Canine Bladder Cancer (tcc)

First I wanted to express my condolences for Gandalf and Iris. I have been following along for a few months now and am sad to hear they lost their fight. We just have to remember that we are doing our very best for these little guys (and they know that)! In response to Rhoda's posting, please check my previous postings, numbers 86, 87 and 105. I am pointing you back to those because there I list an array of things we are doing for Baxter and he is doing incredibly well! Our oncologist is a UCD graduate and she referred to me to a holistic vet in Davis that works very well with the chemo and piroxicam that she prescribes. Please look up and call Davis Animal Wellness Center and you will find a most caring staff, with wonderful treatment options. My Baxter has been on these treatments since Sept. and so far, we have no re-growth of his TCC (post surgery). There are many options out there, you just have to find them. My philosophy is that if it doesn't hurt, we might as well try it. So far, that philosophy has been our miracle!

Hi Cathleen,
It is good to hear from someone again so quickly. It is strange, I actually searched for a holistic vet and found the Wellness Center. But, not knowing anything, I did nothing. I will call them tomorrow and see them as soon as possible. I will also check the messages you recommended. Such good news to hear that your Baxter is doing so well!
Rhonda

Hi Cathleen,
In researching the above, I found "Animal Wellness Center" located on Spafford St., Davis.
Is this the correct center?
Rhoda

Joyce,
I am so very sorry to hear of Iris' passing. I know how difficult it is, even when it's peaceful. I've said goodbye to Maya several times in the last week and cried buckets of tears and then several hours later she's back to smiling with the sparkle in her eyes. Over the years, I've never had an animal euthanized that I didn't question whether it was too soon or past time. It's so hard to know what to do right now. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Lynn

First, my sincerest sympathy in the losses of Gandalf and Iris...may they rest in peace and may you both find comfort knowing that you did all you could to make their last months comfortable.

I'd like to know if anyone can direct me to a website to order the graviola. Our Sheeba is on 5 mg Piroxicam a day and when I mentioned the graviola to our vet, although she never heard of it, seemed to think trying it wouldn't hurt.
We have decided not to subject Sheeba to the stresses of surgery, even though it appears her tumor may be operable. She is 13 and has an enlarged heart and partially prolapsed trachea from age, so we felt medication and tremendous spoiling would make her more comfortable. Her tumor appears to be on the smaller side, and her spirits are still great. As someone mentioned earlier, I regret I don't remember the entrant's name as there are so many....Sheeba is as happy as she was before we got the diagnosis b/c she doesn't know she's sick! We have also put her on a daily dose of antibiotic to combat the problems of bladder infections from the tumor....
I continue to hold all of you and your companions in my prayers.

Have a Merry Christmas.

I ordered the graviola from allvita.net and received it very quickly. Maya hasn't decided if she cares for it yet.
I have a question about Tramadol. I saw it mentioned several times above and my vet gave me a prescription. But when I read all the possible side effects (esp breathing difficulties, dizziness and constipation) I'm worried about giving it to Maya. She doesn't need addtl problems with any of these things. Has anyone had a good experience with this drug?
Thanks. Lynn

I found this message board not too long ago. It has helped greatly to know I'm not alone.
Maya went to the Rainbow Bridge this morning. She had started her trasition and we helped her along.
I wish all of you and your furbabies much love and the best of luck with your treatments.
Lynn

Lynn. I am so sorry to hear about Maya's passing. What a holiday this has been! She was so loved and that was the greatest gift you gave her. Hopefully it is some comfort to know that she is at peace and no longer in pain. This board has been a blessing for me as well. I hate others having to go through this but at the same time it's comforting to know we're not alone. I will light a candle today for Maya.
Joyce

Joyce,
Thank you for lighting a candle. I was on the internet yesterday and found a site, www.anglebluemist.com, that has some wonderful poems and readings about Rainbow Bridge. I found some information about a candle lighting ceremony held every Monday nite around the world. Candles are lit for all the furbabies that have passed on and all those still here who need love & support. The central time was 9pm. I lit a candle at Maya's resting place and spent some time remembering all the joy she brought me. She was a small framed sheltie who weighed 32 lbs when she came to us 2 yrs ago. She was on a diet and hated it. She would try to get food where ever she could. The funniest was one day when her short little legs managed to jump high enough to steal a raw roast off the kitchen counter and I was fighting to get it back! I wish I'd had a video of that! (LOL).
For the past year as she was losing so much weight, she could eat whatever she wanted and that really made her happy. I woke up yesterday morning knowing she was ready to leave. On the drive to the vet I could see in her eyes that she had already started her transition. It was a very peaceful and gentle leaving. I miss her terribly and I know you understand. Now I'm holding my other sheltie girl a little tighter.
Blessings to you and to Iris. Perhaps she and Maya will meet.
Lynn

Just wanted to give ya'll an update on Georgia. She seems to be doing very well. Possibly because I have changed her diet. Although the vet is not happy that she has gained 20 pounds since September! So that is a concern of hers right now. A few weeks ago I started noticing about 5 new "lumps" on her. All in various places. I took her in for a cytology test and they gave me some good news... They seem to all be just "fatty tumors", lipomas. She did say she saw a couple skin cells, but attributes that to the needle poking through the skin. Although that seems to relieve those fears, the one "lump" has grown in the past 2 weeks. I'm going to have to take her back in for that again.
In other news, she was spoiled from Santa! She got a great, comfy new bed! And lots, of toys! Even a new collar. She loves her bed! Let's just keep praying for our babies.
In addition, I'm so sorry to hear about Gandalf and Iris. My heart is with you in your losses. It's so hard to lose a member of the family. Especially one so loyal and perfect! Keep positive and remember all the great times shared together!!