Thank you to everyone for your kind words. Yesterday was one of the worst days of my life and these messages of encouragement are invaluable. As terrible as this is to go through, there’s comfort in knowing we’re not going through it alone. I can’t express my gratitude enough. 

The nurse who scrubbed in for Sasha’s surgery called me about 3:45PM to let me know it was over and that it had gone well with no complications. She said Sasha had woken up quietly, which was a good thing, and that she would be on an IV and monitored throughout the night. She said they had given her hydromorphone before the surgery and that so far she hadn’t needed anything else for pain, but that they would give her pain medicine as soon as she showed any sign of needing it, or at 6PM (whichever came first), and then pain medicine after that every 6 hours. 

She told me that her temperature was a little low (97.7 as opposed to the ideal 102), but that this was due to the anesthesia and higher, actually, thanks to her thick coat, than most dogs post-surgery. They were blowing warm air into her blankets to raise her temperature (she said Sasha was enjoying this) and that they’d stop once her temperature reached 99 degrees. 

The nurse said they were going to try to get her up and moving a little bit at 8PM. This sounded really early to me but she said it’s important to get her moving as soon as possible to help with the stiffness after surgery and because movement is good for the surgical site — that it will help the body to absorb fluids in that area. 

She told me that they would be sending me home with Tramadol, Rimadyl, and an antibiotic. Fortunately I had the wherewithal enough to mention Gabapentin, having read here that some felt this might help, or prevent, any “phantom pain ” that could occur. The nurse said I should mention it to the doctor but that she was confident he would feel that it was unwarranted and that her pain would be well-controlled on the Tramadol and Rimadyl. She said that these dogs never cease to amaze her and that I would be equally amazed at how quickly Sasha would most likely adapt. She assured me that Sasha would be monitored 24/7 and that they were available by phone for a status update to ease my mind anytime of the night. 

The doctor called me shortly afterward. He also told me that surgery went very well. Probably the best news I received all day was that both he and the radiologist felt her chest X-rays were normal. This is good because, as I understand it, spread to the lungs is what we will be begin to battle with chemotherapy in two weeks. I’ve read of some Tripawds here who started chemo only a few days after surgery. I don’t want Sasha’s system overwhelmed, but I am concerned about waiting two weeks. I am eager to start the battle (and win the war) against whatever microscopic cancerous cells are in her body right now. The surgeon said he would speak to the oncologist but that it was perfectly standard and acceptable to wait two weeks after surgery before beginning a chemo regimen on a dog with no visible metastasis, to allow the incision to heal and decrease the risk of infection. One surprise was that he said he was “sending that part of the tibia” to pathology and that he would have the results next week. I wasn’t expecting this, since I opted for no biopsy. I am realistic enough that I’m not hoping for the 5% chance it’s not osteosarcoma, but based on what I’ve read, should a potential clinical trial become available in the future, a “definitive diagnosis” often seems to be a prerequisite. 

The plan is that she will spend tonight and tomorrow night in the hospital and that I’ll pick her up Thursday after work. I’m off work on Friday and can spend the long weekend at her side. They said I could come by and visit her after work tomorrow, which I will do. 

The nurse I spoke with said they would teach me how to “sling walk her.” I mentioned that some of the specialty harnesses I’ve looked up (thanks to links on Tripawd, such as the Web Master harness ) advise that they not be used until after the staples or stitches are out. The nurse said Sasha’s stitches are on her hip, so she shouldn’t be bothered by any kind of harness. But on such short notice, Lori and TY’s suggestion above to take a canvas grocery bag and cut the sides out of it sounds like a perfect idea and is definitely something I’ll procure tomorrow. Unfortunately, I live on the second floor of an apartment complex. But my parents (I’m 29 years old) spent their day clearing out my old bedroom on their first floor. There is a two-door closet in that bedroom my mom cleared out where Sasha can recuperate. We figured this sort of semi-enclosed area would make her feel secure after reading that dogs recovering from surgery are much like dogs about to give birth who “nest.” I’ll bring her bed over tomorrow (it’s pretty thick sturdy foam but old and has seen better days — I’m researching the best options for a replacement). I’ll be able to sleep on an air mattress just a few feet away and we can take it easy this weekend. 

I went to PetsMart and was really glad to find one of those inflatable donut collars which I’m going to take to Sasha tomorrow to replace the cone I’m sure she has now. It looks so much more comfortable, will obscure her view less, and make it much easier to eat and drink, I hope. 

I just stared at the vitamins and supplements aisle for a while. I had no idea what to get or what she will need. I want to fight this cancer but I just need to get myself educated on the best things for her. I ended up just getting some fish oil with omega 3 since I know it’s more important than ever to protect her joints. I wanted to get some joint-specific supplement with glucosamine and chondroitin, but I didn’t know what the best brand is. I have a lot to learn. I did the same in the food aisle. I know she needs the highest quality food. There are so many options and I know low-carb grain-free is important, but it’s just overwhelming. I want to make the right decision. 

I called for a status update about two hours ago, around 8:30PM. They said she is still resting and that she isn’t yet willing to move around at all. They moved her from a smaller enclosure to a larger enclosure and being able to stretch out seems to have made her much more comfortable. They are going to try again to take her out around 2AM. 

I just want to reiterate to everyone how grateful I am for the kind words, the advice, the empathy, and the positive thoughts thrown our way. Everyone I know has circled around me with more love and support than I ever imagined. Add to this all your support, the kindness of strangers, and I really do feel a small bit of relief that the surgery is over and that now we can focus on getting better, being strong, and enjoying every moment of life as it happens. 

My mom started crying today and said that I am a boy who loves his dog who has had to make a man’s decision. I feel I made the only decision there was to make. I’m ready to get Sasha home, help her recover, get her pain-free, and make each day better than the last.