Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Just got confirmed dx of osteosarcoma in our dog Lola. No observable metastasis per additional X-rays including lungs and per Ultrasound. We went to Oncologist today and she is recommending amputation and chemotherapy. My concern is the prognosis. Dr is saying that treatment will get Lola at least one year more and there is a 25%chance she could make it 2 years post diagnosis. With Amputation only, statistics say 4-6 months more. The amputation would be around $4500 and 6 doses of chemotherapy and additional $6200. Is this the same prognosis predictions that you all have encountered?
Hi Lola and family, welcome. We are sorry you find yourself in this situation and hope to make it easier for you.
The statistics your vet gave are standard, and so hard to hear. We know because we got them too for our dog Jerry. And you know what? He lived TWO amazing years! And we opted out of chemo too. Over the years we have seen MANY dogs outlive the depressing prognosis for osteosarcoma. Not all do of course, some will not make it more than a few months. Yes, the average survival time is about one year give or take. But those statistics are just educated guesses. They don't take Lola's physiology into consideration.
In short, you never ever know how she will do--with or without cancer. This is one crappy disease that serves as a reminder of how precious every day is for all of us. And as much as it sucks to have the diagnosis hanging over you, one look at how Lola is living life on her terms will remind you that dogs really do know how to live in the now! They show us how to make the best of any situation and if we learn to Be More Dog , we can make our lives better in return.
I'm glad you are talking to an oncologist, that's awesome. Get your information together so you can make a choice you are comfortable with. And remember that while chemotherapy statistically gives a dog with osteosarcoma higher odds for longer survival, it's by no means a guarantee. Dogs do great with and without chemo, it's a big crapshoot really. I say this because if the cost will stress you out, that's not good medicine for Lola. Do what you both can live with, follow your heart and you can't go wrong. We will support you no matter what you decide.
Be sure to check out our e-books library and ask any questions you'd like, we are here for you! Oh one more thing: check out our Tripawds Quality of Life Survey Results to see some data around our members' experiences. Welcome to the club nopawdy wants to join!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Sending you lots of support and love. Others here can advise better than I in this particular case. The important thing is that you are doing your research and doing your best for Lola. The best advice I read here is once you've done your research and made your decision, move ahead and be content with it. No matter what, Lola knows you are doing your best for her happiness and comfort. 
Yes, sorry you find yourself here but as you can already tell from the two replies you are in the best place for support and information.
Would love to see pictures of your sweet Saint Bernard Pyrenees mix. Here is a link for adding images . We actually just had a very loved and valued Saint Bernard herenam3d Thurston, head to the Rainbow Bridge. He was going on 2 years after his amputation and diagnosis and passed from bloat, not that crappy disease. He was beating it and he did!
And it is absolutely true, statistics don't mean too much around here. Some dogs seem to get extended time without chemotherapy and some don't. Some seem to get extended time with care of most therapy and some don't. It really is pretty much a crap shoot. My Happy Hannah did have four rounds of Carboplatin as recommended by her oncologist. You will find some recommend four rounds, some five, and some six. I was comfortable going with mfor for her based on my research and the feedback and knowledge of her Onco..
For me, at the time back then, , I was able to figure out a way to somewhat handle it financially. I also knew Chemo is something that you can stop at any time if there are severe adverse reactions. That was important to me. My Happy Hannah did not mind going to the vet at all and she enjoyed car rides. That was important to me. Also the clinic had actual appointment set up where she could be in and out well under an hour's time. That was REALLY important to me!
Please, please understand there is not a "right" answer, nor a "wrong" answer. Well, actually whatever you do you will do out of love for Lola and that is ALWAYS the RIGHT answer!!
As Jerry said, Jerry had no chemo and thrived for two years. My Happy Hannah had Champ a d thrived for over a year. Brownie had no chemo and thrived for a year..
Some go solely with supplements, nutrition, "alter ative", etc. Some use a combo.
THE most important "therapy" to embrace for Lola and for yourself is to LIVE IN THE MOMENT!!! Live in the NOW! Lola does NOT have a timeframe stamped anwhere on her but and does not cou t days on a calendar. She is not a statistic. She is Lola.
The biggest lesson is to not waste one second worrying about the tomorrows. Be More Dog and follow Lola's lead and just go joyfully from one moment to the next with no worries. The only way this piece of crap can win is to deprive you of being fully focused on the present with Lola.
For now though, just keep things chunked down. Research the amputation surgery and recovery. You can focus on treatments later, whatever that may or may not be. The amputation removes the pain and any chance of fracture of the diseased leg. Recovery is no picnic for a couple of weeks, but once recovery is completed and Lola's sparkle comes back you will be astounded at how happy she is on three.
Stay connec and know that we are here for you and with you. Smooches to Lola!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
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