Tuesday 26 March 2013

All About Mast Cell Tumours

When they first received the bad news that I have Mast Cell Tumour, my humans’ hearts sank. They didn’t know what to do. They have since spent hours trawling the Internet for information and have so far taken me to five different vets looking for the best advice on treatments.

Unfortunately, there are no animal oncologists in Singapore and the opinions given by the general veterinarians have been conflicting. Their advice has pretty much narrowed down to two options:

1. Surgery (you need to cut away 2 to 3 centimetres of skin around each tumour in order to ensure ‘clean’ margins).

2. Chemotherapy (the drugs available in Singapore are 'Palladia' and 'Masivet').

A third option, radiotherapy, is often used in the US and elsewhere. Unfortunately, this treatment is not available here in Singapore.

Surgery is usually recommended as the optimal solution. However, to remove the tumour next to my front left paw pad would require the vet to cut away most of ‘my poor little foot’. As this is not an option that my humans want to consider at present, they have decided to proceed with a course of Palladia. I started taking the tablets last Monday on a low dosage (i.e. 50mg every alternate day). So far I’ve been doing OK, with no side effects at all. The Missus has also been pumping me full of Omega 3, 6 and 9 and has modified my diet to avoid carbohydrates.

My Omegas.

As I said, despite the medicine, I’m feeling just fine and dandy…

Here I am looking smug due to all of the additional love, sympathy and attention I’ve been receiving. I must admit, I’ve been shamelessly milking the affection of my humans! Heheheheh.

Thanks again for all of the wonderful support and kind words you have been leaving on my blog. We all really appreciate it!

18 comments:

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

Paws khrossed here fur good results!

Of khourse, your GReat looks are worth some extra treats and rubs!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra
PeeEssWoo: Mom says to tell your missus to Google Flaxseed and Cottage Cheese for cancer - many humans on the Siberian and Belgian lists really suggest that treatment along with anything else!

Lucille said...

Hi Homer,
so sorry to hear about your updates...
Definitely agree that you need your lovely foot!!!
I so much hope that the treatment you are following works fine...
My human would very much like to hear from Missus - since it is so difficult for me to come over and sniff you for real...
Would love to come over and keep you company till the treatment will work wonders and make the ugly beast disappear!!!

Big hugs, your love, Lucille

Anonymous said...

Xox. We will keep the vibes going strong for you handsome!

Dexter said...

Oh Homer,
I hope that the medicine fights the cancer monster and still lets you be your happy self. You have my good thoughts.

Kisses,
Dexter

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Homer, we wish only the very best for you and some good happy days with your loving family.

Woos – Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning

Duke said...

We hope the palladia works for a long, long time, Homer!
Keep milking it, buddy! You deserve it!

Love ya lots,
Mitch and Molly

How Sam Sees It said...

We are sending you lots of GOLDEN healing vibes, sweet Homer!

Sam

Scout and Freyja said...

Please know that there is someone living at the tip of the Mitten State who thinks about you often and prays for you daily. You are held close to our ♥s.

The Life of Riley said...

Dear Homer,

Our paws are crossed for you, and we are sending you lots of love and good wishes. We would even send you yummy big fishes (for omega oils) if we could!

Riley and Enzo

Anonymous said...

Hi Homer! You take all the affection from your peeps! We are sending you more golden vibes too!

STELLA and RORY from Down Under said...

Howdy Homer, keep up the sad eyes mate and get all those treats ok? We have paws crossed here in Oz your treatment helps you. Take care and hugs to you all. No worries, and LOVE, Stella and Rory

What Remains Now said...

Homer...extra snuggles, loving and treats are essential for proper healing.

Golden Samantha said...

Hi Homer! We agree - milk all the attention you can get! Sending gOlden energy your way to fight the evil C - sounds like you are a very strong boy with a pawsitive outlook!
We are sending oodles of love and hugs your way xxxxxxx
Sammie and Ava

Sheila and Bob said...

Hi Homer,

You have so many people all over the world praying for you. Keep fighting and never,never give up.
God Bless you and your family.

Hamish & Emma
& Mom & Dad Sheila and Bob

Wyatt said...

Sending you some healing vibes, Homer. Hugs to you and your family.

Wyatt and Stanzie

Elizabeth Bergesen said...

We are thinking of you Homer and hoping the meds do their magic!!!

Lucca said...

Hi Homer,

Sending you lots of love and hugs. Hope you get well soon!

-Lucca

Anonymous said...

Hello Homer
You are a brave boy - sorry to hear that you have been poorly. Hope you feel better and that you get lots of new stuffy toys for being such a good doggie patient. Aroofs Zola xx