Relay's Cancer Story

Once again, Dr. Usher performed his magic on Relay. She was in the hospital for 4 of the longest days of my life. But I knew she was exactly where she needed to be.

I choose not to visit Relay daily so as not upset her each time I left her behind. Relay had the best care possible, and they only teased me a few times that I had sent pancakes (yummy!), peanut butter and tuna (with the can opener) in Relay's food stash, along with 3 pages of instructions on how to look after her!

The incision healed quickly. After several weeks of the pathologists trying to classify Relay's tumour, the diagnosis was that she had an undifferentiated, soft tissue sarcoma. The course of treatment was for 20 fractions of radiation at the University of Guelph - 5 days in a row for 4 consecutive weeks - general anaesthetic for each treatment. Due to the location of the tumour resting on the spinous process, radiation would most likely destroy her spinal cord, so the decision was easy and quick to make. So between that and the excessive anaesthetic, there would be no radiation. The rate of tumour recurrence is 3 years and it was decided that should the tumour return, we will take it out again.

Relay's Cancer Story
	At the age of 8.5 years, in July 2005, a small lump was noticed on Relay's back. It actually first appeared to resemble a muscle spasm on her heavily muscled body. After keeping an eye on it for a month or so, a biopsy was conducted. It revealed only fatty tissue - a lipoma - no big deal for a dog her age. The instructions were to watch and see if it grows.
	By September 2005, it was obvious that the lump was growing. Another biopsy revealed different results. Cancer cells. Not good -- almost never good.
	Relay had an ultrasound to ensure that the cancer had not metastasized to her heart and lungs, and once she was clear, the surgery for removal was booked. In October 2005, a tumour resembling purply cottage cheese was removed. Parts of the tumour rested on her spinous process and had to be scrapped off. After a sizable amount of tissue and muscle mass was removed, the remaining tissue showed clean margins! This is the 2nd surgery Dr. Usher had preformed on Relay. As a puppy, she had a histiocytoma removed from the middle back of her back and you can faintly see the scar on her back.
	Once again, Dr. Usher performed his magic on Relay. She was in the hospital for 4 of the longest days of my life. But I knew she was exactly where she needed to be. I choose not to visit Relay daily so as not upset her each time I left her behind. Relay had the best care possible, and they only teased me a few times that I had sent pancakes (yummy!), peanut butter and tuna (with the can opener) in Relay's food stash, along with 3 pages of instructions on how to look after her! The incision healed quickly. After several weeks of the pathologists trying to classify Relay's tumour, the diagnosis was that she had an undifferentiated, soft tissue sarcoma. The course of treatment was for 20 fractions of radiation at the University of Guelph - 5 days in a row for 4 consecutive weeks - general anaesthetic for each treatment. Due to the location of the tumour resting on the spinous process, radiation would most likely destroy her spinal cord, so the decision was easy and quick to make. So between that and the excessive anaesthetic, there would be no radiation. The rate of tumour recurrence is 3 years and it was decided that should the tumour return, we will take it out again.
	At her 12+ month check up in January 2007, there is no evidence of any tumour regrowth. Her weight is good, vitals are good, still enjoys her daily walks and occasionally will bust into a boxer burn / freedom run. There is nothing scarier to hear that your dog has cancer. You develop a new normal. The stress - emotionally and financially - is enormous. But it's at this time in life that you have to close your eyes and open your wallet! Sadly, we have lost several dear fur friends over the past few years to cancer who didn't get a second chance. For now, we feel so lucky and continue to embrace each day as if we are in the bonus round! Relay obviously feels good! There is a spirit and brightness in Relay's eyes that hasn't been there for a few years. She is now 10 years old and enjoying her life to the fullest. Her friend young friend Bond has rejuvenated her. I feel absolutely blessed for each day and I pray for another tomorrow. For now, she is cancer survivor and she is perfect! UPDATE: In August 2007, Relay was diagnosed with having an another tumour residing in her high up groin area - probably an offshoot of the first tumour - it was inoperable. It was going to cut off her femoral artery eventually -- but that never did happen... We moved to Idaho to work in August 2007, and in February 2008 Relay made the bad turn - her breathing was the worst symptom and she felt like she was drowning. Five days later, on 22 February 2008, I set her free of her pain and suffering. Not a day goes by that I don't think of her. My heart was broken. She was my first love.