Breast cancer again - but now she's 13

[Popcorn]

Looking for guidance and support.

My rescue gal Momo overcame breast cancer via a mastectomy and lumpectomy about four years ago. We opted not to do a full mammary chain removal at the time because we felt the stress was not worth it at her age then (10). For four years she was clear and living a very good, happy life.

Unfortunately I just learned today that she has 3 small hard 1cm rumors under one nipple. The vet felt no lymph involvement. The vet said the two options, other than doing nothing, were an aspiration for possible diagnosis or an immediate surgical removal. She said it was a personal choice on how to handle it.

Momo at this point is quite elderly, and to me has the feeling of a dog who, because of arthritis and general old age, most likely will not live beyond a year even absent cancer. She has no other illnesses, heart is good, but she is reaching the stage of struggling to get up at times, mentalul confused at times --that to me is a harbinger of things failing shortly.

What would you do?

I know I am going to bring her back for a second opinion to her main vet who did the surgery originally, who also has supported me as I cared for two old newfies in the past. I trust his gut sense, and it will be very meaningful to me if he says, just let her be.

While my heart says, just go for the surgery, my mind says -- it is too much for her at this age. Even bringing her for a checkup today was so stressful for her at this age. And if I am not doing surgery, is there a point to doing an aspiration ?

Thank you NN'ers

 

[nowhavethreebears]

First of all let me say how sorry I am that you are faced with this again.

Since you asked, I will give my opinion.
Ask yourself if the stress of the surgery on her is worth any extra time you may get with her? Will her quality of life be better given her age and other infirmities?

If she were mine, at that age, and since she has been through it once already, I would let her be. Keep her comfortable and just love her. Just my perspective of course. I have never been a fan of heroic measures at an advanced age. We want to do all we can for them of course, but at what place do we just say "enough"?

That is up you the individual of course. Hugs and prayers for you and Momo whatever you decide.

 

[R Taft]

I am sorry.......this is so tough, I would not do the aspiration, unless your intention is to go on to surgery....And she is old and by the sound of it fragile. If she did not stress, i would just go with a quick lumpectomy type surgery. but if going to the vet stresses her, i would reconsider..have a chat to your vet. The age of 13 is awesome. And it sounds like you put her first....:hugs:

 

[lmfoltyn]

I am so very sorry for this at this time for you...our Dexter was 13 when he became sick...we didn't know what was wrong with him but we knew he was suffering and chose not to run tests and do anything heroic as his age and his decline was evident to us for months ahead of his illness. I would love your girl and give her all the comfort and special gifts you can. This is such a hard time and such a sad time, but a gift in a way...you can say your goodbyes the way you want and be there for her. It is a special time for you both...I know that sounds horrible but it really is...just love her and comfort her and she will continue to give you the same back...my heart is aching with you...

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

So sorry you have to deal with this with your sweet girl, but I would not put her through surgery at her age. Anesthesia is risky and recovery can be painful and stressful.

 

[Newfs Forever]

Sending many good thoughts and many prayers for you and Momo!

 

[DAWNMERIE]

Me looking in from the outside....13 years old, wow...how I want the ability to have that much time with my two. If I were in your shoes, I think I'd just enjoy the time we have left together and make the best of it all. I would be afraid that the stress of everything would break her and I'd rather her just loose her mind and hopefully be pain free and drift off, than be all stressed out and be in pain and go.

Last year I lost a wonderful 93 yr old human friend, she had been through the ringer, and her last wishes was that no surgery be performed to save her, she had had enough of hospitals, rehabs and the pain it caused her. She left this world, to enter the next her way. I would want the same for me and my loved ones. Wishing you and Momo a love filled journey, which ever road you choose I'll keep you guys in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[Whybu1]

I would not do an aspiration; knowing what it is really doesn't change the options. With an elderly dog I think the benefit of surg is outweighed by the risks and the rewards are minimal. I'd enjoy the time left together and give extra lovings.

 

[Summer]

I'm so sorry. I've been in your place many times, it is never easy. If you keep your eye on what is best for her, you'll have your answer. I wish you and Momo peace.

 

[victoria1140]

Get your second opinion but personally at that age l wouldn't do any more than Iove her

 

[2newfs4now]

I can only relate my experience... Max had just turned 10 when we found out he had a mass on his spleen; he had heart disease, degenerative myelopathy, and arthritis. I knew he wasn't a good surgery candidate so, told the vet that we would take him home... He was spoiled more than usual and passed one Sunday morning, in his favorite place in the back yard.

 

[Popcorn]

Thank you all. You have given me so much support. I can't tell you how much it means to know others have been here before. I think the tone of the advice is very much inline with how my husband feels -- to do anything at this point is cruel.

I am spending a lot of quality time with Momo now, and I am coming around to that perspective. She is just very uncomfortable from arthritis even with her NSAIDS and opiates. This alone can't go on forever. She just wants to rest, have a nice meal, have a sniff of the grass and be loved.

I am going for the second opinion. However, I suspect it will be more confirmation of what each of you so poignantly said. And I will have a talk about how best to maximize the pain relief, and when there is not much more that can be done.

Thank you Anita, Ronnie, 2 Newfs, Victoria, summer, why bu, dawn, sue, and Imfo. I am very indebted to each of you for taking the time to write me back.

 

[victoria1140]

Also consider alternative therapies like acupuncture,etc

Can be very beneficial ,having a newf is like private club !membership,we all look out for each other

 

[Popcorn]

It really is. And Newf people are so nice.