Mackenzie’s Story of Courage

I recently received a wonderful email from a family in Toronto whose Golden Retriever, Mackenzie, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.  Her story reminded me that no matter how bad things can seem sometimes, there is always reason to have hope, and often, our pups are so much stronger than we ever imagine. Thanks to a determined family that wasn’t ready to let her go, a great medical team, and Mackenzie’s willingness to keep fighting the good fight, she has become a perfect example of a pup who is beating the odds and who has surprised everyone with her success. So, I wanted to share her story with you in case you are in need of some inspiration and hope today.

Mackenzie with her devoted mom Jenn.

Mackenzie was 11 when she was diagnosed with a soft tissue sarcoma. The news was devastating. Mackenzie has been the love of my life since the day I brought her home when she was 6 weeks old. She has been my constant companion and best friend.

Our vet sent us to an oncologist who we saw the day after the biopsy was confirmed. The tumour appeared almost overnight and our vet told us it was the fastest, most aggressive tumour he had ever seen. Within days of the tumour becoming visible to us – Mackenzie could no longer walk down the stairs and she was constantly out of breath and exhausted.

The oncologist examined Mackenzie and she was seen by two surgeons who said they could not operate because of how big and where it was. Our oncologist starting talking to us about our options of managing pain and that we had very little time left.

At that moment my heart shattered into a million pieces and I could not comprehend that I was about to lose my girl to this.

We had one last hope — a surgeon in Ottawa, Dr. Julias Liptak at the Alta Vista Animal Hospital in Ottawa who specializes in surgical oncology.

Three days later – we made the six hour drive with Mackenzie to see Dr. Liptak Monday morning. Because her ribs were impacted and the size of the tumour was so big the decision was made to do a debulking surgery. Trying to obtain clean margins would be too invasive and put Mackenzie at risk. Ribs would potentially need to be removed, but Dr. Liptak assured us this created no more risk – just a longer recovery.

The surgery was performed, and Dr. Liptak was able to remove the tumour without having to remove any ribs. Mackenzie stayed the night and the next day was well enough to make the long trip home.

Mackenzie’s battle scars from surgery to remove her tumor.

Mackenzie modeling her custom made shirt to protect her while she healed.

The biopsy results came back a week later and unbelievably – confirmed we got clean margins!

Mackenzie followed up with the oncologist and she has been on a daily low dose of oral chemotherapy and monthly rechecks with her oncologist.

She is managing the chemo very well with no side effects and there has been no reoccurrence of cancer.

I can’t believe that last August we were preparing to say goodbye and 8 months later I had the joy of another Christmas, and a birthday (Mackenzie is now 12) and she is thriving.  Happy, playing, running around and enjoying life.

Mackenzie now – happy, healthy and enjoying life as a cancer survivor.

Dr. Liptak saved her life. He is an angel and every day I am grateful for him and the gift he has given me. He is a wonderful, caring and supportive surgeon and we could have never navigated through this without his life saving surgery and ongoing support.

I hope this story offers some hope and peace to others trying to navigate through this journey.

~ Mackenzie’s mom Jenn

That Old Familiar Feeling Again…

The day we first met, November 10, 2000.

Six years ago today, I lost my sun, my moon and my stars. I said goodbye to a huge piece of my heart and the precious little soul who gave me a reason for being in this world. I said goodbye to my beloved Georgia.

I dread this anniversary each year, and all throughout April, the 24^th hangs heavy on the horizon. The weeks leading up to this date bring me back to the weeks before Georgia died and I replay those precious…and heartbreaking moments in my head. Each year it becomes easier to believe that we did all that we could in those final days, and that Georgia forgives me for not spending more time with her when I should have somehow known that our time together could be measured in hours instead of days, weeks or months.  Each year, I see more blessings unfold because of that special moment in time when I first locked eyes with my beautiful angel. The moment when my heart stood still as I finally realized why I was put on this earth.  I am continuously amazed at how much good has come not only from being Georgia’s mom, but also from her illness and death. It seems impossible to even comprehend. But, it’s true.  Because of her, and because of our journey together through cancer, I found out how much strength I have, how precious life is, and how important it is to follow your heart and do what you love.  She led me to my closest friends, a new profession that I love, and a personal mission to help pets and their pet parents facing cancer and grief. Each day I experience a hundred different echoes of Georgia, and I am reminded that no matter how much time passes, she is never far from me. She is always in my heart and never far from my thoughts. She continues to inspire and motivate me in all that I do.

I know that non-“animal people” will never understand that. But I don’t really care. It’s the truth, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

So, 364 days of the year I feel gratitude for my short time with Georgia and for the privilege of being her mom. And I work to honor her memory by learning to be happy and helping others of her kind. But on April 24, I still find a certain comfort in sinking into that familiar grief — kind of like putting on an old sweater. I mourn my little girl and the years we didn’t get together and I think of all of the things that I miss most about her – her soothing snores at night that sounded like a lullaby to me…the way she would wiggle to greet me and flop onto her back so I could give her hugs and belly kisses whenever I came home…her big brown eyes always following me whenever I was within sight…the way she would fly across the yard after her soccer ball and dribble it between her legs (really!)…the feel of soft bunny fur behind her ears…a million little things that I will never forget. Memories that are ours alone. So treasured. So perfect.

I love you my beautiful baby girl, and I miss you today and always. 

Join Us at the the Paws 4 A Cure Walk on May 20 in Wakefield, MA

Register now for the 2012 Paws 4 A Cure Walk on May 20

Mark your calendars now to support the 5th Annual Paws 4 A Cure Walk on Sunday, May 20 in Wakefield, MA. Whether your life has been touched by canine cancer or you have just had the good fortune to be loved by a dog or cat, we need your help!  Proceeds from this walk provide lifesaving medical treatments to dogs and cats with cancer and other serious illnesses when their pet parents can’t afford it.  

Paws 4 a Cure was founded by my dear friend Keri Goldman in memory of her dog Nikko, who bravely battled cancer. Paws 4 A Cure now works to help other dogs AND cats who are in need of critical medical care – to help other pet parents have more precious time with their furkids.

Georgia’s Legacy is very proud to support Paws 4 A Cure and asks for your help in making this year’s walk a HUGE success so more pets can be saved.

There are 3 easy ways you can help:

1. If you live in the Boston area, register as a walker and join me and many other pet parents & their furkids on May 20 in Wakefield. It’s a great event for dog lovers and you’ll have lots of fun meeting some amazing pups and their families. There will also be some fantastic vendors there to show off their products and services. The Walk will take place at Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield, Massachusetts at 1:00 PM (rain or shine). The route at Lake Quannapowitt is approximately 3 miles. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
   
2. Create your own Satellite Team. What does that mean? If you can’t make it to the Walk, you can host your own walk in your hometown or just help to raise money for Paws 4 A Cure by recruiting your friends and family to make a donation. Gather your other dog loving friends to join you and help promote canine cancer awareness in your own neighborhood. There is already at least one satellite team that has been started by Georgia’s Legacy’s friend Traci Moriarty of Wag Between Barks dog training in Durango, CO. (Thanks Traci!!)  
3. Sponsor Team Georgia’s Legacy by making a donation of any size in support of our team. 100% of donations will directly help animals in need, so every dollar makes a difference. CLICK HERE TO DONATE.

Please help us make this year’s Paws 4 A Cure walk the most successful one ever! We’re counting on your support! 

For more information about the walk, visit the Paws 4 A Cure website at http://www.paws4acure.org/. We hope to see you there!

Canine Mast Cell Tumors: What You Need to Know

Guest post written by Joanne Palmieri

Mast cell tumors (MCT) also known as mastocytomas are often called the great imposters or pretenders because of their ability to look like many benign lesions such as a lipoma.

An important part of being your pet's best advocate is learning all you can about their cancer type and making sure that the information you receive from your vet is complete.

I decided to educate other pet parents about MCT when my friend’s Labrador was diagnosed with a grade 2 MCT and was told by the vet “we got it all and don’t worry”. After reading the pathology report, there is an important unanswered question which my friend did not know to ask. You’ll see why when I talk about grading of MCT.

What exactly is a mast cell? Mast cells originate from the bone marrow and are normally found throughout connective tissue of the body as normal components of the immune system. As they release histamine, they are associated with allergic reactions. To put it simply, normal mast cells play an important role in mediating inflammatory responses.

Statistics vary, but roughly 25% of skin tumors in dogs are MCT.

Brachycephalic breeds such as Boxers, Bulldogs and Boston Terriers have a higher incidence of MCT but any breed can develop them. In Bernese Mountain Dogs MCT are inherited as a polygenic trait.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION
Tremendous variation exists in the appearance of MCT. They may be soft and fluctuant, firm, haired or hairless, small or large, solitary or multiple, dermal or subcutaneous. This is why any mass should be evaluated via cytology because MCT can mimic lipomas and other noncancerous lesions.

Aside from finding a mass, there are other profound signs which should raise suspicion of a MCT i.e., swelling that may wax and wane particularly after manipulation of the mass, itching, redness, ulceration or bruising.

MCT may also cause your dog to have a GI tract ulcer. Remember MCT secrete histamine. When humans have a GI tract ulcer they may take Pepcid or Tagamet which are H2 blockers. The H in H2 stands for histamine blocker. Your pup is no different! So keep an eye out for abdominal discomfort, blood in the stools or stools darker than normal i.e. almost black which may indicate a stomach or duodenal ulcer. If you notice these signs, talk with your vet right away to determine the best way to address the issue.

DETERMINING TREATMENT & PROGNOSIS
Once your vet has done cytology of the mass usually with a fine needle biopsy or aspirate and determined that this is indeed a MCT, what’s the next step?

Complete surgical removal of the MCT with wide excision is the treatment of choice. What is meant by wide excision? There is a tendency for MCT cells to spread out around the actual mass into what you think is normal skin; therefore a border of 2-3 cm of skin surrounding the tumor is also removed in an effort to get “clean” margins. (To give you an idea of how much 2-3 cm is, one inch equals 2.5cm.)

Once the tumor is removed, it is usually sent to a veterinary pathologist for a diagnosis which would include the grade of the tumor. Please note that any specimen sent to a pathologist that has a malignant or cancer diagnosis should have a grade listed.

What does the grade tell you?  The tumor grade found on a pathology report is based upon whether or not the cells are well or poorly differentiated, their mitotic activity (how quickly the cells divide), and the depth of tissue invasion of the tumor. Simply stated, it provides information about the prognosis by telling us how aggressive the tumor is.

I have read many veterinary pathology reports that did not list a grade. In fact, it happened to me. When my precious yellow lab Brandon was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma, the pathology report did not list the grade. I had the vet contact the pathologist to reread the slides and amend the pathology report to include a grade. Why is this so important? I’m sure you have read about dogs surviving hemagiosarcoma for a year or more with the latest survivor being Addie at 3 years who is using non-traditional treatment. Are these dogs surviving longer because the treatment was truly a success or was it that they had a low grade hemangiosarcoma which responded better to therapy and contributed to the longer survival time. We’ll never know because to date, I’ve asked close to 50 pet parents whose dogs had hemangiosarcoma what the grade was and not one could tell me because the pathology report never listed it! Even the pet parents of 3 year hemangiosarcoma survivor Addie couldn’t tell me.

If we are going to make strides in the treatment of canine cancer, we need to know everything about the devil that we are dealing with! We need to compare apples with apples.

MCT are graded most commonly using the Patnaik scale of grades l through 3 with grade 1 having the best prognosis and grade 3 the poorest.

• GRADE 1: Well differentiated tumor that is confined to the dermis.
• GRADE 2: Tumor extends into the lower dermis and sub Q. Cells are not as well differentiated.
• GRADE 3: Tumor replaces Sub Q and deep tissue. Cells are poorly differentiated.

I would like to bring your attention to the grade 2 MCT. There is some disagreement on treatment plans with a grade 2. If the pathology report does not state it, your vet needs to ask the pathologist in the case of a grade 2 MCT to determine if this MCT is a low grade 2 or a high grade 2.

Statistically speaking, and per an article in the Journal of Veterinary Pathology, if this tumor is a low grade 2 it will more than likely behave like a grade 1 which is good news. If this MCT is a high grade 2, it will most likely behave as a grade 3 therefore requiring more aggressive treatment.

Staging is another aspect of determining the prognosis of any malignancy. Staging indicates the extent of spread and is important to know in order to make an educated decision regarding your treatment plan. In the case of MCT the World Health Organization has assigned Stages 0-lV with 0 having the best prognosis and lV the worst.

Please note that the actual treatment protocols for each grade and stage are not discussed in this article because, once armed with the information from a comprehensive pathology report, one can search the internet and find the most current treatments available.

The main objective of this article is to educate you regarding MCT and the important aspects of the pathology report so that you can make sure this info is provided to you by your vet and you can make an intelligent and informed decision regarding treatment.

Grading and staging systems may vary from cancer to cancer but remember that every cancer has a grade and stage and it is important to know this information as well as asking if the margins were clean i.e., free of tumor, for prognosis and treatment planning purposes.

As a final note, pet parents should be sure to keep a medical record of their canine child to include:

1. Vaccine record
2. Blood tests
3. Pathology reports

Having access to this information about your pet can be invaluable and will allow you to be a better partner in your pet’s care. Start being an advocate for your pet TODAY by educating yourself about your pet’s cancer and being willing to push for additional information when you feel that something has been left out. It will help you to make better decisions along the way, and in the end, could help to save their life.

International Association of Animal Hospice and Palliative Care – CALL FOR PROPOSALS

Are you a veterinary professional, hospice volunteer, pet loss/grief counselor or other animal caregiver with experience providing end-of-life care?  Your expertise is needed!

The International Association of Animal Hospice & Palliative Care (IAAHPC) is seeking lecture proposals for its 2nd Annual Conference, which will take place November 2-4 in Denver, Colorado at the Marriot Hotel and Conference Center. 

The IAAHPC is dedicated to expanding the field of animal hospice and making comfort care during end-of-life a standard of care for pets and their families, by providing high-quality education to veterinary professionals and the public.  And so, we are looking for the best of the best to present at this year’s conference.

If you, or someone you know, may be interested in presenting a lecture at the 2012 conference, please submit the following information:

• Presentation title
• Full name, address, contact number, and email
• Curriculum vitae(CV) or resume
• A short cover letter stating your interest in animal hospice and palliative care
• Proposal: Word document format
  - 1-3 pages in length
  - Outline layout including all key points and supportive material
  - Diagrams and illustrations are welcomed

All presentations will be 1-2 hours in length depending on the topic. Please clarify your proposed length and any special requests you may have 
ex. technical equipment.  Those chosen to present will be notified by March 15th. Financial compensation for presenting will be offered, although the amount is not known at this time.

The Deadline for Submission is February 15

Proposals should be submitted to:
Dr. Kathleen Cooney
Education Chair for the IAAHPC 
cooneydvm@gmail.com 
970-313-8033 

CLICK HERE for a list of example lecture topics.

Book Review: Going Home: Finding Peace When Pets Die

Going Home: Finding Peace When Pets Die
by Jon Katz

“Sometimes we humans forget how to connect to one another. Dogs and cats never forget how to connect to us. Animals have taught me how to love purely. And patiently. They have helped fill in some of the lonely gaps of life. They have helped me to be a better human being. That, I think, is their legacy and glorious purpose.

If you honor this legacy, it will bring you perspective and help to heal your broken heart.”  ~ exerpt from “Goiong Home: Finding Peace When Pets Die”

Losing a beloved pet is one of the most painful experiences that a person can go through in life. It is so much more than just losing a friend. It is losing a family member, surrogate child, closest confidante, defender, and BEST friend. It is losing someone who never judges you and never asks for more than you can give. It is losing part of our very selves.  And it hurts.

But, somehow there is comfort in knowing that we pet lovers aren’t alone in going through this journey of loss. That others understand the unique grief that comes with the loss of a four-legged family member, whether it’s due to illness, age, accident, or the unpleasant necessities of life. That even the deepest sense of loss can be followed by a profound sense of gratitude and joy for the time we shared with our animal companions.

And that is exactly what Jon Katz brings out in his latest book, “Going Home: Finding Peace When Pets Die.”  He shines a light on the fact that the pain that comes from the loss of a beloved pet is universal, despite the fact that the grief experienced is so often underestimated and ignored. But beyond this – and where the book really stands out among other pet loss books – is the emphasis on how to truly honor the lessons that our pets teach us, and to honor the love they shared with us, by moving past the grief and making our way back to joy. And, perhaps most importantly, by opening our hearts to other animals who are in need of the love and care that we can give them – an idea that many grieving pet owners struggle with due to feelings of being disloyal to their departed friend.

My absolute favorite part of the book is actually the last chapter, “Letter from a Dog.”  It brought me to tears, yet is a chapter that I have already read several times because it touched me in such a profound way. The chapter features a letter written from a dog’s perspective – what they might say to their grieving people to help them through their loss and what they hope their legacy will be now that they are gone. The letter is filled with a simplicity, wisdom and compassion that truly reflects the nature of our precious canine friends. The author captures the heart and mind of a dog perfectly, and the result is so moving…and so healing.

Written in Katz’ characteristically witty and down-to-earth style, “Going Home” is filled with memorable stories, honest reflections, and hard-earned wisdom from his own experiences with animals as well as stories from other people who have had also had to cope with the loss of a pet. The result is unlike any other book on pet los that I have read, and is definitely a must-have resource for any grieving pet parent.

The pain of pet loss is inescapable, but holding on that pain indefinitely is a conscious choice. And by reading “Going Home: Finding Peace When Pets Die,” you will discover how you can let go of some of that pain in order to truly celebrate the life of your pet and live the lessons that they taught you about how to face each day with optimism, acceptance and gratitude.

CLICK HERE to purchase “Going Home: Finding Peace When Pets Die” from Amazon.com.

A Cancer Diagnosis Changes You Forever

Over the years I’ve heard friends talk about life after their dog’s cancer diagnosis and comparing it to living with a post-traumatic stress disorder of sorts. And I can’t disagree. Once you are blindsided by cancer, especially one of the more aggressive forms of it, it’s hard not to be forever changed. I’d argue that it’s IMPOSSIBLE not to be forever changed. 

In some ways it’s good. You become more vigilant and you pay more attention to the details when it comes to diet and nutrition, regular vet visits, the latest advances in veterinary medicine…you want to be more prepared next time. And let’s be honest, you want to do everything within your power to make sure that there ISN’T a next time. But, when 1 in 3 dogs are diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, chances are, if you have enough dogs in your life for enough years, it’s going to come back around at some point. You just have to hope that the next time you will be better at dealing with it, and there will be more options to cure it. You pray that the next time, there will be a different ending to the story.

My handsome Sampson, loved beyond words.

But the shadow of cancer always lurks somewhere in the distance, and every time something is a little off with your dog or something crops up that mimics a symptom of cancer, that’s the first thing that crosses your mind. And until you hear otherwise, that’s the worry that sticks with you night and day.

I’ve known all of this for a long time, and I’ve seen close friends go through it — sometimes finding out that all their worry was for nothing, and sometimes finding out that they need to face the demon again. Luckily though, that was never me. Until this week.

My husband noticed a small lump on the front of Sampson’s right leg yesterday. Just a strange little reddish bump that kind of looks like a large wart. Nothing dramatic, nothing painful, but something weird. Something new. Something not quite right. And so the landslide begins. 

I start thinking about the fact that Sampson hasn’t been wanting to go for walks lately

…But, he always has plenty of energy to play in the back yard for hours…Still, it’s out of the norm. 

Has he seemed a little blue lately?

…Of course, bulldogs are legendary for their glum faces and their ability to nap nearly 24 hours a day (in between meals at least). And, it is that time of year when he’s inside more and the days are shorter — aren’t we all a little less enthusiastic about jumping out of bed when the mornings are cold and dark?

Statistically, I know he’s at risk for developing mast cell tumors at some point – he’s a bulldog with a history of severe allergies and ear infections. Clearly a sign of a dysfunctional immune system. And now that he’s 7 going on 8, his risk increases each day.

…But, he has a great diet, gets lots of good supplements, and his ear problems and his allergies have been under control for a while now. He’s completely healthy and in great shape by all accounts, so I’m just overreacting.  Right?

Probably. Maybe. I hope so.

It’s interesting to be here right now. Worrying as moms do, but trying to learn from my own experiences, and to take my own advice. On Saturday, we’re going in for our semi-annual vet checkup, and he’ll have full bloodwork done, and we’ll have this weird little bump looked at, probably biopsied if it’s still there. I’d rather pay for a test to tell me all is well than to worry for no reason or do the dreaded “watch and wait,” which rarely seems to work out well for anyone.

So tonight, I am worried because I am a mom, but optimistic because I am a realist. I know that just like people, dogs get lumps, bumps and weird little skin growths all the time, and usually, it’s nothing serious. But, as I’ve told many pet parents over the years — better to get it checked out and find out for sure. No use getting upset until you know something is really wrong. Being proactive and prepared…it’s the best you can do. 

I guess it’s a good reality check that no matter how much you study, research and try, you can never really rise above it all. In the end, we do our very best for our pets and we work to make each day special, and to not take a single day for granted. But, no matter how hard we try, we will always worry about them — worry that they will be sick, or hurt, or leave us someday. It’s a curse that we humans have, of worrying about a future that we can’t see or control.

Sometimes I wish I could be more like Sampson, who is cuddled up under a blanket near me and clearly not worried about a single thing in the world right now. He really knows how to live.