There are lots of folks here to talk to and many of us have 'been there'.  Last year the Monday before Thanksgiving, Trouble was diagnosed with osteosarcoma.  On Tuesday she was in for a second opinion consult, and Wednesday morning she was in surgery.  My head was spinning.  Thanks to the support and information here, we made it through that difficult recovery period, the decision to try chemo, and found many new friends who share our journey.  The road is not always smooth, but there is alway a comforting person here so you know you are not alone.

Welcome!

Shaun & Supai,

First, we are very sorry to year of Supia's diagnosis, but you have found a great community which will share experiences, provide suggestions, and most of all give support.  One of the wonderful facts of this community is the extreme diversity of knowledge.  Thus, while I did not get onto the site last night as usual, you have already recieved excellent comments.   Our experience was much like Shanna and Troubles and in fact, there are four of us (Nova, Cherry, Max, and Trouble) all of whom celebrated one year Ampuversaries this month.  While Cherry did seem to catch a "bug" earlier this month, the month of October was her best month since the diagnosis.  The sparkle has returned to her eyes as well as her impishness and willingness to get into mischief.  For us the chemotherapy was worse than the amputation.  Cherry's first chemotherapy treatment was just hours after the amputation.  Cherry did not suffer any nausea, vomiting, or drop in blood count that can go along with chemotherapy, but rather the taste of the chemicals caused her to loose her appetite.  Many are not effected at all by the chemotherapy and I would have to say that Cherry is here today because of the aggressive treatments.

When you get closer to the operation, there is a set of suggestions that we can forward.  Do not underestimate Supai's ability to recover and return to a quality of life.  I would urge you to set your goals far longer than just spring.  We have already planned our month long trip to Yellowstone with Cherry for June.  She wants to again sit on my lap, in the swing, on the porch of the Lower Hamilton General Store, at the Lower Geyser Basin.  Last year we did that and radioed back the geyser eruptions to the Old Faithful Visititor's Center.  At that time she will be 12½ years old and eighteen months post amputation.

Paws Crossed and Sending Positive Thoughts,

Bob & Cherry

Hello Shaun

Cemil is on an alternative therapy too.  His vet recommended the Hoxsey treatment and ImmPower (which is another mushroom immune booster).  He just had his 10-month ampuversary, and while I don't know the condition of his lungs because I decided not to x-ray him all the time, he seems fine.  I supplement him with acai berry and probiotic powder, salmon oil and Vitamins A and D (also recommended by his vet).  Liver and kidney support are a couple other things that I think are important, and also Co-Q-10.  And he eats grain-free food.  If you have access to a certified accupuncturist, they can give you things specific to Supai's needs.  That would help your decision making a lot.

Jerry's regimen is posted on the site, for more diversity.

Keep us posted on Supai's progress.  We wish  you the best.

Mary and Cemil

Shaun and Supai,

As I mentioned in my first posting here I have a standard set of suggestions that may help you prepare for Supai’s return from surgery.  Stealing from a recent Jerry posting, I would suggest:

What to Expect Part 1:  http://tinyurl......tToExpect1

What to Expect Part 2:  http://tinyurl......tToExpect2

Also, there are my usual suggestions:

1)  Remain as positive as possible around Supai.  They will pick up on your feelings and if you are down, it will only make it harder.  I have often left Cherry, left the house, and then totally lost it before regaining composure and returning with a smile.  It will make a difference.

2)  Remember to treat the spirit as well as the body.  Find something that they love and can still do during recovery.  Then exploit that love to give them purpose.  For Cherry, it was/is her trips in the truck/car.  It was the first and for a long time, the only place that she would willingly take food when offered.  To this day, as the time when she thinks that she is going for a ride approaches, you can see the excitement grow.  Jake's mom would probably tell you that for Jake it was the swimming pool.  Once Jake saw the pool and was allowed back in, the improvement appears to have been remarkable.  View the Fun!  Doug and Heidi will tell you that for Molly it continues to be canoe trips.  Watch her celebrate her one year anpuversary!  Finally there is Calpurnia who loves the life filled with the outdoors and sledding and has survived the amputation for more than two years.  View the fun!  Help them find a purpose to fight.

3)  Consider keeping a journal.  I kept a journal and posted much it on-line.  It allowed me to go back days/weeks/months and make a good comparison.  The detail that you keep in this journal is more than I would ever put into a blog which is also a great idea.  This very detailed journal really helped to make honest assessments of Cherry's progress during the ups and downs of recovery.  Our oncologist actually used these journal postings to keep up to speed on Cherry's condition.

Paws crossed, sending pawsitive thoughts, and will definately keep you in our thoughts tomorrow'

Bob & Cherry

Hi Shaun,

Jake also loved to swim... but no swimming after surgery until the stitches come out (usually around 2 weeks). Jake did alot of swimming in our pool once the vet gave the go ahead (but we live in Florida... so no ice!). I have a bunch of videos of him enjoying himself after surgery.

Good luck with everything tomorrow, and when Supai comes home on Friday!! I'm sending lots of good vibes your way!!!

Angel Jake's Mom