Thank you, Margaret.  I cling to every word anyone is willing to share.  I like to gather as much info and hear as many experiences as I can.  It sounds like we will have some time to consider chemo after the procedure.  It's encouraging to read Suki is doing so well.  I hope our experience is "smooth sailing" as well.

I got "schooled" on the differences between human and canine chemotherapy, last night.  We are still on the fence about it.  We still question whether we have made the right decision to make that phone call tomorrow and schedule the surgery.  We are thinking all kinds of things....what if it's the wrong diagnosis? What if it's something simpler? Why does she not seem to be limping as bad today? On and on......*sigh*  The bottom line is...we want to rid her of the pain that she so bravely puts up with.

I was pretty freaked out about his surgery, too.  I think most of us were.  What comforted me was knowing that damn tumor was growing and hurting him.  We were going to take away that pain.  Then, he wouldn't have to cart a bum leg around.  After recovery, we knew he'd bounce back and begin to thrust his toys in our laps.  In fact, that's been our night tonight!  In the past, he'd play nonstop for like 15min a few times a day.  He'll probably put into about 10min a day, but with breaks.  He's happy, loving life, loving us, and enjoying his new painfree life!  Another feeling I had after hearing from his surgeon (an orthop specialist), was a huge wash of relief.  At that point, we had Done Something to address his cancer.  I felt better without that tumor growing.  I felt better, MUCH better after amputation!  We didn't have any surgical complications.  Rather, he ate dinner that night with the vet and bfast the next day.  He hopped out to great us (I cried a boatload!) and hopped into the car.  He drank SO much water at home.  He ate dinner, albeit by hand.  Then, I made up rice and grn beef, as it was clear kibble wasn't too exciting then.  B/c he drank SO much water, I knew there were going to be numerous bathrooms breaks throughout the night.  Thus, I slept on the floor with him, nearest the exit.  About every 3 hrs we went outside.  He peed and pooped the first night.  He seemed relieved to have mom camp with him, talk to him, praise him, soothe him.  One of the worst and best nights of sleep for me. 

The real sense of comfort for me was after we started chemo.  It was after that meeting and the start of his treatment that I found myself able to talk to folks about what's going on withOUT crying.  I think as soon as we had a plan, my tears weren't so common.  The first step to this point was certainly committing to the amp and going thru with it.

Stay strong.  You're doing great!  I know she's pulling some tricks for you, but seeing the pathology report and her xrays may help convince your heart what your brain knows.  I had to go back to see his xrays.  Until that point I thought I was being punk'd, lied-to.  Those xrays really brought it home.

I hope her labwork goes well!  Good luck.  Keep us posted.

I understand.  When it comes down to it, we are having someone saw/cut our dog's leg off.  Holy &*%$!  Yep.  Be strong, but cry in the shower.  I know for me, my husband was the "stronger" one and I was the cry baby (I'm more bonded to Jackson than my hubby), but at times I felt like my hubby didn't care. So yes, be strong to reassure everyone this is the right path for your family, but don't be afraid to let it out, too.  It's a major procedure with major risks, after all, and it's cancer.  &*%$ing cancer!  I know everyone will make it out OK and will face the ups/downs with strength.  We're here to help!

Thank you, both.  We cleared the last hurdle today...her blood work came back normal.  Surgery Thursday.

Is it  wrong that a little part of me was hoping something would be amiss in her blood work and she wouldn't be able to have the surgery?  That someone was making the decision for us so we didn't have to? Ugh.  We had to stop the Rimadyl last night and you can tell she hasn't had it today.  Thank God we can continue the Tramadol.

When everyone speaks of how well their dogs get along, I just hang on to those words.  Yes, Michele, this site has been so very helpful to us.  I've watched videos of tripawds and looked at all the products.  I bought her an orthopaedic dog bed today.  We have to buy more rugs tomorrow.  Except for the bedrooms our floors are tile and laminate so we need lots of rugs.

I know you all are here for us and we will certainly keep everyone posted.  It's all good.

Thank you, Michelle.  I like the idea of doing the journal.  I am a natural born worrier.  I worried after the diagnosis about what to do, now that we've made the decision, I'm worried about recovery.  I just pray she does as well as so many of the pets I've read about.  Thank you for sharing your experience with me.

Thanks for the links.  I don't know much about blogging but those journals are pretty cool!