Pekoes Biopsy report, Bad news

Jeff&Peks · Post by **Jeff&Peks** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 3:22 pm

The Vet called this mourning with Pekoe's biopsy report, Terrible news, the vet said the warts were malignant and it some kind of malignant melanoma. According to the Vet its the worst type of Cancer and its in the worst possible place, the Mouth, and the survival rate even with treatment is very slim only 25% of dogs live after treatment. He said the main question is how long has she had it and has it spread as soon as they find out that info they can go from there, he also said in all the years they have been treating dogs they have never seen this type of cancer in the mouth.

The Vet said they were very surprised because all the rest of her test came back perfect. That vet doesn't treat cancer so I made an appointment with a Cancer specialist in LA to see if it has spread or how serious it is and what I do now.

Its so hard to believe because Pekoe is acting so healthy and still running around up and down hills chasing cats and squirrels and eating good no sign of anything wrong.

A few of you have been through this so if you have any advice on what and where I go from here let me know.

Thinking about Joanna and Pumpkin, Simba and the others that have lost Chows does help, i think i'm in shock right now so it really hasn't hit me.

Mandy · Post by **Mandy** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 3:31 pm

Oh Jeff!!! I am sooooo sorry! I will send warm healthy thoughts accross the US to you, your family and your Pekoe. We're all here for you any time you need us. Give her big hugs and kisses from me and my furkids.

Cherish the time you have! It could still be a while!

All our love,

Mandy, Chewie & Cayenne

Post by **kingalls** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 4:00 pm

Give Pekoe a big hug from all of us. We are going to all pray that the cancer specialist will give you more encouraging news.

Shiloh, Mr. Nahkohe, Karen, and Jeff

ngraham · Post by **ngraham** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 4:58 pm

OMG Jeff.... I hurt so for you and Pekoe. I can honestly say I understand exactly how you feel. I took my Sasha to the vet just thinking she had a bad case of arthritus and it wasn't. The difference between Sasha and Pekoe is, Sasha was suffering. It was obvious something wasn't right. And within about a month's time after she was diagnosed, we made the decision to put her to sleep. The vet had her on pain killers and they really didn't seem to help. She couldn't go up (or down) the steps to go outside and her appetite was all but gone. All of Pekoe's tests came back normal and he is acting healthy, so hopefully that is a good sign that they have caught it early. This just brings tears to my eyes. It's hard, and I would be lieing to you if I told you it wasn't. But you will know in your heart what the right thing to do is. Pekoe's outlook maybe alot better than Sasha's was. I knew by looking in that sweet face, into those angels eyes that she loved us, but she hated the indignity she was going through. And that's why I finally came to the decision I came to. My girl was proud and proper from the day I brought her home when she was 5 weeks old, and to not be able to go to the bathroom like she should and have to be carried up and down stairs, if we got to her in time, was an indignity to her. I couldn't put her through that just because I couldn't let her go. She had given to us for years, and I had to be able to give to her in return. It hurt like hell... it still does. Even after all these year I miss her. As much as I love Koda, having him here reminds me of when I had Sasha. Sometimes I laugh, sometimes I feel sad. There just isn't going to be an easy way around this... no matter what you decide. Especially coupled with the fact that Pekoe detests going to the vet. This is going to be hard for both of you. But I am praying that this works out that Pekoe will be with you for years to come.
Hugs and purple kisses from both Koda and I.

kiwani · Post by **kiwani** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 5:31 pm

Prognosis is good when it's caught early. So let's all hold that thought for right now. I'm very sorry for what you're going through. I lost one recently too.

Excerpts:

"DNA-Based Vaccine Triples Survival for Dogs with Melanoma"

"According to Dr. MacEwen, oral melanoma is common in dogs with dark pigmentation inside their mouths."

"Canine malignant melanoma (CMM) is the most common oral cancer in dogs and accounts for one out of twenty cancer diagnoses.

"The study is providing encouraging results to date, with a relevant number of the participating dogs appearing to be in remission from cancer or having extended life spans resulting from the
immunotherapy treatment,"said Dr. E. Gregory MacEwen.

This immunotherapy, called "liposome encapsulated drug and growth factor," activates the cells of the immune system and causes activation in other disease fighting immune cells to ward off cancer.

These dogs are patients being treated at the veterinary hospitals at the University of California
at Davis, University of Florida, Washington State University, Oakland Veterinary Referral Services in Michigan, and Veterinary Specialists in New
York."
http://www.treshanley.com/cic/studies.html

willowchow · Post by **willowchow** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 6:15 pm

Oh God, Jeff, I have no experience with this but just wanted to say Willow and I will be thinking of you and Pekoe.

Samorrathis · Post by **Samorrathis** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 6:34 pm

Your family is in our thoughts and prayers!

Roger · Post by **Roger** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 7:34 pm

Oh Jeff..... When you first posted about this awhile ago, I had no idea this was going to be the prognosis. We can only pray the cancer specialist's conclusion is different, but in the meantime, you and Pekoe will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Take Care..... Roger

Mandy · Post by **Mandy** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 7:39 pm

After reading your post I did some research and came up with some of the same things others are saying. Catching it early can make all the difference. I'm sure you've been reading everything you can get your hands on so I won't but you with any other details. Have hope! Things could still be okay!!

Still thinking of you

Mandy

simbasmom · Post by **simbasmom** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 8:53 pm

Jeff, I am soo sorry to hear about Pekoe. My heart goes out to you Pekoe and all of your family. Give Pekoe and big hug, from me and Coco.

You and Pekoe will be in our thoughts and prayers everyday.

Lots of Hugs and little purple kisses,
Carol and Coco

Taz · Post by **Taz** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 11:33 pm

Ohh, Jeff. I'm soo sorry to hear this.
Pekoe will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Judy Fox · Post by **Judy Fox** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 12:11 am

Oh Dear Jeff - that is dreadful.

But listen, don't let it spoil whatever time she has left - you really must think positive - you really must.

Easier said that done but for God's sake just keep on loving her and treating her as normal and enjoy to the best of your ability.

You never know, it might be longer than you think.

Give her a big cuddle for me.

p.s. I have the little niggle in the back of my mind and I have to keep sitting on it - M & M.s Chow Mummy died suddenly at the age of 8 with a tumour and I am afraid the same might happen M or/and M.

They had their pyometras so early and also the cysts on their ovaries but I keep sitting on the little worry in order to enjoy "the now".

Rogansmommy · Post by **Rogansmommy** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 7:22 am

Jeff. I am so sorry for that diagnosis.

Pekoe is such a strong lady; that goodness for your diligence despite her behavior at the vets offices. I have never dealt with a cancer diagnosis yet, but if there is anything I can do for you, please let me know. You and Pekoe have my positive thoughts.

Victory · Post by **Victory** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 7:37 am

Jeff--I am SO sorry to hear this. You've been here for as long if not longer than I have and Pekoe has been a part of my virtual world.

Yes, I've been where you are... I can tell you this; remember first and foremost it's about Pekoe! No matter what stage the cancer is at, no matter how treatable or untreatable it is, it's about her comfort. It's not about quantity of days, it's about quality of days...makes it harder for us, but I had to remind myself of that when Ming was being treated...he could have lived another 2-3 months; but his quality of life wouldn't have been good.

Even if the pain is controlled they have their dignity, and they don't like being carried up and down the stairs or losing control of their bodily functions.

Just remember that, spoil her rotten, give whatever she wants to eat, let her play to her hearts content and be with her a lot...

And when it's time to let her go, be there to say fairwell, not goodbye, because she'll be waiting for you.

I will hold you both in my thoughts and prayers...

Roxana · Post by **Roxana** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 12:30 pm

Jeff,

I am so sorry to hear about Pekoe!

Hopefully, as the others had said, it was caught early enough and something can be done about it.

Let us know what the cancer specialist says and keep the faith!! She may be able to pull through this, she is extemely healthy otherwise.

Sending our thoughts & prayers to you from Canada.

Roxana & Dakota

Jeff&Peks · Post by **Jeff&Peks** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 3:16 pm

I just want to say Thank You to all of you for your support and concern for Pekoe, you don't realize how important all of you are and how inportant this website is for emotional support, My wife is an absolute basket case but thanks to all of you I've been able to keep it somewhat together.

Pekoe has an appointment with the cancer specialist next week so I will keep you all up to date on what's going on, I think Pekoe sense's something is going on she won't let us out of her site and she follows us around hitting us with her paw, grunting and wagging her tale like she's saying its ok and trying to comfort us.

I keep hoping maybe I just found another quack vet and all this won't be true.

Once again Thank You all for your thoughts and prayers.

chow0 · Post by **chow0** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 4:14 pm

it's so sad.

well after reading everyones posts i've decided what i want for xmas ( Pekoe health) and my pup said that's what he wants too!

come on santa.

ngraham · Post by **ngraham** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 6:23 pm

I'm putting mine and Koda's requests into Santa for health and long life for Pekoe also. You and Pekoe will get through this Jeff. Your love and respect for Pekoe is so evident, and believe me she knows how much you love her and will do right by her. It's times like these that make us realize how blessed we are to have been chosen to be parents of a Chow.

ngraham · Post by **ngraham** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 6:36 pm

As a post script to Victory's reply, I agree with her. When I made the decision to put Sasha to sleep... it was not what "I" wanted to do. "I" would have kept her with me as long as possible....quantity of days. But the quality of her days was awful. I know it was degrading for my prim, proper little lady to soil in the house and on herself. It was degrading for her to have to be carried outside. I know when she looked at me with those beautiful brown eyes that she loved me, but life as she knew it was never to be again and I just did not want her to suffer in the pain and disgrace she was suffering in. I put the quality if her days before the quantity. It was about Sasha, not about Nancy. I pray that you don't have to be faced with that decision Jeff and that Pekoe will live long, comfortable and quality days ahead. But I did want to say that Victory hit it right on the head. It's about Pekoe now.

Jeff&Peks · Post by **Jeff&Peks** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 7:26 pm

Thanks Ngraham, That's got to be one of the toughest decisions for anyone to have to make, I just met a lady last week that had a 16 year old Chow that was dying from age, still alert in the mind and eyes, the poor Chow couldn't even get up but I was a stranger in its house so followed every movement I made with its eyes, It wanted to protect its family to the end.

Victory has always hit it right on the head no matter what the topic, Pekoe was raised on her opinions and advice, She has no idea how much a part of her virtual world Pekoe really is. I told her once she should write a Chow book.

Post by **Zhuyos mom** » Wed Dec 21, 2005 3:26 am

Jeff, so sorry to hear about the diagnosis. However, as you know, Zhuyo is a cancer survivor (and a double bloat survivor to boot). The tumor that was removed was growing visibly for 4 years before it was biopsied, determined malignant and removed in two surgeries. That was in 2000. His oncologist and his surgeon decided that chemotherapy wouldn't be needed. Then fast forward to Summer of 2004 when he and PB got into a squabble and exaserbated the sleeping tumors. Do you remember how I started freaking out because there was talk of removing his ear since one of the tumors was smack dab on the ear or put him to sleep? No surgery this time around... just alot of love, attention and pampering. A year and half later, Zhu is still frolicking along as many senior chows enjoy doing. So just hang in there. Pekoe is a strong chow - moreover, a strong willed chow. Remember Bubba's Gwrol and how strong he was when he became lame and recovered. Also remember Bubba's post on how mystical the chow breed is. Zhu's oncologist retired but they refer all their former patients to a cancer center in Santa Cruz. If you'd like a second opinion after your visit with the LA specialist, I can get the number for you. And as always, if I can help you in any way, just tell me.

Elaina · Post by **Elaina** » Wed Dec 21, 2005 7:48 am

Jeff

We are so sorry to hear about Pekoe.

Our family sends you and Pekoe all of our well wishes and prayers that she will overcome this situation.

Peace and many Blessings to you
Elaina, Max-A-Million, Mahayana, and Mei-Mei

Jeff&Peks · Post by **Jeff&Peks** » Fri Dec 23, 2005 8:48 pm

Thanks Lou, Pekoe's appointment is Tuesday I should know more then. I don't know how all the radiation and chemotherapy treatments work but if Pekoe is just going to be a sick vegetable laying around to sick to move after the treatments, forget it I will just let her live it out. I knew a few people up in the bay area that went through all the cancer treatments with their dogs and said they would never do that to another dog again, its terrible for the dog and in the long run not worth it. I say that now but if reality has to set in i will probably go through it all.

I just finished walking Pekoe, I keep looking for signs but shes not acting any different now then 8 years ago I don't see any signs of aging or her slowing down from cancer she is running all over the place, chasing rabbits and doesn't want to stop walking I have to force her to come home and that's after about a 3 to 4 mile walk up and down hills.

Post by **Zhuyos mom** » Fri Dec 23, 2005 9:12 pm

Kubla, Lao's brother, went through Chemo. He had throat cancer. He did great and finished his final rounds and was doing well for a couple of months. But the Chemo did harm on his liver or kidneys (don't remember right now) and he passed after his second month of remission from liver or kidney failure. They don't regret getting Kubla the necessary treatment. They followed their heart. Like I know you will.

I will think good thoughts and will whisper to Zhu and PB to do the same. My personal advice to you is to think positive. I added up Zhu's years with me from the first moment I noticed the lump on his abdomen to now and it's a total of 8 years. So think positive thoughts and keep us posted.

Oh, if you have a chance, buy a bottle of turkey baby food (ham, beef is good too). It's a nice treat I give my two. Althought it's nothing like that side a beef she once snatched and hid in the closet, but Pekoe might like it.

chowpuppies · Post by **chowpuppies** » Sat Dec 24, 2005 12:53 pm

Your chow will be in my prayers i know it's hard but keep your head up and love your chow for as long as God lets us keep them for him
Merry Chirstmas