I wanted to welcome you also, and echo what has already been said.  Making that chemo decision is a tough one, and one we all make for a different reason.  My fear was having an already sick dog (my thinking at the time was cancer = sick) feel even worse with the drugs.  Most, not all, sail through chemo with few side effects.  Trouble was a little nausiated for about 12 - 24 hours and had some chills with a couple of the treatments, but overall it was not a bad experience for her.  We went into the chemo with the understanding that if she did not tolerate it well we would stop.

Wow, Laura, what an awesome story.  That just really made my day - just shows us all there is always hope.

Hello Beth,

I must have missed your first post but I want to respond now because Cemil (Anatolian Shepherd) was diagnosed with osteosarcoma at age 3 and had his left front leg amputated.  They also did a biopsy on the lymph node and it was clear of cancer cells, and his lungs were clear.  Chemo was not an option, so I went with an alternative treatment, Hoxsey, and supplements.  The vet recommended vitamins A  & D together, ImmPower, which is AHCC, and fish oil.  I also added freeze-dried acai berries (anti-oxidant) and probiotics (the daily one that Flint River sells) and put him on grain-free food.  His lungs were x-rayed at 12 months and they were still clear.

I have learned that the lymph node being clear is huge, but cancer can still develop later.  So far I've been lucky.  I hope the same for you and Max.  I'm sorry that anybody has to go through this, but you've come to the right place for help and support. 

I think the bummed out thing is fairly common.  He's not feeling too good and is taking medication, plus having to learn a new way to do things and use different muscles in the process...makes me want to take a nap.  I hope the antibiotics work and he can can get on with healing.

Mary and Cemil

I also missed your initial post.  I don't have much to add, except that your decision will be made with lots of love for Max, and we'll all support you!  He looks like an awesome pup!  The first few weeks post-op can be a roller-coaster.  We found that things really started improving once Holly's stitches were out and she was able to stop the pain meds.  We'll keep fingers and paws crossed that Max has more good days than bummer days and that he is back to his old self in no time! 

Holly's now on Evo and Blue Buffalo dry foods - both are grain free (or at least low carb- but I think grain free ).  We mix that with either some canned food (again - grain free ) or some chicken or beef or fish that we cook up for her.  We have learned that Holly loves fish! 

Hugs,

Holly and Holly's mom