Thursday 27 September 2012

A Second Opinion.

I've been rather in the background as of late.  Too distraught to get involved.  Last Friday, September 21, I took Penny the Jack Russell to our veterinary clinic.  We had noticed a small lump on her chest cavity.  To air on the side of caution, we thought it best to get the lump checked out.

The vet we saw was not the usual vet.  He made a physical inspection of the lump and drew the following conclusion.  He told me that what she had was a tumorous lump and to rid her of it would involve a high risk operation that could actually shorten her life.  I was told the procedure would produce significant scarring.  He recommended that we just let it be and the vet concluded that Penny had about a year to live.

Stunned, devastated, I cradled her in my arms and carried her back to the car.  Later on that Friday, I broke the news to my son, Tristan.  As you can imagine, he was deeply saddened by the diagnosis.  We got to talking about what the vet had said and realised something was very wrong.  In my state of shock, I had not queried the vet as to why he didn't do a biopsy to test the tumorous growth.  Indeed, how could he make such conclusions from just touching the lump.

On Tuesday afternoon, Tristan and I took Penny to another veterinary clinic.  We registered right there and then and explained we would like a second opinion.  Luckily, we got to see a vet within a few minutes.  This time, calmer and with my son posing questions, this vet did a biopsy test using a fine needle aspirate.  Further information can be found here : Fine Needle Aspiration

The vet inserted the fine needle into Penny's lump twice.  Penny, bless her, wagged her tail.  Feeling better in knowing we would be getting test results back on Wednesday, we took Penny home.  On Wednesday afternoon, the vet phoned back with the biopsy test results.  The test results determined that the lump was benign.  No hostile cells and the cells within the lump were uniform in nature.  We were told to observe if the lump got bigger and if required, a relatively straight forward operation, lasting about ten minutes, could be performed.

So, this is a cautionary tale.  If you have a similar situation and you are puzzled by a diagnosis, don't hesitate to ask for a definitive test.   Don't make the mistake I made and assume that a first initial diagnosis is correct.  Although we have been experiencing mixed emotions over this, I'm glad that we had the foresight to get a second opinion.

This posting is to bring further awareness and thus, turning what seemed to be a negative into a positive.  I must go now and give our beloved dog, a great big cuddle.

64 comments:

  1. Hooray for Penny, and for second opinions!

    My girl parakeet was not so lucky. Her tumor is benign, but the operation would more likely kill her than heal her. So we are administering pain killers and palliative care at this point, sad in our hearts but at peace with the situation because my sister is a vet and she got the best medical care available.

    She will be taking a piece of my heart when she leaves, though. Cuddle Penny with all your might and enjoy the time you have. I'm happy for you.

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    1. Hi Chris,
      Hooray for Penny. And thank heavens for getting that second opinion. I'm ever so sorry about your parakeet. Your emotions must be truly mixed about it. It's heartening to know that your sister is a vet who understands just how much your dear parakeet means to you.
      You are clear testimony just how much our animal friends mean to us. I thank you for your kind message. I shall give her a cuddle on your behalf.
      With kind wishes,
      Gary

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  2. Oh Penny! Thank goodness and thank heavens and all the stars and the universe that you got a second opinion! Yay for you and Tristan! I really don't know what that first vet was playing at but I am so happy you are now at the second vet! What a traumatic scare to put you and Tristan and Penny through! :-(

    Please add purrs and cuddles from me and Charlie for Penny! Take care
    x

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    1. Hi Old Kitty,
      Indeed and it's such a shame we had to go through all that trouble. The first vet should of been more thorough and at least offered options. Yes, he put us through needless trauma. A lesson has been learnt and I hope that this will bring further awareness that what you are told by a professional isn't necessarily the way it is.
      Thanks for the purrs and cuddles from you and Charlie. Penny is smiling :)
      Have a great weekend.
      Gary
      x

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  3. I know how relieved your son and you must be. Too often, we accept the news from a doctor without questioning. I have had doctors give my family quite a few misdiagnosis(once giving my mother 6 months to live - she lived 35 years longer).

    Long live Penny.

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    1. Hi Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe,
      Relieved and angry would some it up. Your story in regards to your mother and such an outrageous misdiagnosis, proves they can make mistakes that cause unneeded anguish.
      Thank you for your kindness. In relief for Penny.
      Gary

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  4. Oh, I'm so glad you went for a second opinion. We seem to forget a few things when seeing any doctor. One, that even the one who graduated #500 out of a class of 500 is still called Doctor, and two, that they're human, and humans make mistakes. What a relief! Hooray!

    May you all live long and prosper!
    Laura
    x

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    1. Hi Laura,
      You make a very good point. And yes, humans can make mistakes. I guess what was puzzling was that I realised after my initial shock, that further tests, a biopsy to confirm one way or another, was not offered. This is normal procedure. Thus, it was good we didn't assume the first vet must have been right. When in doubt, a second opinion can hopefully give the definite conclusions. Thank you, Laura.
      Gary
      x

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  5. I am so mad. I hope you can print this comment. I'll force myself to be nice.

    For THREE YEARS, our 15 year old Bichon went to the vet for belly bloat, and constant digging into the couch. EVERY TIME, we'd come home with antibiotics. For what? The vet just prescribed them, that's why.

    After THREE YEARS of this odd behavior, I noticed him dribbling pee. I knew THIS was different. I took him to the vet and accidentally saw his partner.

    I said, in an angry tone: "Don't you own an xray machine?"

    He said "Yes. Why?"

    I handed my furchild to him and said "You take him in there and DO NOT COME BACK until you know what's wrong with him."

    He came back and said......"His bladder, urethra, and penis are PACKED full of stones. This is one of the most painful ways to die. I recommend you put him to sleep immediately."

    THREE YEARS OF SEVERE PAIN was causing the bloat, and the digging motion was his way of dealing with the severe pain.

    I insisted HE operate IMMEDIATELY and REMOVE the stones.

    He had to operate TWICE to get all of them! I photographed the stones in front of the vet, using an ink pen to show how HUGE these things were! ANTIBIOTICS? For three years?????

    At age 17, he went blind and lost control of his bladder. He was a regal boy, and he became sad. So sad.

    I got him another two years, pain free, but I still feel gigantic anger for allowing something I didn't even know was going on, to continue for so long.

    I'm with you, heart and soul on this travesty.

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    1. Oh Lotta! I hate it when you have to bend the doctor's arms back until he screams. But damn! It's their job to at least do the best they can and contact someone else if they are stumped. I would have been so pissed.

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    2. Hi lotta joy,
      I'm glad you verbalised your anger. I kept my article relatively low key, but I was absolutely seething.
      I'm outraged at what your poor Bichon had to endure. And indeed, what you had to endure because of the indifferent incompetence of that stupid vet. Why the hell you had to be asking questions and insisting that procedures and tests be carried out, when it should of been done anyway, is beyond comprehension.
      Your assertion and demands should not have been required. Three years of severe, unnecessary pain for your beloved Bichon is something that could have been so easily rectified. Misdiagnosis and the suggesting the easy route of putting your furchild to sleep, when an operation or two was readily available. Huge kudos to you for sticking to what you knew was right.
      Your comment is a powerful message and another cautionary tale that we cannot assume they always know best. These people are put in a position of trust. Your love for your regal boy shines through and those who should know better should be ashamed.
      Your heartfelt and emotive comment has truly touched me.
      Thank you, lotta.

      And middle child, your follow up comment is absolutely spot on.

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  6. Thank GOD you went and got a second opinion! You are right though. How many of us do that? I probably would have been like you and believed what the vet said (but..you did say it wasn't your usual vet and if it wasn't my usual vet either I would be less inclined to believe them)
    It is always good to talk these things out the way you did with your son as well. Had you not told him, you might not have thought to go for a second opinion.
    Thank GOD all is ok!
    Please give hugs and kisses to Penny for us!

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    1. Hi Caren,
      That's it. We can all to easily assume that what the vet says must be right. After all, they are the 'experts'. And being in such a state over the devastating diagnosis by the first vet, I didn't think about why he hadn't done a biopsy until I got home.
      My son was mystified as to why the first vet could draw such conclusions without test to verify anything. If we hadn't realised that a second opinion was well worth pursuing, we would have been going through heartbreaking torment as we waited for her passing.
      We shall duly pass on your hugs and kisses to Penny. We are grateful to you both :)
      Have a peaceful weekend.
      Gary

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  7. Hooray for Penny! Now let's hope she lives for a long, long time. Of course the reason that guy was a vet was because he failed people medical school.

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    1. Hi PT,
      Thanks buddy. Yes, hope she lives for a considerable time to come. Somebody needs to write decent postings on here. You may well be right about that vet. Then again, maybe at the people medical school he thought everything involved pills for deworming.
      Have a good one in Detroit.
      Gary

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  8. whew! I look forward to Penny's latest "tail" about all of this. very good news!

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    1. Hi Ray,
      Thank you. Ah yes, a tail or two. I've no doubt she might tail us, sorry, tell us about her observations at the veterinary clinic.
      Right then, time for a British coffee.
      Cheers, Ray.
      Gary

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  9. Well, I'm sorry you had some days of unnecessary anxiety, but glad you stuck to your guns and got that second opinion. It sounds to me like that first vet simply didn't want to deal with you and was trying to get rid of you a.s.a.p. Luckily most vets are more conscientious.

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    1. Hi Ian,
      Such unnecessary anxiety and tearful moments. It does show that if in doubt, get a second opinion. The first vet seemed rather indifferent and his conclusions, without making tests, are most bewildering. Thankful that most vets are conscientious and the second vet was most informative.
      Enjoy your weekend, my friend.
      Gary

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  10. Like you needed a scare like that? Did you let the first vet know the real results?
    Glad Penny is fine and ready to increase her stardom in just a couple weeks.

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    1. Hi Alex,
      Such a scare that was totally out of order. A proper check would have revealed a different scenario. I haven't gone back to the first vet with the results of a test he should of carried out in the first place. I have to think this through before I take any action and inform him.
      Penny is looking forward to her increased stardom in two weeks time. Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star, that is.
      Thanks Alex and enjoy your weekend.
      Gary

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  11. Aw, Gary, as much as you love that little girl, this was one time you must have been devastated for certain. I am so glad that Tristan and yourself were able to think things through and go for the second opinion. "Two heads are better than one." I'm proud of you both. Give Penny a cuddle from me. x

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    1. Hi Dixie,
      Penny means so much to us. A companion and a great comfort in times of distress. We were overwhelmed with grief and sad thoughts of her alleged swift demise. With calm, clear thinking, Tristan and I did realise that something just didn't seem right. The diagnosis may have confirmed the original vets conclusion. Luckily, the second opinion, was in total contrast to the first. Thank you, Dixie. Your kind words are cherished.
      I shall give Penny a cuddle from you.
      Gary
      x

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  12. Oh thank God that Penny is ok! That 1st vet was an asshole. Just sayin'. So glad you went for a 2nd opinion. Ask the questions. Always ask the questions even if you are afraid of the answers. It is what I do and the vet or doctor can see that I can handle the truth and do not like when the truth is sugar-coated.

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    1. Hi middle child,
      Thank you for that. That first vet, to put it mildly, didn't do his job properly. A second opinion was a must after I realised that something didn't seem right. I was too shocked to think of any further questions from that first vet. However, all questions and proper procedures were done the second time around. Best we know the real truth. Whatever that may me.
      Thank you, my friend.
      Gary

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  13. Hello Gary:
    We are appalled to read this. And what unnecessary distress you and your son have been put through and for this we are so very sorry.

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    1. Hi Jane and Lance,
      It was an appalling and needless situation my son and I endured. I thank you for your kind thoughts.
      Have a peaceful weekend.
      Gary

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  14. Oh Gary. I was in tears as I read of your first trip to the vet. These furry people become a part of our hearts as well as our lives. I am really happy that you got a much better second opinion but feel sad and bad for the pain that you and Tristan went through. Unnecessary pain. Hiss and spit.

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    1. Hi The Elephant's Child,
      You summed it up very well. They are not just animals, but valued, cherished family members. I know without that second opinion, we would be enduring further heartache, all for nothing. Hiss and spit, indeed!
      Thank you and enjoy your weekend.
      Gary

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  15. Dear Gary, Penny and Tristan,
    I am so glad to hear that Penny is actually OK (arf! arf!). As you will recall from our phone conversation, Gary, you had thought at that point that the lump was cancerous. It must be quite a relief. God knows, I feel relieved and I only know Penny through the great blogging community. And by the way, as middle child says above, that first vet was an "asshole" to put you though such worry. But thank God all is OK, and we can all now look forward to many more of Penny's brilliant pawsitive pawstings!
    Very Best Wishes,
    David.

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    1. Dear David,
      Thank you, my intellectual giant of a friend. Yes, during that phone call I alluded to the point he implied it was cancerous. His conclusions, just from touching the lump, did leave me most puzzled. Thankfully, we had the foresight to go for a second opinion with the tests to verify the lump one way or another.
      Indeed, he was a bit of an asshole to not go through what would be considered normal procedures.
      And yes sir, we can now look forward to some decent pawstings from Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star!
      Thanks, David.
      Have a good weekend.
      Gary

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  16. Good for you and am so pleased you had your second opinion.
    Hope Penny has many more happy years ahead.
    Yvonne.

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    1. Hi Yvonne,
      Thank you kindly. It's a shame we had to go for a second opinion. It should of been done right in the first place. And thank you for those kind thoughts regarding Penny.
      Have a lovely weekend.
      Gary

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  17. Oh my god - I began to read this with tears in my eyes, fearing the worst, but how wise of you and Tristan to seek a second opinion. It is shocking that you were given such a dreadful diagnosis and put through all that anxiety and distress. Bless dear little Penny - give her big hugs from us and one for yourself and Tristan too xx

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    1. Hi Teresa,
      And thanks to a vet who didn't do the proper tests, a week ago, we feared the worst. That first conclusion left us in a state of panic. Such torment was uncalled for and I dread to think the hell we would have gone through without that second opinion.
      Thank you, Teresa. As a lover of our precious creatures, you understand what a horrific situation that would be.
      Your hugs are gratefully received.
      Have a wonderful weekend.
      Gary xx

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  18. What a horrible cruel and thoughtless thing that first vet did...he should be bounced out of the profession on his ear. Thank goodness you took matters into your own hands and got that second opinion. I was frozen in my chair until I got to the good part. Give Penny a cookie from me Gary and tell her I love her. (and maybe go give that first vet a piece of your mind)

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    1. Hi Delores,
      It was disgraceful that he was so thoughtless and didn't carry out the proper tests to confirm what was wrong. Such speculation caused unbelievable turmoil for Tristan and I.
      We knew that a second opinion was in order. It shows one can never assume that someone in a position of trust is always correct.
      Cookie is ready for her. Your loving wishes have been passed on. And I have to calm down before I make any approach to that first vet.
      May you and your beloved hubby has a peaceful weekend.
      Gary

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  19. Oh, thank the good gnome! A vet told us old stinky dog had 'not long to live' due to a huge lump and something going on with his butt (I'll spare you the details... lol)--and he's still kicking four years later! The vet was trying to convince us to spend money on an expensive operation at the time and we felt he was too old, the procedure too invasive. Glad we didn't listen to that guy! I don't trust them since then at all. And I'm so glad you found a good one in the end. Huge sigh of relief! Wagging her tail.... bless. XX

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    1. Hi CarrieBoo,
      Oh my. Yours is another tail, sorry, tale of woe, with a good outcome. The first vet said that there was this high risk operation that would cost five to six hundred pounds and would entail a huge amount of her stomach being sliced open. I shall spare you the rest of the gory details. At least he said the operation wasn't worth it and could potentially make her life even shorter. Of course, having said that, he also got the conclusion wrong.
      It does make you wonder and the second vet was thorough and did the proper testing. A lesson to be learned. And Penny is wagging her tail right now! xx
      Take care, eh. Sorry, couldn't resist.
      Gary

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  20. Aw, dear Gary, I'm so relived and happy to hear that you went for a second opinion. Some vets can really be quacks. Please give Penny a big hug from me and spoil her to bits with some yummy snacks that I've sent via telepathy. Only good and positive wishes your way from your friend here in Malaysia.

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    1. Hi Shanaz,
      How lovely to see you. Okay, I see you behind that camera :) It sure was the right move to get a second opinion. Some vets can really be quacks, eh. A duck vet, perhaps :)
      She is going to get a hug from you and she's been getting even more spoiled lately. Good grief, what's that? Wow, thanks for the yummy snacks. Oh, they're for Penny....Thank you very much, my dear Malaysian friend.
      Have a peaceful weekend.
      Gary

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  21. I am glad that Penny is ok. Misdiagnosis definitely sucks, even more so when they don't bother to do a simple test to actually find out what is wrong. But it is good that you got the second opinion.

    Wishing both you and Penny many more happy years together.

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    1. Hi Lost in Space,
      Thank you for that, my friend. A totally unwarranted misdiagnosis. A straightforward test would have given a definitive answer. Our gut instincts told my son and I that something was amiss. We are so relieved to have gotten that second opinion.
      Thank you for those kind wishes for us.
      In peace and positive wishes, your way, Gary

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  22. We grow up learning that doctors are infallible, policemen are kind and honest, priests are saintly, politicians are out to improve the lot of humanity and not themselves. Sadly we later learn,little by little, that the world is not like that.
    Even so, I think that people are basically good and most doctors and vets are very competent.
    You believed in your own judgement and were rewarded for doing so. Bravo!
    Click here for Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

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    1. Hi bazza,
      Oh, how right you are. The world and what we may once have assumed, isn't really the way of the world.
      And you are of course, correct. I have had dealings with many doctors and a few vets. Most were respectful, caring and competent.
      We have to pursue different avenues if we believe that something doesn't seem to make sense. Thanks for that, bazza. Well said.
      Enjoy the weekend.
      Gary

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  23. Sometimes when we're in shock we forget to ask questions. I know just how you must have felt. I'm glad you guys got that second opinion and that Penny is in the clear! Thank goodness!

    Jai

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    1. Hi Jai,
      That is so true. Something, even in my state of shock at the vet's clinic, indicated to me that something was missing. I just couldn't figure out the question, like, why didn't he do the fine needle test, until I left the clinic.
      Without that second opinion and a test confirmation, I might well have still been in a hysterical state.
      Thank you for your kind words, Jai.
      Have a great weekend.
      Gary

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  24. This is indeed a cautionary tale, Gary. I was on the edge of my seat reading this, and am so pleased to know our modest internet star is all right. How terrible for you all to go through this. One must always be wary and query, if I may be forgiven that terrible rhyme.

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    1. Hi Susan,
      Hopefully, good can come of this cautionary tale for someone who is in a similar situation. Yes, the little internet star seems to be just fine and is probably ready to take over this site and demonstrate, once again, how much better she can write than me, a mere human.
      Yes, you are somewhat of a poet. Don't I know it.
      Thank you, Susan.
      Have a peaceful weekend.
      Gary

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  25. Hi Joylene,
    Ah yes, tears of joy, tears of anguish as we thought it might be the end for Penny. And anger over a vet who couldn't seem to manage to do the proper tests. If only that vet could realise what devastation he caused for my son and I. I hope this was not normal for him to overlook a standard procedure. Maybe he was having an off day. Then again, no excuse for this. I feel awful over my premature announcement on Facebook about Penny's supposed impending demise. For that, I'm truly sorry.
    Right then, Lotta and you can take turns kicking him in the butt. I shall then send him off with his sore butt to a place to check out his bruises and give him a misdiagnosis. Buddy, your ass is going to fall off.
    Thanks Joylene. May you have a most peaceful weekend in BC.
    Gary

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  26. As I started to read I was so sad for Penny, Tristan and you, my frown quickly turned upside down :) Phew...what a scare! I am super happy about the results of the second opinion. And thanks for sharing this experience as not only a good turn out, but also on the importance of not giving up and getting that second opinion. Hooray to Penny "modest internet star."!

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    1. Hi Madison,
      A scare, for sure. A most unacceptable situation that caused unneeded alarm. It was good to take the time and think it through. Coming to a realisation that a second opinion was a must, was one of the best things we've ever done.
      This was demonstration of turning around a negative into something positive. This posting gave me the opportunity to make folks realise that this awful sort of situation can happen. Hopefully, this cautionary tale will be heeded by those in a similar predicament.
      Thank you and have a positive weekend. Penny says hello to you :)
      Gary

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  27. Hi Gary,
    When I first started reading this, I was stunned, Oh my god, I thought, poor you and poor Penny! But on finishing it, it has a happy ending! Hurrah! Well done on getting a second opinion, too many people just take what is told them by those people who are supposedly more knowledgeable! Lots of dogs get lumps as they get older, they are just signs of old age, as long as she is no pain, these lumps have no effect!
    Good news, my fiend,
    J
    Follow me at HEDGELAND TALES

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    1. Hi John,
      Thank you, kind sir. That's the thing. We can too easily assume that the 'expert' recommendations and conclusions are correct. Yes, so true, lots of animals get lumps and that first vet should of at least done tests to assess the lump. Instead, we got a frightening diagnosis based only on a physical inspection. Thank heavens for that second opinion and an actual test!
      Thank you, John. Have a peaceful weekend.
      Gary

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  28. I am sooooooooooo happy Penny is fine....you should punch the first doctor for scaring you. What an idiot and worse...what an incompetent. Lovely Penny is fine and how could she not be when she has you :). Kisses many kisses to lovely and sweet Penny :).

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    1. Hi Petronela,
      Thank you so very much, my dear friend. I'm tempted to go put a muzzle on him. How he could make such statements without knowing the whole picture, is beyond me. I just hope this was a one off and he doesn't make a habit of doing that.
      Penny gratefully accepts your kisses :)
      Have a wondrous, enchanting weekend.
      Gary

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  29. Hilary Melton-Butcher has left a new comment on the post "A Second Opinion.":

    Hi Gary .. I am so pleased all turned out well and Penny is fine - and all three of you are a little older, wiser ---- but much relieved. Enjoy those wonderful autumn walks ... and thanks for reminding us that cautionary tales need to be remembered ..

    Cheers Hilary

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    1. Hi Hilary,
      Unfortunately, once again, your comment did not show up and thus I copied and pasted the email notification from your good self.
      Indeed, my friend, we are older, wiser and will insist that tests are always carried out. This was a tough lesson and a lesson we shouldn't of had to learn.
      The positive aspect to it all is that we made folks more aware who might be experiencing something similar to our plight. Ah Autumn. Almost time to put Penny in the garden to rake up the leaves with her nose! :)
      Thank you, Hilary.
      Gary

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  30. Hello Gary,
    Sorry to have been away for so long, but I too have been "in the background" so to speak as well. It's been a slowed-down blogging for me of late with various things going on.

    Good to hear of the better diagnosis for your beloved Penny. I've been dealing with the diagnosis of liver cancer for my step-father, George, who is a kind and dear man with a gentle and generous heart. He lives back in Tennessee, which is 1500 miles from me so not an easy visit.

    I'll be going there in a couple of weeks. One of my sisters bought me a ticket since I can't afford it right now. One bright note is that two of my daughters will also be coming with my two granddaughters--I rarely get to see them anymore either.

    I fear for my mother if George passes, which seems inevitable from my experience with liver cancer. My father passed from the same thing 22 years ago. My mother really counts on George and he has been a great companion to her for the past 15 years.

    I've been doing a lot of reflection of late about life, death, and all that kind of stuff. Hope to be back here soon, but hopefully I'll keep my blog posts active no matter what.

    Take care
    Lee

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    1. Hello Lee,
      My good friend, no need to apologise. Your kind interaction is most welcome. And your being in the background is most understandable considering all that is happening within your personal life. Life, with all its trials and tribulations, is your priority, indeed, is my priority.
      Thank you for your kindness in regards to our beloved Penny. I am also touched that you would verbalise your heartfelt and anxious times in regards to your step-father. I am profoundly sorry to see what you and your loved ones are enduring.
      And yet, you also embrace the joy of being with your two daughters and granddaughters.
      These are painful times for you. I know that you will be the loving bond for your mother during this time that is linked with the recollection of the sad passing of your own beloved dad.
      I do so hope that this powerful verbalisation you have shared so candidly, so transparently, gives you a modicum of comfort. It has demonstrated the kind and gentle man that you truly are. I know that all your friends in the great blogging community are here with you. Your blog lives on with the ideals you so gracefully embrace.
      I wish all the very best to you and your loved ones, Lee. You have my utmost respect and admiration.
      In peace and hope, Gary

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  31. Our pets are family members too. Gret news for Penney! And thanks for stop;ping by Lee's blog and saying hello! I'm just getting back from a week ong wireless vacation and catching up on things.

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    1. Hi Stephen,
      Indeed and I don't even call our beloved dog a pet. Yes, for sure, they are cherished members of the family. Thank you in regards to Penny.
      Delighted to stop by Lee's blog and say hello to your good self. And thanks for the comment on Facebook. Happy writing and catching up.
      Gary

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  32. Oh sweetie I know just how this feels, Lardy had something similar happen to her 2 years ago, and it was beyond distressing. She had a huge lump, the second she's had, and the first vet said it was...fine to leave, but I insisted, against the will of my ex, who I share her with, that she have a biopsy, and as it turned out, had I not done that, well, twas a cancerous lump, and she'd have died. Vets, much like drs can be arses. I'm sending hugs to you and Penny x

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    1. Hi All Consuming,
      Oh my, you have had such similar and unnecessary distressing moments with your beloved Lardy. It does make you worry that you have to insist on a biopsy. They cannot make such conclusions without having a test to confirm what the lump is. Thank heavens you insisted on that biopsy! Vets are put in a position of trust. It just shows that we can never assume they are always right. Bless you, dear friend.
      Your hugs to us and Penny are gratefully received. x
      In kindness and wishing you all a pleasant weekend, Gary

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I do try to comment back to each commenter individually. However, I might have to shorten my replies or give a group thank you. That way, I can spend more time commenting on your blogs. Thank you and peace, my friend.