Best wishes for the surgery and recovery! While you are waiting, if possible, would you be able to share Tegan's story with us? Tegan is a FANTASTIC name, btw!!! As for age, as many say, dogs have NO clue, and as our beloved Sally would tell you, " no expiration date stamped on their butt!!!!" Try to keep that in mind going forward: no expiration date stamped on Tegan's butt and no knowledge of age:):):)

As far as the recovery,be prepared to not sleep much for a few weeks. Other than that, being very patient while Tegan recovers from major surgery, being prepared to only go for a very short walk to the potty and back, to adjust pain meds as needed, and to wait impatiently for the staples/stitches to come out are all completely, totally normal. Many dogs do well right after surgery but then have a " dip" after days 3-5 due to hospital drugs wearing off. And, many, many, many dogs do very well and are so much better because they are not in pain.

Finally, ask folks here anything at all ( we love to talk about bathroom habits, what incision sites should look like, and pain meds;) and someone is sure to respond! There are folks here from around the world and many who are up in the middle of the night so don't wait to post if you have any questions at all! There is even a chat line/hotline. This is an exceptional community of people who truly understand what you and Tegan will be going through.

(As for chemo, dogs really don't have the same side effects we associate chemo with. But you have plenty of time to think about the next steps before any decisions are made. One great suggestion is to take a notebook or recorder when you speak with the vets and to have all your questions ready. Not because you can't think straight: simply because you may be sleep deprived;)

Tegan is soooooo, sooooo lucky to have you being brave enough to do what is best for Tegan! Again, best wishes today . We will be thinking of you with all paws crossed!!!