Update on Rusty's Cancer

[Chuck Holliman]

Rusty went to the Dr. Monday afternoon for his 2nd follow-up. The Dr. said that everything is healing as expected and he removed the drain tube, which should make Rusty a little more comfortable as he doesn’t have to wear the surgical sweater & vacuum bottle. Rusty’s next appointment is Sunday afternoon when Dr. Huber will remove his sutures; this week is going to be a challenge for us as the sutures are beginning to heal & pull and Rusty wants to get to them, which is a big NO NO. The surgery area is already showing improvement in appearance and he has a little “peach fuzz” hair growth coming in. Rusty was very appreciative of his outing, even going to the Vet where he loves everyone. The Dr. said that he could have visits from his non-doggy friends starting today.

We talked to the Dr. Monday evening and he had just received the pathology results from Colorado State University; the report said that the tumor has “clean edges” which means Dr. Huber removed all of the tumor and a margin of clean tissue around it. Dr. Huber cautioned us that he is pleased with the report but that is not a guarantee that he removed 100% of the tumor as something could always be hidden. If the report had come back with “dirty edges” that would have required additional surgery or radiation. The report also indicated that with the larger tissue sample, the Sarcoma could possibly be a level 2 rather than the original level 3. Dr. Huber said that while level 2 was less aggressive than level 3, it is still a very aggressive form of cancer, especially in a dog of Rusty’s age. The report did not change his prognosis on the cancer returning in the next 1 to 3 years. After Dr. Huber removes the sutures on Sunday, we will spend an hour with Dr. Macy, who is an Oncologist and will begin Rusty’s Chemotherapy treatment at that time.

Rusty is learning to get up and down much easier now and even sat on his haunch for the first time last night; his balance on three legs has also improved. He has to remain on a leash to keep him from trying to run or jump for another three weeks. Rusty’s appetite has returned and every day he is acting more like his old self, which is amazing as it just over a week that he had surgery.

I posted 4 photos that the Vet took of Rusty before and after surgery.

Chuck & Jan

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

We will keep you all in our thoughts. Rusty just could be the case that the cancer DOESNT come back. We see it in humans, right?

[The Berry Oaks Doodle Ranch]

We're so glad Rusty feels' better...lot's of love...to be sure.

[Patty]

Sending positive energy to Rusty (and to you)!

[Rose]

Thank you for the update. I'm gad to hear Rusty is doing well. I'm keeping all of you in my prayers.

[Michele, Biscuit & Mo]

Go, Rusty, go! Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Treasure every moment together.

[Kyoko]

What a trouper! I will continue to pray for his fast recovery....

[LINDA & TEDDY]

I have kept Rusty, you and Jan in my thoughts and prayers and was eagerly awaiting for those good reports from the lab. It was great to hear the news. Rusty is now on his way to full health. I just know he will continue to amaze and delight you for many, many years.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm so glad the news on the margins and the tumor was positive. I'll be keeping Rusty in my prayers.

[Ann Kendig]

I hope that Rusty (and Snickers) have a long and happy life! Thank you so much for the update.

[Kathy Spyker]

Thank you for the update..so glad you had some good news. I am glad things are getting a little easier for Rusty. He's a lucky doodle to have you's .