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My pup was diagnosed back in June 2017 with Osteosarcoma. We did not amputate until 3 weeks ago (5 months after diagnosis) as multiple vets said he would not do well on 3 legs.
At the time of surgery 2 regional nodes were enlarged, those were also sent for path. Both leg and nodes returned + for osteosarcoma. Report stated nodes were fully excised and vet was not able to find any other nodes enlarged when staples were removed.
Oncology said to still move forward with Carboplatin as chest x-ray was clear day of surgery. First dose was 3 days ago. Yesterday (48 hrs after infusion) Barney was panting a good bit, no coughing and did not seem in any sort of respiratory distress but he was licking his lips frequently and changing positions often. Today those symptoms have resolved but now he just seems overall much slower. On our walk he had to lay down after a couple houses. Still eating, using the bathroom normally, color of gums look good. I did contact vet who said it sounds like nausea but I am still really concerned especially knowing he had + mets at time of surgery to the regional nodes. Vet is going to see him in the morning. Just curious if this is an ominous sign of mets or more related to chemo. Also would like to find out from others how much time (quality time) they were able to get with a similar situations of osteosarcoma mets to lymph nodes.
Thanks,
Jennifer
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11:07 am
Team Tripawds
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25 September 2009
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Jennifer, welcome. I'm in the Tripawds Chat room for a bit if you want to talk.
I'm sorry about Barney's diagnosis. Why did the vets feel he wouldn't do well on three legs?
Based on what other members have experienced with their dogs going through chemo, it does sound like nausea. Did the oncologist give you an anti-nausesa medication like Cerenia? If not, get one asap today and my bet is that he will start to feel better quickly.
About signs of mets.... you know, there are so many things that we assume are signs that the cancer has returned. It can drive you CRAZY. Most times whatever symptoms our pets are presenting are something totally unrelated to the cancer and usually not serious, and treatable. Try not to worry. It sounds like Barney is just tired from the chemo and feeling pretty crappy. Most dogs don't get these symptoms but is sounds like Barney might be. I'm sorry!
Also would like to find out from others how much time (quality time) they were able to get with a similar situations of osteosarcoma mets to lymph nodes.
Another tip: try not to focus on amounts of time but rather how you spend that time together. Every day is a gift when you're dealing with cancer and we must try hard to remember that our pets don't keep track of time. They just want every moment to count and be happy with their favorite people. It sounds cliche but it's so true. Barney is his own dog and he lives life on his own timeline. Do your best not to compare and you will find much more peace throughout this journey. In turn, you will make Barney's days the best they can be.
I hope this helps! Be sure to hop over to Jerry's Required Reading List for more tips, and stay tuned for others to chime in shortly.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
11:26 am
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Bucketeers
22 February 2013
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Hi Jennifer and Barney! I was owned by a Barney once too! Love your avatar picture and can't wait to see more!
Just want to quickly DITTO Jerry!
The symptoms sound like a classic "nausea and lethargy related to chemo". Hopefully your Vet gave you some Cerenia which usually helps. Also, before the next treatment you may ask for a Cerenia dose ahead of time and then as a preemptive stirke for several days afterwards.
Spunds like all the previous work ups prior to surgery were good as far as xrays...good news!
So take deep breath and try and stay focused on BEING MORE BARNEY!! No worries, just enjoy one blissful moment to the next!
Oh, and still take it slow and easy. It's still very eaely in recovery from MAJOR SURGERY. And some dogs still need some low dose pain meds at the three week mark. So monitor any pain symptoms and treat as need be per your Vet.
Keep us updated...and don't forget abut those pictures!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
11:32 am
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Bucketeers
22 February 2013
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PS. If Bar ey is sitting down after a xouple of houses, he's already showing you he's overdone it. So for another week or so, maaybe just take short potty breaks...sit and rest and let him enjoy all the scents of nature.
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
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