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My Sweetpea has Thyroid Cancer

by Shirley Porto
(Bonita Springs, Fl)

Today I got the terrible results - We found a lump in her neck 3 weeks ago and after many test we found out it was thyroid cancer. Our surgeon completely removed the tumor on Monday Aug. 3rd, 2009. We were so relieved he was able to remove it, but it was short lived. Today, Friday Aug. 7, He called with the horrible news that it is an aggresive carcinoma, and he only gives her about 6 months to live.

My husband of 22 years and I have no children, and she is our baby. My Sweetpea is a miniature schnauzer, 16 lbs, and I would deeply appreciate any advice on how to help her immune system and if possible slow the progress of the cancer from spreading in her body.

The cancer specialist Dr. Heidi Ward in Sarasota, Fl. wants to start chemo right away but she says it all depends on how my Sweetpea's body handles the chemo.

I am hoping to give her natural remedies to help her live with us longer and happier. She has always been fed the healthest foods (purina veterinary diets EN gastroenteric).

We have a heavy heart, but we have to stay strong for her sake. We want her to be comfortable while she is with us until God takes her to heaven.

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Jan 17, 2014
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Thyroid cancer help
by: Ginny

https://www.natural-dog-health-remedies.com/essiac-capsules-and-our-labradors-thyroid-cancer.html
Please check out the above website and follow the links on there for some good info that may help you.

I've heard the following herbs have had much success in shrinking tumors and helping to stop cancer from spreading in dogs. They are, Red Clover, Graviola, Shark Cartilage, and Essiac Tea. My heart really goes out to you and I'll be praying for you and your little one. This is worth looking into, any thing that may help is worth a shot.

Best of luck.

Mar 17, 2013
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Stormy
by: Jeannette

Shirley,

My heart goes out to you. I, too, lost my baby one week ago today (on March 10, 2013).

My sweet Stormy, who I have had since she was a year old, was almost 14, a beagle, and affectionately called Mommy's Little Angel.

Her bark had changed (gotten hoarser) but we assumed it was due to the fact that her hearing was nearly gone. We had no clue she was EVEN SICK until last Friday when she started coughing (had coughed a little off and on for a few months - almost like she had something caught in her throat - again, I am sad to say I dismissed it). We just lost another dog, Buster, in October to lymphoma after 6 months of chemo that virtually did nothing but put him thru a lot, and financially cost a bundle... So, when Stormy (Torny, nickname) started a little cough, I turned a 'deaf ear' to it - after all, she seemed fine.

Friday, she started coughing a lot and I realized she was breathing VERY HARD and we rushed her to the emergency vet, who did x-rays and came back with the horrible diagnosis of thyroid cancer that had already metastasized to her lungs. They put her on oxygen and we quickly realized she could not function without it. Given the advanced stage, our options were chemo (and I could not put her thru that, because I knew it only would delay the inevitable and I could not put my baby thru it) and euthanasia. I could not bear to lose her, yet I could not bear to see her struggle to breathe. She never hurt a fly her entire life. It was not fair - she did not deserve this.

I made the only choice I could - and holding her in my arms on her little bed - she took her last breath, peacefully last Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m. It is my fault she is gone. I should not have dismissed the cough; I should have done something sooner, even though the vet said it probably would not have made any difference. I loved her more than anything, yet I did not take proper care of her. I will not forgive myself for a very long time, if ever.

So, I know what a heavy heart, an empty house and raw grief is all about. I am there - as are you. I am so, so sorry for your loss. Sweetpea and Stormy are together at the Bridge, as is Buster, and they are happy and waiting for us. One day...

Oct 22, 2012
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Holly
by: Shirley

I am so sorry Mary Ann to hear about your baby Holly. There are no words to describe the pain we all go through when our babies get sick and we cannot help them because there is no cure for cancer. I can say to give her all your love and keep her comfortable and try not to let her see you cry because they can feel your sorrow. When you are with her be positive and as strong as you can - she knows that you love her and that you will take care of her no matter what. If she is eating and staying strong it's because of you and the love you are giving her. That's the best medicine for her right now.

I will pray for you and Holly to stay strong and happy together.

God Bless you and stay strong.

Oct 22, 2012
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Holly
by: Mary Ann Davis

I am so sorry for your loss of Sweatpea. I came to this site for guidance of my own pet, saw you post and started crying all over again.

Our Holly is 12 years old - she was given 6 months also. We are in month 5 and I don't think a day has gone by that I don't cry. It has gotten really bad in the last two weeks - our vet says it has now moved into her lungs. We took her last Tuesday thinking we were going to have to say our goodbyes, darn near killed me... but the vet says it is not yet time, her heart is still strong.

She is an amazing dog. We also have a mini dachshund who also has cancer but is in remission, but he knows something is wrong, he follows Holly around all the time. It is so sad to watch. I hate watching her dying knowing there is nothing I can do to stop it...

Dec 31, 2009
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deeply sorry
by: Darren Knowles

Really sorry to hear the sad news about Sweetpea, thank you for replying to my story about cassy who had a similar tumor. I can, like many people here understand the pain you are going through, they become part of the family in more ways than you can imagine, and when they are gone. It's like part of you has been torn away, as they are so loyal, compassionate and even when you are upset they know and they come over and console you.

Once again deepest sympathies.

Oct 11, 2009
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So sorry for your loss
by: Hazel

Oh Shirley, I am so sorry to hear the sad news. I was thinking about Sweetpea just a few days ago, and so am really sad to read your post.

Please stay strong. Sweetpea has not gone away - she is always close by, she is always in your heart.

Take care.

Oct 11, 2009
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Our Sweetpea passed away .
by: Shirley

My baby passed away Tuesday Oct. 05 in our arms.

Our heart is ripped to pieces, our home empty.

We are missing her dearly, She passed too soon.

I pray that God is taking care of her... Till we see each other again at the Rainbow Bridge.

Aug 30, 2009
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CAS Dosage
by: Hazel

Hi, Shirley,

I am glad to hear that Sweetpea is doing well. Let's keep our fingers crossed!

As regards CAS dosage, yes - the instructions of use indicate that the dosage can be doubled for 3-6 months if the dog's immune system is greatly compromised. If you want to try a higher dosage, don't double it right away - increase the dosage gradually. Maybe 1/2 a tablet 3 times daily for a few weeks and then gradually 1/2 a tablet 4 times.

I can understand that it is a difficult decision whether to go ahead with chemo or not. I guess your vet may have already explained to you, but chemo cannot cure dogs with cancer - it can only control it so that the dog can be in remission for a longer period of time. The reason is that the chemo used on dogs is much weaker than that used on people (to minimize the side effects chemo has on our dogs - few dog parents want to see their dogs suffer from chemo side effects). And indeed side effects rarely occur in dogs treated with chemo.

However, some dogs do show some side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and appetite loss. If you do decide to go ahead with chemo, talk to your vet about potential side effects and things you can do to help minimize such effects.

Also, don't hesitate to talk more to your vet about the pros and cons of chemo for Sweetpea. I think it will make it easier for you to decide if you do so.

Good luck and all the best. Please keep us informed of Sweetpea's progress!

Aug 29, 2009
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Sweetpea
by: Shirley

Hi Hazel,

I have been giving her the CAS 1/2 tablet since Aug.22, along with her Piroxicam. She is eating Stella and Chewy Freeze Dried Raw Meat mixed with her EN Purina Vet Formula which I am trying to eliminate totally from her diet because it has rice in it. Do you suggest I give her a whole tablet of the CAS twice a day, which would be a double dose? I read on the bottle this could be done for 3-6 months. We still have not started on Chemo because I am waiting for her immune system to get stronger. And I am having second thoughts about it. She is eating well; she loves the stella and chewy freeze dried pattie's and seems to be feeling better.

Thank you for all your help - it is a very confusing time for us and we want to make sure we give her the best of the best to keep her with us.

Shirley

Aug 15, 2009
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Sweetpea
by: Hazel

Hi, Shirley,

I am glad that Sweetpea is doing well and that the vet is optimistic about chemotherapy.

Genesis Resources Canine CAS can be used as a complementary treatment to surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, and should be Ok with Piroxicam. But to be on the safe side, please double check with your Dr.

By the way, Piroxicam is a NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) and may cause GI problems to some dogs, such as stomach and intestinal ulcers and bleeding, vomiting, etc., so please pay careful attention to Sweetpea's condition. Check her stools every time (dark, or tarry stools mean bleeding in the stomach/intestines). Ask your Dr. if it is necessary to give Sweetpea digestive enzymes to help her GI system.

Best of luck and keep us informed of her progress. We will all keep praying for Sweetpea!!!

Aug 15, 2009
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Sweetpea
by: Shirley

Hazel,
Thank you for you advice and suggestions.

I ordered the Genesis Resources Canine CAS you suggested. Sweetpea's specialist Dr. Heidi Ward from Sarasota, Fl. put her on 10 mg of piroxicam capsules once a day. I started giving it to her yesterday. As soon as I receive the Canine CAS I will give her that too. I just wanted to make sure it's ok to give her that with the piroxicam.

She is eating well and playing as usual, I also started mixing in Freeze dry raw food with her regular can food (Purina Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Canine Formula) which she has been eating for years now.

Dr. Ward says she is a good canidate for Chemo---After removal of the tumor the Microscopic Finding was a
1)Larger Specimen: Hemangiosarcoma
2)Smaller specimen: Reactive lymph - Dr. said it was totally removed from her neck muscle.

Thank you all in advance for your help and prayers.

Shirley and Sweetpea

Aug 13, 2009
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Immune Boosting Supplement
by: Hazel

Hi, Shirley,

I am sorry to hear about your Sweetpea. I hope she is doing fine.

There is a very good supplement that has helped strengthen the immunity of a lot of dogs with cancer. It's called "Genesis Resources Canine CAS Options". (Follow this link
Dog Cancer Diet and scroll down to the middle of the page.)

As you may know, mushrooms are very powerful antioxidants and have been used in China and Japan for a long time for immune-boosting and cancer fighting.

Hope this supplement helps your Sweetpea as well.
Please keep us informed. Good luck!

Aug 10, 2009
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Dear Sweetpea
by: Debbie

Your mama loves you dearly and will do all that is in her to make you comfortable for your precious time with us.You'll always be in our thoughts.

Aug 08, 2009
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sweetpea
by: Anonymous

She will live a happy life because you love her so. Dogs sense that. God bless.

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