Laura lost her battle with HSA today. We are all completely devastated. Rest in Peace Laura, you were loved more than you will ever know. We will see you again someday on the other side.
My condolences go out to you during this difficult time. You did a great job of bringing Laura's situation to our attention and giving her the best quality of life that was possible. Rest in Peace Laura. :(
Sorry to hear about Laura- you did everything you could do as a parent. We got the dreaded news two weeks ago about our boxer. We decided against chemo but it hurts to know we will have him for less time. I'm so happy you had Laura for an extended period. I know you both treasured every minute up until it was her time to cross the rainbow bridge. Regards, T
I'm so sorry for your loss. You did such an amazing job taking care of her and researching a special diet for her. I incorporated a lot of the things you did for Laura for my dog Ty. He was diagnosed at the beginning of August and we're doing our best to strengthen his immune system and spoil him more than he already is. Laura was lucky to have such a good father. Take care.
So sorry to hear this. You gave it your best efforts. There is a special place in heaven for people like you. I found strength from your blog after my Samson died. I was pulling hard for Laura and you. HSA is a cruel, stealth and unbeatable foe. It's been 6 months and I am still in deep mourning. Stay strong and surround yourself with compassionate friends. Laura's memory will live on through your research of the diet that helped prolong her life. My thoughts are with you. Best wishes and regards to you in this most terrible time.
Anon-- sorry about Buddy. Take heart-- my 16 year old dog, Suki, was diagnosed 10 months ago-- given 2 months tops (I said no to surgery and chemo) and although she's had a few obvious bleeds, she's standing in front of me right now, begging for some veggie treats I bought her today.
So you just never know-- and neither do the vets.
10 months for a dog is a long time-- especially an old dog.
And as for Laura's family, I hope you have a peace-filled Christmas.
I am so sorry for your loss of Laura. It is very obvious she meant the world to you. They are our children. My little girl, Molly was just diagnosed and I would like to share what I was fortunate enough to discover. Read the book Dog Cancer: the Holistic Answer. Also research vascustatin which stops production of blood vessels, which kills cancer cells. You can buy it on amazon. Another product is avemar which has also shown great hope in killing cancer cells. Doing a parasite cleanse is important as it is now thought that the pRSites are responsible for most diseases if not all. There is a product called a zapper which kills parasites. Go to Hulda Ckarks site and review. There is a less expensive product which does the same thing called X4EX. These are called Zappers and they kill prasites. If you buy Dr. Steven Eisens book, you can get into his we bite, bestdogcures.com which has a wealth of information and links to all recommended supplements. I hope this helps those who are still nursing your babies back to health. When our sweet little ones pass on just know you were so blessed to have had them in your life and I truly believe we will all be reunited with those we love which gives me peace and hope. I wish everyone peace and never give up hope. Rest in peace sweet Laura and remember the wonderful love you shared with Laura and this will hopefully sooth your pain. Kim
My dog passed from hemangiosarcoma on Memorial Day 2011. This is, unfortunately, a common type of cancer in dogs. In my research on this form of cancer it appears that the rabies vaccination can be the cause of it. Word to the wise, don't over vaccinate your dog with any of the vaccinations. Research vaccinosis and dogs/cats on the internet. The rabies vaccination has particularly virulent side effects.
I found your blog and it brought back the desperate pursuit to save my 13 yr old Zackie from HSA. We only had six weeks from diagnosis and we tried everything--chemo, frequent transfusions, Yunnan Paiyo(which i think helped)....the pain still leaves a hole in my heart that will never be filled. HSA is the most insideous of cancers...Rest in Peace Laura and be on the lookout for a beautiful Dane named Zack!!!!!
just been diagnosed with HSA been sent home to make Jake comfortable< I am boiling down bone Marrow, feeding him bone marrow, liver , liver puree and found him a holistic healer and acupuncturist, we are all devastated and he is my shadow, he is only 9 but I have had him since a puppy and he has seen me through every struggle.... I am truly in your shoes and they hurt like hell, so sorry for your loss of your darling girl, May they all be at peace somehow, they all deserve the best.
My heart is breaking for all of you who have lost pets to this horrible cancer. How can something so dark and evil grow inside something so bright and beautiful???
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your blog about Laura's battle.
I lost my only child and Drake, my beloved chocolate labby has become my son. He is 9 1/2 years old. 115 pounds of muscle. His coat is deep, dark and shiney. His mind, well, Jr. never did much mentally mature beyond a year. LOL He is still a big ol package of goof ball, dorky love.
7 days ago Bozo Brain snuck into my girlfriend's dog food bag and had himself and all out binge. He then got the squirts. After 2 days of his stool not really firming up as it should I called our vet. An hour before his appointment he suddenly passed black tarry blood soaked stool. I called my vet and said we are on our way NOW!!! We ran an xray and then an ultrasound..... and then my world stopped.
Drake is in surgery as I write this, having his spleen along with the 2 tumors that are on it, removed. We have asked the surgeon to euthanize him, while still under, if he finds that the cancer has spread.
We love him so very much and have been sobbing now for days. He has always come undone when going to the vet...shakes, cries... it is awful. That is why, if it has spread we don't want him sewed back up only to have to bring him back for the eventual.....
My heart is being ripped from my chest. My dog has cancer. My son... my beloved friend has cancer. How can this happen to such an amazing being?
Your blog and those who have posted comments is helping me not to start screamming my bloody head off. Thank You.. Thank You.. Thank You for sharing Laura's story with us.
I am praying right now that a phone call comes that says the cancer hadn't spread. Then I'm on my knees begging that the pathology report comes back as benign.
I would like to ask you and those reading this... did any of you regret giving the chemo when it was all over??? I'm trying to plan ahead. Rich and I don't want to keep Drake alive for us... only for him - if indeed, there is quality of life druing chemo.
I'm so sorry about your situation...I know exactly what you're going through! It is so hard to know what to do and everyone around you has an opinion and they're trying to help but you know your baby and you know what's best for him. I wrote a message below about my situation with my baby girl but I won't go into all the details since you can read it later. I just wanted to let you know that I did decide to go ahead with chemo and it isn't what you would expect at all. Missy has not been sick from it at all and she's had it twice so far with 3 more to go. She hasn't wanted to eat a few times but I remedy that by stiring in peanut butter (organic of course) in with chicken or beef or whatever I'm feeding her and she'll eat everything on her plate. I've also spoiled her and started either hand feeding her or feeding her with a fork and sitting with her until she gives me the sign that she's finished which is her nose going straight into the air and not looking at me!
I just wanted to send you a personal message and let you know that it really does feel hopeless and horrible right now but go with you heart. Do what you feel is right. No one knows him better then you and your vet may not even know what to say or do. The first vet I took Missy to wanted me to put her down immediately and I told him no, then left his office and went to get a second opinion. She's still sitting next to me right now and has been for another 5-6 weeks because I made that choice and she's been doing better in the last 6 weeks then she's done is over a year! Good luck and keep me posted on what you decide either way...I'll say a prayer for you that everything works out the way it's supposed to.
Thank you for sharing your loving story of Laura. As someone who recently faced the possibility of splenic cancer, my heart aches for everyone who faces this with their loving canine companion.
I am so sorry for your loss of Laura and for everyone else on this blog dealing with loss and with this nasty disease! My baby was diagnosed around the end of June first of July...She's a 6 year old Victorian Bulldog that I adopted at a shelter in Florida...She ended up in Florida after being rescued in New Orleans after Katrina. I am trying to gather as much information as I can about the best supplements, diets, medications, etc... I have opted for chemo and she just completed her 2nd round of chemo and (knock on wood) she seems to be doing ok so far...
I changed her diet to mostly protein with lots of meat and eggs and for the most part only green veggies because I was told that the greens were the best for boosting the immune system. The internest in Indianapolis which is where the chemo is administered said that carrots had starch and sugar so not to giver her a lot of carrots, no potatoes or rice (white or brown). I'm giving her fish oil and a multi-vitamin presently and am looking into other vitamins and supplements that will be benefical. The doctor is Indy also said to add Vitamin C and E, transfer factors, K9 Immunity and Milk Thistle if I wanted to but I don't want to overlap a lot of things because that too can be bad for them.
Sorry for your lost, and so thankful for sharing your story.
My beautiful black lab, Joost, had his spleen and tumor removed on August 28th, was diagnosed last friday (September 7th) and had his first chemo on monday (September 10th).
We are doing all we can, thank you for inspiring us.
my jack russell Maddie was just diagnosed with HSA , primary sight in muscle on her shoulder, i have been told this disease is more common in larger dogs, it has already matastisised to her lungs and i have opted the treatment of chemo and radiation. She has gone thru one chemo and 2 radiation sessions. I hope i am doing the right thing as she seems very happy right now. any information from experience would be greatly appreciated and i am so so sorry for your loss
I just want to start off by saying so sorry for loss, and thank you for sharing all of this. This has been truely helpful and inspirational to me. My Golden Retriever, Copper, is 9 years old. He collapsed 2 days ago and after rushing him to the vet who in turn told us to go straight to a specialty center, we found a tumor on his heart. Hemangiosarcoma most likely. We just went through with surgery yesterday after doing some ultrasounds and looking for any other tumors (especially the spleen) but it looks as if the heart is the primary one. They told us they were able to remove 95%percent and hearing that number I was looking hopeful, until the surgeon reminded me it's still just a matter of time before it spreads. With Hemangiosarcoma all of the research and posts look bleak and hopeless. Reading the detailed diet you came up with and all the time and effort you put into this has really inspired me. I'm definitely going to give this diet a go (once my vet gives me the go-ahead). So again, I just want to thank you- for showing me that even though the prognosis of hemenagiosarcoma isn't great, there are still ways to try and fight.
Soft husky wooooos,
ReplyDeleteRA
Rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteI'm so very sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear that.
ReplyDeleteSuki, who was diagnosed about the same time, sends her best wishes as well, as you grieve your friend.
Diane
My condolences go out to you during this difficult time. You did a great job of bringing Laura's situation to our attention and giving her the best quality of life that was possible. Rest in Peace Laura. :(
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about Laura- you did everything you could do as a parent. We got the dreaded news two weeks ago about our boxer. We decided against chemo but it hurts to know we will have him for less time. I'm so happy you had Laura for an extended period. I know you both treasured every minute up until it was her time to cross the rainbow bridge.
ReplyDeleteRegards,
T
I'm so sorry for your loss. You did such an amazing job taking care of her and researching a special diet for her. I incorporated a lot of the things you did for Laura for my dog Ty. He was diagnosed at the beginning of August and we're doing our best to strengthen his immune system and spoil him more than he already is. Laura was lucky to have such a good father.
ReplyDeleteTake care.
So sorry to hear this. You gave it your best efforts. There is a special place in heaven for people like you.
ReplyDeleteI found strength from your blog after my Samson died. I was pulling hard for Laura and you.
HSA is a cruel, stealth and unbeatable foe.
It's been 6 months and I am still in deep mourning. Stay strong and surround yourself with compassionate friends.
Laura's memory will live on through your research of the diet that helped prolong her life.
My thoughts are with you.
Best wishes and regards to you in this most terrible time.
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI have a question about your blog. Please email me!
Thanks,
David
So sorry for your loss. My lab, Buddy, was recently diagnosed. Thank you very much for sharing your story. You've been such a great help!
ReplyDeleteAnon-- sorry about Buddy. Take heart-- my 16 year old dog, Suki, was diagnosed 10 months ago-- given 2 months tops (I said no to surgery and chemo) and although she's had a few obvious bleeds, she's standing in front of me right now, begging for some veggie treats I bought her today.
ReplyDeleteSo you just never know-- and neither do the vets.
10 months for a dog is a long time-- especially an old dog.
And as for Laura's family, I hope you have a peace-filled Christmas.
Diane
I am so sorry for your loss of Laura. It is very obvious she meant the world to you. They are our children. My little girl, Molly was just diagnosed and I would like to share what I was fortunate enough to discover. Read the book Dog Cancer: the Holistic Answer. Also research vascustatin which stops production of blood vessels, which kills cancer cells. You can buy it on amazon. Another product is avemar which has also shown great hope in killing cancer cells. Doing a parasite cleanse is important as it is now thought that the pRSites are responsible for most diseases if not all. There is a product called a zapper which kills parasites. Go to Hulda Ckarks site and review. There is a less expensive product which does the same thing called X4EX. These are called Zappers and they kill prasites. If you buy Dr. Steven Eisens book, you can get into his we bite, bestdogcures.com which has a wealth of information and links to all recommended supplements. I hope this helps those who are still nursing your babies back to health. When our sweet little ones pass on just know you were so blessed to have had them in your life and I truly believe we will all be reunited with those we love which gives me peace and hope. I wish everyone peace and never give up hope. Rest in peace sweet Laura and remember the wonderful love you shared with Laura and this will hopefully sooth your pain. Kim
ReplyDeleteMy dog passed from hemangiosarcoma on Memorial Day 2011. This is, unfortunately, a common type of cancer in dogs. In my research on this form of cancer it appears that the rabies vaccination can be the cause of it. Word to the wise, don't over vaccinate your dog with any of the vaccinations. Research vaccinosis and dogs/cats on the internet. The rabies vaccination has particularly virulent side effects.
ReplyDeleteI found your blog and it brought back the desperate pursuit to save my 13 yr old Zackie from HSA. We only had six weeks from diagnosis and we tried everything--chemo, frequent transfusions, Yunnan Paiyo(which i think helped)....the pain still leaves a hole in my heart that will never be filled. HSA is the most insideous of cancers...Rest in Peace Laura and be on the lookout for a beautiful Dane named Zack!!!!!
ReplyDeletejust been diagnosed with HSA been sent home to make Jake comfortable< I am boiling down bone Marrow, feeding him bone marrow, liver , liver puree and found him a holistic healer and acupuncturist, we are all devastated and he is my shadow, he is only 9 but I have had him since a puppy and he has seen me through every struggle.... I am truly in your shoes and they hurt like hell, so sorry for your loss of your darling girl, May they all be at peace somehow, they all deserve the best.
ReplyDeleteMy heart is breaking for all of you who have lost pets to this horrible cancer. How can something so dark and evil grow inside something so bright and beautiful???
ReplyDeleteThank you from the bottom of my heart for your blog about Laura's battle.
I lost my only child and Drake, my beloved chocolate labby has become my son. He is 9 1/2 years old. 115 pounds of muscle. His coat is deep, dark and shiney. His mind, well, Jr. never did much mentally mature beyond a year. LOL He is still a big ol package of goof ball, dorky love.
7 days ago Bozo Brain snuck into my girlfriend's dog food bag and had himself and all out binge. He then got the squirts. After 2 days of his stool not really firming up as it should I called our vet. An hour before his appointment he suddenly passed black tarry blood soaked stool. I called my vet and said we are on our way NOW!!! We ran an xray and then an ultrasound..... and then my world stopped.
Drake is in surgery as I write this, having his spleen along with the 2 tumors that are on it, removed. We have asked the surgeon to euthanize him, while still under, if he finds that the cancer has spread.
We love him so very much and have been sobbing now for days. He has always come undone when going to the vet...shakes, cries... it is awful. That is why, if it has spread we don't want him sewed back up only to have to bring him back for the eventual.....
My heart is being ripped from my chest. My dog has cancer. My son... my beloved friend has cancer. How can this happen to such an amazing being?
Your blog and those who have posted comments is helping me not to start screamming my bloody head off. Thank You.. Thank You.. Thank You for sharing Laura's story with us.
I am praying right now that a phone call comes that says the cancer hadn't spread. Then I'm on my knees begging that the pathology report comes back as benign.
I would like to ask you and those reading this... did any of you regret giving the chemo when it was all over??? I'm trying to plan ahead. Rich and I don't want to keep Drake alive for us... only for him - if indeed, there is quality of life druing chemo.
A warm hug to all of you!!!
Kimberly
Kimberly:
DeleteI'm so sorry about your situation...I know exactly what you're going through! It is so hard to know what to do and everyone around you has an opinion and they're trying to help but you know your baby and you know what's best for him. I wrote a message below about my situation with my baby girl but I won't go into all the details since you can read it later. I just wanted to let you know that I did decide to go ahead with chemo and it isn't what you would expect at all. Missy has not been sick from it at all and she's had it twice so far with 3 more to go. She hasn't wanted to eat a few times but I remedy that by stiring in peanut butter (organic of course) in with chicken or beef or whatever I'm feeding her and she'll eat everything on her plate. I've also spoiled her and started either hand feeding her or feeding her with a fork and sitting with her until she gives me the sign that she's finished which is her nose going straight into the air and not looking at me!
I just wanted to send you a personal message and let you know that it really does feel hopeless and horrible right now but go with you heart. Do what you feel is right. No one knows him better then you and your vet may not even know what to say or do. The first vet I took Missy to wanted me to put her down immediately and I told him no, then left his office and went to get a second opinion. She's still sitting next to me right now and has been for another 5-6 weeks because I made that choice and she's been doing better in the last 6 weeks then she's done is over a year! Good luck and keep me posted on what you decide either way...I'll say a prayer for you that everything works out the way it's supposed to.
Michelle
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your loving story of Laura. As someone who recently faced the possibility of splenic cancer, my heart aches for everyone who faces this with their loving canine companion.
ReplyDeleteRIP beautiful girl!
I am so sorry for your loss of Laura and for everyone else on this blog dealing with loss and with this nasty disease! My baby was diagnosed around the end of June first of July...She's a 6 year old Victorian Bulldog that I adopted at a shelter in Florida...She ended up in Florida after being rescued in New Orleans after Katrina. I am trying to gather as much information as I can about the best supplements, diets, medications, etc... I have opted for chemo and she just completed her 2nd round of chemo and (knock on wood) she seems to be doing ok so far...
ReplyDeleteI changed her diet to mostly protein with lots of meat and eggs and for the most part only green veggies because I was told that the greens were the best for boosting the immune system. The internest in Indianapolis which is where the chemo is administered said that carrots had starch and sugar so not to giver her a lot of carrots, no potatoes or rice (white or brown). I'm giving her fish oil and a multi-vitamin presently and am looking into other vitamins and supplements that will be benefical. The doctor is Indy also said to add Vitamin C and E, transfer factors, K9 Immunity and Milk Thistle if I wanted to but I don't want to overlap a lot of things because that too can be bad for them.
Sorry for your lost, and so thankful for sharing your story.
ReplyDeleteMy beautiful black lab, Joost, had his spleen and tumor removed on August 28th, was diagnosed last friday (September 7th) and had his first chemo on monday (September 10th).
We are doing all we can, thank you for inspiring us.
my jack russell Maddie was just diagnosed with HSA , primary sight in muscle on her shoulder, i have been told this disease is more common in larger dogs, it has already matastisised to her lungs and i have opted the treatment of chemo and radiation. She has gone thru one chemo and 2 radiation sessions. I hope i am doing the right thing as she seems very happy right now. any information from experience would be greatly appreciated and i am so so sorry for your loss
ReplyDeleteI just want to start off by saying so sorry for loss,
ReplyDeleteand thank you for sharing all of this. This has been truely helpful and inspirational to me. My Golden Retriever, Copper, is 9 years old. He collapsed 2 days ago and after rushing him to the vet who in turn told us to go straight to a specialty center, we found a tumor on his heart. Hemangiosarcoma most likely. We just went through with surgery yesterday after doing some ultrasounds and looking for any other tumors (especially the spleen) but it looks as if the heart is the primary one. They told us they were able to remove 95%percent and hearing that number I was looking hopeful, until the surgeon reminded me it's still just a matter of time before it spreads. With Hemangiosarcoma all of the research and posts look bleak and hopeless. Reading the detailed diet you came up with and all the time and effort you put into this has really inspired me. I'm definitely going to give this diet a go (once my vet gives me the go-ahead). So again, I just want to thank you- for showing me that even though the prognosis of hemenagiosarcoma isn't great, there are still ways to try and fight.