Brandi’s Journey Through Multiple Myeloma Cancer
This is not to be a representation of Veterinarians, specialists and doctors in the animal industry yet rather my personal experience I had through the journey of Brandi’s diagnosis with Multiple Myeloma Cancer from start to finish.
Thinking about my beloved Brandi passing on Easter Sunday at 13-years with Multiple Myeloma cancer: when did she get it, how, what could of been done to prevent it. If I only knew what I know now, maybe it would of made a difference.
So many unanswered questions. Treatment plans, veterinarians, specialist, all which proved to be invaluable to me providing a more positive outcome. Knowing Multiple Myeloma cancer is diagnosed not to be curable, although success rates for treatments are high with dogs diagnosed early on, and knowing the signs to watch for would of been invaluable. None of which were diagnosed or identified by my local veterinarian.
After much research, knowing proper diets with quality ingredients, exercise, and regular checkups with a qualified veterinarian including CNC blood work and panels, can help identify any abnormalities in your dog’s health.
Knowing the blood panel numbers are not normal and discovering lumps on your dog should never be taken lightly regardless of the opinion of your vet. Further research should be required including obtobsies and Ultrasounds to identify any chance of cancer cells anywhere inside your dog.
Brandi had two lumps in her belly area, both diagnosed as none-cancerous by her vet, and although it may of not caused her cancer, even though several of her blood panel numbers were not normal and identified as “not to worry” by her vet, I could of detected any cancer early on with an ultrasound.
Even after a inflated spine area near her tail being examined by her vet, there were no suggestion or indication a ultrasound needed to be performed to identify any chance of cancer. Only if I know then what I know now! She was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma cancer after being seen by another vet who recommended seeing a specialist right away.
What I learned from that journey was do your own research, be proactive in your dog’s health, and if you truly want the best care technical and doctors for your pet, use only a Board-Certified Veterinarian who has extended education and knowledge beyond a basic DVM (Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine).
If you are required to see a specialists, do your research first. Basic Google reviews do not tell the whole story. Look for a Board-Certified specialists and with many years of experience. Brandi’s Oncologist only had 2-years of experience.
Upon her passing, I never received anything offering her condolences, by phone, text or email from her Oncologists. As her doctor with the expected obligation and knowledge to help Brandi fight the cancer and failed, you would expect more.
Knowing your dog should never be neutered or spayed prior to one-year of age can drastically make a difference in the bone structure and health early on such as causing Hip Dysplasia. If someone tells you differently, I suggest you do your research.
I find it appalling and unfortunate many doctors and organizations in the Veterinarian field including emergency clinics put their profits before their clients. Charging thousands of dollars for diagnosis and treatments to whom can not simply afford it with no alternative but to euthanize their beloved pet and family member due to costs is tragic.
Brandi had good pet insurance as well. Yet without a fight to determine her health problems were not a pre-existing condition, her expenses may not have been covered. Another lesson learned.
If you dog’s medical records reflect even a checkup for any form of illness, accident or disease, the insurance companies will attempt to deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions so they do not have to pay the claim. Know what is in your dog’s medical records and be prepared to fight!
I am not a nutritionists, yet after so much research and learning about what I should of been feeding Brandi may of made the difference early on. If you are feeding your dog commercial dog food, especially kibble, beware, you may be ordering your dog a death sentence.
If you truly want the best diet for your dog, fewer vet bills and reduced chance of cancer, be sure you read the label ingredients and your dog is getting this in the diet:
AVOID THE 3 DOG HEALTH DESTROYERS
1.Preservatives (BHY)
2.Fillers (Barley, Oatmeal, White Rice, Soy, Wheat, Corn, Corn gluten, Wheat, Barley, Flour)
3.Meat-by Products (Chicken by-product, Beef by-product, etc. Beef & Bone Meal).
3 SUPER NUTIRENTS
- Organic organ meal (Kidneys, Liver, Heart, Brain)
- Omega 3 DHA
- Prebiotics (Flax, Pea Flour, Carrots, Ginger, Broccoli, Blueberries, apples, etc. ).
Brandi passed on Easter of all days after 13-years of age, being loved and cared for from 12-weeks by myself. With so many memories of joyful walks, camping, and swimming at the lake, her passing was devastating to me and takes a life time to grieve and try to move on.
She was cremated and I have a memorial of her in my home with pictures, her ashes in a beautiful ash box with a photo to remind me of all the years of joy and happiness she brought me. I truly miss her and she will never be replaced.
I sincerely hope you never have to go through what I did with Brandi, yet if you do, I urge you to be proactive, do your research, take what you are told and hear with a grain of salt by everyone, be ready to fight for your dog’s health and know if and when they do cross the rainbow bridge, they are happy and pain-free.