Did they differentiate where the cells had seeded from? That is usually how they can tell a cancer has spread, when you find breast cells in the liver, it is not a good thing.

I am sorry to hear that it has worked out this way for you. Cancer is horrible, no matter where it starts. My giant schnauzer was lost to lung cancer almost three years ago. By the time the problem was evident, it was already too late.

She had been diagnosed with hip dysplasia years prior, and I treated her like glass only to lose her to something else. She was never lame a day in her life. She never knew she had bad hips, she didn't read that report and would jump up concrete retaining walls for funsies on walks.

Their lives are too short. Enjoy your time with your girl. Oh, and take a spray bottle with you on STREAM for the cats! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

God, this thread is heartbreaking! I am so sad for everyone who has lost their dog and faced these very tough decisions.

I dread the day I am put in the same situation. On that topic, are there any Anti-cancer supplements I should give to prevent bone cancer?

Good luck to all.

Cancer isn't a "thing" in the sense of something tangible. It is talked about it as if it were a wart you can just burn off, or...

But cancer is the uncontrolled division of cells, plain and simple. Something goes awry in the immune system and the body can't keep up.

We all walk around with some potentially cancerous cells in our bodies. It only becomes a problem when they get out of control.

So no, there isn't a "take two of these and call me in the morning" supplement out there. Feed your dog the best diet you can, control the chemicals you use around him, and hope for the best.

The vet said the cancer was most likely either in her stomach, lungs or salivary glands. Because the X-rays showed her lungs to be clear, it's most likely in one of the other two places.

We are going to try to get her a little on the meaty-side so her body has reserves to fight the cancer. She has lost 7 pounds already.

My sister (oncology nurse) says that cancer is nature's way of thinning the herd. If you don't die of anything else, you will eventually get cancer. Some things she has observed: a large percentage of her patients who had pancreatic cancer drank a lot of cola. Listerine is a no-no. She gets bent out of shape if she sees my mother using an artificial sweetener in her ice tea. Most patients had low levels of magnesium in their system so taking it as a supplement might be a good idea. And the one kind of person she never saw on her floor was a vegetarian.

As for spray bottling the cats for thumbing their noses at my dog, today Riva barked at one of them when it mosied too close so I think she's reasserting herself.

Long may she reign.

Kitty S.

Kitty,
My thoughts are with you at this difficult and frustrating time. I lost my girl to cancer last June after she was misdiagnosed by a vet for 4mths. By the time we found out what was really going on, it was too late. We did the morphine too, but it knocked her out so much she couldn't even get up to pee. Finally found something in between so she could still get around but took the edge off the pain. We pampered her from Nov '03 til June '04. She was a strong girl and finally let us know when she'd had enough. If you know your dog, they'll let you know when it's time.

Not being able to control or do anything to stop it was the hardest part. Ya do your best to help them through it, and just let them know they are loved and you will be there until the very end. Stay strong for Riva and make sure she enjoys the most of every day. Give her a hug and a kiss and let her know those cats don't stand a chance!

Kitty, I'm so sorry that this has happened. So many of us have lost dogs to this disease - we all know how it feels. My beautiful boy Talen is still missed. These working breeds can be so stoic it's hard to know when they're actually hurting. Having the close bond that you do with your girl will make that task easier.

The heartbreaker of owning any dog is they don't EVER live long enough. I guess the only thing any of us can do is to remember that each day with them (and with our families too!) is a gift, and just to treasure it for what it is. I once heard a saying that "Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away". I know Riva has given you lots of those, and there will be more before she goes to wait for you at the bridge.