Lucy Has Cancer, Part 1

This is the most difficult post I've written to date.  As the title indicates, my little Sweet Pea, Lucy (dog), has cancer. I'm sick over this news.

Last year, Lucy had some developed some roly-poly, jelly-like feeling lumps. They were diagnosed as benign fatty tumors (lipomas). Lucy's vet said they did not operate on them until they interfered with walking or became the size of an orange. Well, the one near Lucy's rib cage enlarged to that size. We visited her vet again and the word, sarcoma, became part of our conversation. I was blown away! I didn't realize lipomas could develop into cancer.

I took Lucy to another vet for a second opinion. There we had blood work drawn and a biopsy for each of the two lumps. The one under her leg is benign and the "orange" is malignant spindle cell sarcoma cancer. (sob, sob)

Next week, Lucy is scheduled for surgery to have both lumps removed. Her prognosis is good if all cells are 100% completely removed.  The vet will need to take large margins so it doesn't grow back.  This type of cancer does not respond well to chemo.  Hopefully, she will not need radiation.

Below you will see Lucy on her bed gnawing on a pink tennis ball.  To prepare for surgery, we removed the legs and placed the base on the floor.  She has adjusted nicely to the change.  Of course, I miss her being at the same height as our bed where we gaze directly into each others eyes every morning.  However, this is a small price to pay for her safety while her sutures heal.

Please send your PAWSITIVE thoughts Lucy's way. Thanking you, in advance.


PS:  Read my other posts in this series:

Part 2
Part 3