As described in Ditte’s case history, ultrasound scan at a veterinary hospital in July 2017, in addition to small nodules on the intestines/in the adipose tissue outside the intestines, showed various soft tissues, in several places in the abdominal cavity, which did not appear normal with sizes of 1-2 cm in diameter. Samples were taken with a needle (FNASP) of the cores of 2 different of these swellings, but the cells were not intact/dead, and therefore the samples were not of diagnostic quality.
Tissue biopsy was subsequently discussed. However, I wanted to avoid this, because of any risk at all of tumor cells to spread Link.
Regardless of what precisely may have been the cause of Ditte’s (former) tumors, etc., in the abdominal cavity and the occurring liver tumor (measuring 2.8 x 3.5 cm) which changed into just a small fluid-filled cyst (measuring 0.4 x 0.3 cm), and which at the latest ultrasound scan in May 2024 is now completely gone, it is a fact that the critical condition inside of her, back in January 2017, was close to leading to euthanasia.
Ditte, however, avoided euthanasia because of the subsequent significant improvement in her condition, which has coincided with the concomitant intake of medicinal mushrooms supplemented with vitamin C.
In November 2022, I noticed a little lump between 2 of Ditte’s mammary glands. The lump was removed in December 2022, and histological examination showed: Adenocarcinoma, complex grade I (cancer arising from the mammary gland). There were unclean margins, whereby it could not be guaranteed that some tumor cells may be present beyond the surgical margin and therefore pose a risk of potential future tumor recurrence.
Fortunately, in the examined sample there were no signs of blood vessel growth from the tumor and there were very few cell divisions, which is positive. The veterinarian found no swollen lymph nodes on Ditte, and the blood tests were fine.
Throughout the whole course, Ditte has not received any other (conventional) treatment.
The day Ditte no longer lives, she will be autopsied.
Timeline of the course of illness Link.
Below is the statement from the veterinarian, who has opened Ditte twice (with approximately 14 months interval) as well as the veterinarian’s descriptions of subsequent ultrasound scans and the histological examination of removed tumor from the mammary gland.
Dorthe Øfeldt
Denmark
Can a result like Ditte Dot Com’s be achieved in other similar cases?
Of course, one cannot know until it has been tried. It may not be ruled out that it is possible when one look back at the many years of research (going back to the 1950s), which e.g. have shown promising anti-tumor activity of medicinal mushrooms.
And not least because research has shown a dose- and time-dependent effect.
Firstly, Ditte has been given a significantly high dose of mushroom extract (more than 1 gram per kg body weight in recent years), which is higher than the doses in some of the research I have gone through, which has consisted of e.g. 200 and 300 mg per kg (of course any differences in the concentration of active substances in the mushrooms in the studies must be taken into account).
Ditte has received the mushroom extracts outside of food and 4 times a day for the reasons mentioned under respectively point 4 and 5.
In addition, Ditte has received the mushroom extracts for a long period (8 years), which is longer than the periods in the research I have gone through, which mostly count weeks/months (of course, differences in the lifespan of the individuals studied must be taken into account, as well as differences in biology and organ function, etc.).
At the same time, in my choice of medicinal mushrooms, I have tried to target the mushrooms to her needs, just as I have added vitamin C to the mushroom extracts for the reasons mentioned under respectively point 3 and 8 – which may not be insignificant factors.
Dorthe Øfeldt
Denmark
The veterinarian’s statement
As a veterinarian, I am very impressed that Ditte is still in really good shape so many years after euthanizing seemed to be the only option. In January 2017, surgery was planned with removal of a tumor in a mammary gland, and at the same time Ditte was going to be sterilized to remove estrogen production from the ovaries.
As I began the surgery, I saw a very enlarged spleen with small tumors as well as spreading into the abdominal cavity and changes on the ovaries and in the mesentery. Due to the risk of further spreading, I advised against surgical intervention other than removal of the tumor from the mammary gland, and this was done in agreement with the owner.
In my professional judgement, it was in all likelihood cancer spread from the mammary gland with extensive metastases to both organs and the structures themselves of the abdominal cavity.
In connection with the sterilization of Ditte approximately 14 months later (April 2018), which took place due to a couple of mammary gland lumps, I was therefore surprised to find that there were no longer any tumors to be seen in Ditte’s abdominal cavity. Also, there were no longer any changes on the ovaries or in the mesentery. A previous cyst on the left ovary was gone as well. The spleen was still slightly enlarged, but there were no tumors on it. On ultrasound scan in July 2020, the spleen was found to be normal with only scar tissue remaining from the previous changes. In August 2023, slight changes were seen on the spleen, but nothing alarming, in an area measuring: 1 x 0.5 cm. In May 2024, this was a little more generalized (not so defined) but nothing pathological, and the spleen was of normal size.
On the most recent scan of April 14, 2025, a small area of densification appears on the spleen which may be age-related calcification and is not alarming. There is scar tissue measuring 1 cm in diameter. The edge of the spleen is starting to become slightly uneven. The spleen, which was very enlarged years ago, is still of normal size.
When Ditte’s liver tumor was largest, it measured 2.8 x 3.5 cm (July 2020). I am very surprised that this tumor shrank to 1.6 x 1 cm (May 2021), and that it 1 year later (May 2022) changed to just a fluid-filled cyst of 0.4 cm in diameter. In August 2023, the cyst measured 0.4 x 0.3 cm and was completely gone on the scan in May 2024.
On the most recent scan of April 14, 2025, there is still no tumor on the liver. 3 small fluid-filled cysts of 0.4, 0.6 and 0.7 cm in diameter have appeared on the liver. They are delimited and do not look ugly. In addition, a small enlargement of a blood vessel in the liver. There is still a little scar tissue in the liver and a bit calcification in the bile duct. In the gallbladder there is still a small gallstone (0.2-0.3 cm in diameter) which has not become larger and which continues to lie freely without causing pain.
The above findings are completely normal for the advanced age, and the liver tissue itself is nice, just as the edge of the liver is still sharp and fine.
When I first opened Ditte in January 2017 and closed her again due to extensive metastases, I expected further spread and I had also expected progression of the liver tumor.
I am aware that Ditte has been given Milk Thistle and medicinal mushrooms added Vitamin C. But I had not dared to count on the very positive results of the subsequent scans, and it is positive that Ditte’s blood tests (of April 2025) are mostly fine.
In December 2022, I removed a small nodule that had arisen between 2 of Ditte’s mammary glands. Histological examination showed: Adenocarcinoma, complex grade I (cancer arising from the mammary gland) with unclean margins Link.
In connection with the removal of the tumor from the mammary gland, no swollen lymph nodes were found, and the blood tests were fine. The owner opted out of re-operation, including removal of additional tissue around the location of the tumor and wished instead to continue giving Ditte medicinal mushrooms – a decision I agreed with, partly in light of Ditte’s age, but also because of Ditte’s very positive and surprising course so far.
It’s really impressive how Ditte has changed from being declared terminally ill back in 2017 to being the super fresh dog she still is today. This is very unusual considering her medical history and her age of now 16 years and 7 months.
So everything still looks very positive and sensible.
Dorthe Andersen
Veterinarian
Status, including scan of April 14, 2025
It has now been approximately 11 months since the ultrasound scan on May 30, 2024. New scan shows the following:
Liver:
Ditte previously had a tumor on her liver, which, at its largest in July 2020, measured 2.8 x 3.5 cm. Subsequently (August 2023), the tumor changed to just a fluid-filled cyst measuring 0.4 x 0.3 cm, which was completely gone on the scan in May 2024. There is still no tumor present on her liver.
3 fluid filled cysts have appeared on the liver: one is circular (0.6 cm), the second slightly more oval (0.7 cm), and the third cyst measures 0.4 cm in diameter. The cysts are delimited and do not look ugly. In addition, a slight enlargement of a blood vessel in the liver.
As at the last scan in May 2024, there is still some scar tissue in the liver and some calcification in the bile duct. There is still a small gallstone in the gallbladder (0.2-0.3 cm in diameter), which has not grown larger, and which continues to slide freely without causing pain. The above findings are completely normal for the advanced age, and the liver tissue itself is nice, just as the edge of the liver is still sharp and fine.
Spleen:
A small area of densification appears on the spleen, which may be age-related calcification and is not alarming. There is scar tissue measuring 1 cm in diameter. The edge of the spleen is starting to become slightly uneven. The spleen, which was very enlarged years ago, is still of normal size.
Mesentery and intestines:
Still no thickenings or small nodules in the mesentery (as there were previously), and the intestines in cross-section are still fine.
Kidneys:
Still some age-related calcifications on the right kidney (as on the last scan in May 2024), which is completely normal for the age. The right kidney has some fluid filled cyst tissue around the kidney, but not in the kidney. No observations on the left kidney.
Groin:
On the scan in May 2024, there was a swollen lymph node on the right side measuring 1.5 x 1.5 cm. It was completely normal in texture, and thus there was nothing pathological. No swollen lymph node is seen in the right groin today.
In the left groin there are a few fluid filled cysts of 0.3-0.4 cm, which are round and delimited (cyst tissue).
Abdominal cavity:
The abdominal cavity looks fine. Still no tumors in the abdominal cavity, as there were in 2017.
Still nothing to hear from the lungs and heart, and the heart is still pumping fine without any murmurs despite the advanced age of now 16 years and 7 months.
As a veterinarian, I am very satisfied with the scan result.
Ditte’s good condition today was in no way expected, when you look back at the extensive spread present in her abdominal cavity and organs back in January 2017 as well as the liver tumor that had arisen, which later disappeared.
On the contrary, I had expected progression, but very surprisingly, Ditte continues to be super healthy. The positive development throughout her illness is extremely impressive!
Dorthe Andersen
Veterinarian
Removal of mammary gland tumor on December 5, 2022
Under anesthesia of Ditte, on December 5, 2022 I removed a nodule (discovered by the owner on November 17, 2022) located on the right side at the back between 2 mammary glands.
Histological examination on December 15, 2022 of the 1.0 x 0.2 x 0.2 cm sample showed the diagnosis: Adenocarcinoma, complex grade I (cancer arising from the mammary gland). See appendix.
The surgical margins of the tissue were not clean and the neoplastic cells reached the borders whereby some neoplastic cells (tumor cells) may be present beyond the surgical margin and therefore may pose a risk of future tumor recurrence.
In the search for potential metastases the laboratory recommends clinical monitoring and examination of lymph nodes, including excision and submission for histopathological evaluation.
Although no lymph node was taken and submitted with the material, there was no evidence of blood vessel growth from the tumor in the sections examined and there were very few cell divisions, which is positive.
In connection with the removal of the mammary gland tumor, I found no swollen lymph nodes and the blod tests were fine. See appendix.
Normally one would operate again to remove larger margins, and especially if the dog e.g. had been 7 years old. But there will always be a potential risk when anesthetizing an older dog.
The owner does not want to subject Ditte to another anesthesia to remove additional tissue. Instead, the owner wants to continue giving Ditte medicinal mushrooms, which I believe is the right decision, not least based on Ditte’s very surprising, positive course with medicinal mushrooms so far Link.
Dorthe Andersen
Veterinarian
Previous scans
May 30, 2024:
It is now a little more than 9 months since the last ultrasound scan on August 17, 2023, and the new scan shows the following positive result:
Ditte previously had a tumor on the liver which in June 2019 measured: 1.5 x 2 cm, in October 2019: 2.5 x 2.5 cm, in July 2020: 2.8 x 3.5 cm, in May 2021: 1.6 x 1 cm, and which in May 2022 had changed into just a fluid-filled cyst measuring: 0.4 cm in diameter and in August 2023: 0.4 x 0.3 cm. This cyst is now completely gone.
On the scan in August 2023 there was slightly changed tissue on the left side of the liver which may very well be age-related. This is unchanged and is not cause for concern. There is now a bit more scar tissue in the liver which is normal for the old age. The edge of the liver is still sharp and fine. There is some calcification in the bile duct, and a small gallstone has appeared in the gallbladder which, however, is freely displaceable without causing pain.
Ditte previously had 2 fluid-filled cysts which in July 2020 measured respectively: 0.8 x 1 cm and 0.5 x 0.5, and which in May 2021 both measured 1 x 1 cm. In May 2022, only one of these cysts remained (in the periphery of the liver) which had shrunk to: 0.25 cm in diameter. This cyst was gone in August 2023. There are still no cysts present.
The spleen was in 2019 enlarged and had several changed foci and appeared in May 2022 (similar to the scans in July 2020 and in May 2021) completely normal. As early as July 2020, it was found that only scar tissue remained from the previous changes on the spleen. In August 2023 slightly changed area had occurred, but nothing alarming, in an area measuring: 1 x 0.5 cm. On the scan in May 2024, it is slightly more generalized, that is, not so defined, but there is nothing pathological, and the spleen is of normal size.
There are still no thickenings or small nodules in the mesentery (as were previously the case), and the intestines in cross section are still fine.
A little age-related calcification has occurred on the right kidney which is normal for the age. There is nothing to see on the left kidney.
The abdominal cavity still looks fine, and there is nothing to hear on the lungs, the heart pumps fine, and there are no heart murmurs which Ditte is otherwise a candidate for due to her age of almost 16 years.
Regarding the tiny “grain of rice” nodule next to a mammary gland which was there on March 29, 2023, and which at check-up on August 8, 2023, seemed smaller in size, it is now significantly smaller of size.
Scan of the groin on the left side shows nothing, but on the right a small swollen lymph node of: 1.5 x 1.5 cm, but it is completely normal in texture and thus nothing pathological.
All other conditions are unchanged compared to the last ultrasound scan in August 2023, and Ditte’s blood tests are mostly fine.
As a veterinarian, I am very satisfied with this result of the scan.
August 17, 2023:
It is now a little more than 14 months since the last ultrasound scan on May 30, 2022, and the scan now shows the following positive results:
The tumor on the liver (which in June 2019 measured: 1.5 x 2 cm, in October 2019: 2.5 x 2.5 cm, in July 2020: 2.8 x 3.5 cm, in May 2021: 1.6 x 1 cm) and which in May 2022 had changed into just a fluid-filled cyst, which measured: 0.4 cm in diameter, now measures: 0.4 x 0.3 cm.
There is slightly changed tissue on the left side of the liver, which may very well be age-related. The edge of the liver is still sharp and fine. The gall bladder is fine, and there are no calcifications of the bile ducts, which were previously present, and which can otherwise occur in older dogs.
In May 2021 there were 2 fluid-filled cysts (in the periphery of the liver) which both measured 1 x 1 cm (vs. respectively: 0.8 x 1 cm and 0.5 x 0.5 cm in July 2020). In May 2022, only one of these cysts remained, which had shrunk to: 0.25 cm in diameter. This cyst no longer exists.
The spleen, which in 2019 was enlarged and had several changed foci, was at the scan in May 2022 (similar to the scans in July 2020 and in May 2021) completely normal. As early as July 2020, it was found that only scar tissue remained from the previous changes on the spleen. On this scan there is a slightly changed area, but nothing alarming, which measures: 1 x 0.5 cm.
There are still no thickenings or small nodules in the mesentery (as were previously the case), and the intestines in cross section are fine.
The kidneys, which previously had age-related calcifications, appear fine on this scan.
The abdominal cavity still looks fine, nothing to hear on the lungs, the heart pumps fine, and there are no heart murmurs, which Ditte is otherwise a candidate for due to her age of almost 15 years.
On March 29, 2023 I felt a tiny “grain of rice” nodule next to a mammary gland on the right side and on July 10, 2023 a lump in Ditte’s right groin of approximately 3 x 2 x 1 cm, which clearly was hurting when I touched it. Due to the pain, the large size of the lump and the previous diagnosis of mammary gland cancer, I suspected cancerous activity in the lymph node. Needle biopsy and removal of it was discussed but advised against due to potential risk of spread. A control examination was agreed to take place approximately 4 weeks later.
At the control examination on August 7, 2023, the “grain of rice” nodule was still present, but seemed to be of a smaller size than last time, and is otherwise freely displaceable in the skin. To my great surprise and wonder, the lymph node was now practically non-existent, and the scan in August 2023 shows that the groin looks perfectly fine!
I am aware that Ditte’s owner, in the period from the diagnosis of the lump in the groin, for up to 14 days increased Ditte’s dose of medicinal mushrooms considerably. This coinciding with the disappearance of the lump I find thought-provoking and very interesting!
All other conditions are unchanged compared to the last ultrasound scan in May 2022, and Ditte’s blood tests are super fine.
As a veterinarian, I am very satisfied with this result of the scan.
May 30, 2022:
It has now been 1 year since the last ultrasound scan on May 27, 2021, and the new scan shows an even more surprising result, as the tumor on the liver (which in June 2019 measured: 1.5 x 2 cm, in October 2019: 2, 5 x 2.5 cm, in July 2020: 2.8 x 3.5 cm, and in May 2021: 1.6 x 1 cm) has now changed to just being a fluid-filled cyst, which only measures: 0.4 cm in diameter! There is no tumor tissue left.
The texture of the liver is generally completely uniform and very nice, just as the edge of the liver remains sharp and fine. There is no bile stasis as there was on the scan in July 2020 (can come and go), but just quite mild (age-related) calcification of the bile ducts as found on the scan in July 2020.
There have also been improvements regarding the 2 fluid-filled cysts in the right side of the liver, which were present at the last scan in May 2021, where they both measured 1 x 1 cm (against, respectively: 0.8 x 1 cm and 0.5 x 0.5 cm in July 2020), as there is now only one of these cysts left, which has otherwise shrunk to: 0.25 cm in diameter. It remains on the periphery of the liver and is considered to be age-related and thus not significant.
All other conditions are unchanged compared to the last ultrasound scans in May 2021 and July 2020.
The spleen, which was enlarged in 2019 and had several changed foci, still appears (similar to the scans in July 2020 and in May 2021) to be completely normal. Already in July 2020, only scar tissue was found to be left from the previous changes on the spleen, and there are still no thickenings and small nodules in the mesentery, as was the case previously. The kidneys are fine with just a bit of age-related calcifications like before. The abdominal cavity still looks fine, there is nothing to hear on the lungs and the blood samples are fine.
As a veterinarian, I am very pleased with this scan result.
It is an extremely positive result, which was by no means expected when looking back at the extensive spread present in Ditte’s abdominal cavity and organs back in January 2017. I did not expect that the tumor on the liver has now instead become a, considerably smaller, fluid-filled cyst. On the contrary, I was expecting progression, but very surprisingly, Ditte has only gotten better and better each time she has been scanned!
The positive development is thus nothing short of impressive!
May 27, 2021:
It is now almost 11 months ago, Ditte was last ultrasound scanned, and this scan shows a very surprising result, as the otherwise steadily growing tumor on the liver (which in June 2019 measured: 1.5 x 2 cm, in October 2019: 2, 5 x 2.5 cm and in July 2020: 2.8 x 3.5 cm) now only measures: 1.6 x 1 cm!
The tumor has become bean-shaped and still has a sharp and fine edge, which is positive.
The 2 smaller fluid-filled cysts on the liver are still there, they have become slightly larger and now measure both: 1 x 1 cm (against respectively: 0.8 x 1 cm and: 0.5 x 0.5 cm in July 2020). They are located on the periphery of the liver and are considered to be age-related and thus not of importance.
All other conditions are unchanged compared to the last ultrasound scan in July 2020. That is to say, the texture of the liver is nice everywhere else, just as the delineation of the liver remains nice with a completely sharp edge.
The spleen, which was enlarged in 2019 and had several changed foci, still appears (similar to the scan in July 2020) to be completely normal. There is only scar tissue left from the previous changes on it, and there are still no thickenings of the mesentery, as there otherwise have been in the past. Incidentally, there is nothing to notice in the blood samples.
As a veterinarian, I am really pleased with the result of this scan, as it was not to be expected when looking back at the extensive spread that was present in Ditte’s abdominal cavity and organs back in January 2017.
It is thus extremely positive that the tumor on the liver has now become considerably smaller and even smaller than when it was first detected by ultrasound scan in June 2019. Furthermore, it is positive that there is no spread elsewhere.
July 2, 2020:
This (control) ultrasound scan shows that the tumor (which in June 2019 measured: 1.5 x 2 cm and in October 2019: 2.5 x 2.5) now measures: 2.8 x 3.5 cm. However, the delineation of the tumor is still sharp and fine, which is positive.
In addition, 2 minor fluid-filled cysts have appeared on the liver. One of them measures: 0.8 x 1 cm and the other one: 0.5 x 0.5 cm. Both are peripheral and are not considered to be of importance. These cysts may well be age-related.
There is calcification around the bile ducts in the left side of the liver (may be age-related), but the texture of the liver is nice everywhere else, as well as the delineation of the liver is nice – The liver has a completely sharp edge.
There is a little bit bile stasis, and the upper left side of the liver’s triangle shape is sharp and fine.
There is a little calcification in both kidneys which is quite normal for the age.
The spleen, which in October 2019 was enlarged and had several changed foci (which was unchanged from the previous scan in June 2019) is now completely normal. There is only scar tissue from the previous changes on the spleen.
There is also no abnormality on the mesentery and thus no thickenings of the mesentery as was previously the case.
It is very positive that there is no spread elsewhere. In the light of the latest developments, without promising too much, one can say that this is probably not something Ditte will die from, but instead will die with.
All in all, a great scan result!
October 15, 2019:
Ultrasound showed that one of the kidneys, which previously was enlarged and had calcifications, no longer was enlarged, and there were now only slightly calcification. The spleen was unchanged. The tumor in the liver, which in June 2019 measured: 1.5 x 2 cm, now measured approximately: 2.5 x 2.5 cm (to be on the safe side). That is to say larger, but on scan it appeared that the tumor now had “gathered itself” – as if it was encapsulating.
The tumor had become much more delineated and now had a nicer defined edge. In addition, the liver tissue in general now was much nicer and more consistent. And the delineation of the liver now also was sharp and fine.
June 20, 2019:
Ultrasound showed a tumor at the size of: 1.5 x 2 cm on the back of the liver’s right side. The spleen was enlarged and there were several changed foci on the spleen and changes (thickenings) in the mesentery. In addition, there were changes in the right kidney, which could be age-related. There were no cysts or focal tumors on the kidney, and the majority of the liver and spleen were fine.
April 16, 2018:
During the sterilization of Ditte, which took place due to a couple of mammary gland lumps, I was surprised to find, that there were no longer any tumors to see in the abdominal cavity. Also, there were no longer any changes on the ovaries or in the mesentery. A previous cyst on the left ovary was gone as well.
The spleen was still slightly enlarged, but there were no tumors on it. Moreover, the liver was normal and X-rays of heart and lungs showed normal findings. The mammary gland lumps were removed.
Dorthe Andersen
Veterinarian