To the Moon and Back

Tellie has cancer.  It's a Mast Cell Tumor and depending on its staging can have either a good prognosis or a bad prognosis.  At least the vet thinks that's what it is. The tumor is on her front right paw and is big and ugly. The vet palpated it and basically knew what it was as soon as she touched it.  She aspirated it and drew a sample to send in for lab testing.  Though she didn't actually say the word "cancer" she cautioned us not to worry about it until results from the test were in.  I know though what a Mast Cell Tumor is and don't know if I'm ready to go through the process again.

Granted, Jersey had a different type of cancer that was very advanced by the time we took her to get her lumps checked out. We know how that ended.  Because of our experience with Jersey we are quick to act if we discover any lumps or bumps on the dogs. Early detection is the key to success in this battle.

A Mast Cell Tumor is the most common cancer that will strike a dog.  No one knows why they occur, no one knows where they come from. 

"Mast cells are specialized cells that normally are found distributed throughout the body and help an animal respond to inflammation and allergies. Mast cells can release several biologically active chemicals when stimulated, among them histamine, heparin, seratonin, prostaglandins and proteolytic enzymes. Although these chemicals are vital to normal bodily function, especially immune response, they can be very damaging to the body when released in chronic excess."

Knowing this doesn't make it any easier.  Tellie will still probably have to go in for surgery to have it removed.  Since it's on the top of her little paw, there is not much room to get an adequate margin to check for spread of the cancer.  Aspiration will tell us what stage it is at.  Removal, biopsy and testing will tell us whether it has spread.

A saving grace is that her Lymph nodes appear to be normal.  If it has spread there, we're looking at a sad prognosis.

Fortunately, Tellie displays no other symptoms. Hopefully we caught it soon enough to make a positive difference.

Tellie is the biggest little dog I have ever seen.  She is a sensitive soul, exhibiting compassion for our pain and joy at our happiness.  She loves her family and demonstrates it on a daily basis. We are committed to providing whatever is necessary to help her.  I carried Jersey, I've carried Skylar and I am prepared to carry Tellie to the moon and back if I have to.

Unfortunately, this situation is a powerful reminder to continue support for the National Canine Cancer Foundation.  It's bewildering that know one knows why this cancer happens.  It's shocking that there is not really any alternative to provide a cure other than submitting a dog to a lumpectomy.  Our on-going support provides a much needed resource to fight this terrible disease.

Telluride is only four years old is full of life and has been our joy ever since I spotted at the Animal Shelter in Aurora, CO.  She invaded my dreams and captured my heart right from the beginning.

At this point, I'm not really worried or anxious.  Absent any conclusive information there is no room for speculation. It is what it is and right now all I can do is hold that healing place for her.  And wait.