Cancer rears its ugly head
For the next several years, we enjoyed Sam as any dog-loving family would. Then in the latter part of October, 2005, we noticed a small lump on her right leg, a lump that grew to almost the size of a tennis ball in only a week and a half. We had recently looked into getting a pet memorial for our elderly Cairn terrier and we had no desire to have to get another pet memorial for Sam. We quickly made an appointment with our local animal hospital to have our vet examine her.
Chemotherapy, radiation, amputation, or...?
Our vet removed the lump, convinced it was a Canine Mast Cell tumor. The biopsy results confirmed it was a Mast Cell tumor and at the highest malignancy level, as well (Grade 3). We read online that 90% of dogs with Grade 3 Mast Cell tumors don't survive a year after diagnosis with this aggressive canine cancer. After comprehensive tests at the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital in Philadelphia, we were told that we had three options; chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or amputation of her leg. We didn't want her to endure the side effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy, so we opted for amputation to fight the Mast Cell tumors.
What made the cost worth it?
Based solely on the cost of amputation, one would think Mast Cell tumors are extremely rare. Actually, they are a common type of cancer. My first inclination was that it isn't right to spend that kind of money on a dog, even to avoid pet loss. I justified the expense with the fact that God got the glory through my daily (usually several times a day) acknowledgement of Samantha as "My wonderful gift from God". This and the heartfelt gratitude for the way God proved to me personally that he knows the secrets of my heart. Who wouldn't be grateful for that? Many times I would hug Samantha really tight and ask God to accept that hug for himself as a gesture of my gratitude.
Should've had pet health insurance
The cost was something we still had to contend with. From the first vet exam to the last Prednisone pill six months later, the full amount was almost half of the cost to put a new roof on our house. We had committed to that shortly before discovering the tumor. In fact, the roof was put on the same month as the majority of testing and the amputation were done. The following month's credit card bill was literally breathtaking.
A "tri-pod" because of canine cancer
Sam went to Swedesboro Animal Hospital to have the amputation done. After the amputation was complete, Darlene called me at work to give me an update. I know dogs are resilient, but I couldn't believe that Samantha was up walking (hopping) around barely three hours post-op! When driving to get Samantha the next day, I kept reminding myself to be careful how I acted when I saw her after the amputation. For a brief moment I wished we had chosen chemotherapy or radiation to fight this canine cancer. I did my best to keep her from sensing my shock at seeing her missing a leg. Maybe it was my imagination, but it sure seemed like Sam was hesitant to wag her tail when she saw me - almost like she was wondering, "Do you still want me?" In my best matter-of-fact voice I said, "You know what, Sam? Even with just three legs, you are one gorgeous canine!"
Whish, whish.
"Yes, you are! And I'm sure glad you're MY puppy dog!"
Whish, whish, whish, whish.
They had only taken a leg, not her beautiful heart...
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