So, it’s been 6 days since Fang’s surgery and his biopsy results finally came in. I have to say, I’ve been having nightmares that (1) it was a cancerous tumor that might have spread to the rest of his body, and (2) it was a “mineralization of muscle” that would not have actually required amputation. I think I may not have mentioned on this blog that the day before surgery I finally received a call from a specialist vet who told me that it might be mineralization of muscle and, if that was the case, he might not need the amputation if it did not continue to grow. He also said that this was extremely unlikely and pretty positively two weeks after biopsy Fang would have to go straight back into surgery to remove his arm. We opted not to put him through two surgeries and two recoup periods – especially with such slim chances. But the idea has certainly haunted me.
The results are that it was a chondrosarcoma (a BENIGN tumor of cartilage). This means that we won’t have to worry about cancer having spread to the rest of Fang’s body! No more x-rays to check for cancer, and no cancer treatments. This is great news. The vet also assures me that this would have required amputation, as it would have continued to grow and hurt him (as we had originally believed). So, good news all around. We avoided disaster and my baby is likely to have a nice, long cancer-free life! I am just so absolutely relieved.
In other news, Fang still hasn’t pooped, but the vet continues to not be alarmed. Apparently the pain meds and anesthesia tend to slow down the digestion system, so it’s not that unusual for them to take a while to get back into the groove of things. It’s best to provide him with fiber and more fluids, and add water to their food. She suggested to try canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling), or if he won’t eat that, a little powdered Miralax on his food (1/2 tsp). If we see him straining, then it’s more likely time to visit the vet.
Last evening he decided that it was time to leave the office, so he went to the door and when I opened it he ran (RAN, not walked quickly) to the front door to beg for a while. It was a pretty darn good run too – it didn’t seem hard or strained. It looked even more natural than his walk. I was pretty proud of him! He certainly didn’t get to go outside though, so in frustration he went into the bedroom and laid under the bed. Later that night I hopped into bed (happy to not be on the office couch) and he hopped straight up there and laid next to me. There he stayed, sleeping contently, until about 3:30AM when I must have done something (like shot my hand out and smacked him or who knows what in my sleep) because he yipped, which woke me up, looked at me very meanly, and jumped off and went underneath the bed. That’s pretty much where he’s been all day today, though he did come out to eat breakfast and dinner.
So, just to be clear, so far I’ve nearly hit him in the face with a door, ripped a bunch of fur off of his foot, and smacked him in my sleep. No wonder he doesn’t trust me! Lol. Ah well, I’m trying here!
On to another day! 🙂
Great news that it isnt cancer! We’re still waiting over here for Marlie’s results and i totally relate to the anxiety you were facing.
And good luck Fang on making #2!
I wish you and Marlie the best!! The anxiety is difficult to cope with, for sure!