Hi all...it's been almost 4 years since we started this journey, and I still had some questions about Nitro's cancer that bothered me. A little background for those who don't know his incredible story:  I noticed a growth on Nitro's right front ankle around early March 2014. X-rays showed a honeycomb-like tumor and after 4 biopsies an initial diagnosis was made of "fibrous sarcoma"; if this was indeed the case, an amputation would be considered a "cure". He had the amp June 17, 2014 and thus began his 3+ year  journey as a Tripawd. It took over 5 weeks for the pathology report of his leg to come back. I'd begun to fear they lost the leg, for I couldn't understand why it would be so hard to come to establish a diagnosis on such an aggressive thing as bone cancer. Finally, I was told it was not the fibrous sarcoma that was first thought, but indeed osteosarcoma. After this 5 week delay, he started chemo (6 rounds of carboplatin). We waited for the anticipated metastasis to occur, always wondering when the other shoe would drop. It never did, and after 3+ years since the amp, old age took him from us instead.

Since the beginning, I've always wondered "why did my dog seem to beat the odds?" Did he really have osteo, or was it the less serious fibrous sarcoma as was first thought. I never did see the path report, so I emailed the clinic for a copy, and had my personal vet explain it to me. I thought these results may help someone in the future, as they deal with this dreaded cancer. Here is what she told me:

So this explains why it took so long to reach a diagnosis, which was a relief. She went on to explain:

So after years of second-guessing myself, and the decisions we made, I feel there is closure now. I always wondered if it was really osteo, and if it wasn't, did I put him through chemo for nothing? Did I cause his failing kidneys with the poison I allowed to be pumped into him? Now I can rest somewhat easy, knowing we did everything we could, without doing too much. Hopefully this information will help someone, somewhere, with this journey.

Paula and Warrior Angel Nitro