OK, the good news. The xrays showed no problems with any of Spencer’s remaining legs. All clear there. No tumors around there either. The limping is probably due to some sort of soft tissue injury, so he is on an NSAID and rest for a week.
And for the worrisome news… Since they were doing x-rays anyway (which apparently Spencer was great for), I asked if they would go ahead and also take a look at his lungs. Good news, his lungs are all clear. Bad news, they saw 3 masses – one about the size of a quarter, 2 about the size of dimes. They are inside the chest cavity (I think), in an area where it COULD just be swollen lymph nodes. Maybe still from the surgery? But it could be something problematic. He is e-mailing the x-rays to Spencer’s oncologist and will find out tomorrow if the oncologist is even in the office this week. I sure hope he is. Our family vet does know that these 3 spots were NOT there the day of Spencer’s amputation because they did x-rays the day before (digital) to make sure the lungs were clear (remember, we moved fast – from seeing the tumor to amputation was a week, so we didn’t take a lot of time for additional tests). There was no hint of these spots on those X-rays from August 23.
Possible next steps… we get him in with the oncologist for an ultrasound to get a better idea of what is there. We also do a needle aspirate of them to try to find out what they are. Our family doctor said that they are in a location that they can be surgically removed; but we would want a good surgeon. One hope that we do have is that possibly the Cardiologist MIGHT have gotten a view of this same area when she did Spencer’s cardio workup about a month after the amputation. If she did, then we can have an idea of if these were there then.
For now… I’m not sure what to do. I can’t really make plans until the oncologist looks at things. There is a good chance that I will go ahead and fly back early from our ski trip so that I can get him to the oncologist next week. That is just too much to ask the pet sitter to do. 🙁
If you wouldn’t mind keeping him in your thoughts and prayers, we sure would appreciate it.
spencer remains in our thoughts and in our hearts. when we did the last xrays we did for miss gayle, there were some lymph node issues, where the melanoma had become invasive…good that you are jumping on this, and having your oncologist tie down where you are with all of this. don’t lose faith in the miracle that is spencer. he is strong, he is a fighter, and he has set a high standard for ‘getting it done’. if there’s anything we can do from here in ET, let us know. paws crossed for good news, and just a new road to continue down.
charon & spirit gayle
I’ve thought about Spencer so often lately and just thought I would check for an update. I hope things go well for him and will keep in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathy and Harley
We will definitely keep thinking good thoughts for Spencer. He’s a fighter!
All the best,
Jackie, Abby’s mom
Before you think about flying back early from vacay, call me. Might be too much to ask of a pet sitter but not for a friend/neighbor 🙂
Thanks Maris. I might do that. You can put me on Speaker phone. Ed is coming back a little earlier than us; but not until Wednesday night, so the soonest he’d be able to get there is on Thursday. I’ll let you know what the oncologist says.
I will also hope for good things for Spencer. He’s a beautiful boy who is well loved and he deserves good things. And if you have a good friend who is ready, willing and able to handle some of this while you’re away, I think you should take her up on her offer. The humans need good things, too, and you certainly deserve to have a vacation with your family.
Shari
We got our paws, fingers, eyes, etc crossed for our buddy Spencer. I know it’s easier said than done, but try not to panic until you know for sure what’s going on. I’ll second what Shari said about your friend, too, because it’s important for you to have fun (guilt-free) family time.
Micki and Rio
Sending hugs and healing vibes your way….
Will be thinking of Spencer
Love, hugs, and prayers to Spencer!
Barb and Spirit Hope