Question:
Bruce's cancer test did come back positive - that's the downside.

the upside?

It is a localized thyroid cancer and vet feels has been detected by our vet - early enough that surgery and a procedure called radioactive iodine - could save him. The tumor is a "good size with irregular borders" and that is why he would want this iodine treatment. "Doing nothing" till tumor grows? Vet said the tumor will continue to grow and could suffocate him or cause breathing distress - or he could have a heart attack (he pants alot now so vet doesn't want me walking him hard/no running)

Other tests they did revealed it has NOT spread to the lungs or other organs - but his "good" thyroid - one on the other side - guess there are two - is working overtime - to compensate for that "bad" tumor one.


We are not millionaires but we do not have children to care for - Bruce is our child - he gives back to us many times over and we both do not want him suffering and at him just having turned 8 - do not want to put him down - vet said with treatment - he can have a few - to several more years of life.

Hubby said there's nothing to think about - we will forge ahead

I'm scared but vet said he sees no reason Bruce shouldn't survive the surgery.

We are lucky to hav options - we could have had a much more bleak diagnosis - as in inoperable or spread to lungs.

Need to find a thyroid vet/surgeon but will probably just go back to the place we went to in Tustin.

meant to add - the radioactive iodine treatment means Bruce is with the facility - one he went to today for the scan - (www.avmi.net) for 1-2 weeks till most of the radioactivity is out of his system - we cannot see him - vet said it will confuse/upset him best not to but we are free to see where he'll be prior to having him stay there. I feel Bruce will feel we have deserted him but vet told us dogs have a different "time awareness" and if it can save his life and give him a better quality of life...

Answer:
This sounds similar to the radioactive treatment for cats with hyperthyroidism, including the 1-2 week stay in isolation.
I guess you'll have to pack up his blankie, his bowls and his favourite toys so that he won't feel too alone in there.
My sister was considering having her cat undergo this treatment, but it was her own separation anxiety which made her decide not to go ahead.
I'm sure the staff there will be very kind, given the circumstances.
Good luck to Bruce. Soon this will be but a distant memory...

Answer:
- vet said with treatment - he can have a few - to several more years of life.
When it comes to a cancer diagnosis, it does not get much better than that, I am glad to hear such a good outlook with treatment and I am sure surgery will go just fine

Answer:
Aww, poor Bruce. Like badger said, pack up all his favourite things, so he wont feel so alone. I'm sure he will be well taken care of. Good luck and keep us posted.

Answer:
Bruce is very lucky to have you,sending positive toughts your way keep us updated.

Answer:
That is the best of a bad diagnosis....I hope that Bruce has many years more...

Please consider packing a sweater or something you have worn, to go with for the isolation.....your smells mean home to him!

paws crossed for you all, Kimmee

Answer: