Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Laura and Captain Jack,
I understand exactly how you feel. I am sending as much pawsitive energy as can be sent long distance, but will have to comment some more regarding what you are seeing because it is very similar to what Miss Cherry experienced.
Cherry posted to Kensington on 5 July 2010:
At the time of Cherry's initial diagnosis, the ultrasound show a growth found on what the oncology/surgery team felt was her only functioning kidney. Since the osteoscarcoma was our main focus, the amputation was scheduled and she began her chemotherapy (also carboplatin) just hours after the surgery – just as soon as her body returned to room temperature. Her second chemotherapy treatment occured three weeks after the surgery. Her main difficulty at that time had been a total loss of appetite from the chemicals. However, about a week after the second chemotherapy treatment, Cherry began to dump large amounts of blood in her urine. This was just days before Christmas, so her local vet perscribed antibiotics and we tested the urine for any trace of infection. Later, the ultrasound showed that the blood had come from the growth on her kidney. I would not concent to the exploratory surgery to determine the exact nature of the growth, so we will never really be sure if it was totaly separate from the osteoscarcoma or if it was a leason from the osteoscarcoma (mets). It really did not matter, for the treatment was the same, continued carboplatin. Thus, I put myself in the same camp as Pam – Tazziedog, and would be looking for any additional leison. Also, we were able to keep Miss Cherry for more than a year after this very scary episode.
People often wonder why I suggest they keep a detailed journal during this journey. Well this is the reason. You can view my description of exactly what I was seeing via http://home.com.....onth02.htm
Cherry also showed a number of large growths in the area of the rib cage at this time as well. She was always on the thin side so it was always easy to find these growths and monitor them closely. The fact that both of us loved to have her lay on my lap and stroke her fur also helped to find them. We know how freightening these discoveries are, especially since Jack has been doing so very well. Having found them, you need to monitor them but most of all, continue to live in the TODAY. Jack's condition has not really changed much since last week - only your understanding of that condition. I know how hard it is to put this aside and live in the TODAY, but in your heart you know that this is really the best thing that you can do for both of you.
We send pawsitive thoughts, will worry enough for both of you, and will keep you in our prayers.
Spirit Cherry's Dad
Thinking of you - and sending prayers your way !
Tana and Sophie
Sophie (1998 – 2010)
"Going Dog" def: living every day in the moment
"It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are."
–Unknown
Gee Laura - we aren't allowed to say anything? How on earth do you expect dogs like Comet or Myself not to bark when we hear news about Jack?!?
Jackers - you are supposed to be the one from our general cohort (give or take a month) to sail along cancer free. I am mighty disappointed if you don't live up to my expectations, kiddo.
But if you don't, well I admire your Mum for doing her best to take one pawstep at a time, while of course looking out for your safety.
I won't say more Jackers, but I'll be thinking of you.
Your Buddy Tazzie
laura, paws crossed for many, many, many more magical moments with captain jacks. sending blessings your way!!
charon & gayle
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
ldillon81 said:
Lately, Jack has been urinating quite a bit. Well, today we were napping on the bed and I was scratching his tummy and I thought I felt ribs...after some pushing and prodding, I found that its a hard mass that is positioned on his left side and is quite big. He's still bright, alert, playful, and snuggly, but just wanted to let you all know what is going on. I'm not going to get it tested, I'm not going to get x-rays, it will just have to play itself out 🙂 It could be a day, it could be a month, but it's definitely there. No need to comment, no need to say how sorry you are to hear this, I know everyone is sending good thoughts, and that is appreciated. Thanks for your support!
<3 Laura and MassyJackers
Laura -
Of course, I too, have to comment! To at least show you support 🙂 Love your Jackers!!!
Hugs,
Tracy, Maggie's Mom
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
Paws crossed in our house for you and Jackers - not a horrible report.
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.
Count us in on the positive waves your way. I like the way you think since it reminds me of me!!! I have felt all along I won't put Gus through a bunch of test, surgery, etc, he is living life like he likes it, and if it ended tomorrow, no regrets and he was happy the whole time.. Paws up to you guys, Gus and Dan
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
We are also sending you pawsitive thoughts! Remember, your motivation & action is always out of love for your pups. No regrets, and as Spirit Jerry always says - Be More Dog !
Woof woof!
Cathy & Chloe (and Jane too)
I can not help but send you both big HUGS!!! please update us often on how Jack is doing. We all care about you two so much!
Suzanne and Spirit Oslo
No words.
Just hugs.
Catie -
Birthday – November 4 2003
Amputation – January 13 2010
Crossed the Bridge – June 2 2011
Pawsitive thoughts and big hugs to both of you from Tai and me.
Tai – 9 yr old lab. Diagnosed Osteosarcoma Dec 18/09. Front right leg amputated Dec 21/09. Started chemo Jan 7/10. Lung mets discovered Sept 16/10. Valiant to the end on Oct 26/10 when cancer reappeared in a leg and we made the decision to set her free. Forever in my heart where not even cancer can take her from me.
Thanks for your kind words, everyone! Monday, the day I found the thing, was really tough...I kept feeling like, "omg, I have to go through all this again?!?!?" Yesterday was a little better, then after a loooooong talk with my sister last night, I feel 100% better. She feels completely opposite from me, she wants tests done, she wants x-rays done, and for me to explain my side of things and why I don't want that, I feel like I did before I found the mass. It was like, "have I learned nothing from the past year??" I knew he was going to get sick again, I knew this was coming, and for a moment I just forgot that I had already dealt with this! I don't have to deal with it again! The only hard part is that I go to him when I'm feeling upset or when I want a snuggle, and when he's gone, I won't have that (I'm not allowed to get another dog until I graduate...lame!). However, I KNOW that I'll be OK, I know that he doesn't know or care what's going on, and I know that this experience has been such a life changing experience for me, that I wouldn't change it for anything. It doesn't matter if our dogs get 3 years, 6 years, or 16 years, just the fact that we got to love them is enough 🙂 Thanks again for your support and I love you all!!!
<3 Laura and StinkyJack
ps: bilirubin levels in his urine most certainly indicate this is a liver problem. I'm just glad it's not in a worse place like another bone where he'd actually be in pain from it!
We love you Stinky-Jack!
And your mum is so smart. Letting you be all dog, crazy stinky dog.
Dear Capn' Jack and Laura,
Count the Oaktown Pack in on the wave! We are sending you big love every minute of every day. Live in the here and now and love each other. That's all that matters, after all.
xoxoxox,
CR, TR, SB, M and R
Woohoo! Tripawds Rule!
Regulator of the Oaktown Pack, Sheriff of the Oaktown Pawsse, Founding member and President of the Tripawd Girldogs With 2 Names ROCK Club, and ... Tripawd Girldog Extraordinaire!
Just wanted you to know that I've been thinking of you and Jackers…
Angel Jake and Wolfie's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
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