Hello Everyone,
Bailey’s cancer journey began on May 11, 2009 when a lump was noticed on her left elbow. Bailey was taken into her vet (also my work!) and was diagnosed with a hygroma, as the quickness and location made a hygroma the most likely diagnosis. Very quickly, the lump began to become infected and sloughed off considerably leading Bailey to her first “hygroma” surgery on June 18, 2009. The hygromawas removed successfully and Bailey was out playing the next day. Approximately 5 weeks later, the lump returned. After following the previous treatment plan, the lump began to become infected and sloughed again…but noticeably worse this time. On August 3, 2009, Bailey had her second “hygroma” surgery where a histopathology was performed and sent out to a lab. On August 6, 2009, came the bad news – Bailey’s “hygroma” was in fact a spindle cell sarcoma, a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. On August 11, 2009, Bailey was seen by an oncologist who gave us even further bad news. With this type of cancer, only 30% of dogs survive the first year without any agressive treatment. Radiation has a 80-90% success rate as does amputation. The risk of metastasis is 20%. Radiation unfortunately wasn’t an option due to cost so we have decided to go through with the amputation, which is scheduled on August 18, 2009. Bailey’s Chest X-rays and Bloodwork came back completely normal with no metastasis thus far. Bailey continues to be active, healthy and painfree. Just tonight, she was playing ball with her usual enthusiasm. I will keep you posted following her amputation and recovery.