Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives
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Thought that it was time to provide an update on how Dusty is doing. We're almost 5-weeks post op. And, in a word, he's just amazing. I would say he's about 95% back to "normal" ... he's eating, jumping, playing and totally adjusted to his new situation. I would say that Dusty's family is moving along as well, but maybe not quite as quickly as he's doing. I still get feel bad sometimes when I notice his missing leg - I know it was the right thing to do, but that doesn't make it any easier.
We've had a couple of follow up appointments with his surgeon and an oncologist. The surgeon is totally thrilled and said that we should treat Dusty as if he were cancer-free. The oncologist, well, that was a different story. We never really got anything concrete from him, he was a nice and caring person, but I think that it was a wasted appointment. We were told that Dusty's cancer was consistent with synovial cell sarcoma but could also be histiocytic sarcoma. We could find out for sure if we'd pay for a $1400 blood test. Given Dusty's current health status, he could live 3 months, 9 months or 3 years, he really wasn't sure. But, for somewhere between $6-$10,000, we could start a chemo program that may or may not extend his life for a few months. You get where I'm going with this, right????
We've chosen to treat Dusty as a normal, healthy 3-legged dog. We won't be doing any chemo. He will live out his days, whether it be 3 months or 3 years as best and as comfortably as we can make him.
I've upload some pictures into what I hope is a public photo album: https://dustpan.....erfly.com/
Thanks to all of you for your continued support!
Hi Dusty's Dad,
First off....Dusty looks great and I'm glad to hear that he has adjusted well to being a tripawd. It really is harder on us "human types" than our pups/kitties because our furbabies truly live in the moment.
Second.....I cannot comment on chemo options as I did not have to make that decision for Tucker....however, I celebrate your decisiveness and your acceptance of the fact that each moment - no matter how many you have - is a precious gift.....Quality not quantity of time is what we all strive for.
Hugs,
Linda and Tucker
Thanks for the update! 'Been watching for one...and it was worth the wait!
CONGRATLATINS sweet Dusty!! You are showing exactly what "being more dog" looks like! And you are so adorable while doing it!
If I may make a suggestion..and it just goes in tne "for whatever it's worth" column.....PLEASE get a second opinion! Not just for a mlre s
ecific diagnlsis AND potential treatmet options, vut for other price ranges too. You may be pleasantly surprised...or it may not change a thing. But I think it will give you a different persepctive.
You are clearl doing everything with quailty as your main goal for Dusty and that's all that matters! You are a WONDERFUL Dad for Dusty and he s enjoying every second of being ain free and soaking up all the love and spoiling you are throwing his way!
Okay, it took me several months before I learned how topost pictures using photobucket. But you ave college age kids, right? There ya' go...they were practicaly born knowing how to do all that geeky-techie stuff!! And I still jave no clue on blogs.....but miracles do happen!
And here's opimg Dusty's next in line for one! YAAAAAAAAAY DUSTY!!!
Hugs to all!
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
Yay Dusty! You've added to the good news around here, thank you and congrats!
As for your photos, I loved seeing them, you are a doll.
And oh my gosh your experience with the onco cracked me up! I'm sorry you didn't get a really great experience but you have a great attitude about your decision not to do chemo so that's all that matters. 3-paws up to you!
You are of course a member of the Tripawd Nation, so don't be a stranger and keep us posted on how life is treating you and Dusty. We look forward to your adventures!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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