Alice is four years old.
A cancer diagnosis was not even on my radar.
I noticed a little swollen spot on the top of her paw shortly before my trip to Mexico. She showed no signs of it being painful or that she was even aware of its existence, so I thought she maybe had a bug bite or some other minor irritation, and as my trip neared it appeared to be getting better so I didn’t think it was anything to worry about and made a mental note to mention it at her annual check up in May.
But then a few days after my return, the bump was back and appeared to be bigger than before. I moved up her appointment and got her in to the vet that weekend. He took one look at it and suspected it to be a mast cell tumor. Mast cell tumors are a reaction to an over abundance of histamine being released in the body and are fairly common in dogs (although not usually at this young age). They are typically painless, can change in size and appearance from day to day, and can be extremely treatable. Or extremely fatal – depending on the grade. Apparently they are quite the wild card.
A biopsy confirmed his suspicions. And a second biopsy of her lymph node (it was also enlarged) confirmed the cancer had already spread. And my world collapsed.
I have never understood it when people say “it’s just a dog”. Those words may as well be spoken in a different language. This dog has shown me more love and loyalty than some people. She has licked away tears and given me endless reasons to smile or laugh when everything else was falling apart. She has never left my side. She is family. To lose her now would be devastating.
The first – and most effective – course of action with a mast cell tumor is almost always surgery. Once the tumor is removed it can be tested to determine the grade of the cancer. Some dogs never have another issue once the tumor is removed, others need secondary treatment from chemo or radiation, and then in some cases the cancer is just too far advanced to be effectively treated.
For surgery, the standard is to take the tumor and usually 3 cm of “good” tissue all the way around and below it – this helps ensure all the cancer cells are removed and minimizes the chances of regrowth. The problem with Alice is that her tumor is located between the toes on her paw – there isn’t enough room to get those kind of margins. So, in cases like hers, they will often take what they can surgically and then follow up with radiation to kill whatever couldn’t be removed. However, we already know the cancer has spread to her lymph node and is on the move – radiation was not an option either. The only possibility surgery-wise was amputation of her entire leg. And even that wouldn’t provide any guarantees.
Tears upon tears upon tears, you guys.
We eventually found an oncologist nearby that is just wonderful (Dr. Junkas at Wright Animal Hospital in Des Plaines if you’re local), and she recommended a chemotherapy drug called Palladia.
Palladia is a relatively new drug specifically for dogs with mast cell tumors. It’s given at home (Alice gets two pills – one big and one small), every other day in addition to twice daily doses of Benadryl (mast cell tumors respond very well to this as well). Palladia is often most effective against aggressive cases (which they believe Alice to have) and most dogs tolerate it extremely well with side effects being rare and often minor – most commonly the occasional upset stomach. When it is effective it can drastically decrease the size of the tumor (making surgery an option) or cause the tumor to disappear completely – even better! Dr. Junkas has dogs at her clinic with more advanced cases than Alice that have been in remission for two to three years. Of course there are no guarantees, but it all sounded very promising and I wanted to try it.
The downfall?
It doesn’t come cheap. Alice weighs about 55 pounds, and between the cost of the drug and once a month bloodwork (to make sure nothing else is being impacted behind the scenes) – it’s going to run around $550 a month – and she will most likely be on it for a minimum of five months.
I’m happy to report, she has been on Palladia for about three weeks now and she’s doing great! Her energy level and attitude are normal. Her appetite is normal. No upset tummies. No adverse reactions whatsoever. She is just as silly and curious and weird as she has always been. She is allowed to run and play and be a completely normal dog – I just have to be careful she doesn’t add any trauma to her foot. On dosage days, I put both pills in a peanut butter pill pocket (you do need to wear gloves when handling the medication) and she takes them with no issue. She had a two week check up just to make sure she would tolerate the drug, and the doctor gave her a glowing report – blood work was beautiful and she even thinks the tumor is looking responsive already.
It’s still early, so I’m trying to remain cautious in getting my hopes up just yet – but it’s hard not to. Although I suppose a positive attitude never hurt anyone, right?
I’ll do occasional updates here on her progress. When I first realized chemotherapy was likely the only viable course of treatment, I was desperate for stories from other people who have had their dogs on Palladia or dealt with aggressive mast cell tumors. I hope none of you ever have to face this with your precious pups, but if you do – maybe Alice’s journey will shed some light on what to expect. We got this, Allie girl!
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Praying for a full recovery. Anyone who says, “It’s just a dog, or just a cat or whatever pet” doesn’t love an animal. They are not just a anything. They are our family, our friends, our love. It’s not even amazing what we do for them because there is no price too great for love. Last September one of my barn kittens with a condition called cerebellar hypoplasis got bit by my dog. I knew she’d be coming into the house eventually because she would never survive outside, but this sped things up. Long story short, I knew the kitty from the time I put her in a cage to take her to the hospital (20 min) and the next day when I went to pick her up I paid $1650. A lot of $ but this cat means everything to me. My husband died 7 years ago, and she makes coming home wonderful again. Best of luck to both of you. She’s beautiful, and so are you!
Thank you. They are absolutely family. I know exactly what you mean about her being someone to come home to. I dropped Alice off at the groomer yesterday and when I came home it was like a glimpse into what life would be like without her. I cried immediately – and I knew she would be back in just a few hours haha! So glad your sweet cat has brought comfort and love back to your home.
Sending prayers to you and sweet Alice!
Thank you Chelby.
Thank you for this post! I am So happy that things at this point are going well! It’s so tough when you have a beloved pet that needs costly care. Years ago we had a little mixed breed dog that ended up with an autoimmune disorder. We spent nearly $8K on her. It was a financial strain, and I heard “it’s only a dog” multiple times, but as you well know, it’ is NOT just a dog. Thank goodness Alice has a loving mom like you to provide the best care possible!
I know many of us appreciate the updates and and we will continue to hope for the best for your sweet girl! XO
Thanks Andrea. I am so thankful she is doing so well with everything so far. I always tell people Alice is doing great, it’s me that’s the mess, haha! I’m sorry to hear about your pup, but totally understand what you went through – they are our babies and they are family. They deserve any and all help that way can provide them.
Hi Tonya,
I recently started following your blog . . . I fell in love with your decorating style and your sweet Alice. I am a huge lover of all dogs and totally relate to doing all you can to help yours. I will keep you and Alice in my prayers.
Thank you so much Deb. As long as she acts like she’s still enjoying life, I’m going to give her every opportunity to live it fully. It’s the least I can do for all she has done for me. 🙂
Thanks for sharing Alice. Dogs are so great, the unconditional love they give, there are no words to describe it. They love you when you’re happy, they love you when you’re sad, they love you when you feel crabby. I’ll send up some prayers and positive thoughts for you and Alice. She is beautiful!
Thank you Sally. Alice is the sweetest soul. She’s my buddy and I would be totally lost without her – so I’m doing everything I can to help her beat this thing.
Oh Dear, I like so many others praying for Alice…I know, I’m mum to 2 fur kids and that love is everything to me. How wonderful the drugs are available to our pets
Thanks Deborah. Yes – we are so fortunate that so many advances have been made in veterinary medicine. I hope this drug can do all it has the ability to do – it sounds like it has the potential to work miracles.
You and Alice are in my thoughts and prayers. Please keep us posted.
Thank you Kathleen. I most certainly will.
Hard news to hear for sure, but I would have made the same choices for my pet. More quality time for her foremost and time for your heart is a win-win. I think you can make an impact by educating all of your readers to this type of cancer and cancer in general in our pets. My grand-cat had an oral cancer and it was mast cell. Too advanced for a successful surgery so his legacy was to enlighten everyone in the family circle of friends to this not-uncommon cancer and to pay attention to any small changes in our pets. Some day Alice will leave a legacy and I think it just started with your post. Best wishes for successful treatment and longevity for her. Maybe she (and you) will have a bucket list!
Thank you Dee. I am so sorry to hear about your grand-cat. I cannot believe how common this disease is – I had never heard of it before now. Alice has always dealt with allergies – if only I had known it could lead to something more…
My cat Montauk is my baby…. so much love to both of you.
Thank you Diana. They are so special, aren’t they? It’s heartbreaking when they’re not well.
I am so sorry sweet Alice and you are having to go through this. So glad though that the drug seems to be working. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Thanks Carol. Hoping for all good reports from here on out. I refuse to give up on her!
Tears in my eyes, but so glad to hear your optimism. Animals are the purest souls on this earth; they are what make us better people. Send hugs, pets and belly rubs. Please keep us updated.
Thank you Kristine. Dogs only know how to love one way – unconditionally. If only we could be more like them, right?
Praying for you both.
Thank you 🙂
She is such a beauty….. Awesome to hear such a great report!! Blessings !!!
Thanks Terri! Next report is in about a month – hoping for another good one!
I do not have children,so my animals are my kids. My heart breaks for you!
Miracles do happen, enjoy each day you have and know we are all praying for both of u!
Blessings
Thanks Shelly! I am enjoying the heck out of her and hoping for the best. As long as she seems to be happy, I’m happy. 🙂
Alice you will beat this!!! I pray for you everyday and I pray to St. Francis the Saint for pets/family that you will be cured. Your a very special little girl and I am sending you and your Mom Love, Blessings, Lots of Prayers, and Big Hugs Renee
Thanks Renee! She’s a trooper – I’m staying positive she’s going to show this thing who is boss!
I am so pleased to hear that Alice is doing so well on the medication. I have two dogs that are my world. I know exactly how you feel and commend you for doing everything you can to help Alice. You will both be in my thoughts. Take care of each other.
Thanks Angie! It’s so hard when they’re sick. They can’t tell us if they’re up for the fight, but as long as she seems to be feeling great I’m going to throw everything I can at her to keep her feeling that way.
Hope everything turns out okay. She looks like such a sweet girl.
Thanks Deb! She is a total sweetheart. A little (or a lot) quirky, but one of the sweetest dogs I’ve ever known. 🙂
I have 2 Maltese dogs. They are my world besides my three children. They take care of me and bring so much joy, but I know that joy isn’t eternal so I appreciate every day. Good luck with your pup and hope he gets cured quick.
Thank you! She’s my buddy – I would definitely be lost without her.
I agree the comment “ it’s just a dog” is totally not in my vocabulary. You know the saying “the more people I meet the more I love dogs” or something like that, so true. They can read your feelings so well and always provide comfort when you need it most. The treatment sounds perfect for her and the two of you are in my thoughts. Please do keep us updated. I’m sure many of your readers are just like me and consider Alice your fur baby and very much a family member. Take care
That saying is so true! If people were more like dogs the world would be a better place! Thanks Kathleen!!
Happy for the positive report! Keeping you both in my prayers!
Thank you Carla! Hoping for good news here on out!