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Murphy Begins his Battle with Oral Chondrosarcoma

by Jan
(Colorado Springs)

Murphy

My Murphy is the funniest, most lovable dog with more personality than any dog I've ever known. After my marriage of 24 years fell apart, I decided on what would have been my 25th anniversary to get a "new partner." That's where Murphy came into my life. He made me laugh when I was sad and he came into my life when I was so depressed. That was in 2004.

Today he is 10 and last week after taking him to the vet, they removed a mass from his lower gum which came back as Chondrosarcoma. I'm learning that this is extremely aggressive and fast growing. I don't want to put my best friend through invasive surgery. He's been too good to me through the years to do that to him, but I have no idea how much time I have with him since he is still appearing to be so healthy.

My heart is broken because I love him so much. I can hardly keep the tears back each day I look at him.

If anyone has had a dog diagnosed with oral Chondrosarcoma I would love to hear from you.

(Submitted Wednesday, April 10, 2013)

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Jan 13, 2018
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To Trent in Omaha
by: Jan Whitney

Yes it's been a while, but I always take the time to read comments from people who have been so kind as to read mine. Thank you for your words, and I am sorry for your loss. Hopefully with time you'll get another pet.

Jan

Jan 10, 2018
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Been in your shoes
by: Trent from Omaha Ne

Very sorry that you had to let your Murphy go. It is a very hard thing to do. You want to hang on to them as long as you can but it sometimes doesn't feel fair.

We had a German Shepherd/chow mix 10 years old that had a tumor that seemed larger than it was on the farthest part of her tongue. Basically top of her throat. We had to say goodbye to her about a month after finding the tumor.

May 28, 2015
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Oral chondrosarcoma in a Pekinese
by: Adriana

Hello,

I just find out yesterday that my dog has the same diagnosis.

The options received from my vet were to operate him or to think very serious to put him to sleep.

He's not young (15 years old) and the option of removing his jaw is not very easy to accept due to all the pain he will feel after and also due to the risk of the cancer to appear in another location.

I want him to be happy for the days that he has left but please, if you can tell me anything that you did in a similar situation or if you can give me any recommendation of alternative medicine to stop the tumor in his mouth to grow, I will be very grateful.

I don't know what to do, it hurts but the only thing I want is to help him that the last days from his life to be happy and not in pain.

Thank you in advance,
Adriana

Jan 06, 2015
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Our 14 year old lab is going through the same
by: LouAnn

So saddened to read about your Murphy.

Our 14 year old lab, Panther, had a growth on his upper gum area removed Nov. 2013. We found it when I noticed his water bowl had blood in it. Vet said it was aggressive cancer and it probably would come back (anywhere from 2 month to 2 years). For the past few weeks, we notice it has come back quicker and bigger than before.

My heart breaks because Panther is my 5 year old son's best friend. Panther has dismissed his eating from 2 times a day to barely one time a day. Still had a normal potty schedule and no accidents in the house. Still loves to play outside with the kids, just moving a lot slower. No blood in his water yet, but I notice it growing each day (looks like cauliflower) coming out of his lip.

My question is... How long do we let this go on until we take him to the vet to be put down? We have 2 small children, 8 and 5. I don't think I want them to see him suffer. Surgery is not an option with his age. He gave us 14 wonderful year, but it's hard to make the decision to let him go.

May 23, 2014
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Battle is over :-(
by: Anna

We had Buddy on pain meds for about 3 months but the pain got to be too much. He had his last hurrah on Easter Sunday when he ran off and let the kids chase him down 3 times. Shortly after that we noticed the tumor had significant growth, his eyes and ears were affected, he was barely eating. We fed him like a king on his last few days. We had to let him go 2 weeks ago. House seems so empty without him!

May 22, 2014
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My Henry
by: Jackie

My 6 year old English Mastiff has an oral cancerous tumor. Its so hard. Some days are good and he's himself and others he seems so sad and doesn't have much energy. I break down every day.

Today was a good day! He played, ate and even wanted treats!

Thank you for sharing your story.

Mar 17, 2014
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Our Tucker
by: Linda

Our Tucker, 11 years old, has been diagnosed with the same disease your Murphy had. What a heartache. He's been such a loved member of our family. It is so difficult.

I hope that time has done you well, and by now perhaps you have a new companion to share your days with. It is such a wonder, how our canine friends are such gifts to our lives.

Jan 23, 2014
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9 year old lab/chow Buddy & oral chondrosarcoma
by: Anna

Jan,

Thank you for sharing your heartache. My husband and I are saddened today with the news of Buddy's biopsy results from a swelling on his upper gum line. Calcified chondrosarcoma. Our regular vet says this is a rare tumor and out of his scope. We'll consult a veterinary dentist next week for x-rays to see if it's deep in the bones. He has already lost one incisor. We agree no invasive surgeries for Buddy. He's been such a loving companion.

Blessings to you.
Anna

May 31, 2013
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Murphy loses his courageous battle
by: Jan

On May 16, 2013, I said my last goodbye to Murphy.

The growth in his mouth went from the size of a small abscess to the size of an egg. Although he still was playing, jumping, and wagging his tail, his mouth was bleeding constantly and soon he was struggling to pick up his food, although he had quite the appetite.

I don't think I've gone through anything harder in my life than saying goodbye to him. It has now been two weeks and my heart is still so heavy. I miss him so much.

If anyone is going through this same diagnosis and would like to talk, please leave a comment, and I will at that time give you my email address.

God bless all the folks who are saying goodbye to their precious pets. I understand the pain.

Apr 15, 2013
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Thanks
by: Jan

Thank you to all of you for your very kind comments. It does help a little to know others have gone through this, or are going through this and are feeling what I am feeling. It makes me feel not so alone.

On Wednesday, the 17th, I will get an update from my vet.

To those of you who are experiencing what I am experiencing, God bless you all. And thank you again.

Apr 15, 2013
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We are with you
by: Chris-Lynn-Star

Murphy is a cracker as the Irish would say.

We are saying goodbye to our dog Star at the moment, we don't know how long this process will take for certain and it hurts like the very devil but we try to be positive and we don't hold back the tears when they come and come they do on an hourly basis. We are walking, playing and sitting with her and yes Lynn and I snap at each other over tiny things but it's just grief and that grief takes many forms.

Every time you look at Murphy remember all the wonderful times spent together and those tears will mean more to both of you than you could ever imagine. Our thoughts are very much with both of you.

Chris & Lynn Cotswolds England
www.petsinfocus.co.uk

Apr 14, 2013
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Murphy
by: Sue

I have no experience of this but just to say my heart goes out to you both.

Murphy is so cute.

Best of luck to you both.

Apr 11, 2013
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Murphy
by: Elaine in England

Hi firstly I am so so sorry to read your baby has been diagnosed with cancer.

I have been through various cancers with my dogs. However I have not had any experience with your type. Murphy looks a lovely little dog, and I wish you and Murphy a lot more time together.

Please know I will be thinking of you both.

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