Hi Jamie and Bogi

I am soooooooo sorry to hear about what you are going through.  When the vet says "Cancer" it hits you like a tons of bricks, and you feel like you can't breath and all you can do is cry.  We know how you feel and we are there for you.  

I can see that you have already gotten some great advice from everyone. This website is filled with amazing and helpful information and stories about other people and pets going through similar situations as the one you find yourself in now.  I just wanted to add, ask your vet lots and lots of questions. Don't be afraid to do it.  I find that sometimes I do not understand what they are talking about and I have to ask them to explain it again until it makes since to me because this can be such a confusing time.  Definitely find out if the vets thinks that the leg will need to be amputated anyways, because as others mentioned, it would save you both from having to go through an extra painful procedure.

Here is a little back story about my pup and her cancer diagnosis: We noticed Bailey was not eating as much as she used to and looked like she was losing weight.  When we took her to the vets in January, they did x-rays and found a huge mass that appeared to be on her spleen.  We were beyond stunned when the vet said it was most likely a tumor.  That was on a Friday and we scheduled Bailey for an ultrasound with a specialist for the following Monday.  During the ultrasound her leg actually broke.  It turned out that she also had a tumor in her leg that they had not noticed in the x-rays since they were focused on the mass on her spleen.  The options were remove the spleen and the leg (there was no chance of saving the leg) or euthanasia. This news was almost unbearable at the time. We had to make a decision very quickly, but the vets kept her comfortable at the hospital while my husband and I tried to make the decision as quickly as we could.  We cried and cried and gave ourselves a little time to basically freak out, then I discussed with the vets a little more and went online to do research and found this website.  Everyone here is so helpful, full of information, and soooo supportive.  We decided to do the surgery which occurred the very next day and we have had no regrets ever since!  It has been over 4 months and she is doing great!  We are also doing the metronomic therapy with Bailey which you can find more information about on this site as well.  Bailey gets around just as well as she did before the surgery (she had her right rear leg amputated).  She jumps up on the bed, she climbs stairs, she runs, she goes on hikes with us, and so on and so on.  I can tell she feels so much better!  Like I said, for us, no regrets!

But, everyone needs to make the best decision they can for themselves, their pup, and their situation.  Gather as much information as you can, discuss with the vets and then do what you feel is what you need to do.  Of course, let yourself cry as much as you need to, because it does hurt and it is not fair.  Then, take a moment to breath and to hug that pup of yours as much as you can.  

We are sending positive thoughts and prayers your way.  

- Mylisa and Bailey

I agree with everything g everyone has posted. We're glad you found us and we're sorry it's under such circumstances

I especially agree with the advice to BREATHE and RESEARCH. Knowledge is a fierce weapon!! I would add to spend special time with your dog. If she's not ready to go.. It's time to fight and you have the tools to fight for her. Cherish every moment, do something special, take lots of pictures (and post some here) cherish her, but don't mourn for her.. She is still here!

Read the Dog Cancer Survival Guide no matter what you decide. It has a full spectrum approach to cancer care and dispels some common chemo myths as well as offers other more holistic treatments to try. If you're on the fence about amp: read Three Legs and a Spare . It's a phenomenal book. Between these books and this community you'll be able to find the decision and treatment plan that works for her.

Best of luck and a big hug,
heather and bear

Mannie,

I am so so happy you feel sure about your decision!  I hope you feel some comfort now that the decision is made and dont forget we are all here for you!  I'll let the doggy owners give you all the advice about taking Bogi home, recovery, etc. But I think everything your vet said sounds about right.  It is shocking, but you will be SO happy to see your baby, you wont even care!!!

All our love,

Erica & Tripawd Kitty Jill

Good luck on surgery day.. and remember to keep breathing in the next week before the surgery. I had 3 weeks to wait and read and research before the operation and the last week was the most difficult for me. I had to constantly remind myself to live in the moment and just be happy that I'm here with my boy in THIS moment. 

Barret had a soft tissue cancer, not osteosarcoma, but the surgeon did remove the entire leg, shoulder (scapula), and his pectoral muscle on the left side. He was supposed to stay 2 nights but surprised the vet by being so quick to recover that they sent him home the next day. 

Now that we're 8 days post op, I do have some bonafide, first-hand,  advice to offer:

1. Don't go alone to pick him up. They will probably be throwing around a lot of post op instructions and you'll just be soo happy to see your buddy that its nice to have an extra hand or two. Additionally, Barret always jumps around in the car so it was nice to have someone who could keep him still on the ride home..

2. Do consider a tshirt, or (what I've been doing) using rolled gauze and vetrap (which is a self sticking bandage that doesn't stick to fur, think ace bandage.. Most vets have it.) Barret is much more comfortable when the wound is covered and he doesn't have to wear his cone of shame . Make sure whatever you use is somewhat snug, but not constricting..

3. Even if the first few days seem like a breeze, it will get harder. I think day 5 was when we hit our lowest point. After the nerve block fully worked its way out of his system it was a phone tag/vet visit game to get the balance of meds right so that both Barret and I could get a decent night's sleep! Its been hard, but it is getting better. There IS a light at the end of the tunnel. Never forget that. 

4. Keep everyone on Tripawds updated and ask any questions that you have. Everyone here has been in your shoes and has some kind of insight to provide. 

Good luck 

Heather & Barret