So about 2.5 months ago we noticed a small bump on the side of Neuman's nose... didn't really think much of it, figured he tried to chomp on a wasp and that was the end result. About a week after that it wasn't going away and was starting to get bigger, we went to the vet and they figured it was a bug bite that must have gotten infected somehow and prescribed us antibiotics.
Well the antibiotics didn't work and the lump on the side of his snout was just getting bigger so we had a biopsy done.... we found out that Neuman had a grade 3 mast cell tumor.... because of the size and location surgery wasn't really an option at the time and he would have had to go through chemo, then surgery, and then probably radiation treatment after that. I just couldn't do that to my dog.
We tried totally changing his diet around and plenty of supplements and chinese herbs that would turn him into a cancer fighting machine... unfortunately he passed away this past Saturday, not even 2.5 months after we first noticed the bump he was gone... he wasn't even 6 years old yet. Not even 6 bloody years... that's what I'm having trouble dealing with. I mean "old" for most giant breeds is 8 or 9, but with how well he was taken care of, we figured we'd at least make that. It's just such a complete random kick in the balls and I can't stop going over what could have possibly created such a nasty soul crushing tumor. Five and a half year old happy/healthy dog to gone in just over 2.5 months.
I just feel completely hollow/numb and don't sleep very well lately... I hope all of you guys never have to go through cancer with your pets. Watching your pets health/personality slowly degenerate while you're trying everything to save them is emotionally and physically exhausting... the last 3 months have been the hardest of my life.
Rest in Peace Neuman... I miss you buddy.