Hi There,

I just wanted to say Hi and welcome you here, where of course you'd rather not be. We all understand the pain, confusion and grief when we are told we might need to face amputation. My experience was w/ OSA, so can't give you any specific feedback about whether there are other options for STS. A second opinion is completely justified and worth it if it will help you make the right decision for your pup. 

I did want to say that I doubt the previous TPLO on this same leg would have caused the STS. STS shows up in lots of dogs who have never had a TPLO. Just like w/ OSA, there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason why it has to be your dog who gets cancer. It is just rotten luck. 

Now, if Bentley does need amputation, then reading some stories here should help you realize that Bentley can still live a life full of doggie joy even as a tripawd. I don't think living in NYC would preclude that. Of course, if you're on the 5th floor of a walk-up you might need to make some adjustments but once outside he'll be able to take walks in the park just like always. He'll probably surprise you how determined he will be not to let anything change.

Denise, Bill and Angel Ellie. 

Hi Marissa,

     I am so sorry you are going through this. I am a relatively new tripawd mom. My girl, Bella, was diagnosed with a softissue sarcoma (fibrosarcoma) in the rear left leg in January. I don't know how unusual it is, but with some sts it is imperative to get it all through surgery. We did not have an option with her leg. She had a complicated case and it was amputate her leg or let her go. We were thankful they were able to do the amputation and save her. I truly hope they can get clean margins without removal. If your Bentley does have the leg removed, please just keep reading on this website. There is so much helpful information here that you can find here. I downloaded the books immediately and just started reading. They were extremely informative and taught me things I never even knew to ask.

    I also understand the questions you are asking yourself about practical daily living with a recent amputee. I am still learning new things as is my Bella. For the first few days home, she seemed a little confused about her leg being gone....or it could have been the meds she was under, but since then she has just been resolute in learning to function with her new normal. I keep reading and Bella keeps teaching. It has been a very emotional couple of months but to see that half-shaved butt wiggle and her eyes shine as she brings me one of her stuffed toys to play fetch, I would do it all again in a heart beat.  I recently told a friend of mine that if I stood back and looked at it objectively, it isn't any more "work" than when she was a puppy. It is just the level of emotion involved on my part that I had to get through. 

     I am sure you will get good medical care and make the best decision based on the the information. Amputation isn't the end. There are bumps along the way. And the tears....I have cried bucket fulls. But we are only two months into this journey and she is functioning well beyond what I had imagined.  

    Best wishes for both of you!

Jumping in here late, howdy and welcome!

Any updates?

pam

Aww . . . bless your heart. Radiation would scare me too, probably not for the same reasons as you. My experience is limited to human relatives/friends regarding radiation. I've never heard of radiation for fur-babies. What are the risks?

As far as limb-sparing, that's a tough cookie. I think we naturally compare our fur-babies to our own ability to recuperate such procedures. But as I'm learning, the animal kingdom is so much different.

I know I'm rambling, but I'm trying to relay to you that you're dealing with all normal thoughts and emotions. I'm not sure what I would do in your shoes. But one thing I know for sure, you'll do it with love and conviction, and that, really my friend, is where you'll find your peace.

Keep us updated!

pam