Update on K9 Titan's MRI [Archive] - Nissan Titan Forum: Club Titan Forums

: Update on K9 Titan's MRI


k9mrussell
11-22-2004, 12:09 AM
Hey gang,

Just wanted to update everyone on Titans status.

We went Friday, 11-19-04, to Gaithersburg, MD to see Dr Boshoven at VCA Animal Hospital. I was given a consultation on what was going to happen with the treatments Titan would be receiving and we were given a tour of the radiation treatment center. They even let Titan and I see a treatment session take place.

After the consultation and tour of VCA animal Center, Dr Boshoven took Titan and I to Iams Pet Imaging Center in Vienna, VA. The MRI machine that was used is the same kind used for people. The tech that operated the control room actually works for a human hospital doing the same thing, so I felt Titan was in good hands.

Titan was given a “surgical” dose of anesthesia to make sure he didn’t move during the MRI. If there is any movement during the MRI, it must start over again. They took images of his head and neck to see how much the tumor has grown since the operation on 10-5-04.

The preliminary results showed a mass in Titans left nostril. They need to have another specialist read the MRI because no one at Iamms has seen a “reading” like this. They think that because this is a new type of tumor just recently found in humans, that it gives off a strange read on the MRI.

The second biopsy that was done had been sent out to a specialist so they could verify the findings. They advised that the tumor would respond well to radiation treatments so he will require treatments as soon as possible. We hope to start him in the next few weeks.

He is still having trouble breathing, but after seeing the MRI, the Doctor thinks that he should be ok for a few weeks. If he gets worse we will have to rush him over and start treatments ASAP.

We take Titan Tuesday 11-23-04 to be neutered. He has had problems with his prostate for a few years now and anytime he has to go on a steroid for treatment, his prostate becomes inflamed. He will require steroids along with mass amounts of antibiotics to help him counter the side effects of the radiation treatments. We thought it would be in Titans best interest if he was neutered and recovered from that before he had to get the radiation. This way we don’t complicate his treatments with an inflamed prostate. He has enough going on right now.

Please keep Titan in your thoughts and prayers. The next 2 months will be very strenuous on the Russell family.

Thanks,

Marc

http://www.clubtitan.org/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/10045/normal_10-19-04%20We%20go%20to%20Gaithersburg.jpg
http://www.clubtitan.org/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/10045/normal_10-19-04%20Titan%20after%20MRI.jpg
http://www.clubtitan.org/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/10045/normal_10-19-04%20Titan%20getting%20MRI.jpg

M4ck
11-22-2004, 12:14 AM
Marc
tell your family that I and my wife will have Titan in our prayers. I am sure the same will be for the rest of your family here. I hope that everything goes well and maybe this thing can be beat. Keep us posted.

Caltitan
11-22-2004, 12:53 AM
I hope everything works out well for Titan. We're all pulling for him. I can tell by all of your posts that he means a great deal to you and your family and that this is as much a challenge for you as it is for him. Hang in there over the next couple of months and continue to keep us posted on his progress.

BiXLL
11-22-2004, 07:47 AM
Thoughts and prayers are with you Marc. I don't know what else to say man, I feel very bad for what Titan, and you and family are going through!

OldSalt
11-22-2004, 11:09 PM
Ditto to what everyone else has said. My wife and I have a cat (tortise-shell calico) and a dog (yellow lab) and we would be devastated should anything happen to them. They're part of the family. I hope that your pup responds to treatment and that he gets well soon. Good luck!

MrsJetTech
11-23-2004, 03:43 PM
I guess I can't say anything more than what you have been reading from everyone else. My prayers are with you and Titan, and I hope everything goes well with his treatments.

k9mrussell
11-23-2004, 05:14 PM
Well, Titan made it through surgery today. He had his "manhood" taken from him, but it will be better for him in the long run.

I spoke with the specialist today and we will be starting his radiation treatments on Monday, 11-29-04. A total of 18 treatments, 5 days a week.

I will be taking Titan over everyday for the treatments. Hope this baby doesn't decide to come while I'm stuck n DC traffic! 8O

Wife started to cry when I suggested I take him over and leave him until the baby comes. She told me that there was no way we were going to leave him there and that I would just have to rush home if I was there when she goes into labor!

Anyway, just wanted to let you know Titan is home from surgery (again) and we will be starting treatments next week come hell or high water!!!!

M4ck
11-23-2004, 08:15 PM
Thats good news man. Glad to hear things going well. Keep us posted on everything. Hope the wife is feeling ok as it gets nearer her time as well.

DeesT
11-23-2004, 11:58 PM
Thats good news man. Glad to hear things going well. Keep us posted on everything. Hope the wife is feeling ok as it gets nearer her time as well.
ditto :wink: