Monday, July 13, 2009

The Report

Pathology report is back. I have been waiting all day to actually talk to the vet but I am still waiting. So I will share what I know. First here is a shot of Phantom on his way in from a quick potty trip. He still has the itchies and he is still camping out in his crate:(


So as we had expected, the tumor is malignant. It is a spindle cell neoplasia, grade 3 hemangiopericytoma. That's quite a mouthful. From what I understand, it is a tumor that can metastasize but usually does not. It is highly likely to recur and to do so with a vengeance. Results are best if the mass removed has clean margins of at least 3 centimeters. They did get clean margins with Phantom's mass but only a margin of 2-3 millimeters, a huge difference between 3 millimeters and 3 centimeters. Options are limited. Radiation or nothing. Until I talk to the vet, I guess I have to be patient. I know that radiation is very hard on a dog and I know how Phantom has already reacted to his current experience. My heart says I can't put him through that, but I will wait for the facts. If radiation is ruled out, then we wait and see how long it takes for the tumor to grow back and it will grow back. From what I have read, a second surgery will be even more difficult with a larger invasion and deeper penetration. I would have to cross that bridge at that time. It is very hard to deal with this happening so soon after the loss of Dakota, but that's the way it is. Most of what I have written here I have gathered from the pathology report and from a host of good solid websites. Wouldn't it be wonderful if they were all wrong?

Kathie

89 comments:

  1. We will pray that it does not return and that he is able to feel comfortable. Sending hugs! We know this is so very hard.

    love & wags,
    River & mom

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  2. Phantom looks adorable in his blue shirt!

    We will be praying for him. We wish we could give him and you a BIG hug!

    Lots of Luv & Kisses
    Addie, Lucie, and Hailey

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  3. Well, woo know our thoughts...they are the same ones we've been pawing fur the last week or two...

    We'll keep the paws khrossed and the vibes khoming...

    Hugz&Khysses,
    Khyra and Her Mom

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  4. w00fs, not the news me wuz hoping fur..me not nos what to say,just no me will pray wiff all my mite that hes ok and that dont grow back..ur in our thoughts and prayers..

    b safe,
    ~rocky~

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  5. We are going to be praying for Phantom. We hope for the best!

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  6. Kathie,

    I'm so sorry to hear this news. All your pals will be with you as you and Phantom deal with his illness.

    Tons of wirey love to help keep you strong.

    Joan (and Jake and Just Harry)

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  7. We are so sorry to hear this. We've got our paws crossed that it does not/has not metastasized and does not recur.

    Hopefully the itchies will go away soon so that he can return to his normal playfulness.

    Princess Eva

    p.s. Phantom looks very fetching in blue.

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  8. Yes, I was hopping for a different report.
    I have my paws crossed and my mom is praying for Phantom.
    I hope the Vet can do something that is not painful for him.
    Take care
    Kisses and hugs
    Lorenza

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  9. We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers just like always, and that Phantom will get to feeling better soon,
    We send our love- we care for all of you,
    love
    tweedles
    and moms

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  10. We're still praying for Phantom here and hope you get to talk to the vet soon.

    Steve and Kat

    PS. The flowers on your deck are very pretty!

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  11. Mommy is so sorry the report wasn't what we all wanted to hear. Mommy is still prayering Phantom will be stable soon. We wish we could be there to give all of you some kisses and huggies.

    Your porch is beautiful with all the pretty flowers but mostly because Phantom is there too!!

    {{{huggies}}.

    PS...may Mommy use that porch pic with Phantom on my blog.

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  12. Mom is getting watery again and wants me to tell you that her heart goes out to all of you!

    Diego Dog

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  13. Love the shirts (what can we say we have a passion for fashion). All joking aside we will keep you in our nightly puppy prayers and send good poodle vibes your way!

    All the best to you Phantom and your loving family.

    Shout out to Thunder...we know you are being a supportive sibling to phantom!

    Licks and waggies,
    Mollie and Bobo

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  14. We were hoping for something different, but with advice from your Vet and whats in your heart, you will know what to do.

    Phantom will stay right in our hearts and prayers for always.

    Kisses,
    Stella and her Mom

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  15. Oh no, sorry to hear this. We are sending extra-special Dennis "Never Give Up" vibes Phantom's way.

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  16. We will pray very hard for Phantom. I hope Phantom is getting more comfortable from the surgery. I guess we just have to wait and hope and pray every day. My heart goes out to you.

    Anne and Sasha

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  17. Hi Kathie,

    We hope the vet has some good news. I can't imagine what your going through right now. You all are in our thoughts and prayers... sugar will keep her paws crossed.

    xo sugar & martine

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  18. WE'RE PRAYING FOR YOU PHANTOM... MAMA HAS LEAKY EYES AND KEEPS SNIFFLING. I'D BE SNEEZING IF I WERE HER. Dakota is looking down on Phantom I'm sure trying to help out. I dont like the part where the dogs get old and/or have issues. I'm praying that we'll find out good news that it's not so bad... we hope we hope...
    Bell and her leaky eyed Mama

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  19. Poor Phantom and mum. Hope things are not as bas as they seem after you talk to the vet and big kisses to Phantom from me and grumpy Skye

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  20. Keeping them pawsitive vibes coming your way and lots of well wishes and luv from all of us here!

    Cheers & More Cheers,
    Maxx and Famiy

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  21. My heart goes out to woo and Phantom. I will keep my paws crossed for the best. Sending lots of sibe vibes!

    Hero

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  22. We are praying, sending vibes and crossing everything for Phantom!

    Mochi

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  23. We are sending TONS of AireZen your way, Phantom! We are hoping for the best!

    Love ya lots,
    Maggie and Mitch

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  24. We are all praying for Phantom and sending you all hugs and kisses!

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  25. Lots and lots of licks for you and for Phantom. Will pray for him.
    Liffey's special licks to you

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  26. Crossed paws and lots of woos coming from The Herd

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  27. Hi, Kathie...

    Phantom looks adorable in his shirt...Such a beautiful boy...

    We are so sorry to hear that the report was not what we all hoped...

    We are praying for him...Abby's paws are crossed....

    Abby & her Mom xxxxxxoooooo

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  28. We are praying for Phantom.
    Hugs to you all.
    Love Ruby & Penny

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  29. We are sooooo very sorry that you have to go through this! We will keep all our paws crossed and send lots of Aire-zen for Phantom and all of you!

    Aire-hugs,
    Poppy, Penny & Patches

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  30. Oh, that is so scary, especially now. I hope that Phantom is at least feeling better.

    Momma and Master had the "bad dog years" where they had three doggies cross over the bridge in four years.

    We will keep our paws crossed for you.

    Slobbers,
    Mango

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  31. Our paws are crossed for good Scottie vibes to come your way. And our Mom remembers you in her prayers. We know this is really hard.

    XOXO
    Lilly, Piper, Carrleigh and Java

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  32. I'd like it very much if they were all wrong and Phantom recovered completely. Nothing wrong with a bit of wishful thinking.

    Huffle Mawson and her mum

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  33. Kathie

    We were so sorry to read this report this morning. We had been hoping, really hoping the news would be good. You are all in our thoughts.

    Fiona (the little man's mom)

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  34. oh no, I was so hoping for it to be better news.
    I will keep hoping and vibing that the tumour doesn't come back. :(
    ~lickies, Ludo

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  35. It would be amazing if they were wrong, and this is the last thing you needed. I could not be more sorry to hear this news. Is there any chance of using hormone injections to restrict the regrowth? I know this is done in humans, not sure if it is a viable option in dogs...

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  36. oh Kathie, our thoughts are with you.

    I am never sure of the 'right' words, or even if there are any right words at times like this.

    Just to let you know somewhere in Scotland, we are here, rooting for Phantom and wishing him so many get well wishes.

    Paws and fingers crossed here for him. And sending you our very best love and wishes.

    Thank you also to Khyra and her Mum for letting us know about this.

    love from Jeannie xxxxx and Marvin xxxxx

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  37. So sorry to hear this. We´re keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
    hugs and kisses,
    Thor and family

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  38. Having just lost a beloved dog, I cannot imagine how hard this is for you so soon after Dakota's passing.

    I'm thinking of you. We had a miracle where the vets were wrong about a tumor in one of our dogs. He survived another 2 years. I hope that happens to you.

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  39. we are purring and purraying very hard for Phantom (and you too).

    Phantom looks furry handsome in hiw blue shert!

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  40. We are purring and purraying for Phantom! Mom sends hugs to all of you, too.

    Your pal,
    Titus

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  41. I will make sure to tell Mommy and Daddy to keep you all in our prayers and Bilbo and I will pray and send comfy vibes Phantoms way.

    Sniffles,
    Dory

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  42. My mom and I will be thinking about Phantom and whatever the margins are, hoping that the tumor does not grow back ever. Power of the paw!

    Pedro

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  43. Oh no! You and phantom are in our thoughts and prayers. May all the predictions be wrong and may the tumor stay away.

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  44. We are all right with you...sending you tons of terrier zen, love and prayers...

    Hoooge hugs to you and Phantom...he does look great in Blue!!!

    Love ya lots!

    Scruffy, Lacie, Stan and Mumsie

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  45. Wooos to Phantom, we will be keeping our paws crossed in the hopes that he does not have to go through more of this stuff.
    Mommy sends hugs, and I, puppy kisses to you!
    -Kira The BeaWootiful

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  46. wooo Phantom... despite the gloomy news, you do look oh so handsome in your blue shirt! Still praying for ya friend!!!
    Hugs,
    Sitka

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  47. Oh hon it just breaks my heart to hear this. I pray the tumor doesn't come back. The little I've heard about that type isnt good.

    When my rottie Patachou got cancer (synovial sarcoma) the tumor was wrapped around his back left knee. We did 5 rounds of radiation with him and he handled it very well. It shrunk the tumor but only for 5 1/2 months. He was also on Tramadol and Previcox (as well as nupro, ester-c and glucusamin for his joints). He had 5 1/2 good months but when the time came it came fast.

    I pray the vet can give you some good news. Candle lit and prayers on the way!

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  48. We are purring that they are wrong and the BAD tumor will not come back. Thanks for keeping us updated on Phantom's status. Please tell him that we all hope he feels better soon.

    Thunder, the party for Sniffie will be on her blog Friends Furever
    http://friendsfurevercatblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/happy-birthday-sniffie.html#comments

    But we are not sure when. The invite on facebook said today, hence our post, but somebody told us tomorrow. Why don't you come hang out with us at our house until the party. You and Fenris can chase balls, each other and whatever else doggies like to do. And NO, you may not chase us cats. ~S,S,C & F

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  49. You know you have our love and support, and always our prayers. We will definitely be sending lots of good vibes for Phantom. We know you will do whatever he needs.

    Love and hugs,
    Holly, Khady Lynn and their mom Jan

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  50. Even Expawts can be wong!
    I pway that Phantom is the exception and that the tumow stays away. I'm so sowwy that youw family is going thwough this, especially wight aftew the loss of sweet Dakota.
    You awe in ouw pwayews and thoughts.
    Phantom looks gweat in his shiwt in the bootiful Gawden.
    smoochie healing kisses
    ASTA

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  51. This is not the report we were hoping for.
    The only advice I could give is take it one step at a time.
    Frist step is clearly the vet.
    We are sending you a virtual hug and wish it was real.
    We are so sorry - you really didnt need this right now.
    On a brighter note Phantom is looking better in his picture and sometimes these things can only be dealt with a day at a time.
    Our thoughts are with you.
    love
    Martha, Bailey & Mum xxx

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  52. There is never a "good" time for such news, is there! We hope things are more optimistic after you talk to the vet.

    We're behind you on whatever you decide is best for him.

    We send purrs and tail wags for Phantom -- and for you.

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  53. this is not good news. we are going to send more power of the paw, the B power, poodle power and healing vibes for Phantom. there is still hope for him and we are going to hope for the best! it can happen.

    woofs.

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  54. OMG I am SO SORRY That you are going through this. Please know that you are all in my prayers and we are counting on the power of the paws to get you through this, you poor thing...

    We send our very best love and snuggles to you, and hope that you can find comfort in the fact that the DB is rallying behind you...

    Sincerely,
    Jaime, Benson, Gibson, Sasha & theodore

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  55. Crossed paws from the Formosan dog and his Siberian Husky gal pal. Warmest wishes. (came to you from thundering herd).

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  56. So sorry to hear about Phantom. We will keep you all in our prayers during this time and for the strength to do whatevrr you determine what is best for all of you.
    Love & Wags
    Ernie & Sasha

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  57. Leaky eyes. Life is just so not fair. You realy dont need this now, so soon after. Dakota.

    Praying it does not come galloping back.

    Thinking of you..

    Hugs GJ xxx

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  58. We are praying for a miracle. With all the blogger friends we have it has to be possible.. Hang in here mom. Huge hugs to you and Phantom..

    Big Sloppy Kisses
    Gus, Louie and Callie

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  59. oh kathie
    i am thinking of you and your whole family. your positive energy and attitude is exactly what you need for all good things to come to you.
    you are a very inspiring person and i am sending you big hugs.
    xoxoxo
    melissa

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  60. Oh Kathie - I'm so so sorry to hear this!! How awful - I just can't believe this is happening so soon after Dakota - why is it such terrible things happen to such nice people? Life is so unfair, sometimes.

    It must be so hard for you right now. I know it's probably not much help but just wanted to klet you know that we're thinking of you from far away (and Honey is sending Phantom lots of slobbers!) and we know you will make the right decision for him.

    The main thing really is that he is loved and has a good quality of life - which I know you will ensure - at least the best thing about dogs is that they don't know or worry about the future; they really do live in the moment and Phantom doesn't know his results - he just cares if he still gets his favourite toy, treat, walk and person! So at least there is that blessing.

    Hope things will be a bit easier after you speak to the vet again.

    Thinking of you -
    Hsin-Yi (& Honey)

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  61. Hello OP Pack!!!

    It is good to hear from you too!! We are all doing just fine, but have had a busy summer. Lola is my sister now. We adopted her on my birthday:) What a GREAT present!! We will start blogging more, I PROMISE!!

    We will keep Phantom in our prayers and we are sending lots of get well Pugs and Kisses:)

    XOXOXOXO
    Pugsley

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  62. We're sorry to hear this news. We are keeping Phantom in our prayers and sending hugs to all of you.

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  63. Hi!
    Well, that is not the news we were hoping for, darn it. We are SOOO sorry. Please go over ALL your options with the vet and maybe even go to an oncologist. My angel sister Kira had a cancer removed from her liver. It was a kind that would rarely metastisize, but could recur in the same spot. She was lucky. She lived 2yrs & 8mo after the diagnosis and surgery. If she had NOT had the surgery, she would have died in 2 months. The cancer did NOT return. She passed away from old age.
    Know that we are thinking of you and are here to support you throughout this whole ordeal & beyond. Our paws are still crossed and healing husky vibes coming your way.
    With love & pawsitive energy,
    Skye, the Moondance Huskies, kitties and mom Joan

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  64. Our hearts are broken for you guys. We send our love with tearful eyes.

    Hoping for a miracle.

    The OZ gang

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  65. Katie and I are praying too. It's too much for you to have to deal with this again so soon.

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  66. Dear Kathie,
    We are so sorry to hear about the results... I totally understand what you mean. Won't it be wonderful if you wake up tomorrow to find that it's all a bad dream and you have your Dakota back and Phantom does not have that nasty tumour (and I have my Lucas and Chloe back)?!
    I will be keeping you in my thoughts and Huskee and Hershey will be crossing their paws for Phantom.

    Hugs,
    Shane (plus H&H)

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  67. Oh Kathie,
    That was not what I was hoping to hear. We are doing the wait and watch thing with Noah, too. We're not sure what caused his tumor and if it will return. It's so hard to accept when they are family members.

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  68. First I must say... Adorable Boy don't deserve such thing as this! But that, you already know...

    And next I gotta say we look at the positive... there were margins! I know they not beed as much as we would hope... but they beed there. And therein lies hope.

    I don't want to make this bout me... but I had very similar results and faced similar odds and choices. If my the Mom can help you in any way... consider it done. And that is not just lip service that is sumfin what can bank on...

    For now, I want you to know... we bowed head and said prayer before this comment. You are in our minds, our hearts, our thoughts... and you will remain in our prayers.

    wif love from the Luke

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  69. Phantom...

    Sending some pawsitive vibes. It sounds like Mom is doing her research and thinking through the best thing to do. I really wish it was better news. I really do.
    Norwood

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  70. Phantom...

    Sending some pawsitive vibes. It sounds like Mom is doing her research and thinking through the best thing to do. I really wish it was better news. I really do.
    Norwood

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  71. Kathie, sorry you are going through this so soon after Dakota.
    We have our paws and fingers crossed that all the websites you've been look at are wrong and the vet has something more positive to say when you speak with him.

    Thinking of you all.

    Denise Noah Willow Tess & Lucy

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  72. We are so sorry there was not a better report. We have paws crossed and you in our puppy and mommy prayers that things go well.

    Tucker, Daisy and Mom Heidi

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  73. Heya beastly dude. We come via Mack & Paris's blog.

    Have you joined any Yahoo! groups for your condition? I bet you can link up with folks who have been through similar or even the same situation. CanineCancer is supposed to be a really good one with over 3,000 members. Perhaps it's worth a shot. K9Nutrition also has a TON of info about nutritional support during cancer therapy. That's another Yahoo! group you can join, and you can also search the archives anytime at Onibasu.com. We LOVE the K9Nutrition group.

    Have you read anything about removing grains and starches from your feasts? And adding therapeutic doses of fish oil for the omega-3s? In our past research we've learned that combo can actually slow the growth of cancer cells. Again, all that info can be found in the K9Nutrition archives.

    Yahoo! Groups search page: http://groups.yahoo.com/?ch=web&pub=fp-us&t=fp&sec=link&slk=defaultrough

    Onibasu: http://onibasu.com/

    Hope this is helpful! Best to you my shirt-wearing beast buddy!

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  74. Hi, everyone -

    We just found out about Phantom on Khyra's blog. We will keep our paws crossed and Mama will keep you all in her thoughts and prayers that you will get some "pawsitive" news.

    Love -

    Hershey and Kaci

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  75. poor phantom - so sorry to hear - we will keep you in our prayers - sorry we took so long to get to your bloggie - but mommy has been dealing with woodrow who decided to get sick

    Woodrow Sweetie & MJ

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  76. We are so sorry for this latest bad news. I'm praying that maybe it is not quite as bad as it sounds and perhaps there is another option. We are praying for you.

    Painter Pack

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  77. Oh Kathie, we are so sad to hear this. :( We are hoping for a miracle.

    Thinking of you,
    Nala & Amber

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  78. We're sending prayers for Phantom!
    Tail wags,
    Storm

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  79. You do your best. We'll be here the whole way through. Give Phantom a gentle hug from me and my mom and a good hard hug for yourself.

    I just HATE this!

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  80. Dear Kathie,
    Sooo sorry to hear this report and are sending pawsitive - as positive as possible - vibes to you and your family and pups. This has just got to be so tough. We are thinking of you so much and will keep checking in.
    Hugs and Love xo
    Sammie and family

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  81. Sweet Phantom. We have you in our thoughts, and send many many hugs.
    Will check back often.

    Sierra Rose, with mom and dad

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  82. Prayers are coming your way. They say God never gives us more than we can handle but sometimes He makes me wonder.
    ECHO and Mom

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  83. Thinking of you and sending any, all and every sibe vibe imaginable and lots of prayers and wishes.

    Stay strong and know we are all here for and with you.

    Lots of luv from all of us....

    Frankie, Maddie, Domino and their Mom

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  84. we have all 18 of our paws crossed for you.
    Morgan, Maisie, kitties & mom.

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  85. Hi Guys,
    We are hoping and praying for Phantom. Such a worrying time for you. xxxxxx

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  86. There are no words I can give to you for comfort because I know how deeply your heart aches. Please know that you and Phantom will be held close to my heart.

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  87. omdog we are so sorry to hear this news and sorry it has taken us so long to get over and send all of our terrier vibes!! We can certainly hope that it does not come back.

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  88. Hi again,
    I feel funny about providing unsolicited advice, but I wondered if you knew about "wormwood" an ancient chineese herb used to fight cancer and maleria. I used it on my dog/dingo Maggie who had aggressive liver cancer and 6 months to live. she lived 3.5 QUALITY years taking wormwood and milk thistle. The regular vet said never to walk her and just keep her quiet. On the wormowood and milk thistle, she went on 1 hour walks daily, played with other dogs (not too roughly but had fun) and ate fairly well. Wormwood is supposed to attract iron cells, which cancer loves, and then expell them from the body. It's a really hard herb to find and I had to purchase it (it was cheap) through my holistic vet. But thought to just throw that out there as food for thought.

    Hope Phantom does lots better. and we Paw for him at Wild Dingo!

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