So, we have decided to amputate as that is the only way to save Bailey. Bailey is currently pain free and happy – running around.

It is very hard to watch her running around and appearing to be perfectly healthy when I know we are going to be removing her leg and that she is actually sick.

Hi Denise and Bailey! Your story sounds similar to mine and my dog Dixie. She had a soft-tissue carcinoma on her front left elbow as well, and was getting around normally with no pain (that we could tell). We tried to remove the tumor but it was too deeply attached and they couldn't get it all. So the only option (financially) was amputation. We fought with the decision as well because we were afraid of being too aggressive. In the end, we knew it was the only way she could live a longer disease-free life.

We are 4 days post-amp and she's doing awesome! My advice so far is to make sure you have over-night care for at least the first night. Our vet doesn't have supervised over-night care or recommend to us to find a place, so they sent her home with us the evening after her surgery. Dixie was completely out of it — hysterical whining. We didn't know if it was pain or dysphoria. It was extremely traumatic for all of us. We rushed her to an emergency hospital and they took care of her over-night. It allowed me to get (only 3 hours of) sleep and Dixie to be supervised.

The next morning, she was standing and walking! It was incredible. I thought she'd have more trouble figuring out the three-leg thing since she had full use of her fourth leg before. Just know, Bailey will surprise you in more ways than one during her recovery.

Keep in touch with the group on this website. Everyone is so sincere and has a lot of experience! They'll help you get through the worst days and will be excited about the good.