I am so sorry about Molly's diagnosis.  That sucks.  Neither of my dogs were tripawds due to cancer.  However, when I originally presented Daisy to the vet with a swollen leg and lameness the xrays showed the characteristic OSA lytic lesion on her bone.  My first instinct was to NOT remove her leg.  I just couldn't imagine it.  I was given the same "statistics" -- 3 months to a year.  In less than 24 hours I decided that I would have her leg amputated but not do chemo after doing research on the internet. Just let her live out her days pain free even if it was for a short time.

In Daisy's case it ultimately turned out not to be cancer (was I thankful and glad I amputated!!!). The pathologist said that the lytic lesion was actually bone destruction from arthritis.

I guess what I'm trying to say is what is "right" is different for everyone.  Only you know Molly best and go with what your heart tells you.

Hugs,

Marla, Biscuit and Spirit Daisy

It is always hard to make a decision like this, and no one can make it for you.

Our story is that Murphy was 7 years old and very healthy except for a very painful right front leg.  We thought originally (like many people here have done) that he had strained it or injured it in some way, and so he was actually limping on it for a couple of months before we had a diagnosis.  I knew nothing about bone cancer, and was really taken by surprise.  We felt that by removing the leg it would give Murphy the best chance at a longer life.  Without surgery, he would be in pain and ultimately the leg would break, and the cancer would spread, and he would probably only live a couple of months. 

After his surgery the biopsy came back as histiocytic sarcoma, which is an aggressive form of cancer usually found in the organs.  They told us that with chemo we might be lucky and get 12-18 months with Murphy.  We chose to try the chemo.  He got 6 doses of CCNU and had to take a supplement to help protect his liver.  He also had to have blood work done a week after his chemo, which our regular vet did.  After he finished his chemo, they found another tumor on his left shoulder blade.  We chose at that time to not do any further treatment.  However,  every time they have done x-rays since, that tumor has not grown, and his lungs have remained clear.

It has been over 27 months since Murphy had his surgery.  He can still chase squirrels up a tree, dig in the yard, jump on the bed, jump into the car, go down the basement stairs or pretty much anything else he decides he wants to do!  He is still healthy and happy and that is worth everything.

One thing that the oncologist told me is that he should be on a grain-free diet.  Grains turn into sugar, and sugar feeds cancer, so we feed Murphy a grain-free food and treats, but other than that we don't give him any other supplements.

Hope that helps some!

Donna

My heart hurts with you.  First I have two separate stories.  The most recent is Cinnamon, a 8.5 year old Husky, whose story is out there, except I should add that the doc called yesterday and the path on the tumor on the remove leg confirmed the cancer diagnosis, but graded low with only a 15% of spread with removal of tumor with sufficient margins.  With the limb removal that is clearly sufficient margins.  Lungs are clear, so our vet said no further treatments are recommended.

Now lets go back several years, my 8.5 year old Bernese Mountain Dog/Lab mix,  Phaedrus, started limping on a front leg.  I took him to our very trusted vet, who xrayed the leg and found that bone was growing uncontrollably at the elbow, and he was 85% certain it was cancer.  He sent me to a vet center in Orange County California, they agreed it was most likely cancer but said without a biopsy could not be sure.  The only treatment they offered was amputation; however, they told me that with amputation that 95% certain it has spread and would only buy the dog three months.  They told me that it was about a three month recovery from the amputation.  I left and cried the entire hour drive home, not understanding why I would do that.  I went back to my vet, who was very active in homopathy and other alternative type treatments, and he asked me I knew Phae, and he agreed that I did.  Although he had by this point decided not to use that leg, being a tripawd in reality, he did not appear to be in pain, he ran and chased balls until my arm was tired, and played with this brother and sister and chased critters of the yard etc.  It was nine months later that I came home one day, he came in for mom time, and got belly rubs, and looked up at me let out a huge sigh, and told me that he was now in pain and it was time to go.  While I was sad not to have him around anymore, I owed him going on his terms and with respect.  Our nine months were filled with joy and fun and love, and I never looked back at our decision.

It is critically important to know Molly and what is best for you and Molly, each story is so different.  We are here for you, and do not hesitate to ask questions, or just vent if you must.