Sammy was diagnosed with a mast cell tumor on his left hind leg back in December. It popped up in the course of a week. We were assured that amputation surgery would take care of the problem, however, when the surgery was done in January the tumor had grown so large that it wasn’t possible for the surgeon to get “clean margins”. We began a drug called Palladia, along with making some dietary changes. Sammy was in remission for about 2 months. Another tumor popped up near the incision close to his anal region about 4 weeks ago. It is inoperable. Since then, we’ve tried two different types of chemo drugs, neither of which have been effective. The second chemo drug did seem to slow the tumor down and it started to get a little smaller the first week after administration, but the tumor has began to grow again. We go back to the oncologist next week, and I fear that she is going to tell me that she has done all she can do because we are out of options. We are also seeing a holistic vet who has been working with our oncologist and has given Sammy some supplements. Both doctors have said that this is one of the most aggressive forms of mast cell cancer that they have ever seen in their careers. Sammy has been doing very well in spite of it all, but I know that he senses my fear and frustration. I would like to know how he feels about the situation. I know that he knows that I am doing everything humanly possible to try to slow the progression of the cancer and give him the best quality of life that I can, but I also know that he knows how devastating it is for me to see each attempt fail.

During Sammy’s session:

Sammy said Sammy feels tired from the sick. Sammy only has love and admiration for Mom and all her courage to keep fighting for Sammy’s body to repair. Mom must know that Sammy’s soul is perfect and feels connected and loved by Mom all the time. Sammy’s body is not well and Sammy knows that but Sammy feels so grateful for all the special moments here. Sammy now has a guardian angel surrounding Sammy. Its easy to relax and meditate here at home because Sammy feels the soothing sense of Mom’s love. Sammy is at peace with everything and Mom. Sammy will always be with you.
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He did great. I know that he really enjoyed it. He curled up between our pillows and slept peacefully during the session and for about an hour afterwards. Then he got up and wanted his supper. He ate so much (because he didn’t want to share) that he ended up throwing some of it up on my pillow later, but I don’t mind. I’m just grateful when he eats so well.

He is such a trooper. If it were not for the tumor, you wouldn’t really have any idea that he is sick. He has handled the chemo very well, and thankfully it hasn’t made him really ill. It did cause a drop in his red & white cell count, which was expected. Other than that, he romps around with the other dogs and acts about like he always has. After the amputation surgery I was keeping him isolated in order to protect him, but after the recurrence I decided to treat him normally and let him enjoy whatever amount of time he has left just being a normal dog or as close to normal as possible.

I am thinking that maybe it is the chemo that has him feeling tired. That would make sense. We see his oncologist next week, and if she deems the last dose of chemo as being effective then he will get another dose. There is a 3 week span between doses. I don’t think that she will continue with chemo because there hasn’t been a reduction in the size of the tumor, so his holistic vet may change her treatment protocol depending on what the oncologist decides. I see no point in putting him through more chemo treatments if it is not going to do any good. I am at peace with this.

He is bright eyed today. I offered to bring him to work with me, but he opted to hang out with his buddies instead. Right now we are just taking one day at a time and celebrating every moment that we have with him. I would love to find a way to slow the progression of this nasty disease or eliminate it all together, but I’m grateful to know that he is peaceful with it. Sammy has only been with us since 2008. However, we will make the best of it. Whenever I start to feel sad about the situation, I “feel” for the cord between our hearts and I know that we will always be connected and that helps me deal with it.

Thank you both for sending him Reiki. Knowing that he has his angel comforts me, too. You are a blessing to our lives.