CJsmom

About 6 weeks ago a lump on left front leg appeared out of nowhere, right behind the dewclaw. I took CJ to the vet who said that it was most likely an insect bite and gave her an anti-inflamatory. Around this time she started to get really finicky and lost her appetite. The lump reduced in size. About 2 weeks ago it increased in size so i took her back to the vet. They removed the tumor and had it biopsied. It turned out to be a 2 cm Mast Cell Tumor, grade 2. It was not encapsulated. The mitotic index was 2. Because of the location of the tumor, they could not get really good margins but the margin they did get showed evidence of mast cells.

The oncologist recommended four treatment options:
1 - do nothing
2 - Conventional chemotherapy with Vinblastine and Lomustine.
3 - Masitinib.
4 - Radiation 5 days a week for 4 weeks.

I don't know what to do! The vet said that chemo was only mildly effective and recommended radiation. I'm really scared about the expense but want to do what I can within my (limited) budget.

Wendy

Hello,
I am very sorry to hear about CJ. My boy Tanner had a mast cell tumor removed from his front leg 3 years ago. Luckily it did not return as margins were clean just not what the Oncologist would have liked. However, Tanner was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma in Jan. which is a very aggressive caner of the blood vessels. The tumor appeared on his back hip and is to large for surgery. He was given 8 weeks. I chose to go with radiation and chemo.
Tanner is doing very well at this current time and is in remission. The treatments went well with Tanner having no major side effects. If you can swing the cost of radiation that is the way I would go. While Tanner was receiving his radiation treatments I met and chatted with several people who had dogs being treated with radiation for mast cell and their dogs were doing very well. Radiation is the most effective way (in my opinion as I'm not an expert) in containing the cancer cells quickly. You could always stop treatments should CJ become to uncomfortable. Hang in there.
If it helps you in making a decision see another Oncologist for a second opinion. I took Tanner to 3. It was worth it for my own peace of mind. I don't know if you have Care Credit where you are from but they were a huge help with me getting treatments for my dog.I also am on a limited income.they offer 12 month deferred interest or payment options at low interest rates. The only thing is you have to find an Oncologist that accepts it. If this Company is in your State they will give you a list of Vets that accept Care Credit. Good luck and
God Bless you and CJ,
Sincerely, Wendy and Tanner

CJsmom

Thanks. I decided that I would get a second opinion.

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CJs Mom
Los Angeles, CA