I’m going to give you the CliffsNote version of the what the oncologist said because quite frankly there is still so much we don’t know. Keep in mind that Jake’s cancer(s) were seen via MRI when looking at his spine so we still need to take a look at them in other ways.
We have to get a CT scan of his entire body to look more closely at everything and most importantly, to look for metastasis. If there is metastasis, Jake’s time with me will be very short.
There are some things that we can confirm. Jake has at least one cancer, the one in his thigh. A nerve sheath tumor that arose from the end of his spine, where his spinal nerves are. That one seems pretty advanced. He may or may not have kidney cancer, that tumor needs a closer look. There is a mass, on his kidney, but the confusing part about that one is that if it is kidney cancer, he should probably be gone already.
This is the part I should mention the somewhat debilitating dejavu that I have faced over the past two weeks. I guess it’s not dejavu if you actually know for certain you have lived it before.
- The week before I found out about Melvin’s cancer, I bought a necklace with his and Jake’s name on it. Two weeks ago I bought a ‘m&J’ necklace.
- A few days after Melvin’s diagnosis, we had a snowstorm, ditto for Jake.
- At Melvin’s oncologist appointment, we also scheduled a CT scan with them saying ‘if it is this type of cancer, and his tumor is 9 cm, we’d expect him to be gone by now’. Verbatim words spoken today about Jake (although a different cancer).
And now you see why I am full of hope and despair equally, 24/7. They are two peas, one pod. It’s crazy.
If Jake’s cancer has not spread we will opt for a 3 day intensive radiation approach over a 15 day radiation option, mostly because both require anesthesia and 15 days straight of anesthesia on a brachycephalic dog is not ideal. The 15 day is the suggested protocol and even though the three day is less tested, it has shown to be ‘equally as good’ on cancers similar to Jake’s.
If there is no metastasis, and we do radiation, we could be looking at anywhere from 3-6 months, maybe a little more depending on what the CT scan shows in terms of the cancer(s). So much depends on the CT scan which is scheduled for next Wednesday.
There were two surgical ‘ideas’ thrown out but I’m not sure they are actually options just yet. One, if the kidney tumor is indeed kidney cancer, we could opt to remove his kidney and the tumor to buy him some time. This is one of those ‘what is the recovery time like versus how much time does it buy’ decisions. The other idea is to possibly remove Jake’s hind leg. To truly remove that cancer, they’d likely have to take the end portion of his spine, and 1. that might not even be a real option and 2. that is a quality of life decision we’d all have to consider for a dog with Jake’s issues. That would completely take away his hind leg mobility, maybe more. I’d have to give soul searching thought to how much time that buys versus what that would do to the joy. And again, the surgeon might say no to that being an option altogether.
So, we wait. Wednesday is a week away, that’s a lot of love and snuggles and vodka. There will (hopefully) be decisions to make next week and all of them, will focus on what gives Jake the greatest opportunity for joy over the next few weeks and months.
And lastly, I am hanging in there. It does not appear he will be with me as long as I’d hoped, but today is no different than two weeks ago. We are living the best life we can, together. And I’m grateful for any time I’m given with him, because he (and his brother) are my joy.
PS. the oncologist and I discussed having two dogs diagnosed with cancer in less than a year and she helped me rule out environmental causes, so that gave me some peace.
PSS. Jake has NEVER been to the vet, any vet, new or old and not produced meatballs. He is nothing if not fully committed to the factory.
“Why do I not see you preparing my breakfast? What is up with skipping meals lately?”
“We better be heading to a drive-thru, woman!”
This is the look of a dog with a prey drive who has just seen a dog with the nerve to walk past our car in the parking lot. This is why Jake is strapped in. 
Our stories are so intertwined. Emmett’s first cancer (hemangio is #2) in 2009 was a nerve sheath tumor on his leg. They were able to excise it without removing his leg (though we were 100% prepared for Lukey’s amputation because we had done all the research and bought all the supplies years before), which left him with a little chunk missing from his leg but otherwise no worse for the wear. We were worried about environmental implications, too, and while our onc said the same thing as yours, I can’t help but wonder about bigger-picture issues contributing to all. this. cancer. Another discussion for another day. Anyway, thinking of you. Sending you hugs and Jake scritches.
It’s why our Blogs start off with the same word! Soul sisters. I’m not kidding you when I say that I chant your name sometimes. When I feel overwhelmed, I use you and your boys as my guiding light. That you are still upright and functioning (at any capacity) gives me hope that I will maintain and accommodate all of this. We shouldn’t have to, but I keep reminding myself that we can. I have to see him through this, no matter what the end brings. So I will! We will!
When I said environment, I had asked about house stuff and water (and she mentioned radon which is not an issue for us). But after Melvin died, I changed the way I view some things, like flea and tick medication. My gut won’t let me rule some things out, but I’m glad to rule our drinking water out!
I’m keeping the prayers coming. The three déjà vu incidents are nothing short of chill-inducing. The connection shared among you, Melvin and Jake is clearly something special and strong.
Thank you for the prayers! And me and those two knuckleheads, were meant to be, of that I am certain.
I’m sorry to hear about Jake’s cancer. 🙁 Cancer is such a nasty thing, it seems to strike anyone regardless of breed or health people and animals included.
Just keep loving on that boy while you have him!
Wags & Kisses!
He will never be short on love or understanding!
In the back of my mind I keep re-reading the posts about your attempts to introduce another dog into the home and feel that in his heart and mind, Jake knew how much he was going to need your undivided love and attention in the coming months.
I send you strength and love.
I know. Of course in his mind it probably went more like ‘screw that other dog, I have cancer, get me a cheeseburger and send that unworthy beast away’. But the outcome was still the right one. Getting Melvin as Max was nearing the end was the right decision. Letting Jake be an only dog post Melvin, also the right decision.
My thoughts exactly. I’m thinking of you and Jake, and I am one chanting your name so that I can deal with Alli’s diagnosis in the best way possible.
XOXO.
Sending good thoughts and love your way!
Thank you. sweet friend!
The coincidences/deja vu is CRAZY! All the best to you and Jake as you decide the best way to proceed. Sending hugs from Portland!
Thank you, Deanna!
Delurking to send my best wishes to you and Jake. I can’t remember how I found your blog, but I’ve been reading for a couple years now and have always enjoyed your writing and your dogs (and your home decorating :)). I’m so sorry it’s been such a tough year, and all I can hope is that the path is clear and the journey easy for both of you.
Sylvie, thank you so much for following along with our story! I really appreciate you reaching out.
That really bites! I love that you will be living the best life together for as long as you can, these furry little friends are our most loyal companions and yes, they give us such joy. Thinking of you and the fella with the cute, furry butt xo
Thank you!!! It does bite but his butt is super cute so that helps!
Thinking of you, always always always….
Thanks, love!
Oh wow! I’m so very sad to read this update. Continued thoughts and prayers for both of you. I know you will do what is best for Jake. I admire your strength and courage as you face whatever is thrown at you.
Thank you Mary Beth! I’m here for him, always.