Thank you for that link Shari! We are going to Ohio State University.

I am a little confused on the differences between chemo and radiation, and which reaps better benefits, if one does over the other. Hopefully some people have some personal opinions/experiences. I don't want to make my little guy miserable if it is cancer. I am still praying it is not cancer, but unfortunately my gut is preparing me for the worst.

Thank you all so much for your responses. We got the unfortunate call yesterday that it is indeed cancer; a mass was found on the left side of his spine, applying pressure to the left of his rear spine and nerves.  The only part of his body that is affected is his left rear leg. What type of tumor they aren't sure, but most likely a nerve sheath tumor. His lungs, blood work, etc. all came back clear. They said this tumor most likely will not spread elsewhere. We were given the option of amputation, but with the location of his tumor, it would require taking his leg, part of his pelvis, and part of his spine – with no guarantees. Something we were not comfortable doing. They recommended a more aggressive type of radiation, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. However, that would require anesthesia five days a week… I just don't feel comfortable doing that to him, that is not much of a life at all. Our other option is a less aggressive form of radiation, only once a week for four weeks, but with less results. They said usually that will just shrink the tumor, suppressing pain and somewhat pro-longing life. They've given him the grim amount of only a few months left… the most difficult part is this cancer won't take his life, we will have to decide when the pain has become too much to put him down. Everyone says their dogs just let them know. I hope so. I can't even imagine putting down a dog who is still completely happy. As of now, he will be on Prednisone twice a day, and Gabapentin three times a day to try to control his pain. So far, the Gabapentin alone is working miracles. No shaking, and he's absolutely relaxed. And this is without Prednisone, so we're praying he may live pain-free for awhile and beat the odds. We aren't sure if we're wanting to consider the radiation, atleast not yet. As of right now he is going to be living the life, doing what he wants, eating what he wants, going where he wants, etc. We go back in two weeks to see how he's doing on his current amount of the meds. The only thing that made me uncomfortable is that they performed a spinal tap, when the neurologist said that they'd only do that if the MRI came back clear... any idea why?

Thank you all for your support and advice for Max, it is so appreciated!

I cannot thank you all enough for your support and kind words, they mean so much! I'm sorry for not posting for so long, life has been busy and we've been keeping Max busy!

I am so happy to say that Max is doing wonderfully! The doctor gave him a grim diagnosis of a month or two. It is just shy of a month and he is back to his old self, just with one paralyzed leg! You bet he doesn't let that hold him back, though. He'll still give any squirrel a run for his money! Really though, he doesn't even look like he has cancer anymore. He's putting more weight back on, eating constantly, and sleeping fine! No signs of pain whatsoever! I never thought I'd be able to say this, but he really is back to him old self. It's almost as if those terrible weeks never happened. So thankful for the wonders Gabapentin and Prednisone have done! Here's to hoping it stays this way!!!

Here's some pictures of him!

- Mandy and Max