CancerCompass message board discussion started by Nonnie37 on 3/8/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,21792,0.htm Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ Trixie, my 16#, approximately  8 year old terrier mix was diagnoised with cancer of the bladder and urethra on 3/7/08. She has been put on piroxicam. The Vet also suggested I think about mitoxantrone, (a type of chemo), but I am not opting for that treatment. I adopted Trixie not quite 2 years ago from a shelter. No one claimed her after being picked up as a stray. It was evident that she had recently had puppies. I had her spayed and teeth cleaned, and all the necessary shots, and she was a happy dog and enjoyed the company of my other younger dog. Last summer she seemed to have difficulty uninating.  I had her to the Vet, and she had a low grade uti. She was put on medication. In the fall she was still having problems and another test was done, plus x-rays. It was thought she had bladder stones. She was put on a special food, which she hated, to dissolve the stones. She then started showing signs of blood after urinating, and it was back to the Vet again and more x-rays. It was suggested that surgery should be performed to remove the stones and check her urethra for any blockage. During surgery no stones were found, only strange growths, both in her bladder and urethra. which were biopsied. The result of which I found out yesterday, and although I was expecting it, it broke my heart.  I have read so many of the messages on this site, and I sit here with tears streaming down my face. She is already not anxious to eat and I am feeding her whatever her little heart desires. I am giving her all the love I can, and making her as happy as I can. She has possibly a month, maybe longer, and I will have to make sure she is comfortable until it is time to let her go. This time I will have to go through the loss alone, as I have also lost my husband. I've been through many pet losses, and like the loss of a human family member, it never gets any easier, but it helps to talk about it.   Nonnie37 Nonnie37 Sat, 08 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Nonnie37,  I just wanted to say hello.  I am Muffie's mom. Muffie is a 12 week old silkie terrior.  She was diagnosed 3 months ago with tcc.  Like your little one, it took a while to figure out what was going on.  Starting the perioxicam was the best decision we made with her.  She bounced back like a trooper and has been doing fairly well since.  Please know that we are here for you.  And yes, it does help to talk about it.  Take care!!Catherine fairydiva Sat, 08 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Oh dear, I am so sorry to hear your sad story.  You will have to be very brave and I know it is a difficult time you have to face.You, of course, know your dog better than anyone and the fact that she has lost her appetite is always a worrisome sign.  I have to tell you, though, my Annie was diagnosed in February of 2005 and we were not expecting her to have more than 6 months if she was lucky.  We are past the three year mark and she is still here.  I feel the piroxicam has helped her amazingly.I don't want to give you false hopes, but the doctors have been wrong before.  Whatever the outcome, enjoy every minute you have together--there will be time enough for tears later. And know you will always have the support from all of us on this board--we share a difficult journey together.Annie and I will put you in our prayers tonight--good luck to you.Marty  Gentleannie Sat, 08 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT