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Mercy Girl Dog with Agressive Bladder Cancer

by Linda Rakela
(Rocklin Ca USA)

Mercy resting watching me

Two weeks ago we took Mercy (11 years old) in to the vet. She was urinating (trying) continually. The vet took an ultrasound and found a mass in her uretha. Her bladder was so full, she could have died. The vet put a catheter in and started her on an alternative to chemo called piroxcam 7mg. She stayed in the vet hospital for three days. I was able to bring her home with catheter. Continued on the cancer meds for now seven days.

Today, I returned to vet hospital to remove the catheter. She is home now and I am monitoring her urine output. She squats and I put a plate to catch urine. (She lets me do it). The amount she is urinating is small. But the vet said if she could eliminate at least 60 mml in four hours, the cancer meds may be shrinking the mass, so she can urinate.

The vet doesn't give me much hope. But I am very positive that the mass will decrease. You have to believe strongly and know she will make it. My husband and I have never loved a dog as much as we do her. She has been the best companion you could have ever wanted. We are truly not ready for her to leave us.

Is there anyone who has been through this type of cancer. What hope do I have?

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Nov 20, 2012
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No word
by: Anonymous

I thought this would really be a forum for those who have gone through bladder cancer with their pets. The last I wrote was on Sept 1st and no one has commented on what I have said. It would have been comforting to hear what others have gone through as well.

Sep 01, 2012
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Remember the good times
by: Rocky's mom

Angela,

I am so sorry for your loss. It has been almost 3 months and I look at my boy's pictures on my phone every night. Take the time to look at any pictures you have to remember all the good times. I really know how painful it is to lose our 4 legged children. They depend on us for everything and I still look for him as he followed me everywhere in the house. I really believe we will be together again.

Linda,

I am happy to hear that you have another loving companion. I have another bichon, Rosie, and have to direct my attention to her as she has been very depressed since the loss of her brother. Enjoy every minute with your new baby.

Best wishes to both of you!

Sep 01, 2012
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Comfort will be soon...
by: Linda Rakela

Hello Holly,

When the day came to let Mercy go, I couldn't believe there was any other companion out there to help my hole in my heart to be filled...

Well, three weeks ago, I found another little companion, she is a delight - wants me to hold her and take care of her. She is a mix of many breeds, but has the love in her eyes for me.

Hope this will help you in the near future to fill that void of missing your lovable companion.

Aug 31, 2012
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My Holly
by: Angela

8 days ago, on 23rd August 2012, I had to let my beloved Holly be put to sleep. I can honestly say, it is every bit as painful as losing my dear Dad was.

She is a nearly 12 year old golden retriever and has been my closest friend through a painful divorce and all of life's agonies over the years. She knew if I was upset and would come and cuddle me. We also had wonderful times - long walks every day, lots of swimming, retrievers adore water!

Life seems empty now but finding this forum has given me some comfort as there are others going through this awful grief too.

Love to all x

Aug 28, 2012
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My Rocky Boy Bichon
by: Rocky's mom

I am so sorry for your loss and feel your pain.

We loved our Bichon Boy Rocky for 13 and a half years. In Dec. 2011 we had a kidney stone removed and they found a growth which was bladder cancer. I couldn't bear the thought of ever losing him. We had him on piroxicam and tramadol for 6 months. We could tell it was getting more difficult for him to pee and he had blood in the stool. He was straining so much and there was a risk of the tumor rupturing in the wall of the bladder which would have been extremely painful. So only 2 1/2 months ago on June 8th we had to put him down. After a consultation with an oncologist to know what to expect she said he would live 4-6 months.

I guess we were lucky to have him for 6 months but I am still devastated and look at all the pictures of the joy he gave us for so many years. We have his ashes with us and I know that we will meet again at the Rainbow Bridge, to have him in my arms forever. May all our babies rest in peace until we see them again!

Aug 13, 2012
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Losing a dog (best friend) is never easy
by: julie Wilcox

Hi, I stumbled onto this web page. Your story was helpful. I just found out my Tulia has bladder cancer and she only has a few months. She is 8 yrs and I'm not ready to let her go. However I do not want her to suffer So I will take what time we have left. She has brought us so much joy. Reading your story help me to kind of know what to expect.

Thank you.

Jul 25, 2012
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Heart felt
by: Linda Rakela

Thank you so much for your love. She has been gone since Feb 16, 2012... The void in my life is really big, but I know I will find another companion soon. I will never be able to replace her, but finding a new friend will be the greatest healing for my heart. I am looking for a white Westie girl...

Jul 25, 2012
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Sorry for your loss
by: Teresa

So sorry to read about the loss of your pet. My heart goes out to you, however know that with your posting, it helps me know that I too will get through this, with a lot of support and knowing I gave my little Westie (my buddy) the best life he could have here on earth.

Sincerely,

Teresa

Feb 26, 2012
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My Mercy Girl is gone
by: Linda Rakela

Last Thursday, I had to put my girl to rest. She whimpered all day, she wasn't comfortable, had to go out her doggy door every five minutes... she just couldn't pee.

By midnight, she was miserable. I knew then that it was time for her.

Of course, I cried so much for her. I said my goodbyes and she fell asleep.

Today seven days later, the void is so huge. I have made a memorial collage of her life in a picture frame. I also put her picture on my computer as a screen saver. I talk to her in my heart... The days are getting easier, but I truly miss her.

Someone asked me if I will get another dog to replace her. I commented that Mercy could not be replaced, but I would want later after I grieve to welcome a new girl into our life, but now I am not ready.

Thank you all for all the support you have given me.

Feb 09, 2012
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Mercy Girl--Feb 9, 2012
by: Linda Rakela

Mercy is still with us.

On Jan 1, 2012, she pulled the catheter out. We decided to let her do whatever she wanted to do. She is urinating, and having bowel movements and is eating well. I am giving her the same meds she had when this started - once a day Piroxicam and Prilosec. No pain medicine.

She takes a walk every day and is now losing her hair in the face, but still has lots of energy and is not slowing down. I believe the medicine is working. Her urine stream is steady when she pees. She was limping with her back leg, but now it is not too noticable.

My husband and I are treating her like she is normal. I did buy her better food with lots of vegetables and chicken, brown rice in her dry food. Give her broccoli and lots of vegetable treats.

Hope this note gives everyone the hope and belief that our loved ones will beat this horrible disease.

Feb 09, 2012
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Update?
by: Shelly Basey

Wondering how Mercy is doing now?

My Shaya has just been diagnosed with bladder cancer w/out the blood work or ultrasound... The vet said her bladder has a mass... She will be 9 on March 31 - she is my baby!! Was wondering if you tried any of the herbal or cancer diets & how they worked?

Best Wishes for Mercy & your family!

Feb 05, 2012
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Bella
by: Anonymous

My border collie, Bella, had a very fast bladder cancer. From the first symptom which was blood in her urine until she died was 8 days. We have been extremely devastated - she was the light of our lives. It was 4 wks ago we lost her; it has been one of the most painful experiences I have gone through and I keep wondering why her, she was so beautiful and innocent. She was one month away from her 7th birthday.

Jan 12, 2012
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Know how you are feeling
by: Anonymous

Hope your dog is still ok. My dog is 13 and she has a bladder tumor. She has had this since late August. She is on Piroxicam and Simplicef and has been on that combination for the last 2 months. At first I did not think she would last too much longer but now she is doing pretty well. She still has bloody urine. I doubt that will change but she is acting great. Still goes for walks. I dread this getting worse but she is the best dog we have ever had - she is a Border Collie shepherd mix.

Dec 02, 2011
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Thank you for your prayers
by: Linda Rakela

We are going on with our lives as if she is getting better. I believe that if she gets to do the things she has enjoyed, she will get better. We love her so much.

Thank you again for all your prayers.

Dec 02, 2011
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Update on Mercy Girl
by: Linda Rakela

Today is Dec 2... Mercy girl is still with us. She is doing well with catheter. Her back right hip is causing her to limp, but doesn't seem to slow her down.

We are loving her and letting her do the things she loves to do. Renewed her antibiotic and giving her one pain pill (Tramadol) at night to sleep with comfort. Will let you know her progress.

Nov 30, 2011
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To Mercy Girl
by: J Weatherford

These times are so difficult. Praying the second round of chemo is successful! Miracles do happen, just believe!

I am not familiar with this type of cancer but pray it diminishes very quickly. My thoughts are with you and Mercy Girl!!!

Nov 18, 2011
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Mercy Girl is still with us
by:

Well, only 36 hours went by and she could not urinate, but just dribbles, my husband and I decided to let her go, thru much stress and tears. I couldn't go with him to put her to sleep.

My husband left with Mercy. An hour later he returned and told me he couldn't put her down and they are putting the catheter back in. We renewed the cancer meds and antibiotics. She is home with us and it is now been three days. She is doing so well. I just drain the catheter every 2 to 4 hours. She acts like she is normal. We are just going to continue with meds and if she gets feeling differently. We will do what is humane. This is just giving us more time for the meds to work and preparing us for the day we will have to say goodbye.

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