His Cancer Has A Name And A Treatment Plan Has Been Mapped Out

Drake's cancer finally has a name "anal sac gland carcinoma." This is a very common cancer in dogs, but most are 10 years old before it shows up. Drake will be eight on May 28th. Just like most cancers, no one has an answer why it showed up so early. As everyone has said before, he's young, has great lungs and a strong heart all of which will play an important part in getting him healthy.

Dr. Dominguez of the Animal Cancer Care Center will be the first doctor to treat Drake. If everything goes as planned, he will be the only doctor to treat him. Dr. Dominguez is Board Certified in Medical Oncology and Board Eligible in Radiation Oncology. Two weeks ago I didn't even know veterinarian medicine had such specialities. Thank goodness they do.

Due to tumor's size and since it is next to numerous vital organs, Dr. Dominguez's suggested a treatment plan of 22 daily (minus the weekends) small dose radiation treatments. By using small daily doses the surrounding vital organs that will inevitably receive some of the radiation are able to heal quickly. If they received large doses, they would not.

To keep damage to the surrounding organs to a minimum, Dr. Dominguez first needed a 3D–CT scan of the tumor area. With the scan and a computer, he maps out a plan that delivers the treatments in the most effective way and keeps any possible damage to a minimum. Drake had the 3D–CT scan on Tuesday. Speaking with Dr. Dominguez was fascinating. I just wish it wasn't about Drake.

After hearing how they would treat the tumor, Darrell and I had several questions but the two most important were:

1. What is the success rate with this type of cancer?

Dr. Dominguez explained that when they do radiation first, the cure rate is 95%. Since radiation treatments have an accumulated effect, often within a couple of months after the treatment is finished they find that the tumor is gone and no further treatment is required. 

2. What will Drake's quality of life be after he has finished the treatments?

Once all the radiation is out of his system, he will return to his normal self. The analogy Dr. Dominguez gave us was; "if he currently is a couch potato, after treatment he will still be a couch potato." But he doubted Drake spends much time being a "couch potato." 

Four and half years ago we made a commitment to Lab Rescue that we would provide Drake with a great home full of love and care. With all the information we received on Tuesday, we feel comfortable that we are fulfilling our promise. So on Monday, Drake begins the first of his 22 treatments.

Thanks to everyone for the love, support and prayers for Drake, Darrell and I.