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Our Beloved Polo Bear

by Beverly Marshall
(Bedias, TX)

Well, today is 4/29/14, and a week ago today we found out that our 8-yr-old Husky/Retriever has Thyroid cancer. Polo was born to us. A strong little guy who beat Parvo twice. Unbeknownst to us, a home we bought had Parvo in the ground. Polo was the ONLY pup we ever had survive it. He was born from my husband's Siberian Husky, Dakota, and my lab/retriever, Sadie. Polo's parents meant the world to us. Both have already gone home to God.

Currently we have 6 dogs but Polo has a special place in our hearts. He is so affectionate and wants to be loved on. He goes everywhere we do, sleeps inside regardless of his shedding white hair on everything! He is just the absolute best friend we could ever have.

He has had a little knot on his throat off and on for several months. We noticed it had gotten much larger in the past couple weeks so I took him to the vet. After all the tests and Texas A&M diagnosing the blood samples sent, it all came back as Thyroid Cancer. All his other functions are normal. No parasites, no heart worms, fleas, ticks, NOTHING. He is perfectly healthy except for the cancer.

So they told us we could do surgery, radiation, and chemo and they still would only predict 1 year to live! I think I'll give this one to God to call it. After all, it has never been man's decision when our time is up! (that is my belief.)

Please, somebody tell me, "HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR THIS?" My heart hurts, I am not dealing with it well at all. No one who honestly LOVES their pet, like a child, can put into words the feelings and emotions of preparing for death. Not only am I dealing with Polo, my oldest sister is in stage 4 cancer and fighting for her life. This is the 2nd bout in 4 1/2 yrs. Breast cancer with double mastectomy was the 1st run. When Life throws you lemons....

For now I'm researching and the vet is also researching a new treatment for Thyroid Cancer. I can't quite understand all the ads on Google with all the natural "miracle" cures. The herbs, vitamins, etc... Everyone guaranteeing their stuff works. Any advice is WELCOME.

(Submitted Tuesday, April 29, 2014)

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May 20, 2020
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Chemo for Metastasized Thryoid Carcinoma
by: Gale Ann

My Shetland Sheepdog, Bailey was 3, when a lump on his neck was diagnosed as thyroid cancer. We did a thyroidectomy to remove the cancerous left thyroid lobe. It was encapsulated with good margins. I've been monitoring him with quarterly ultrasounds and now, 18 months later, the fine needle biopsy shows thyroid cancer cells in his neck.
I am seeking input on whether I should put us through chemotheraphy. I have found zero documentation that says that chemo (specifically doxirubicin) significantly knocks this type of cancer into remission for more than a few months. Do any of you have experience/advice in this area? What about radiation if it hasn't spread to other parts of Bailey's body?

Thank you for any information/advice you can provide from your own experience with this type of cancer.

Gale Ann

Apr 16, 2016
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I'm so sorry about your baby
by: Anonymous

I just found out my 12 year old dog has lung cancer. There's nothing I can do for her. I do know our dogs go to Heaven. We'll see them again. I hope you can save Polo Bear. He sounds very precious.

Apr 30, 2014
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RE POLO BEAR
by: Elaine

Hello Beverly,

Firstly may I say how sorry to read of your beloved polo bear diagnosis. I have had dogs with various cancers including thyroid. My greyhound had surgery October 2012 to remove the tumour. He was 9 and a half years old. He went to a specialist centre. He was given a median of three years survival. Sadly he crossed the bridge six months later due to other issues. In my case I don't regret surgery as other issues came to light after.

I feel for you and whatever decision you take, we are all here for you. Sorry to hear about your sister's diagnosis too. I too have my own battle with the big C at the moment. You are in my thoughts.

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