12/28/2023
We have great news everyone! Layla is cancer free 🥰
Just in case you missed it, we had a mast cell tumor (a cancerous growth) removed from her back in August. I started to notice a growth in the same spot a month later. I monitored it for a few more months and it slowly grew in size, so I jumped on it and took her to Chattanooga Holistic Animal Institute (CHAI) as I was terrified the cancer had returned (and quickly). They took it very seriously and removed the growth with extra wide margins, took multiple blood tests, gave her a Chinese herbal blend to support her liver, and some mushrooms to boost her immune system.
Her biopsy came back yesterday, and it turned out to be a benign nodular fibroadnexal hamartoma, which probably formed secondary to scar tissue from her first surgery. She actually had this happen on her foot a few years back after having surgery, as some of you may remember the large growth she had on that area. We biopsied a few other small growths on her limbs that I noticed and wanted to tackle as well. Both also came back benign.
I’m so incredibly happy that we received the best possible news. When I heard the word cancer initially, my heart dropped to my feet, and I immediately ramped up my research on immune health and holistic regimens to fight this thing. I had already been doing so much to keep her healthy, but I wasn’t about to just sit back and let it happen.
Dr. Smith gave me so much knowledge on what I can do on top of the food and supplements I was already giving (for example I give turmeric but she mentioned feeding with an oil increases the absorption tremendously). We discussed what we can do to fight this thing if her bloodwork and tests did come back with signs of cancer spreading. I have peace of mind knowing that if anything happens, I have an amazing vet to help us through.
I’m going to continue to give Layla the same diet, supplements, and love to keep her going as strong as possible, and we are praying it never returns.
Thank you all SO incredibly much for the prayers and support throughout this. It really made me feel so much better through it all knowing Layla has such a community behind her.
WE LOVE YOU! 🥰
PS- Thank you to Stephanie, the sweet follower who sent us this gingerbread toy. It’s officially Layla’s favorite ❤️
