Hi everyone! Tucker and his mom here to keep everyone updated and hopefully spread some good cheer!

My dad went to a fishing school down at the beach (about a 4 hour drive from here!) and my mom and I were going to stay at home since she is worried that I may not be able to make it up 4 flights of stairs to the condo. Well after I tried to show her all day thursday and then again friday when she got home from work by going up and down the stairs at our house (she kept fussing at me to stop but im fine!) and we went to the vet to have the stitches and staples removed and he gave us the OK she finally relented and off we were to my first beach trip! I was super excited. I had never been on a car ride longer than an hour but I loved it! She layed all the seats down and I got to hang my head out the window! When we got to the beach she helped me out of the car (I would prefer to just jump out like I always did but she has forbidden me to do that so she lifts me in and out!) we started up the four flights of stairs. Mom helped me up them with the towel but I was moving so fast that just got in my way! She made me stop and rest at every landing but I was ready to go! It was so exciting to get to go on the beach! It was a blast!

I am so excited that we got to take Tucker to the beach! I was really nervous at first but he proved me wrong every time! We were lucky enough to meet a nice couple on the beach that has a friend whos dog had her front leg amputated due to osteosarcoma and she is about a month out and still having trouble getting around! I shared with them all my advice and then gave them this website to come to, its like I told them… I wouldn't have made it without the support of everyone on this site! I felt bad telling them that Tucker had his surgery less than two weeks ago (it will be two weeks tomorrow!) and they were amazed at how well he was getting around. At one point I looked over and saw him rolling around in the sand and I freaked out thinking he had fallen when all he was doing was rolling around in the sand having fun! He didn't like the sea gulls very much, he chased them (yes running) all over! I tried to keep him pretty calm but I still wanted him to have some fun! He did great on the ride there and back, no issues at all! I have to say, I have been really amazed at how well he has adapted… I told his vet that I think he was slower with four legs! I am lucky that the two week recovery period was much quicker for us, the panting and nervousness I really think was fron the pain meds. Once we weaned him off of those he did amazing! He has figured out that he can give his dad the sad puppy dog face and get whatever he wants! The first night I was really thinking we had done the wrong thing, now I would do it 100 times over just to see him as happy as he is! I know that its not forever but at least now hes having a great time!

As far as chemo goes we haven't made up our minds 100 percent yet but we are leaning towards not doing any chemo. The vet has already seen some "suspicious" areas on the chest X-rays but hasn't called them cancer yet. The research we have done on it we aren't sure we want him sick for a few days after and having to spend a night at the vet after every shot (this is our vets requirements) are what is best. We are still up for some advice or some stories from others who have been through this and did/didn't do chemo before we make our final decision. We just dont want him to suffer any more than he has to when we can be spoiling him bunches!

YAY TUCKER!!!!!!! What a great story that is! I can just see him going after the sea gulls and rolling in the sand. We took Max to the beach this past July (drove from IL to NC!) and he loved it!! Sadly, he will probably not see it again.

As for the chemo…..Max has has 2 treatments of Carboplatin. He has gotten a little nauseated after both, and after the first one his platelet count dropped a lot, but he also has Thrompcytopenia which combined with the chemo caused the huge drop. Even with that, he had one day that was what i would call bad. This second time, just a little nausea that we treated with meds and some loose stool. Otherwise he's done pretty good. Remember that every dog is different and Tucker may have no side effects at all. Im of the same mind as Heather…go for it and see how he does. Max goes for #3 on the 26th and chest x-rays. We are praying for the best.

Go with what makes you feel the most comfortable and dont look back. Tucker will tell you what to do

Lots of Labby hugs to you!!

Paula and Max