Heidi,

The number of samples isn't significant but the words in the biopsy report are.  It can be hard to hit the exact cancer spot with the bone needle and typically only 2-4 samples are taken due to risk of fracture, so I am surprised that they took 12!  I tend to avoid the biopsy unless it is in an unusual location or in an atypical breed or if you live in the Southwest there is a rare chance of a fungus called "Valley Fever" but most of the time the diagnosis is based on breed, location in the bone, and xrays.

Tazzie's biopsy was from a sample taken post-op.  The good news is that the cells had a low "mitotic index".  This means that they are dividing slowly.  If the index is high it tends to be a more aggressive form of cancer.  The treatment is still the same because even the low index cells will get in the bloodstream through the bone marrow and still will go to the lungs or other bones or spine.

I have said this before but I really think that the best thing is to diagnose this disease early and get the limb off ASAP.  Even having done that I know that Tazzie can get mets at any time, and unfortunately the young dogs and the giant dogs tend to not live as long with this disease 🙁

You did everything that could be done for Titan, and his tumor was probably a high-grade malignancy since he didn't survive past his chemo treatment.  I know that you have had bad luck with your veterinarian and maybe were given poor advice but you still made Titan's last months pain free and he was a great ambassador for the breed!

Pam and Tazzie