Tucker’s Cancer Journey:
These next few posts will be a bit lengthy for a blog. I thought about condensing and summarizing (even more than what you see here), but in the end I decided against that.
What's most important to us about Tucker's series is that it might be a landing place for someone going through this same challenge. For that reason we didn't' want to leave anything out. So please bear with us as we post segments of his vet visits for the next couple of installments of his story.
Listed below is a chronological summary of Tucker’s
trips to the Vet
January
2, 2014 Tucker was seen by Dr. Runk, Franklin Veterinary Associates,
Greencastle, Pa. for limping. He was
given Tramadol 50 mg and Rimadyl 75mg.
Rimadyl is a NSAID. I kept an eye
on Tucker for vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stool and decreased appetite. Tucker did well and I thought we were on the
right track.
At this time the Vet thought
Tucker had an issue with his knee.
Office visit-$52.10
January 24, 2014 Tucker was seen by Dr. Runk at Franklin Veterinary Associates for a
lump on the outside of his left rear leg. During this visit the Vet performed a needle
aspirate/cytology and a short procedure ultrasound. He was prescribed Baytril 68mg tabs. Office visit - $136.76
January 27, 2014 Tucker was given additional Baytril. We continued to wait for the
tests results from the needle aspirate procedure. Office visit - $36.90
The results came back that
Tucker had Spindle Cell Sarcoma is a type of connective tissue cancer in which
the cells are spindle-shaped when examined under a microscope.
At this time it became clear
that Tucker required surgery. The tumor
on his leg was getting bigger and Dr. Runk did not perform this type of
surgery.
I was new to this area and I
decided to call Dr. Dubin, Animal Care Experts, Thompson, Ct. She was my Vet while I lived in Mass. So I
made arrangements for Tucker to have his surgery.
2/4/2014 Dr. Dubin requested that I go to Dr. Runk,
Franklin Veterinary Associates for blood
work and xrays. Office visit - $265.80
2/11/2014
Dr. Dubin requested that Dr. Runk performs another Needle aspirate and send to
Idexx Cytology and Microscopic description.
Office visit - $159.18
2/18/14 Dr. Dubin requested another cytology, medical
exam and he was given
Clavamox and Tramadol. Office visit - $86.14
2-25-14 Trip from Pa., to Thompson, Ct to see Dr.
Dubin, Animal Care Experts, Thompson, Ct.
Tucker had a drain and staples in his leg. He did really well during the procedure and I
was able to take him home the next day.
Surgery - $1,253.58
Tucker was diagnosed with
Hemangiosarcoma it is a deadly cancer that attacks the lining of the blood vessels
which can rupture and bleed causing death.
Tucker hated the bandage, the
drainage tube and most of all the staples.
He ended up wearing a soft cone but he was smart and had to be either
held or watched constantly.
2-27-14 Visit to Franklin Veterinary Associates to
have bandage changed and he was given fluids. Office Visit - $101.00
-Join us next time to hear how Tucker got his nickname of-
***********Mr. Handsome Pants**********
