Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi Everyone,
I just got back from the vets today - I have some not so good news to report on Mackenzie. Recently I noticed she wasn't as energetic and she was hopping along a little bit slower. But then she seemed to move out of it and got back to her normal self (swimming, running, playing with her ball, etc.) This past week I also noticed a lump on her side. I had to bring her in for her monthly check up anyway so the doctor ended up taking her blood, did another chest x-ray (her last one was 2 1/2 months ago) and aspirate her lump. The not so good news is her lump had some blood in it (which is suspicious) so the doctor wants to get it biopsied. Then the chest x-rays showed 4 nodules on her lungs ("early spots") indicating that she has lung mets. I broke down when I heard the news....I always dreaded this day and today was the day. The doctor is going to do an evaluation from the last chest x-rays that were taken in April to these chest x-rays - it's quite possible they were there in the last x-ray but too small to detect, which could mean that these might be slow growing. I'm praying!
The doctor wants to keep Mackenzie on the cytoxin and is also considering adding another chemo pill called palladia? that has shown to slow down the growth when working alongside the cytoxin. The side effects are diarrhea so they have to be careful about the dosage. I'm actually just overwhelmed at the moment and trying to be strong.
I'm very sad and numb about this turn of events but I also know that I'm so blessed to have her still with us - she will be celebrating her 8 month ampuversary in early July. She's very happy and is still doing so well. I'm really proud of her and cherish every moment I have with her. Meanwhile, I have to stop this flow of tears, otherwise she'll start barking at me and telling me to knock it off 
Thanks for this website's support. I know that many of our tripawds have lung mets too (geesh, I feel like I've entered a new club) and know that many dogs can live a long and healthy life with lung mets. So I am trying to stay pawsitive and I just wanted to thank this website for providing me with the preparation and support I need to deal with this next chapter.
Kami (Mackenzie's Mom)
My sweet golden Mackenzie. She became my angel on Dec 29, 2010 at the age of 8 1/2 although she was always my angel from the time we brought her home. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in Sept 2009 and officially became a tripawd (front leg) on Nov 5, 2009. She will be forever in my heart and now she's running free with all of our other tripawd heroes. I love you Mackenzie!
Kami ((((hugs)))))
I am so sorry. This is not such great news. But, as you say, some dogs can live a good quality of life for quite awhile with lung mets. I don't have any experience with the drugs you've mentioned, but I'm sure others have. Sophie has had cancer in her lungs (nobody has used the word "mets" to me - they just said that the cancer had spread) since 3 weeks after her amputation.
We hear these terms - lung mets - and immediately think of the worst case scenario. Mackenzie is a strong girl with a lot of will-to-live. She is still enjoying her life. It's great that she is still happy and swimming and playing with her ball. I will always think of her when I hear the song "These boots are make for walking...", and see her belly-flopping into her pool. Beautiful. What a precious soul.
BTW, nothing wrong with a little meltdown - in my opinion. Just do it out of her sight and range of hearing. Then you can concentrate on all the things that she IS doing, CAN do, and ENJOYS doing every day.
I hate the see a side-effect of meds as "diarrhea" - geez .... we should all be investing in a carpet cleaning company !
Sending you lots of hugs and prayers, Kami and Mackenzie.
Tana and Sophie
Sophie (1998 – 2010)
"Going Dog" def: living every day in the moment
"It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are."
–Unknown
Kami,
Sorry to hear about Mackenzie's news. Knowing it's coming does not make it easier when 'someday' becomes today.
Take a little bit of time (but just a little) to be overwhelmed and sad, but then you have to go back to being strong and positive. You have done great with Mackenzie so far- you can handle this next chapter in your journey.
You are right- many pups do well after the onset of lung mets. Lets be confident that Mackenzie will be one of those dogs!!
Sending positive thoughts south to you.
Karen and the pug girls
Kami, we're so sorry to hear this. Yeah, when the vet says the words "mets" it's like getting re-diagnosed all over again. Just when we thought we were done with the heavy emotions. ...
But at least this time around, when we realize the inevitable is happening, we are a bit wiser, and really understand the meaning of living in the now. Kami, you have a great attitude at a time like this. Keep it up.
It's hard news to hear, but at least you caught it now, and MacKenzie is feeling good. Remember, she doesn't know she has mets. So be strong, and stay as pawsitive as you are, and you can get through whatever happens next. Hopefully nothing. As you already know, I lived a long time with mets, and swam and played and ran around without giving it a second thought. Oh sure, in the back of my pawrent's minds they were so worried whenever they wondered if I was overdoing it, or if the mets were getting to me. But all they had to do was see the look of pure joy on my face whenever I met life head on, and it made us all very happy, and a much stronger pack. Just more of the weird but pawsitive lessons we learn from cancer.
Palladia has been talked a lot about here:
FDA Approves Cancer Treatment in Drugs
Hang in there Kami, we're here for you. And we owe you just as many thanks, for sharing Mackenzie's journey here with us, so that we and others later on down the road can learn so much from. Many hugs to you both. Keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Kami,
I'm honored (and blessed) that we were able to meet and become friends and you know who I have to thank for that? Miss Mackenzie!
See there is another blessing we can count - at least for me!
Just remember what we talked about...
We have a lot of living, loving and laughing to do. Go get the tears out of your system so we can enjoy every moment. But know you can always call when your heart gets heavy.
Your friend,
Ge'Lena
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Kami, I'm sorry about your not-so-good news. I totally get taking a temporary nosedive to have your feelings--sounds like the best thing to do. Now you'll be better able to do whatever you have to do next. I remember when a pet reader told me on March 2 that Daisy didn't have long to live, and I cried almost the entire night over it. She was wrong, but for me, those tears needed to be shed anyway as I had spent so much time being positive and strong for Daisy that I hadn't really taken care of myself by allowing my feelings.
I will hold the vision with you of Mackenzie continuing to enjoy life no matter what!
Daisy, 12 years young, had left forelimb amp on 5/19/2010 due to osteosarcoma. She left her body behind and joined the other spirit tripawds on 7/16/2010.
So grateful for each day with her!
Lexi (Daisy's momma)
Oh, Kami. I'm so sorry. So much saddness around here as of late; I just hate this.
Keeping Harley's Amputation Buddy in my prayers!!!
Amputation on 11/10/09, due to Histiocytic Sarcoma in left elbow. Angel Harley earned his wings on 06/24/10.
Kami, there are many inevitable turns in our journey. We know they are there somewhere, we just don't know where or when we will have to make them. You have a great attitude and you will do well. You already know to enjoy each and every moment, and this makes it more precious.
We all know when they pronounce our friends 'cancer free' that it likely will return. I am sorry you have come to this turn in the road. We will all be right here beside you. Mackinzie is feeling well, so take advantage of that and build more wonderful memories.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Kami:
We are sorry about Mackenzie's news; we all know that it is coming but that does not make it any easier when it happens. Thanks for you thoughts for Rusty on his five month Ampuversary! We are sending you lots of hugs and good thoughts that the new meds will help with the Mets. You might ask your Vet about Budesonide for the diarrhea; that's what they finally put Rusty on after his continuing bouts of diarrhea from the Chemo. Dr. Macy resisted prescribing Budesonide until we had exhausted all other remedies because of some side effects.
Good Luck!
Chuck & Rusty
Rusty is a Labradoodle who was diagnosed with level 3 Fibrosarcoma on January 16th, 2010 and had his left hind leg amputated on January 25th, 2010 five days before his 18 month birthday. Please see Rusty's blog @rusty.tripawds.com. He is putting up one heck of a fight against this terrible disease.
cometdog said:
We have a lot of living, loving and laughing to do.
Kami,
We are still on the road, so I will not be able to fully respond as I would like. However, Miss Cherry had a growth on her kidney at the time of the initial diagnosis, that about six weeks after the amputation, burst. She also had many lumps that formed and also got the dreaded mets. However, we made for considerably longer than anyone would have ever hoped. Many here know of my number one suggestion for those entering this process - remain as positive as possible. Comet is absolutely spot on! It is only natural to feel the pain, shock, and apprehencion with this news. However, you still have plenty of time to make priceless memories.
Do not for one minute think that I am underestimating how devistating I know this report is to you. I feel you pain and we both would not want any less feeling for such an amazing companion. I only want to help you focus on enjoying all the remaing time to the fullest. That is what we should be doing the very first day we bring these amazing creatures home as puppies, and this is not time to defer.
Prayers and Pawsitive Thoughts,
Sprit Cherry's Dad
kami, this is a scary thing to face, don't feel bad for the human reaction. like others have said, Mackenzie doesn't know she has mets, she just knows 'now'. so dry those tears, and go enjoy some 'now' time with that perfect little girl of yours!!! this is the time to make memories.
charon & gayle
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
Kami:
This is bad news. There's no two ways about it. But it isn't the end - not yet. Mackenzie could still have plenty of good, quality time left in her. One of the hardest things right now will be for you, not her. You have to make sure your perception of her doesn't change now that she's been diagnosed with the next stage of this disease. Yes, she has the mets, but that doesn't mean she's down for the count. You should watch her closely, but don't treat her differently. She doesn't know there's anything going on inside her, so make sure your attitude around her reflects that.
What you need to do is take Mackenzie to her favorite place right away. Whether it's the beach or the dog park, take her wherever you go when you want to see her go crazy and run around and just be a dog. It will be good for her, and even better for you to see her tearing around and having fun. She has a lot of play left in her, and seeing that for yourself will help you stay strong for the treatment ahead. Let her put a smile back on your face.
I'm sorry this happened, but stay strong. It's not over yet - not by a long shot.
Maxidad said:
Kami:
This is bad news. There's no two ways about it. But it isn't the end - not yet. Mackenzie could still have plenty of good, quality time left in her. One of the hardest things right now will be for you, not her. You have to make sure your perception of her doesn't change now that she's been diagnosed with the next stage of this disease. Yes, she has the mets, but that doesn't mean she's down for the count. You should watch her closely, but don't treat her differently. She doesn't know there's anything going on inside her, so make sure your attitude around her reflects that.
What you need to do is take Mackenzie to her favorite place right away. Whether it's the beach or the dog park, take her wherever you go when you want to see her go crazy and run around and just be a dog. It will be good for her, and even better for you to see her tearing around and having fun. She has a lot of play left in her, and seeing that for yourself will help you stay strong for the treatment ahead. Let her put a smile back on your face.
I'm sorry this happened, but stay strong. It's not over yet - not by a long shot.
LIKE LIKE LIKE
this is excellent
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Well, I'll pretty much echo what everyone else said (including my husband): McKenzie doesn't know she's sick, only you do, and right now that's going to be the toughest part. We found out about Max's lung mets at the end of October 2009, and he never really showed any symptoms of them until January 2010. Sure, he was a bit slower during playtime, but he had also been a year without a front leg; that would make anyone tired!
So, for right now, have your cry, then just go have some fun with her. That's all a pooch ever wants anyway. (Besides food and sleep!). We're all thinking of you and your family, and sending positive thoughts your way.
Diane
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