Rhaegar - Mast Cell Cancer

[sjdavenport]

I always find myself coming back here for the big events. Rhaegar has metastatic mast cell cancer. He had a low grade mast cell tumor completely removed on his chest in December 2020 with good margins. Then almost an entire year later, literally as we were introducing him to our brand new beauceron puppy, I was stroking him and felt a large, hard lymph node in his armpit near where the tumor was removed. Tears instantly sprang to my eyes. I knew in my heart exactly what it was. Tests confirmed it to be a metastatic lymph node from the tumor that has been gone for almost a year. It was removed surgically, and determined that he has the c-KIT mutation, which likely caused that "low grade" tumor to behave more aggressively.

Rhaegar is strong and brave, and I so hope to have years with him yet. We have declared WAR on this cancer. We just finished his eighth and last chemo treatment, and now will start him on Palladia, a targeted cancer therapy, long term if he tolerates it. Rhaegar doesn't know anything is wrong; I try not to let him know that I worry about him. He just knows that he goes for a car ride, gets a few needle sticks (which he is well accustomed to due to chronic issues) and gets fed steak and lamb sausages afterwards by the loving vet techs who say he's always been a perfect gentleman and a dream to work with. Then we would go to the petstore across the street from the oncologist for him to pick out a new toy every week with his chemo treatment. He has experienced zero side effects from the chemo, and we are living his best life together, and I hope to do so for a long time yet. His latest staging tests were clear for cancer spread.

Please pray for my boy. I need him here with me.

 

[glen]

Oh im so sorry, rhaegar as always made me smile, i can remember his puppy pics.
Give him the biggest cuddles from me. I will beg in my prayers he has many happy years with you.

 

[Boxergirl]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I hate MCTs. I hate all cancer, but MCTs stalk my other breed of choice and every bump on them scares me. One thing is for sure, Rhaegar is in the best hands he could possibly be. You always pull out all of the stops for your guys. Is the benadryl/tagamet protocol something that they do when using Palladia? I've been lucky and don't know much about that drug. Is it only done if chemo is chosen? I'm going to have to do more research now. Please give Rhaegar his favorite snack and a behind the ear rub from me. Hugs for you too. I know how much he means to you.

 

[sjdavenport]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I hate MCTs. I hate all cancer, but MCTs stalk my other breed of choice and every bump on them scares me. One thing is for sure, Rhaegar is in the best hands he could possibly be. You always pull out all of the stops for your guys. Is the benadryl/tagamet protocol something that they do when using Palladia? I've been lucky and don't know much about that drug. Is it only done if chemo is chosen? I'm going to have to do more research now. Please give Rhaegar his favorite snack and a behind the ear rub from me. Hugs for you too. I know how much he means to you.

Thank you; I know you know this feeling. I don't think I necessarily understood how unpredictable MCTs can be until Rhaegar's metastasized even though it was supposed to be low grade on histopath. You may already know this, but MSU has a MCT "prognostic panel." I'll include a link to it. This looks for certain proliferation factors (these would warrant more aggressive treatment) and a certain c-KIT mutation. This mutation makes the MCT behave more aggressively, but also makes it more responsive to tyrosine kinase inhibitors like Palladia.

So Palladia can be tried instead of traditional IV chemo, or used after traditional chemo fails. Because Rhaegar has that c-KIT mutation, and because he had a high mitotic index and cancerous cells in the outgoing vessels of his lymph node, I chose to do first the 8 vinblastine treatments, then follow up with Palladia as a precaution. I wasn't content to wait and watch for it to come back. Palladia also has anti-angiogenic properties, so is sometimes tried for other cancer types as well. But my God it's an expensive drug. For a dog Rhaegar's size, a month supply (given by mouth 3 days a week) of name brand Palladia is about $800. And he would be on this lifelong. We are getting it compounded for about half, and Rhaegar thankfully has insurance.

I actually had to request to his oncologist that this panel be added on to Rhaegar's histopath results of his lymph node. She actually said she was surprised he had the mutation based of his original tumor biopsy results. So I would recommend doing it for any MCT!!

His oncologist literally hasn't mentioned the typical benadryl/tagamet protocol at any point, but we've been doing a modified version anyway. He is also on high doses of Turkey Tail mushroom (cannot afford Im-yunity) and he's already been on a low carb fresh food diet for a long time. I've also been giving Apocaps, and he has his first acupuncture/chiropractic appointment soon.

So basically I'm trying to do EVERYTHING in my power to keep him healthy and strong, including giving him the very best and happiest and most enriched life I possibly can. Sometimes it feels like he is all that anchors me to this earth.

https://cvm.msu.edu/vdl/laboratory-...rognosis-of-canine-cutaneous-mast-cell-tumors

 

[sjdavenport]

Oh im so sorry, rhaegar as always made me smile, i can remember his puppy pics.
Give him the biggest cuddles from me. I will beg in my prayers he has many happy years with you.

Thank you. He makes sure I smile every day and I hope he will continue to for a very long time.

 

[Boxergirl]

Thank you; I know you know this feeling. I don't think I necessarily understood how unpredictable MCTs can be until Rhaegar's metastasized even though it was supposed to be low grade on histopath. You may already know this, but MSU has a MCT "prognostic panel." I'll include a link to it. This looks for certain proliferation factors (these would warrant more aggressive treatment) and a certain c-KIT mutation. This mutation makes the MCT behave more aggressively, but also makes it more responsive to tyrosine kinase inhibitors like Palladia.

So Palladia can be tried instead of traditional IV chemo, or used after traditional chemo fails. Because Rhaegar has that c-KIT mutation, and because he had a high mitotic index and cancerous cells in the outgoing vessels of his lymph node, I chose to do first the 8 vinblastine treatments, then follow up with Palladia as a precaution. I wasn't content to wait and watch for it to come back. Palladia also has anti-angiogenic properties, so is sometimes tried for other cancer types as well. But my God it's an expensive drug. For a dog Rhaegar's size, a month supply (given by mouth 3 days a week) of name brand Palladia is about $800. And he would be on this lifelong. We are getting it compounded for about half, and Rhaegar thankfully has insurance.

I actually had to request to his oncologist that this panel be added on to Rhaegar's histopath results of his lymph node. She actually said she was surprised he had the mutation based of his original tumor biopsy results. So I would recommend doing it for any MCT!!

His oncologist literally hasn't mentioned the typical benadryl/tagamet protocol at any point, but we've been doing a modified version anyway. He is also on high doses of Turkey Tail mushroom (cannot afford Im-yunity) and he's already been on a low carb fresh food diet for a long time. I've also been giving Apocaps, and he has his first acupuncture/chiropractic appointment soon.

So basically I'm trying to do EVERYTHING in my power to keep him healthy and strong, including giving him the very best and happiest and most enriched life I possibly can. Sometimes it feels like he is all that anchors me to this earth.

https://cvm.msu.edu/vdl/laboratory-...rognosis-of-canine-cutaneous-mast-cell-tumors

Thank you so, so much for sharing all of this. It's very valuable information to me and I'm going to share this with my daughter as well. Please keep us updated on how you're all doing. Some of us have watched your boy grow up. He's special to us.

 

[Joao M]

Sad news indeed. But stay strong and fight the damm thing !

 

[sjdavenport]

Living his best life - we spent last weekend in the mountains, and he's enjoying fresh sand in his sandbox. Preparing to celebrate his 8th birthday next month

 

[sjdavenport]

I felt a mass on Rhaegar's spleen on April 27th. I knew instantly in my heart that it was metastasis from his mast cell tumor. We celebrated his 8th birthday on May 3rd with tears in my eyes know it was likely to be his last. He had an oncology appointment on May 5th that confirmed he has metastasis to his liver and spleen. He cannot tolerate Palladia - even with potent nausea and diarrhea meds, it made him feel so bad, so I discontinued it pretty quickly. It was so hard, but I decided on palliative care. It's not in my nature to "give up," but I did not want to see him sick even one day from something I did to him when the long term prognosis is grave anyway. The first thing I did when I got home from that horrible appointment was schedule a 4 day getaway to a 500 acre farm, where I spent every second of every day going on long walks, sitting on the porch with Rhaegar, and feeding him steaks. While we were there, we had a professional photographer come out to do a session, and the photos turned out so special. It's been 9 weeks now, and Rhaegar still feels well. We walk at sunrise and sunset every day, every meal is cooked fresh (lamb leg, ground lamb, salmon, eggs, a bit of butternut squash), I make time to just sit with him every day. He adores tracking and nosework, so I made sure we do that several times a week. His great love in life is food, and I've always been so strict to keep him lean, but he has probably gained 10lbs from all the extra pizza and ice cream and all the things I've never allowed - his dream come true. I've clipped hair and made ink pawprint impressions. I promised I would not let him suffer, but I know will never be ready to let him go. I pray for strength when the time comes. Right now, you would never know anything's wrong. I just want it to stay this way forever.

 

[glen]

Oh my, iv got true sad tears, iv always loved seeing pics of rhaegar, i can remember commenting on his puppy pics, his face always looks so cheeky and happy, hes lived the best life with you, and youll give him the best until the time comes, give him a big hug from me. Im afraid im goung through the same, budcuss as got cancer, hes near 10. Nothing can be done and im doing the same, we are giving him whatever he wants, they are truely the most loving loyal parts of our lives, i will be thinking of you and rhaegar. X

 

[kingmark]

I felt a mass on Rhaegar's spleen on April 27th. I knew instantly in my heart that it was metastasis from his mast cell tumor. We celebrated his 8th birthday on May 3rd with tears in my eyes know it was likely to be his last. He had an oncology appointment on May 5th that confirmed he has metastasis to his liver and spleen. He cannot tolerate Palladia - even with potent nausea and diarrhea meds, it made him feel so bad, so I discontinued it pretty quickly. It was so hard, but I decided on palliative care. It's not in my nature to "give up," but I did not want to see him sick even one day from something I did to him when the long term prognosis is grave anyway. The first thing I did when I got home from that horrible appointment was schedule a 4 day getaway to a 500 acre farm, where I spent every second of every day going on long walks, sitting on the porch with Rhaegar, and feeding him steaks. While we were there, we had a professional photographer come out to do a session, and the photos turned out so special. It's been 9 weeks now, and Rhaegar still feels well. We walk at sunrise and sunset every day, every meal is cooked fresh (lamb leg, ground lamb, salmon, eggs, a bit of butternut squash), I make time to just sit with him every day. He adores tracking and nosework, so I made sure we do that several times a week. His great love in life is food, and I've always been so strict to keep him lean, but he has probably gained 10lbs from all the extra pizza and ice cream and all the things I've never allowed - his dream come true. I've clipped hair and made ink pawprint impressions. I promised I would not let him suffer, but I know will never be ready to let him go. I pray for strength when the time comes. Right now, you would never know anything's wrong. I just want it to stay this way forever.

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I am so sorry for you having to go through this i am praying for you all

 

[Mag-Pie]

I’m so very sorry to hear this… reading through this thread brought tears to my eyes. I just saw this post, after being away from the forum. Rhaegar was always such a wonderful and smart pup, I remember his puppy pics and that lovable face, and how you trained with him early on, from back in the day when this place was amazing, full of helpful information and had a very active community. I know how much he means to you, and that you will do what needs to be done to take the best care of him. You gave him an amazing fun filled life experience, there is no doubt in my mind about that. Giving him what he wants and enjoys, now, seems like the best thing to do. I do the same. My boy Luther is almost 10 years old, although he haven’t had any serious health issues, now I’m always worried about him and any change that might be happening. I wish we had more time with our beloved pups. Stay strong.

 

[sjdavenport]

We said goodbye to Rhaegar on August 1st, the hardest day of my life. Almost a year ago now. He was only just 8 He let me know he was ready, and we helped him pass peacefully here at home. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't grieve for him, but the tears do come less and less often. I keep waiting for my memories of him to bring me happiness instead of pain and sadness, but I'm not there yet. The thought of his chronic illnesses and then cancer just eat away at me. I wish I had done things differently, and I hope I can do better for my girls. We welcomed another Beauceron puppy into our home in March, and she has been a much needed distraction. I wanted to want another male corso, but I knew I would only wish that they were Rhaegar instead of loving them for them. So not yet.
My last photos taken of Rhaegar, my small memorial to him, and our current crew of girls. I miss you Rhaegar. I hope you knew how loved you were.

 

[glen]

We said goodbye to Rhaegar on August 1st, the hardest day of my life. Almost a year ago now. He was only just 8 He let me know he was ready, and we helped him pass peacefully here at home. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't grieve for him, but the tears do come less and less often. I keep waiting for my memories of him to bring me happiness instead of pain and sadness, but I'm not there yet. The thought of his chronic illnesses and then cancer just eat away at me. I wish I had done things differently, and I hope I can do better for my girls. We welcomed another Beauceron puppy into our home in March, and she has been a much needed distraction. I wanted to want another male corso, but I knew I would only wish that they were Rhaegar instead of loving them for them. So not yet.
My last photos taken of Rhaegar, my small memorial to him, and our current crew of girls. I miss you Rhaegar. I hope you knew how loved you were.
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I always remember rhaegar with a smile, i remember his puppy pics and as he grew.
I truely know how you feel. We lost gandalf and budcuss, there isnt a day i dont miss them, we did get another male, hes related to my boys.
Your pack is amazing, and i look forward to the day when your male cc is along side them.
Hope your ok, take care.

 

[Agapemastiffs]

I always find myself coming back here for the big events. Rhaegar has metastatic mast cell cancer. He had a low grade mast cell tumor completely removed on his chest in December 2020 with good margins. Then almost an entire year later, literally as we were introducing him to our brand new beauceron puppy, I was stroking him and felt a large, hard lymph node in his armpit near where the tumor was removed. Tears instantly sprang to my eyes. I knew in my heart exactly what it was. Tests confirmed it to be a metastatic lymph node from the tumor that has been gone for almost a year. It was removed surgically, and determined that he has the c-KIT mutation, which likely caused that "low grade" tumor to behave more aggressively.

Rhaegar is strong and brave, and I so hope to have years with him yet. We have declared WAR on this cancer. We just finished his eighth and last chemo treatment, and now will start him on Palladia, a targeted cancer therapy, long term if he tolerates it. Rhaegar doesn't know anything is wrong; I try not to let him know that I worry about him. He just knows that he goes for a car ride, gets a few needle sticks (which he is well accustomed to due to chronic issues) and gets fed steak and lamb sausages afterwards by the loving vet techs who say he's always been a perfect gentleman and a dream to work with. Then we would go to the petstore across the street from the oncologist for him to pick out a new toy every week with his chemo treatment. He has experienced zero side effects from the chemo, and we are living his best life together, and I hope to do so for a long time yet. His latest staging tests were clear for cancer spread.

Please pray for my boy. I need him here with me.

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I always find myself coming back here for the big events. Rhaegar has metastatic mast cell cancer. He had a low grade mast cell tumor completely removed on his chest in December 2020 with good margins. Then almost an entire year later, literally as we were introducing him to our brand new beauceron puppy, I was stroking him and felt a large, hard lymph node in his armpit near where the tumor was removed. Tears instantly sprang to my eyes. I knew in my heart exactly what it was. Tests confirmed it to be a metastatic lymph node from the tumor that has been gone for almost a year. It was removed surgically, and determined that he has the c-KIT mutation, which likely caused that "low grade" tumor to behave more aggressively.

Rhaegar is strong and brave, and I so hope to have years with him yet. We have declared WAR on this cancer. We just finished his eighth and last chemo treatment, and now will start him on Palladia, a targeted cancer therapy, long term if he tolerates it. Rhaegar doesn't know anything is wrong; I try not to let him know that I worry about him. He just knows that he goes for a car ride, gets a few needle sticks (which he is well accustomed to due to chronic issues) and gets fed steak and lamb sausages afterwards by the loving vet techs who say he's always been a perfect gentleman and a dream to work with. Then we would go to the petstore across the street from the oncologist for him to pick out a new toy every week with his chemo treatment. He has experienced zero side effects from the chemo, and we are living his best life together, and I hope to do so for a long time yet. His latest staging tests were clear for cancer spread.

Please pray for my boy. I need him here with me.

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View attachment 63444Prayers