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Groovy's cancer journey - page 1
Groovy's Cancer Journey
Groovy went to our vet Dr. Anderson to get a mosquito bite sized lump checked out.  I thought it was a bug bite, but when it did not go away after a couple of weeks, we went to the Animal Hospital of Orange Grove, the best place on the coast to go for all your doggie needs.  It turned out to be a mast cell tumor.  Dr. Anderson also found another flat lump on Groovy's hip, so he removed that as well.  It was fibrosarcoma.  Also removed were 3 tumors (mast cell) on his chest. The largest was the size of a mosquito bite and the others were tiny. The histopath showed that some of the fibrosarcoma still remained, so we were referred to LSU oncology for a second surgery. He had lots of tests done... bone marrow aspirate, bone core biopsy, CBC, buffy coat, x-rays, urinalysis, ultrasound.
The bone marrow aspirate showed increased mast cells, so a bone core biopsy needed to be done to determine if there was metastasis to the bone marrow.  If Groovy has bone marrow cancer, it would be terminal and he would only have about 6 months to live, but thankfully the test results showed that was not the case.  We love everyone at LSU and feel Groovy is in the best possible care, but one thing I had to get used to in the beginning of all his visits was the fact that each time I visited LSU, someone would always have something to tell me that would completely scare the hell out of me.
LSU recommended 2 major reconstructive surgeries: the 1st to remove the fibrosarcoma, and the 2nd to make sure that all of the mast cell tumor cells were removed, since one was a grade 2. Groovy then had the 1st surgery in March. All of the fibrosarcoma could not be removed. No gross disease was left, but cancer cells were left, so Groovy was scheduled for 21 treatments of radiation. He is a big strong man and he has been through a lot!  After he recovers from the radiation, we will get another CT and hopefully it will show NOTHING.  His prognosis is EXCELLENT. He still has a mast cell tumor surgery ahead of him.
Groovy is the same strong boy he has always been. The radiation burned his skin, but the toughest part has been keeping him from licking that area. Groovy still bounces around playfully, and he is definitely still the man of the house, just ask him!
When Groovy went in for his original surgery for the mast cell tumors, I did not even know about the fibrosarcoma, Dr. Anderson was the one who found and removed that. If it were not for Dr. Anderson, Groovy would not be receiving treatment for his fibrosarcoma, instead, it would still be growing inside him. I had noticed this flat sized lump on him, but Groovy had cut himself in that exact spot previously while playing rambunctiously, so after it healed I thought that mass was merely scar tissue. I did not realize that tumor cells can develop in scar tissue.
This site is maintained by Cassandra Tynes, Groovy's mom
Photos of Groovy on his road to recovery...
Groovy's first surgery was done by Dr. Anderson at Animal Hospital of Orange Grove in Gulfport. After that, Groovy was referred to LSU oncology for another surgery.
Groovy resting on the couch after his second surgery done by Dr. Hedlund at LSU. E-collar was used to prevent him from tearing his bandage off.
Photo of Groovy's stitches and staples after bandage removal.
Groovy celebrated his 6th birthday during his radiation therapy. Here is his cake. The hottie pictured on the cake is Groovy.
After 2nd surgery, there was no gross disease left, but cancer cells did remain, so Groovy began his radiation therapy (21 radiation treatments over 7 weeks). This is a photo after several weeks of radiation. It is irritated looking partially because of the radiation, but at this point mostly because Groovy has been able to reach it and lick it.
Beginning to lose hair.
Groovy recovered from surgery. Here he is playing, this is about a week into his radiation.
Groovy celebrated his birthday during his radiation therapy.
Toys rock!
Groovy gets extra toys because he is going through a lot right now.
Groovy was wearing an E-collar to prevent him from licking his healing incision and radiated area, but the contortionist could reach it so we had to switch to the "no bite" style collar above...
LSU SVM Rocks!
Groovy celebrates his birthday with his oncologist Dr. Rachel Reiman & all his pals at LSU SVM!!!
Groovy was still able to reach his radiated area on his hip, so we had to cover it with "Groovy britches", and we strapped it to his collar.  Believe it or not, Houdini was able to escape from this outfit completely several times! Groovy always stands quietly and patiently each time I need to change his "britches".
The whole reason for this outfit he is wearing is solely to keep him from licking that area. I know it is not a pretty outfit, but I was desperate and had to go with whatever would work.
Here's Groovy with his e-collar. It's great for catching balls in.  He has become very accustomed to this collar. If it gets caught on anything - or anyone, he just keeps going until the collar bends or until whatever or whoever he runs into simply falls out of his way, including me, and his canine siblings. Dreamy still runs away from him or growls when he gets too close to her.
Photo taken during 6th week of radiation. His hip is very dry but I apply gel 3 times a day. He's losing more hair. He does not seem to be in any pain doing everyday things, but when I apply gel, sometimes I touch a tender spot and he will swing around and try to lick it while slapping me in the head with his e-collar. He is able to sleep comfortably, but because of the collar and "britches", he can not curl up in a doughnut as he likes, because if he could, he would lick his hip all day.
Radiation has not made Groovy sick. The hardest part is that he has to wear his e-collar and britches to impede him from reaching and licking his hip, which would make it worse.  He still has a mast cell tumor surgery in his future...I will update this page with his progress.
Groovy's cancer journey
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