On Shooter’s one month ampuversary we finally got the results of the pathology. Since it had taken so long we had decided no news is good news. We discovered this adage is not necessarily true. The news received was both bad and good.
The good? There were no metastisized cells in the lymph node so for now nothing has spread.
The bad? The Mast Cell tumor in the leg that was removed was a Grade III which means it was a very aggressive and mutated type of cancer cell. We were so hoping for Grade I or II which would require no follow up treatment. Mast Cell cancer is kind of a wild card type of cancer so even though nothing seems to be around, it can show up anywhere at anytime. All his tests were done at CSU and the Ki-67 IHC marker was very high but there were no mutations on the C-kit receptor (no idea what all this really means, but it sure sounds important!), therefore, they are recommending treatment using Vinblastine (8 treatments) and Prednisone in order to kill off any random mast cells that are floating around looking for a place to call home. Not only is this completely affordable, but is an injection not a drip so no sitting around at the vets. Just in and out. As with any chemo there are chances of side effects (all the usual), but this doesn’t seem to be as harsh. My fear had been they would go with Palladia and we knew we could not afford it so could not have given him his best shot in those circumstances. At least this way we know we are giving him the best odds possible to survive for a longer period of time. That being said, Mast Cells are strange and unusual creatures that come as they please. Shooter has probably become susceptible to this because of his extreme allergic reactions to spider bites. Who knew?
As everyone on this board knows, there is no guarantee of anything, but we are going to stay positive and figure on having Shooter for at least another 2 years (he will be nearly 15 then!) and give him the best life possible for his time remaining no matter what that it.
I sleep while Mom types.
My pug Maggie lost her leg to a grade II MCT, but had cancerous mast cells in the lymph node removed with her leg. Her chemo consisted of two drugs, vinblastine and lomustine. Mag’s prognosis was 6 to 9 months, she lived almost 4 years and did not pass from mast cell cancer. You can read about her treatment in her blog: http://maggiesjourney.tripawds.com/maggies-amp-and-chemo-treatment-for-mast-cell-cancer/.
Good luck to Shooter!
Karen
Such a lovely, sweet face. His picture made me smile. Your positive attitude is contagious and I know it will transfer to Shooter. There are many long term survivors on this site for mast cell and he’ll be one of them. Best wishes to all
Sally and Happy Hannah
I’m sorry about the diagnosis, but it sounds like you guys have a plan in place, and a very good attitude. Shooter doesn’t know he’s sick. But he knows his family loves him very much, and that is where his strength will come from! Love the photo of Shooter, he does indeed have a very sweet face!!
Hey Shooter, I’m sending out invites for your next birthday pawty just so you know.
Mom and Dad, this is what we mean by living in the now. With or without cancer, there are no guarantees. Cancer just brings this all to light and really reminds us about what’s important.
Give Shooter those belly rubs and scratches that he loves so much and tell him the Tripawds Nation is cheering him on!