was and explained that an osteosarcoma (bone cancer) did not spread to the next joint. Then she showed us the three lesions in her lungs. The cancer had already metastasized. I felt like I had been hit. I just started sobbing. No, not my precious baby girl, it can’t be. Not cancer. At this same time I was confined to a wheelchair because of a back injury. If only I had been more diligent I thought I would have noticed. (Big time guilt going on here). We went back into the exam room and I had to control the tears. The vet, Erika, explained in more detail the results of the tests. Sadie’s prognosis was not good. She has three to four months left to live, maybe a little more. We had two options. The first was to put Sadie on pain medication to control her pain. The second was to remove her appendage to lessen her pain. Chemo was mentioned as well. Pain medication was to be given in increments as necessary to control her discomfort. We, (her daddy and I ) decided to opt for pain medication and leave her leg attached. We could not afford the surgery so we didn’t have much choice. Chemo was totally out of the question. One reason is we cannot financially afford it. The second reason was why prolong Sadie’s life for only a couple of months (which would make her sick from the treatments) to deter our misery. We love our baby girl too much to see her suffer needlessly for our selfish needs.

As the weeks progressed so did Sadie’s growth. It grew to thirteen and one half inches around. You could see the pain in her lovely brown eyes even on the pain medication now. There was no other alternative, she needed the operation. The tears start to fall again as I tell you this. There is no greater unconditional love than that of our pets. They do not see our faults.

Thanks to Canine Cancer Awareness Inc., Sadie was approved for her monetary contribution for her surgery to get her leg amputated. She had her surgery on January 21, 2012. Everything went fine. We went to visit her when she was out of recovery. We brought her home the next day. Every time I look at that ugly scar on her leg, it is a reminder that that ugly disease invaded our lives. I cry and my lovely lady puts per paw on my hand to comfort me. She has always done this whenever I have gotten upset or was ill. How will I get along without her. She has been by my side since eleven weeks old. My constant companion. She loves to go for car rides and greets everyone like a long lost friend. Everyone who meets her falls in love with her. She is so loving. I will be stoic for her now. I will dry my tears and cherish every day we have left. Again thank you http://www.caninecancerawareness.org

— Lois and Adrien

The CCA Board of Directors has allocated $1000 to help pay the costs of Sadie’s treatments. Please help Sadie receive the treatment that she needs. Any sponsor donations made on behalf of Sadie will be used to pay unpaid invoices and the checks will be sent directly to Sadie’s vet.

To help sponsor treatment, you can click on the PayPal donate button below or send a check to:

Canine Cancer Awareness, Inc.
44 Devoe Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211

DONATIONS FOR SADIE:

Roofus

UPDATE 12-30-2011—

My Chocolate Lab, Roofus, was diagnosed with lung cancer on December 2, 2011. The oncologist told us he had “about a month”. His breathing became more difficult and he was put down on Monday, December 26, 2011. He was only six years old. He was a part of my family and we miss him so much.

— Doug

Senci

UPDATE 12-4-2011—

I want to write about my dog Senci. I just found out that she had cancer. Her cancer is called Peripheral Nerve Sheath Cancer.

One day, me and my mother noticed a lump on Senci’s side. At first we figured it was just a fatty cyst, because black labs are known for getting them. As time progressed, her lump got bigger and bigger. We still thought it was just a benign fatty cyst. We wanted to get the lump removed, so we had it removed. It costs us $500 dollars, which took us forever to save for. All seemed back to normal. Then we got the phone call. It was our veterinarian, Dr. Simmons. He told us the news that Senci’s lump was actually cancer, called Peripheral Nerve Sheath Cancer.

You never think that someone you love would get cancer, especially your dog. But my baby girl has it. And to completely get rid of it through radiation treatments, (which is her best option) will cost us $6,000 dollars. We don’t have that kind of money, and me and my mother struggle enough as it is. I don’t know what we are going to do. I’ve been looking at sites on the internet that give funds to people who can’t pay for their dogs cancer treatments, but they only give you so much money. My mother has sold all of her jewelery, even the jewels that has been passed down to her. I’d sell my soul if it meant I could keep my little baby alive and healthy. She’s the best dog anyone could ever ask for. She’s full of life and loves to play and at times I swear shes laughing. She’s an angel. And I can’t even save her.

Thank you,
— Karen

The CCA Board of Directors has allocated $1000 to help pay the costs of Senci’s treatments. Please help Senci receive the treatment that she needs. Any sponsor donations made on behalf of Senci will be used to pay unpaid invoices and the checks will be sent directly to Senci’s vet.

To help sponsor treatment, you can click on the PayPal donate button below or send a check to:

Canine Cancer Awareness, Inc.
44 Devoe Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211

DONATIONS FOR SENCI:

Paddington Bear and Miss Molly

UPDATE 10-29-2011—

My Angel, Paddington Bear was 15 1/2 years old. We rescued him from a high kill shelter in Georgia 1 1/2 years ago after I found his beautiful face on Facebook with only 24 hours left before they stuffed him into their disgusting gas chamber box. (Georgia has awful standards in their animal service system). When he arrived at the end of his long transport, he looked like he was already dead with stinky, oozing green goo coming from his ears, so much extra weight that he could barely walk and the stress level that would kill a cow. After much love, a fabulous diet, exercise and playtime with the rest of our pack, Paddington became the incredible creature he was meant to be. We loved him more than any dog that has ever crossed our paths (shhhhh, I don’t want the others to hear that! Haha).

Unfortunately, his long previous life of obvious mistreatment go the better of his old bones and cancer took over his hind quarters. Paddington had bone cancer that ate away at his back end leaving him unable to walk. He fell while attempting to retrieve his ball and fractured his hip. His knees were already shot and surgery was not an option since he would simply not be able to recover. We made the decision to let him go and he left us as he always will remain in our minds…with his ball in his mouth. We have rescued and rehomed over 35 dogs in the last 5 years but this one hit us and hit us hard. We will miss him forever.

Miss Molly was 17 1/2 years old when she passed. I rescued her over 12 years ago from a shelter in Bradenton, FL. She was an abuse case and her abusers had dumped her there when they no longer found a use for her and a mess she was. Since then, she grew to know love and trust and has been a loyal companion for me throughout the rest of her life and was the “warden” for the rest of the pack. Though the smallest of the crew, she was the feistiest and let me tell you, when Molly growled her peace, the others listened! She was always very uptight and wouldn’t relax unless I was holding her on my lap. I believe the years of maintaining her snotty state of mind caused the Cancer that consumed her little body. She had degenerative back disease and arthritis as well but damn if this dog didn’t continue to run the show! She awoke on Wednesday morning in the place she always was and we knew it was time. Miss Molly had cancer on her skin, and throughout her little body. Her last day with us, the cancer took over the area behind her eyes and she was in pain…..so the decision was made. Her eyes were different and the vet said it was the cancer behind them that was taking her to a bad place. We called our home vet and decided to let them go together. It was the hardest thing we’ve ever had to do. Molly looked more peaceful in her little coffin than I had ever seen her look. She was finally free.

We lost both of our babies within minutes of each other in our home with the help of the ever so compassionate Dr. Dani McVety. They left us feeling loved and in our arms. We will miss them everyday, every minute and every second.

— Sheri-lyn

Toby
September 8, 1997 — September 10, 2011

UPDATE 9-25-2011—

My precious Toby came in to my life 9/8/97 and departed from me 9/10/11. My Toby was diagnosed with HEMANGIOSARCOMA of the spleen 4.5 years ago and had an emergency Spleenectomy which revealed a burst tumor in his abdominal cavity. The Vet gave Toby 3 months to live with or without treatment and I made the decision to forgo treatment as the “odds” of Toby surviving through the chemotherapy was small and I wanted him to live out whatever time he had happy. I was BLESSED to be given 4.5 years after Toby’s surgery and diagnosis. In the 4.5 years, my precious dog went from 103 pounds to 50 pounds before he died. He remained happy, he didn’t show signs of being sick or being in pain on the outside, and lived knowing he was loved.

The truth is I needed Toby more than he needed me. In the end, Toby’s kidneys and liver were affected by both age and the cancer. In his final days I fed him water and soft food from a bottle, carried him outside when I thought he needed to eliminate, took him for a couple of car rides and making sure he knew I loved him so very much. I wanted Toby to go naturally because I just didn’t want to make the decision to let him go. The final nights of Toby’s life I slept on the floor near his bed of lush pillows and blankets in the event he needed water. On Friday evening the day before Toby’s passing I knew that he wasn’t going to make it through the weekend. The morning of 9/10/11 I awoke at 5:00 a.m and realized Toby was in the dying process, his eyes were in a blank stare as if he wasn’t there and his breathing was shallow. I just couldn’t watch my beloved dog go so I called the Vet to my home. I couldn’t watch my Toby be put down nor could I wrap him in a blanket and put him in the hole I had dug earlier so my brother and the Vet did until he was half way buried and I could take over. It breaks my heart knowing that pets come in to our hearts so quickly and show us the meaning of love and can be taken from us by something so horrible as canine cancer. I was one of the lucky ones who got 4.5 years after my Toby’s diagnosis and I believe it’s because Toby knew I needed him and couldn’t give him up. To all those who have lost or are in the process of losing their beloved pet to cancer, no matter what your decision is for their future, never give up on them, and love them as much as you can. Toby may be gone but he is in my heart forever.

— Cynthia

Thank you Prairie Isle Dog Trekking and Helen Corlew in memory of Snow, Cybil, Barrett, Sonny, and Ciggy! We hope you have a great winter season!

50% of the proceeds from the sale of this collar will be donated to Canine Cancer Awareness, Inc.

http://www.chieffurryofficer.com/collars-designerfabric-collar-for-a-cause.html

The fabric is 100% cotton featuring classic pink ribbons and little pink hearts on a black background. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this collar will be donated to Canine Cancer Awareness for veterinary care for dogs with cancer whose families are financially unable to provide treatment. Select from Black or Pink webbing.

Click on the Facebook Like button below to spread the word about Chief Furry Officer’s Collar for a Cause!

The Cancer Bites, Bite Back Halloween Charity Ball takes place Saturday October 29, 2011!
Dress up, have a great time, and benefit a great cause.
Please go if you can!

Ghosts and witches and creatures of fright. Don’t miss the call of Halloween night. Come one, come all in the threads of the season. If you miss this bash ’tis an act of treason!

Location:
Lost Valley Ski Resort
200 Lost Valley Road
Auburn, Maine
Time: 7pm-Midnight
Price: Tickets $35 in advance, $40 at the door (helping man’s best friend – Priceless)

Visit http://dogslovehalloween.com/ for more information.

All proceeds benefit CCA and the Veterinary Cancer Society.

Gouda

UPDATE 9-19-2011—

My 10 YO Boxer Gouda was diagnosed with epithelial cutaneous lymphoma a rare form of lymphoma in May 2009. A small tumor appeared on her left lower eyelid, I took her into my wonderful Vet and we made arrangements to have the tumor removed and tested the following week. That small tumor in one week almost doubled in size. When I got the results I was grief stricken. The prognosis for epithelial cutaneous lymphoma is very poor. I have no children and she was my constant companion, I wasn’t prepared for life without her. I had recently been through some personal hardships and Gouda was always there for me with the comfort only she could give. I was referred by my Vet to a canine oncologist. I made an appointment and waited for what I felt was the inevitable. The oncologist recommended chemotherapy and a diet supplement of safflower oil. The chemo drug Lomustine was prescribed and Gouda was given eighteen months at the utmost to live. Between the courses of chemo, blood work needed to be done to monitor various things including liver function. Many chemo drugs are really hard on the liver I was told. The first blood work came back acceptable, although her liver enzymes were elevated, so we proceeded with the second course. Gouda handled the chemo like a trooper with only minimal side effects mainly lethargy. The blood work after the second cuorse was extremely alarming. Her liver enzyme levels were so high the testing machine could not even record the number. It was recommended we stop chemo and allow her liver to recover if possible. I was told to start a special diet and give her medication daily. It was a long six months before Gouda showed marked improvement in her blood work. Gouda recently went in for her annual physical and check up on 9/15/11. All her blood work came back normal except a slightly elevated liver enzyme level of 256. Considering that level at one time was beyond measurement, I consider us pretty darn lucky! Gouda has out lived even the canine oncologists predicted life expectancy of 12/10. She continues to beat the odds and I credit my wonderful Vet and the canine oncologist for saving Goudas life, and in turn giving me more time with my best pal. I hope Goudas story will give others hope that miracles can happen. Never give up!

— Sue

Ginger

UPDATE 9-1-2011—

Ginger’s person of nine years had passed away and a friend of mine convinced me to try a weekend with Ginger to see if she would fit into my life. We all know once you say yes to a trial it is over.

The loss of Ginger’s person had taken a toll on her. She was ten pounds too thin when she walked into my apartment and I wasn’t sending her back to a place that wasn’t a home to her. It turns out Ginger was perfect for me and fit in with the rest of my pets perfectly. She and my new kitten, Miles Davis, became fast friends and my senior cat appreciated having a dog around again to divert the kitten.

Her weight loss was temporary. A month with me and she was back up to fighting weight. She enjoys dog parks and camping. She obsesses over little dogs to the point that I should probably pay for a dog bath to remove all the drool. She shivers when it is cold and loves to chase squirrels.

In March, Ginger and I took a trip to the local dog park. She frolicked with the other dogs and got dunked in the icy pond. I took her home that night to warm her up and bathe her. The next morning I was brushing her and found that her lymph nodes in her groin were swollen. My first thought was an infection especially after a chilly ducking. I set her up with an appointment and hoped for the best knowing that swollen lymph nodes usually meant lymphoma.

The diagnosis was lymphoma and confirmed by Michigan State University Vet hospital, top in the nation for cancer treatment. I cried for Ginger but also for the potential cost. I had spent the last few years getting out of debt from when my cat was hit by a car. It only took me a few moments to reconcile myself to the fact of going back into debt to give me a few months with healthy Ginger.

The Madison-Wisconsin protocol was what we started with right away. It requires a weekly chemo cocktail for eight weeks and then a bi-weekly cocktail treatment. The protocol immediately sent the cancer into remission. The treatment did not have the affect one sees in humans in Ginger. She took it well. She may have been sick a day, but right away she rebounded and was ready to go to the dog park.

I got a lot of support from friends and family. My work colleagues raised enough money to pay for one treatment. The act was powerful and gave me more time with this wonderful dog. I also found a great support system at the MSU Vet hospital and was thankful that this great resource was only minutes away.

Then we hit a road block, Ginger’s cancer came out of remission. Madison-Wisconsin treatment had lost its effectiveness and it was time to try a harsher treatment. The rescue protocol was started, Adria/DTIC: eight hours of Chemo every three weeks. This was a lot harder for Ginger but again only a few days after treatment and Ginger was back to her chipper self and the Cancer was back into remission.

After five treatments, nearly four months, Ginger is still in remission. I have come to the end of my CARECREDIT line and thankfully the Canine Cancer Awareness Organization has graciously donated the cost of one more treatment, which will give me at least three more weeks with my Ginger. To celebrate we are going camping. A long car trip, plenty of woods, and tons of treats, what dog wouldn’t want that?

Thank you to all the supporters and donators of Canine Cancer Awareness. Your help means so much to me and my four legged family.

— Jennifer

The CCA Board of Directors has allocated $820.24 to help pay the costs of Ginger’s treatments. Please help Ginger continue to fight this disease. Any sponsor donations made on behalf of Ginger will be used to pay unpaid invoices and the checks will be sent directly to Ginger’s vet.

To help sponsor treatment, you can click on the PayPal donate button below or send a check to:

Canine Cancer Awareness, Inc.
44 Devoe Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211

DONATIONS FOR GINGER: