Hi Chloe and family, welcome. We're so glad you posted, we kept missing you in the Tripawds Chat yesterday. I was wondering what Chloe's story was, thanks for explaining.

Has an oncologist looked at Chloe yet? If not, keep in mind that two opinions can make all the difference in a situation where the cancer is TBD. Also, is she on pain medication to manage the pain she is most likely experiencing?

Meanwhile, about survival rates. Those numbers really vary on so many factors, including the type and aggressiveness of the cancer. Once the leg is gone and the tumor is "graded" your oncologist can tell you what the odds are for her longevity, as well as guide you on what kind of treatment plans are available. 

One thing to keep in mind is that statistics for survival rates are really just guesses. They are based on studies of dogs and not one of them was Chloe. Just as humans are all different in their existing health, how their bodies tackle illness, etc., so are animals. Each is so unique and nobody on the planet can predict exactly how long each will live, with or without cancer.

Some members who were diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer defied the odds and surprised everyone by living much longer than vets expected. Our own Jerry was among them. He was only supposed to survive six months and he lived 2 years (and we opted out of chemo). Others have gone much longer. And on the other paw, some have not lived anywhere near what the vets had hoped for. It's all a big crapshoot really.

The important thing to remember is that dogs don't keep calendars. They don't care if they get one day or one million. To them, it's each moment with us that matters most. They don't dwell on tomorrow or what ifs, they don't know what a lab report says. As long as we focus on giving them the best, most pain-free life we can, that's all they ever want. One of the greatest lessons we can learn from all this is to live in the moment as they do, or to "Be More Dog " as we call it around here (click on the link for our recording about how to do that).

Does this help at all? Stay tuned for more feedback from others and don't forget to check out Jerry's Required Reading List for lots of insight, as well as The Dog Cancer Survival Guide , which is an indispensable book for coping with a diagnosis.

chloecorgi said
I'm not sure how to post a picture...

Here are detailed instructions for adding photos to forum posts . If you don't already share photos online somewhere, you can start a free Tripawds blog any time and upload them there. Need further help? Post in the Tech Support forum and we'll be happy to help!

Watch this detailed video tutorial for help finding all the blogs and posting in the forums

For help navigating the many Triapwds resources and assistance programs, start here .