Amazing News

Yesterday morning I had an appointment with Oncology at the University of Illinois Veterinary Medicine Hospital.  It was a consultation with a specialist because of the pretty bad news we got last week from my regular vet about the tumor they removed from my hiney.

But guess what???  We got AMAZING news from the specialist!

Turns out that there was  little miscommunication about my tumor and diagnosis.  Last week they said that this type of tumor will metastasize within a year in 50 to 90% of cases.  Yesterday we found out that this type of tumor only spreads 4% of the time.  And, considering how long the lump was on my hiney, the vet said that if it was going to spread, it probably would have already.

And you know all of those tests we did this spring on my liver?  If the cancer had spread, those tests would have picked it up!  All of those tests came back fine, though.

The pathology lab said that they found mast cells in the margins after they re-evaluated the tumor.  BUT the vet yesterday said that those types of cells are produced by my body normally because of my skin allergies.  I've probably got 'em all over.  So the cells the lab found are probably nothing at all to worry about. The tumor was probably encapsulated after all.

You know how the vet yesterday said to treat my cancer?  He said to make sure I get a good all-over check-up every six months.  And he told Mom that's normal for any dog my age.

So that's it!  No more vet visits in our near future.  YEAH!

My Aunt Katie visited us yesterday and went to the vet with Mom and me.  She brought her fancy camera with her and wanted to take some pictures of us, too. All of the pics in this blog post are from Aunt Katie.

Mom made me wear my bow for one picture.

And we took pictures in the park by our house, too.

Mom thinks the fire hydrant poop bag holder she's got dangling from her hand here is a nice touch:

Aunt Katie rocks.  And getting GOOD news from a vet for once rocks.  Mom & I are definitely doing our happy dance today!  And thanks to all of you for your prayers and good thoughts through all of this. You rock, too!