Mast Cell

M

M.F.

Dogs have a wonderful way of living in the moment, as long as they’re not in pain. If only we humans could be like them. It is our struggle. I wish for you and your family, particularly your boys, many more fun happy times with Ella. And there will be, she’s clearly still her happy self. 🥰
 
Emily_Babbelhund

Emily_Babbelhund

Mama Red HOT Pepper
Location
Regensburg, Germany
Oh Emily, I’m so sorry to read his. Ella has always seemed ageless in your posts. Your boys get bigger, but Ella being Ella is always the same and makes me smile every time you post about her. She is a wonderful and special girl whose cuddles are legendary.

I hope she surprises the vets and can keep happily going for far longer than the prognosis you’ve been given. She has the best advocate in you and your OH.

And as I can’t say it better, I second @M.F.:
“I wish for you and your family, particularly your boys, many more fun happy times with Ella. And there will be, she’s clearly still her happy self.”

:hug:
 
Emily

Emily

Location
Melbourne, Australia
So, more info for those following along. I'm not sure why I'm posting this, perhaps as a way to organise my thoughts or perhaps to help someone else (hopefully not) that has to navigate this path in the future.

Mast cell tumor are grading using two systems : the 3-tier Patnaik system and the 2-tier Kiupel system

Ella's tumor was graded as low under the Patnaik system and "hmmmm we're not confident grading this" under the Kiupel system. The reason for the uncertainty is the Kiupel system only grades as high or low (no in between) and is based on the Mitotic rate. A rate of 7 and above is considered high. Ella's sample was rated at 6.

The oncologist weighed up all of her observations and experience and has diagnosed it at high grade.

However, we have sent the sample off for additional testing. I didn't quite follow this part but I think the original testing captures one snapshot of the tumor and might not reflect the tumor as a whole. It's expected that this additional testing will confirm the diagnosis as other areas of the tumor are likely to show the higher Mitotic rate.

There is one glimmer of hope but I'm trying not to think about it too much. The oncologist asked us to look back through our photos of Ella and focus on the spot on her nose and when the first signs appeared. As it turns out, you can trace the tiniest changes to her skin (next to her nose) all the way back to June last year. (as an aside - I won't allow myself to think at all about this and any ifs or maybes - I don't think I'll cope). The tiny glimmer of hope is that nearly 8 months later, Ella doesn't show any symptoms of metastatic mast cell cancer, which is unusual. Of course that doesn't mean it hasn't metastasised.

Finally, for those following along, the medication Ella is on is called Palladia. It's an "oral receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (RTK inhibitor)". Of course it's most effective when combined this chemo but still useful on its own. I'm glad we still have our insurance as it costs $900 per month 😳. She's been on it a couple of weeks now and thankfully has had not visible side effects. She's still happy, hungry and still doing daily zoomies 🙄 😂

Will report back when the test results are in.
 
kateincornwall

kateincornwall

Location
Cornwall , UK
Oh Emily , I really feel for you . Reubens results were almost identical except that his mitotic rate was , I think, 3 . We also had the additional tests done , prognosis came back as variable which was really neither here nor there . But , and this is a big but , he shows no signs of illness , still as loopy as ever , still eating and enjoying his life, especially playgroup twice weekly . It is so hard not to think of the worst scenario , I still do after three years since his first surgery . Keep on putting your thoughts down , we are here for support , hugs xxx
 
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