Zena's tumor was a non-spenic hemangiosarcoma. Non-splenic just means that it wasn't in her spleen -- which is unusual. I guess that's why it was able to grow so big. This type of cancer usually grows in the spleen or heart and causes the organ to rupture.
But it's a pretty aggressive and highly malignant form of cancer. :-( Removing the existing tumor relieved her immediate symptoms and pretty much saved her life, but not for long. She likely only has about 3 months after doing the surgery. If we do chemo, that maybe gives her another 3 months. We have opted to do chemo because we just aren't ready to stop looking at that face.
I am being particularly selfish. I just don't want to face the holidays without mom AND without my Zena girl. Everything we've read about chemo for pets says that they tolerate it much better than humans -- mostly because they aren't receiving as strong of a dose. And that is true. Zena is eating and playing and seems to be really fine. It's hard to believe that she has such a short time to live.
It's been a tough year for sure. And I've definitely lost my "I care" mojo and have put back on some of the weight I lost. I need to get back in the groove. I tend to reach for food for comfort and I've needed a lot of comfort this year. :-( I really need to stop the pity party. It's just hard to do knowing what lies ahead with Zena.
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