Lumps and bumps-(Cancer)

[Debbie, Brianna and Duncan]

Last month, I noticed that our little 2yr old Brianna had developed a small lump between her lower canine tooth and the front small tooth. I called our vet, and got her right away. He said not to worry, it is only a Gingival Hyperplasia, and probably caused from an irritation. He sent us home to keep an eye on it for changes, etc. and recommended removing it if it becomes uncomfortable or have it remove during a routine dental procedure. O.K. that is not a problem, and made me very happy it was nothing. Well, about two weeks later, I noticed it was bleeding, probably from the upper Canine tooth coming down on top I thought and so I called the vet again and he said not to worry and it is a simple Gingivectomy (lop off of the lump) and so we did this. I did insisted that a biopsy be sent in. He mentioned the cost, I told him to go ahead and biopsy the lump. Well, our little lump according to the Histopathology Report is called a Plasmacytoma, a Plasma Cell Tumor. It states this particular neoplasm is considered to be one of the more pleomorphic types and thus, these can have more aggressive local behavior and metastasize.......and the Prognosis is fair. We have now gone for a second opinion from another vet that came highly recommended (this is good reference to alt. vets http://www.perseusfoundation.org/new-petowner/visit.cfm ) And we have been using them for our other dog with medical issues with good outcome. We are on an alt. treatment protocol for her and we will be back for a re check in a couple of weeks. Concurrently looking at an Oncologist in Glendale, WI. Does anyone have experience with Veterinary Oncologists? Thanks much, Debbie and little Brianna

Update 10/27/09 Not the best news.....I took Brianna in for a checkup on Friday. She is doing so well, and thought this would go so smooth. But, I saw this pimple sized (looks a lot like a canker sore) growth behind the lower Canine tooth on the bottom, on the same side as the original tumor. It is very small! Even he mentioned it was too small to even biopsy. The vet sent the report of this to the Oncologist that we are seeing. I just spoke with receptionist over the phone today and the Onc wants to do another Biopsy through their dentist.....I asked a ton of question regarding depth and all but she could not answer this. I will be getting a call back as soon as the records make it over to the dentist specialist and then we will be making an appointment along with the info in what she wants them to do. :(((

Update 11-17-09Finally!! I got the low-down! NO second biopsy (yet) wait and watch. After the Onc. office called-I wanted more info....this is been killing me. No word for two and a half weeks on what she was prescribing and having us do....The Onc was out for the first week at a seminar, then went on vacation I guess....I called our vet during the first week when she was out ...he did the original Biopsy, to see if maybe he could get a message in to her and get something back...nothing! Ok, I took Brianna into him and had him look at this regrowth behind the tooth. He said it would be too small to biopsy (just like the alt vet said), but agreed there is something there, and could be a scar! O.K. now what? He called back yesterday that the Onc. finally called and they discussed the findings....there was a miscommunication with the Alt vet and report, and she had in Brianna's chart that any regrowth means second biopsy, and why she just wanted me to jump her into the dentist! Crums sake, I could have done just that and while she was on VACATION had my poor baby under the knife! Ok I am done venting, but I am taking this a much better new and thankful AGAIN it looks like we are going to be just fine.......

[Debbie, Brianna and Duncan]

I am so sad about this and she is just always such a happy little girl!! Poor little Brianna may be in for a second biopsy next week. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. I wrote an update in the original post. Thanks, Deb

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am very sorry to hear about Brianna. The surgery is not something you'd want to have, of course. Did the vet give you any information about whether the surgery might be all she'll need?

[Debbie, Brianna and Duncan]

I don't know this yet. I was once again surprised by the vets reaction being 'well I think it is too small to biopsy' he sent all of his report up and then I got the call from the Oncologist office telling us to get in to their specialist dentist for the second biopsy.....I am very trusting that this Oncologist is one of the best in our area. I have not yet spoken to her on this in person, but I will soon I hope soon. And the dentist as soon as I can next week to get the details. I struggle to rap my head around this and don't know what to expect. I can pull up a couple of papers on this so far but not the exact surgury yet and so far I have not lost this computer in doing so, so I will be up again very late tonight once the kids get off to bed.

[Ellen aka BeauBeau's Mom]

hopefully this will also be a case of doing a biopsy beacuse it is better to be safe than sorry, like Beau's. I know what you are going through, and I am sorry you are suffering through this. Please give a kiss to Brianna from BeauBeau. The uncertainty is the torture. I think my hair went gray during that week. We are all praying for you and Brianna!