Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I know that some dogs in 'our club' have regular chest x-rays as a matter of course but Darcy never has. The only x-rays she's had were those taken on the day of diagnosis/amp and then just before she had her first dose of chemo.
But - she NEEDS a dental, so whilst she is under for that, we are going to get chest x-rays done too.
I already feel ill at the mere thought. I think she is OK (she's not doing anything particularly wierd/different) but I also know that she can act OK whilst still having something going on inside her lungs.
I *just* want the x-rays to come back clear.
I don't want my dreams to be shattered by some evil thing showing on those films.
I know it's my choice to have them done, whilst she'd having the dental and part of me wants to say no, lets not even look....but then the other part of me knows that we should look and if anything is there, at least we'd be ahead of the game a little bit in terms of medication.
Please think good thoughts for Darcy.
*tremble*
Darcy – tripawd since 16th October 2007.
***Darcy would love to be your friend on Facebook - just search for Darcy Deerhound***
Bev, we know exactly how you feel. I didn't have x-rays until over a year after I was diagnosed, same thing. But if there was a time that I would've gone under anesthesia for something like that, I'm guessing my pawrents would've done the same thing. It's pretty smart of you to do both at the same time.
My Mom thinks that if she could do it over again, she might've done it sooner. Yes, x-rays will give you a head's up and better prepare you for doing battle. On the other hand, it can also lead humans to obsess and only focus on the medicine instead of living one day at a time like dogs do. At first my Mom had regrets that she didn't decide to xray before, but then once she calmed down, she realized that for all our sakes, we were happier living without knowing in the brief moment in time.
Remember though, whatever happens, all of the joy and happiness Darcy has brought you since her surgery, and your dreams, cannot be taken away by any mets. IF there is anything there, just follow Darcy's lead. She won't be upset, or thinking any differently about life, she'll just keep on with business as usual, and so should you.
Good luck. You are both in our thoughts, and we send many hugs out your way. Keep us posted OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Our vet doesn't recommend the periodic chest x-rays either. When I asked about them, he was of the opinion that we had a very positive biopsy (indication was that the malignancy was totally contained) and the risk of mets soon is not high. His recommendation is to wait until we have some indication they may be there before doing an x-ray. That being said, I think if I were having dental I'd do the x-ray also. If nothing is there it will indeed be time to celebrate. If it is, you can begin to make decisions about her care. Nothing will change the fact that you have already learned to appreciate each day you have with Darcy. Those of us dealing with the cancer already know the days are numbered, we just don't know how many numbers we will be given.
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.
Bev - we will send pawsitive thoughts and lots of good and healthy energy your way. Try and breathe (I know, MUCH easier said than done) and focus on "today".
Much love to you and your girl,
Heather and Zeus
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
Thanks all. It's time for bed but I'm putting off going because when I wake up, it will be time to take her to the vets. Luckily, Darcy has no clue. I'm just taking rescue remedy and trying to breathe.
I'll let you know when we hear anything from the vet.
Darcy – tripawd since 16th October 2007.
***Darcy would love to be your friend on Facebook - just search for Darcy Deerhound***
Hi Bevd,
I know exactly how you feel as I went through this just over a week ago. I am thinking of you and hoping for the best!! Just breeeaaaatthhhheeeeee, and keep you chin up - for Darcy's sake...
Wishing you good luck and sending warm kissess and hugs.
All the way from Africa,
Dee and his mommy, Ansunette.
xxxxx
Vet has phoned.
I can't say that we have a perfectly clear, but we got the next best thing which is a few very very small (3mmm) areas of stuff which could be calcification (so Helen the vet said). She said "I can tell you that she's not got a chest full of tumours and is not about to turn her toes up"
I asked - if she had just found a bone tumour in a dogs leg and then done these x-rays, would she be concerned enough by what she saw on the chest x-rays to not go ahead with an amputation and she said no, she'd still be happy to do an amputation with what she saw on those chest films.
She also said that we have to remember that she's looking at these x-rays with the knowledge that Darcy HAS had a nasty cancer in the past but if she was looking at them without that knowledge she would not be overly concerned by what she saw.
She said she'd show me the x rays when we go in (what that'll achieve, I'm not sure ) and we'll discuss more then - so I'll fill you in again once Darcy is home.
Oh and Helen is now doing Darcy's teef so she will have a smile to match ours
Darcy – tripawd since 16th October 2007.
***Darcy would love to be your friend on Facebook - just search for Darcy Deerhound***
That sounds like a promising report. I'm happy to hear she continues to do well AND will have a beautiful smile 🙂
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.
Wooooo hooo!!!!! Dancing the happy dance! We're smiling across the Atlantic...
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Bev,
I am so glad everything is ok!!
Oh how I love it when my dogs come home with cleen teeth!!!
Janie & Calamity (Morgan, Trigger, Kade & Munchie, too)
We all get dentals in February, it's pet's Dental Health Month here in the states!!
Janie & Calamity http://www.trix.....gspot.com/
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