|
We would like to tell you about Cracker. He was an English Staffy and our very special brave boy .
He came to us at 3mths old so full of life and love and laughter at a time when we needed it most. He was a healthy boy never seemed to have any major health issues but he did suffer seasonal allergies which staffies can be prone to, but he always had regular check ups.
In mid January 2011 his sneezing one day became a massive sneezing fit. When the sneezing had stopped we noticed he had a blood nose and made an appointment for the vets the next day .
Next morning he greeted us as normal, bouncy and happy. Then we saw it ! A very small lump had appeared over night on his nose near his eye. Panicking, inside we told ourselves its ok probably just a spider bite we will get that checked at our vet appointment. Our regular vet was away at the time of our appointment, so we saw another vet. We will never forget that visit, the vets words were, "Ii believe it to be cancer". Tests were done and results confirmed cancer.
We were in shock and wouldnt believe what we heard so decided to get a 2nd opinion. It was confirmed it was cancer, but this time a different form. By now we were in total disbelief. How could a 4year old dog have cancer let alone 2 different diagnosis?
By this time our vet had returned we told her everything and she immediately referred us to Dr.Ken Wyatt at Perth Vet Specialists. He tested Cracker and sadly yes it was cancer. The correct diagnosis was given. Cracker had a rare osteosarcoma and we were given his prognosis with and without treatment we were devastated !!
It was alot for us to digest but we made our decision a few days later. We werent going to step back and let this aggressive cancer take our boy from us in a matter of months. He loved life and he wasnt ready to leave. We proceeded with chemo but we also made a decision that if Crackers quality of life suffered, then treatment would cease.
In Feb 2011, his 1st chemo session was over and all was well but less than 24hrs later our baby became ill and was raced back to Perth Vet Specialists at 3am. He had suffered a reaction to the chemo. All we could do was pray he would be ok and thankfully he was/ We made a heart wrenching decision that morning. No more chemo, which Dr.Wyatt respected and understood.
We had a follow up appointment 3 weeks after that incident and we were convinced his tumor had shrunk, but sometimes we see what we want to see. Dr. Wyatt measured his tumor and just smiled at us. We were right it had shrunk we were so happy.
Leading up to Crackers next check up we couldnt believe our eyes, the tumor had vanished it was like winning the lottery. With this, we chose to resume chemo, minus the drug he reacted to. It gave us hope that our boy maybe one of the lucky ones. In June 2011, Cracker was in remission it was the best news ever.
Then in Nov 2011, he suffered a really bad sneezing fit. After a check up, all seemed well. There was no evidence that the cancer had returned and it probably wouldnt return to the original site.
Then almost a year on, a 2nd tumor appeared and to the original tumor site (this is extremely unusual). A CT scan confirmed our fears and chemo was resumed. He sailed thru chemo the next few months but the cancer seemed to get more and more aggressive. He was losing his battle and all Cracker wanted was to live.
Cracker had his last chemo session Nov 2012. We had all lost the battle and the cancer had won. We had an emergency photo shoot for him 14 days before he passed. He had an awesome time and you will all see what a happy special brave boy he was from his photo attached to his story.
He also had a playdate with our vet Dr. Tiffany Jacobs, who he had known since he was 3mths old. Dr.Ken Wyatt and the team at Perth Vet Specialists were happy to watch Cracker show them how to destroy his toys, four days before he passed.
We cant thank these amazing people enough for everything they did for him and are so grateful for the extra years with our boy.
Sadly Cracker passed over to rainbow bridge on the 26th nov 2012. He was 6yrs old and taken way too soon. Even that day all he wanted to do was play !
Julie and Pete
In memory of our special boy Cracker whom we miss so much.
|
Register
Login
FAQ
Search
