Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I have written and deleted this post a few times today. I just can't find the right words. I either get all clinical and sound like a medical robot, or I lose myself in a tangle of emotions and stop making sense. So bear with me. I'm determined to get through it this time.
We went to the vet on 12/21 for an Adequan injection. While we were chatting with the vet, he felt Rumbles neck and legs and belly. When he touched his belly, he asked if Rumbles had just eaten breakfast because his abdomen felt hard. "No breakfast, he's a night-time, once a day eater". The vet looked concerned, took an x-ray and there is was...something large and ugly and hateful. An ultrasound a few days later confirmed...splenic tumor and enlarged lymph nodes in the abdomen. High probability of cancer, considering Rumbles medical history. Cancer x3, I hate it!
Options were discussed...specialists, surgical removal of the spleen, chemo, echocardiograms, on and on and on.
We're going with the "do nothing" option. As hard as that is to see in black and white, we know that it's the best choice and our vet agrees.
Right now, he's feeling good. The Adequan is giving him a much needed boost of improved mobility. I love that. I know there are dark days ahead. But today was another day of hugs and ear scratchies and kisses and whispers and special treats. Hoping to give him more days like today. He deserves them.
Oh wow, Rebecca, I'm so sorry. This had to have been really tough to write (I'm so glad you were able to get back into the forums). I'm sending lots of hugs your way, this just stinks. Please try not to look at it as doing nothing...you are doing the kindest, most compassionate thing for your boy, by giving him the kind of life you know he wants. That is everything.
Rumbles is a fighter. He has already beaten the odds again and again, who knows, maybe he will stick it to cancer once more! I hope so, because we sure love you guys and have a special place in our hearts for your sweet boy.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
You can think of it as "doing nothing" if you want, but doctors pledge to "first do no harm." So you're really just promising Rumbles that you won't hurt him. And we know how much you love him, how much he means to your family--so you won't make him hurt, either.
You are right that it's ugly and hateful. I have learned more about cancer here than I ever wanted to know. Cancer is no respecter of persons or species. It is an equal-opportunity evil. It has no heart or soul. It has no rules until it decides to make some up on the spot...and then it voids them or changes them up or rearranges them.
Cancer has no mind, though, so it does not think. It cannot plot and ponder and plan.
It cannot take the essence of what we and our dogs are. It can't make us worse unless we let it.
Cancer can steal a life but it cannot steal a soul.
I myself and only now learning what this means. I am a slow learner, but it's important enough to spend time on. This is crappy news, but you are getting to make memories and spend happy times with your handsome boy. There is great value there.
Shari
From abandoned puppy to Tripawd Warrior Dude, Dakota became one of the 2011 February Furballs due to STS. Our incredibly sweet friend lived with grace and dignity till he impulsively raced over the Bridge on 12-15-12.
Dakota's thoughtful and erudite blog is at http://shari.tr.....pawds.com/
Dakota Dawg said
Cancer can steal a life but it cannot steal a soul.
So very true....with the 2,3, and 4 legged!
My heart hurts for you! Thanks so much for sharing this precious soul and your friendship with us!
Give him scratches for me!
As always I just love his face....great photos!
To those on the out side 'do nothing' might sound like giving up. But to us here- well we know that it really means 'I have carefully considered all the options, talked to our vets, and conferred with family, looked in Rumble's eyes and have decided to take this path'.
I came to this place with Maggie when her second cancer was diagnosed. I never considered that I did nothing- I did the best thing I could for Mag. That is what you are doing for Rumbles- the best thing for him.
I hope there are many, many, many more special days for your boy.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
I agree with what everyone here has already said: it's not "doing nothing," it's doing what's best for your boy. We came to that conclusion with Max when we were told the chemo was no longer keeping his lung mets at bay. We decided we were just going to let him "be a dog" for whatever time he had left. That's all Max ever cared about: running, eating, and being with his family. He never liked going to the vet. We will keep Rumbles in our thoughts and prayers, and be happy knowing that he has a family that cares and loves him so much.
I couldn't agree more with what has already been said. You aren't taking the coward's way out, you made a thoughtful decision. We all know that, and we all know how hard this choice was for you. We support you and hope you and Rumble have many good days ahead to build happy memories.
There is no time stamp on his butt. No one knows how much time there is left.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Oh no! Poor Rumbles!! Cancer really does suck. We'll keep him in our thoughts and prayers. Wishing you many more good days ahead.
Kathy & Tasha
Tasha was a German ShepherdBorder Collie mix who was diagnosed with OSA at age 8. On December 29, 2011 she had her front right leg amputated and received 4 rounds of chemo. Sadly and suddenly Tasha became sick and we discovered she had liver cancer that had spread to her lung. After almost 19 months, Tasha earned her wings on July 17, 2013. No regrets and never forgotten.
What cancers has Rumbles had?
Right hind limb amputated 7/3/12 for OSA, started on alternating cycles of Carboplatin and Doxorubicin and oral Palladia. Single lung met 9/1. Met in the neck muscle removed 9/30. Large mass in sublumbar lymph node 10/2. Rescue chemo with ifosfamide 10/6. Mets to the rib and axillary lymph node 10/21. Started Leukeran and Pred 10/25. Wookie left this Earth for a far better place on 12/4/12. I miss you, Boo, you were my heart.
What cancers has Rumbles had?
He had a hemangiopericytoma on his right front elbow and a mast cell tumor in his right front 'armpit'. Both were surgically removed in late 2010. The hemangio tumor returned on the elbow, leading to amputation of his right front leg in early 2011.
Thanks for the kind thoughts, everyone. It means a lot to us to have the kind support and understanding found here on tripawds!
Does your vet suspect hemangiosarcoma of the spleen? Did they mention if there is a chance of bleeding anytime soon? I hope that it is a solid tumor (they should be able to tell from the ultrasound).
Pam
tazziedog said
Does your vet suspect hemangiosarcoma of the spleen? Did they mention if there is a chance of bleeding anytime soon? I hope that it is a solid tumor (they should be able to tell from the ultrasound).
Pam
Pam... Yes, he does suspect a hemangio tumor. And we have had a long talk about bleeding and rupture; he has explained what to watch for and we have an emergency plan in place with a nearby 24/7 animal hospital. I am terrified of this, but know it could happen at any time. It might sound strange, but I'm also relieved that when/if it happens, we've at least been given an opportunity to know in advance what is going on inside of him and we'll know what to do.
Rumbles has had periodic anemia since mid summer, which the vet is now attributing to the splenic tumor. The tumor was not palpable in June or in August, but his blood tests have shown abnormal levels and cell immaturity ( I hope I'm saying that the right way).
I have a check in call scheduled with our vet tomorrow and will ask about "solid tumor". He has not mentioned the phrase, so thanks for that piece of info.
I appreciate your input and concern. Thank you so much.
Oh, I'm so sorry to hear this. I love Rumbles' sweet face and his jelly bean dance. I hope you have many more good days with him. Please give him some extra cuddles and snuggles from me and Rita.
Hang in there.
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Pictures of Rumbles ALWAYS make me smile. He has so much charisma.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
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