Nasal Adenocarcinoma (cancer)

I'm Sorry

Hi Eryn,

I'm so sorry to hear your little one Cayman has cancer. Its not an easy to deal with and its hard seeing them sick.
I lost my darling sheltie Riley 3 days ago to a brain tumor. He was having seizures for a week and the meds weren't working. He couldn't walk, or stand, and was really out of it and weak. We took him into see a neurologist after he has his worst seizure. The ER said he was close to a coma. The MRI showed that he had a tumor in the front of his brain and hemorrhaging in the back of his brain. We had the options of chemo and surgery and maybe he would leave up to a year, or we could do meds and maybe he would live up to 3 months.
He wasn't himself anymore, and we didn't want him to suffer and be scared anymore, so we let him go. It was the hardest decision I've ever made, and even today sometimes I wish I had the money to operate, but I didn't. I wish he could've lived on meds for a few months, but he would've been miserable.
You do the best you can Eryn, and that's all you need to do. Cayman loves you for doing what you're doing, and if you ever decide that he's suffering too much, then you can't feel guilty for allowing him to go.
It's interesting that the advice I give others is the advice I should be taking myself...*sigh*
I wish you and Cayman the best.
 
Many thanks

Dear Chris,
Thank you so much for this beautiful prayer. I cried when I read it. The support I have received on this forum is truly amazing! I'm posting a general update on Cayman. I'm trying to figure out how to do that. I will print this out and post it in my house and office.

thank you, thank you, thank you -
cayman and eryn

A Prayer for Cayman

St. Francis, please watch over Cayman,
Give him soft breezes and sun,
Snuggles and hugs from his Momma each night,
And plenty of places to run.

Please help him conquer his ilness,
But if healing isn't to come,
Send down your strength and courageous resolve
So Cayman can make his way Home.

Whisper to Eryn, "It's time now
To give your last gift to your love.
Help him to shed all discomfort and pain,
To dance at the Bridge far above.

Great comfort will come with remembrance,
Your grief fade to memory's refrain,
Until in a twinkling of God's endless grace
He'll be in your arms once again."[/QUOTE]
 
To a brighter 2009

Dear Barb,
I am so very sorry for the loss of Michelle and Timber. I don't know how you managed to get through last year. I have never had children, but wanted to. Outliving one's child has got to be incredibly painful. I am so glad that you have loving energy in your home with your two new furry kids and your son.

As for Cayman, his eye is no longer disfigured. A phosphorus remedy seems to have helped. I am amazed. I know the tumor has not gone away. The phosphorus can slow the growth, but obviously there is no way to tell. I think Cayman has decided I need him around longer. As I read your reply, I cried. I know that even though he's fine today, tomorrow could be a different story. Fortunately, my coworkers and boss have been so supportive. And the support from people like you has been overwhelming. I keep praying to God for help and to not be alone with this, and it seems my prayers are being granted.

Feel free Barb to contact me at [email protected]. I only check this site once a week becuase of my work schedule.

Blessings to you and yours -
Eryn & Cayman


I'm so sorry for what you are going through.

My forever pup, Timber, was 12 years old when he died.

For at least 1 year, the vet and I knew there was something wrong with him. He was dropping weight and his coat condition was worsening. The vet felt a lump in his chest and suspected the worst. He was also dealing with arthrititis.

The vet could have suggested a whole bunch of treatments and xrays but basicly told me that Timber was coming to the end of his life. I could decide to prolong it with surgeries, medications, etc. We chose the less obtrusive approach. We gave him Glucosamine to deal with the joints but decided to let the lump in his chest run its course.

He died in April this year. The lump grew faster than we predicted. One day he was fine and the next day, he wasn't. He died that same day.

I know exactly what you are going through. Timber died just 6 weeks after my 19 year old daughter, Michelle.

I felt horrible guilt over Timber's death - that perhaps I should have done more to treat him, even knowing it was a hopeless cause. Then my sister sent me the kind words that Michelle must have called Timber up to Heaven to keep her company until the rest of us could join her.

That put me at peace with his death. Now I have Bacca who I brought home in June at 8 weeks old and Indy who I brought home just over a month ago. Both just over 10 months old. And of course, my two-legged teenage son :rolleyes2:[/QUOTE]
 
Thank you so very much! The caring and support that we give each other here, is what makes this forum so special.

Barb
 
Many Thanks

Dear Ann,

I am so sorry to hear about your angel Scruffy. He obviously touched your life in a very special and powerful way. I'm glad you have Pixie, another being to love and who can love you.

I don't know what's worse, knowing they're sick or not knowing. Cayman is acutally doing better. A phosphorus remedy has returned his eye to normal, which is rather unbelievable. His spirit is good and he wants to play and run. It is an emotional roller coaster, and I don't know what this week will bring. I still cry over many things.

Our connection with these magnificent beings is so profound and yet uncomplicated. It cannot be explained to someone who has never experienced it. Some people have said they would have put him down right after he was diagnosed! "And, would you do that to your child?" Makes you wonder.

I am glad that you had a husband to comfort you after Scruffy died, at least I am assuming he was. Being single is tough. You just want someone to hold you when you are consumed with grief. I have to rely on a few good friends, an occasional massage and kisses from Cayman. Cayman is so tolerant of his mother's kisses and snuggling :)

blessings to you and many thanks for sharing -
Cayman and his mom, Eryn



After reading so many replies on this thread, I

Ann said:
Eryn, I am so sorry to hear about Cayman. You will find many on this forum who can sympathize with you, and even those who haven't dealt with cancer can feel your pain. Our first Sheltie, my special angel Scruffy, died at age 13 from a cancer we didn't know she had until the day she died. She'd also had a nosebleed the week before and been checked by the vet I was using then, who missed the tumor completely. The day she died she had a seizure in the afternoon. I rushed her to the emergency vet and had to put her down that night. I cried for a year, even though we had two other Shelties. She was my special one. My husband insisted we look for a puppy, and I found my Pixie, who has not replaced Scruffy, but has taken a whole new place in my heart. I pray that when Cayman's time comes, you will have a similar experience. We never forget the ones we lose, they are always with us.

I found comfort, information and help on this website about canine cancer. I hope it's useful to you as well. http://www.wearethecure.org/
Click to expand...
 
You're right about getting support here. I cried as I read so many heartfelt replies to my situation with Cayman. Thanks so much for your kind words.

Blessings to you -
Eryn and Cayman


Eryn - you've certainly come to the right place if you need support and understanding as you help Cayman deal with his illness and when the time comes help him leave all of his pain behind. Everything you have done and will continue to do is your gift to Cayman. You have given him all the love in the world and when he can no longer be with you on this Earth, you know he will always be with you in your heart and mind.[/I][/QUOTE]
 
Dear Sable,

KEEP THEM COMING!!!! They worked this week. His eye has returned to normal, but it's not likely that the tumor has gone. It's an emotional roller coaster. So hard to stay focused on the present and not anticipate the end.

Blessings to you - Eryn and Cayman

((((((((((POWER PRAYERS COMING))))))))))))))[/QUOTE]
 
Hi Everyone,

I am a new member. I am a single female who has lived with Cayman for 11 years. He was a red ribbon Christmas present when I was living in Alaska. Cayman was a puppy mill pup who was skinny and had no coat - just peach fuzz. Poor little guy. I had to potty train him in -20 during one of our worst winters. What a trooper. The result was he potties on command and every owner I know is jealous!

Cayman has been the very best gift in my life. He has been with me through thick and thin, and has added more to my life than words can express. He's loving, sensitive, funny, bright and smarter than this Guardian. He's tolerated his mother's long working hours, poor choices in relationships and her obsession with decorating.

Two years ago when I was recovering from thyroid surgery, we left Alaska and drove together to better climate in central Mexico. We stayed for one year working as house and doggie sitters. Cayman graciously shared his mother with the other doggies. We settled in the Portland area about two years ago. Cayman loves the greenery, but we could do with less rain. As you know, shelties don't like water.

In September Cayman started bleeding from his nose and snorting. After a rhinoscopy, he was diagnosed with nasal cancer. I opted to not do radiation because I could not bear to put him through the pain. Surgery was not an option. He is on a cancer diet, herbal and homeopathic remedies, vits and tramadol for pain. Despite the first vet's prognosis, he has outlived the average life expectancy (88 days post bleeding). He's still playful and eats like a fiend. This week his right eye became slightly disfigured as the tumor is putting pressure on that eye. The vet says the tumor is becoming more aggressive and it's only a matter of time. He will start a new Chinese herbal supplement this week. It has about a 40% chance of slowing or stopping the growth of the tumor, but prognosis is still poor.

I cannot describe the emotional pain of this process. I try not to cry in front of Cayman because I don't want him to worry about me. My friends are sympathetic, but have distanced themselves in the past week. As a therapist I know this is a natural reaction to loss and pending death, but nonetheless it makes the journey quite lonely.

I would like to hear from anyone who can understand or appreciate what I may be going through.. All journeys are unique, but I believe we are all one in Spirit.

Thank you for taking the time to listen. I promise to not be so winded the next go around.

Best regards, Eryn & Cayman
 
Eryn and Cayman

erynjoyce said:
Hi Everyone,

I am a new member. I am a single female who has lived with Cayman for 11 years. He was a red ribbon Christmas present when I was living in Alaska. Cayman was a puppy mill pup who was skinny and had no coat - just peach fuzz. Poor little guy. I had to potty train him in -20 during one of our worst winters. What a trooper. The result was he potties on command and every owner I know is jealous!

Cayman has been the very best gift in my life. He has been with me through thick and thin, and has added more to my life than words can express. He's loving, sensitive, funny, bright and smarter than this Guardian. He's tolerated his mother's long working hours, poor choices in relationships and her obsession with decorating.

Two years ago when I was recovering from thyroid surgery, we left Alaska and drove together to better climate in central Mexico. We stayed for one year working as house and doggie sitters. Cayman graciously shared his mother with the other doggies. We settled in the Portland area about two years ago. Cayman loves the greenery, but we could do with less rain. As you know, shelties don't like water.

In September Cayman started bleeding from his nose and snorting. After a rhinoscopy, he was diagnosed with nasal cancer. I opted to not do radiation because I could not bear to put him through the pain. Surgery was not an option. He is on a cancer diet, herbal and homeopathic remedies, vits and tramadol for pain. Despite the first vet's prognosis, he has outlived the average life expectancy (88 days post bleeding). He's still playful and eats like a fiend. This week his right eye became slightly disfigured as the tumor is putting pressure on that eye. The vet says the tumor is becoming more aggressive and it's only a matter of time. He will start a new Chinese herbal supplement this week. It has about a 40% chance of slowing or stopping the growth of the tumor, but prognosis is still poor.

I cannot describe the emotional pain of this process. I try not to cry in front of Cayman because I don't want him to worry about me. My friends are sympathetic, but have distanced themselves in the past week. As a therapist I know this is a natural reaction to loss and pending death, but nonetheless it makes the journey quite lonely.

I would like to hear from anyone who can understand or appreciate what I may be going through.. All journeys are unique, but I believe we are all one in Spirit.

Thank you for taking the time to listen. I promise to not be so winded the next go around.

Best regards, Eryn & Cayman
Click to expand...

You are never alone here. We are all willing to listen. We are here to help in any way we can. Please let me know if you need an ear to listen, a shoulder ( unfortunately cyber ) to lean on and cry on and friends that care and know what you are going through. And yes when that time comes when caymans life is just so poor in quality , or just too difficult for him to bear, Be with him and we will be there for you.:sadsmile: Take the final road with him, please stay by his side it will be easier on him. I was able to do that with Tasha and it helped, because I was able to help make her final moments a little easier because Mommy was with her. It still makes me cry though. I was not able to be there for my Jewel because she passed having dental work done and it took me a year to get over her passing, because the guilt is always there. Could I have done something different, Why did I send her in. But it can't be changed. Sorry getting carried away here.:uhoh:
But Eryn, please always know on this forum you are never alone !! We have all been there and know how you feel Listening ears and shoulders always available! :sadsmile:
 
Chris , You are amazing !

Chris said:
A Prayer for Cayman

St. Francis, please watch over Cayman,
Give him soft breezes and sun,
Snuggles and hugs from his Momma each night,
And plenty of places to run.

Please help him conquer his ilness,
But if healing isn't to come,
Send down your strength and courageous resolve
So Cayman can make his way Home.

Whisper to Eryn, "It's time now
To give your last gift to your love.
Help him to shed all discomfort and pain,
To dance at the Bridge far above.

Great comfort will come with remembrance,
Your grief fade to memory's refrain,
Until in a twinkling of God's endless grace
He'll be in your arms once again."
Click to expand...

What a beautiful heartfelt prayer. It made me cry. Thank you for sending that prayer so we could all read it.:sadsmile:
 
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