Sammies Tumor has returned....

Wed Feb 08, 2006 4:23 am

Some of you may remember back in October my Sam had a rather large tumor removed from his/neck chest area, at that time we were told that it was cancer, and that it will return but hopefully it will be towards the end of his life cycle. Well the tumor returned 6 weeks ago in the same location, and now it is big enough to consider surgery again. The vet rechecked sam and said it was too risky, that the tumor is vascular?,Last time it was a very bloody surgery and this time she feels the risk is too high to take, because it is attached to the neck and sternum. So now I guess we are left to just watch it grow even bigger and when the time comes to put him to sleep. I know with the rate of the tumor growth that I may only have a month left with him, as well as my witto old man Syd. This is not a good day. Good vibes for my sammie so that maybe the tumor will suddenly stop growing... ( I know wishful thinking).

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Rest In Peace, My Lil Naked Man- Dobie, 2004 -Nov 11, 2005. My perfect acting English Gentleman, my heart still cries.
King George I- 2001-August 2004 My heart is always with you, my sweet departed friend

Wed Feb 08, 2006 4:49 am

I am so sorry, hon. It has got to be a defastating blow to get news like this. Good vibes for your little ones, and hugs for you.

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Rats are man's best friend. They gave up long life to be able to give more love.

Wed Feb 08, 2006 5:59 am

Oh, I'm so very sorry...... Crossed Fingers

that is doesn't grow too quickly and Sammie has more time with you.

Our Teddy had a tumor in that location as well, it was removed and took about 8 months to pop up again. Teddy just passed away on Sunday, and we had been watching that (and one other tumor)....luckily, it grew somewhat slowly and he was able to get around with it as big as a walnut, right there up front. We believe Teddy passed away from CHF, most likely.....so the tumor could have still gotten bigger without causing him too much trouble.

So, I hope Sammie is able to get around ok....but do watch it closely for causing him mobility issues and if you have him in a cage with ramps, perhaps get them in a one level cage with soft bedding to help reduce him working so hard to get around.

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Debbie and the gang of spoiled furries

Wed Feb 08, 2006 6:19 am

Thanks you guys. Sammies tumor is very close to his jugular, the prev tumor moved more this one is on solid lock down making it impossible to operate, because he will most likely pass away before they would be able to stop the bleeding. Sammie is my daughters buddy, sammie thinks my daughter is a big momma rat he rest on her shoulders, curls his neck under hers bruxes and sleeps in her hand (What he can fit anyway,Lol!) when she sleeps, so she is absolutely devestated. I did prepare her after the first surgery that the tumor will return and that the second time we may not be able to remove it, but I would try. Sammie is in a one level cage, the main thing I am concerned is that at one point the tumor will suffocate him because of the location, and he has emphasema. All we can do now is enjoy the time we have left with him, and make him as comfortable as possible. He is still very active, but the tumor is the size of a large peach pit so I know this will be ending probably at the most in the next 6 weeks. Thanks for the thoughts. Sammie is our special rescue boy from a snake. It's just so unfair.

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Rest In Peace, My Lil Naked Man- Dobie, 2004 -Nov 11, 2005. My perfect acting English Gentleman, my heart still cries.
King George I- 2001-August 2004 My heart is always with you, my sweet departed friend

Wed Feb 08, 2006 2:07 pm

I'm so sorry to hear about Sammie - you had it right - if something is highly vascular, it means it has a big blood supply, lots of blood vessels, or just one big one. That can make it difficult or impossible to remove - especially if, as you say, it's involving the jugular vein. Sad

I know that other people have tried various chemotherapy agents, alternatives and dietary suppliments to slow cancer growths. I'm not sure how effective they were, or if they'd be suitable for this tumour, but it might be worth looking into some of the past posts. Otherwise, keeping him comfy and painfree and spoiling him rotten is probably the best thing you can do for him.

I hope that the growth slows or stops, and that he has plenty of painfree time left with you. Hug

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Andy & The Rats

~ Darwin ~ Maisie ~ Ella ~ Zak ~

~ Finn ~ Malachi ~ Azrael ~ Newton ~ Charlie ~