Yesterday morning, after Ryan and I awoke, we drove to the gym for a workout. About halfway through my workout, I went to move my stuff to the weight room and glanced at my phone.
I saw that I missed a call from our vet and immediately signaled to Ryan and walked outside to return the call.
Our vet told us that the results from Sadie’s lump biopsy came back and that Sadie did, in fact, have cancer. Her biopsy results revealed that she had grade one fibrosarcoma. Our vet then told us the good news, which was that when they examined the cells surrounding the lump they removed under the microscope, the cells appeared to be cancer free.
I asked if this meant that they completely removed the cancer from her body and he said that it is possible that they did, but he cannot say for certain. He encouraged us to monitor her, as cancerous lumps like this do resurface, and told us to bring her in if anything else pops up. You better believe this paranoid puppy mama will monitor the heck out of her little body!
So that’s the latest update! I think Sadie has a lot of happy, healthy days ahead of her. If her current energy level is any indication, I think we’re in good shape.
Thank you again for your kind words and thoughts last week!
Tennis
When we arrived home from the gym, we leashed Sadie up and walked to the nearby tennis courts to hit some balls back and forth for 30 minutes or so.
At first Sadie’s excitement level was off the charts with so many tennis balls to chase around.
But then she saw something even more intriguing…
Shadows!
For some reason Sadie decided to camp out on my side of the court and hunt shadows while Ryan and I leisurely hit balls back and forth and goofed around. We weren’t playing a real game or anything and that’s a very good thing because I can tell you right now that Sadie wouldn’t be much of a teammate. Let’s just say I won’t be calling her if I ever want to play doubles in the future unless I plan to play doubles with shadows instead of real tennis balls.
Lunch
Once we were done playing around outside, we headed back home for lunch.
I made a yummy pseudo-soup. I call it a pseudo-soup because I didn’t intend for it to be a soup, but Ryan and I liked the base of the dish so much that we ended up eating it with a spoon like soup!
I poured a can of light coconut milk in a pot and seasoned it with ginger, garam masala and garlic salt before adding broccoli and cauliflower. I let the veggies cook in the coconut milk for about 15 minutes before adding some shrimp and digging in.
It was such a simple dish and it got rave reviews in our house.
Yum.
I’m off to change for church right now, but I’ll be back in a bit! Hope you’re enjoying a relaxing Sunday!
Lauren says
I’m glad to hear the vet believes Sadie is cancer free. I’d be a nervooouuuusss Mommy right now if it were me. Pretty much body check… Hourly. Haha! Yay for good news 🙂
Elle says
Really so very happy for you all that the prognosis is good. Looks like your pretty girl has recovered nicely from her ordeal!
Emma says
So sorry to hear the news about Sadie. I know how scary that can be, although it sounds like there is good news in that her other cells were cancer-free. So glad you caught it early, I know how stressful it can be to constantly check for new lumps, but it’s better to be vigilant and one step ahead. Just know we are all here for you and Sadie and are willing her good health and happiness every day. F*** cancer.
Brittany says
Glad to hear Sadie is doing well. Cancer in dogs in scary, but at least you now know what you are up against and can take the right course of action to ensure she lives a long and healthy life. Sending you lots of prayers and good vibes!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
What bittersweet news. I am sad to hear that Sadie did, in fact, have a cancerous lump, but it sounds like there is a positive outlook for her and that with great attention and care you will most certainly keep her healthy. I pray that she only has many, many healthy years ahead of her :).
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
That’s really great news about Sadie! I can imagine it would make you a little anxious now, but I think that as long as you guys are on top of it (like you have been) and take her in if you do ever notice anything, then she definitely has lots of happy and healthy years left in her 🙂
julie @ peanut butter fingers says
that’s exactly what i’m hoping! 🙂 thank you, amanda!
Alana says
I’m so sorry about Sadie! Hopefully she remains cancer free. I’m keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Lauren @ Eat Like An Elephant says
Glad to hear Sadie is doing well! And now I want to play tennis…
Vicki says
So glad the vet said the cells surrounding the lump appear to be cancer free. Thank goodness you found it early. Will keep her in my prayers!
cheryl says
i know you’re an awesome puppy momma and sadie’s in good hands. hoping it is a one-time occurence. (((hugs)))
Clare @ Fitting It All In says
Keeping you in my thoughts! My dog had cancer too and it’s so scary, but dogs are always so happy that she’ll be just fine!
Lyric says
Oh gosh I love coconut milk and shrimp together! I make something awfully close to this and I like to cook up some quinoa or rice as well and top it with the “soup”. Im also so glad to see those lumps weren’t cancer!
Sarah says
Sadie is so active and healthy that I am sure she will stay cancer free:)
Elena says
I’ m so glad to hear the good news about Sadie!!!
nysoonergirl says
So glad to hear the good news! My dog had cancer – the inoperable kind – and lived 2.5 years after the diagnosis! Enjoy every minute with her. Keeping you all in my thoughts.
Nicole says
Feel better Sadie 🙂
Heather (Heather's Dish) says
Oh Julie, I’m so sorry to hear about the cancer, but so happy that the vet seems optimistic! You’re such a wonderful fur-momma I don’t have any doubt your sweet girl is in amazing hands 🙂
Andrea says
It’s my first time posting I’ve loved your blog for a while now.
I’m glad you were vigilant and caught Sadie’s tumor early. I don’t want to scare you but I wouldn’t rely on Sadie’s attitude and energy levels. Dogs are pack animals and don’t like to show they’re sick until it’s too late. But there’s no way they can hide bumps so make sure you keep checking her!
Christina @ The Beautiful Balance says
SO happy to hear that Sadie is okay! Hopefully the lumps will not resurface so you can be worry-free!
AJ says
Glad to hear that Sadie is ok! That shrimp dish looks delicious, thanks for sharing the simple recipe!
-AJ
FItTravelerAJ.blogspot.com
AmandA says
Glad you guys are such great dog parents and took her in right away. It’s great that little bumps like at are easy to see on vizslas! Our pups are covered in shaggy fur so we need to feel around a lot more 🙂 Happy to hear it seems to have been caught. Have a great Sunday!
Melissa says
Oh my goodness I’m so glad Sadie is doing well! I know EXACTLY how you feel worrying about your doggy.
Ashley@cupcakesncrunches says
I’m so glad you got Sadie into the vet when you did! You’re such a good doggy-mama! I hope everything continues to work out and she has many, many wonderful years ahead of her. Sending lots of positive thoughts your way!
Elisabeth says
So glad for Sadie’s good news! Cancer is scary, but you caught it early & it was fortunately only Grade 1. I bet she has plenty of happy days ahead 🙂
dotsie says
FANTASTIC news on Sadie! I know you breathed a sigh of relief.
Carly says
No more lumps or bumps! Stay happy and healthy beautiful Sadie!!!
Lin says
Sorry to hear about Sadies diagnosis, but thankfully it sounds like you caught the cancer early.
Do you have a laser toy for Sadie? If not, she needs one. If she hunts shadows she will love chasing a laser. I always thought they were more for cats but my dog absolutely loves it.
Gina @ Health, Love, and Chocolate says
Good to hear that Sadie is back to her happy self, hopefully no more bad news in the future! It’s so adorable that she is more interested in shadows than tennis balls haha. 🙂
Bek @ Crave says
Relieved to hear that. Haha, Sadie is adorable, chasing shadows. What a crack up 😛
Jen says
Sending Sadie from Australia! We’ve been giving our chocolate Labrador extra cuddles reading Sadie’s experience!
Jen says
Oops that was totally meant to say sending love to Sadie!
Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie says
Oh poor Sadie! Fingers crossed it’s all removed! I’m glad you guys had fun playing tennis, always a great couples game to play together!
Julie Wunder @ runninginaskirt says
Thanks for the update. Hopefully the lumps do not come back– thank goodnses you took her in to the Vet!
Bec says
Glad to hear Sadie is ok! I’ve been doing a lot of research on doggie nutrition for my own pups and have come across diets called “cancer-starving diets” that may help prevent cancer in your pooch (generally high protein diets). You may want to look into it to keep her healthy. Anyways, I’m a longtime lurker and don’t usually comment, but I love your blog and wish you (and Sadie!) the best!
Megan says
I am glad Sadie is doing okay! My roommate and I were talking about dogs and I said “Did you see that Sadie from PBFingers had to go to the vet?” and she said yes and that she hoped everything was okay and we kind of laughed how it was totally normal to pretend we are a part of someone’s life we don’t know! I guess its the same for all bloggers though! I have tons of “friends” that I have never met now! BTW that accidental soup looks awesome. I am in the process of putting together my grocery list and I added in shrimp and coconut milk!
Becky Young says
I’ve never commented on your blog before, I’ve been sort of a lurker, reading your blog every once in a while. As a fellow puppy mama, I understand how sad and scary all of this must be for you, and just wanted to wish Sadie many happy years of playing frisbee!!! Keeping her and you guys in my thoughts.
Sara @ Fit.Fun.Femme says
So happy Sadie is OK! Thanks for the update on your sweet girl!
Kimberly says
So glad you caught it early and Sadie is doing so well. She has been in my thoughts & prayers since she had her surgery. Sending lots of ‘hugs’ to Sadie.
Rachel B @ Busy Mama Fitness says
Phew! Glad to hear that Sadie is doing okay and that you caught it early! Yikes!!! Been thinking about you guys!
Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed says
Ahhhh that’s scary, glad you caught it though! Hope Sadie is feeling well and getting all those shadows 🙂
Jenny@thewellnessjourneyblog says
Sending prayers for Sadie! Thankfully you’re a good puppy mama and caught it early! My pug Rango likes to chase shadows too! 🙂
Maureen says
SO glad they removed what they could. Thanks for keeping us posted! I know there were a lot of Sadie prayers happening!
Heather says
I have been praying for sweet Sadie! Today we celebrate one year with our little buddy, Jake, a 6-year old golden retriever. I check little lumps on him like crazy…so I know this has been a scary time for you. Hopefully this was a one-time problem, and your running buddy will be next to you for a very, very long time!
Kelly says
Oh gosh, from one puppy mama to another my thoughts and prayers are with you and Sadie! I’m glad the good news revealed that it hasn’t spread, ill pray she remains cancer free 🙂 I know how hard it is having a dog with health issues, but she sure is lucky to have such a caring and attentive mom!
Stefanie Parker says
I am glad Sadie is okay! She seems very upbeat and excited like a healthy puppy, so i think she will be just fine! 🙂
Kelly says
Oh no Julie! I am so sorry to hear about Sadie. But I am so glad you are an attentive mama and noticed it right away! And your attitude is awesome. You got it early, removed it, and are moving on. Keep on rockin Sadie Fagan!!
Kerry says
I am so glad to hear that it is good news, well as good as you can get for what it is.
I work in Northern Canada all summer and while I was there this past year I got a call from my BF that our dog (Emma) had a lump on her rib-cage area. He brought her to our vet and as soon as she looked at it she knew it was cancer, but did not know what kind or stage. The following week Emma went in for surgery and had the lump removed.
A few days later we got both good news and potentially bad. It was a stage 1 mast-cellular tumor, meaning it was cancer, but it was an early stage and that type of cancer tends to remain within the tumor. This was good news that we got it early yay! The potentially bad news, the vet office we go to trains vet techs and one of the vet techs put the tumor in the wrong container so they couldn’t test the cell walls to make sure they were clean – or cancer free. I talked to my vet and she ensured me it did not warrant another surgery to just keep an eye on the area because as you said it can come back. We’re 6 months later. She is as spunky as ever and so far I have not seen any signs of it coming back (knock on wood). Just like you I am a very diligent fur mom on this issue haha.
Anyway, thought I’d give you a happy little story similar to yours that so far has been park filled, treat filled, belly love filled and cancer free for 6 months 🙂
Ali @ WHOLEistically Fit says
So glad to hear that everything seems to be okay for now and that Sadie has such a good, attentive mommy to look out for her. 😀 My husband and I just adopted a little doggie of our own, and I’m already the exact same way. She’s getting spoiled rotten.
P.S. Hehe. I love that Sadie was more into the shadows than the tennis balls. Priorities. 😉
hayley w says
After following all of your updates about Sadie, I encouraged my mom to look into having our dog’s warts more closely examined because we had just assumed they were due to her old age. Well turns out one of them is a tumor – not life threatening – but it will need to be removed. Thank you for sharing what Sadie is going through!! Abby is 15 but I know she still has a few good years in her and will definitely now that we are not taking any chances.
peanutbutterfingers says
i’m so glad she got everything checked out!!
Mrs. Z says
Happy to hear the good news, what a good 2 legged mama and daddy! 🙂