Wendbert Posted June 9, 2008 Author Report Share Posted June 9, 2008 Dolly is home Sadly, Malcolm couldn't get a sample and the ultra sound specialist wasn't really able to see any better despite trying from different angles. What they do know from the images is that removing the mass isn't an option Next steps would be to try a drug called ellasparginase (sp) as if the tumour is lymphoma, it will start shrinking within 3 days, but as he said, it would have to be used as a diagnostic tool and side effects include an anaphylactic reaction but on the plus side, if it was lymphoma, then chemo could be started without too many risks as it would be given intra-muscularly. Another option would be to carry out a thoracotomy but that would be very painful and invasive. Or to carry out a sternal split, which would involve breaking Dolly's chest bone to get a sample of the mass and then wire her back together, but again, very painful and invasive and longer convalescence. One of the problems is, that if its not lymphoma, then its an invasive sarcoma. All the opinions are saying that in its position, its attached and inoperable. Which would mean potentially putting Dolly through invasive and painful surgery to get a sample of a mass that cannot be removed. So, after all that and taking Malcolms advice, we have agreed that Dolly will go in on Thursday and he will get kit ready for needle aspirate, re-xray, re-scope her, and hope that the mass has decreased in size since being given the strong anti-biotics. Malcolm said there is a risk that putting the needle in, because it would need to be a 3mm needle it may not get deep enough to get a sample. Plus there is the risk that if its an abcess and it bursts, then that could poison Dolly. From all the images and the specialists opinion, removing the mass isn't an option. The specialist today, Nic, has sent the images to other specialists in her field and they are all saying the same thing, that its not operable. On the plus side, as Malcolm said, Dolly has got loads of specialists looking at her images as apparently her case is so rare. Outwardly, she appears healthy, her heart is fine, her bloods are fine, weight etc is fine. Nic and Malcolm did the ultra-sound while she was conscious and apparently Dolly was very good. I'm completely confused now by all the information but just hope that the x-rays on Thursday show that the mass has reduced in size. Otherwise, the risk is that as the mass cannot be removed, it will close of her airway and she will suffocate I don't want her to suffer but at the same time, she's just got too much life in her for me to let her go now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tegk68 Posted June 9, 2008 Report Share Posted June 9, 2008 I just can't send you both enough hugs Thinking of you loads and loads and sending our love from this side of Wiltshire Hx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jazz Posted June 9, 2008 Report Share Posted June 9, 2008 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nettie Posted June 9, 2008 Report Share Posted June 9, 2008 Oh Wendy, the choices are pretty shoddy and the outcome if you don't do anything is worse. All I can do is send you lots of hugs and I will be sending mass reducing thoughts to her and hope that this is the case when they look at her again on Thursday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacqui d Posted June 9, 2008 Report Share Posted June 9, 2008 i cant think of the right words for you both yet wenders Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JulesB Posted June 9, 2008 Report Share Posted June 9, 2008 No words here either. What a tough call Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elainew Posted June 9, 2008 Report Share Posted June 9, 2008 So very sorry, Wendy, life is just not fair! Hope the antibiotics have the desired effect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peachy Posted June 9, 2008 Report Share Posted June 9, 2008 Wendy and Dolly I will be thinking and insisting that the mass shrinks in size I hope Dolly's fighting spirit shows it who's boss Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
babsc71 Posted June 9, 2008 Report Share Posted June 9, 2008 Cuddles for you and Dolly xx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chasta Posted June 9, 2008 Report Share Posted June 9, 2008 Thinking good get smaller thooughts. for you both Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shazzy Posted June 9, 2008 Report Share Posted June 9, 2008 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elricc Posted June 9, 2008 Report Share Posted June 9, 2008 thinking of you both Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nouggatti Posted June 9, 2008 Report Share Posted June 9, 2008 to you both sorry the news isn't better Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
murtle Posted June 9, 2008 Report Share Posted June 9, 2008 oh bollox, :GroupHug::GroupHug: for all three of you. fingers and toes crossed that something positive happens to get rid of this mass from her Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoebejo Posted June 9, 2008 Report Share Posted June 9, 2008 Absolutely everything crossed that whatever it is shrinks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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