I, too, am sorry to hear Sam's diagnosis.  Don't be too hard on yourself.  Those first few hours after diagnosis are really hard to get the emotions under control.  You no doubt have already learned a lot here.  You know how important it is to let Sam take the lead and show you  how to make those difficult decisions.  Many good thoughts coming to you and Sam.

julie, this is just sad, sad news.  our thoughts are with you guys...the only 'good' thing is that samson doesn't know anything has changed.  he's just enjoying his life, loving his family and making memories.  enjoy every second you can.

charon & gayle

I am so sorry to hear that news.

I, like Comet, won't dispute the vet, but I will share my experience:

My local vet suspected and confirmed with a visiting vet in their office. I then took Charlie to the Oncologist to get a confirmation, not that I didn't trust my vet, or the visiting vet, per se but I wanted someone who specializes in it to give me the low-down. Next we met with the surgeon who was either going to do the amputation or the limb-sparing (we were looking at both options at the time). When we decided on the amputation, although the local, Oncologist, and surgeon all agreed that he would be a good candidate, I also got a consult from the Orthopedic doctor. Dang it (sorry for the colorful language) but I wasn't going to put my boy through this if he couldn't freakin' (again, language apologies) handle it!

Charlie is arthritic, old for his size (108 lbs at time of amputation and almost 11 years) and had Lyme disease as a puppy. He also blew out a knee when hunting. I thought for sure he wouldn't be a candidate! Anyway, not trying to sell any false hope, nor question your or your vet's decision. I totally respect whatever you choose to do as you know your boy best.

We'll be thinking of you and Samson. Keep us posted!

Charlie & VQ

what lousy luck...what lousy lousy luck.   Maybe they will be able to offer you something helpful so please keep us posted and sending you many many hugs

I too am sorry you are having to deal with this.  It is completely unfair that cancer steals time from our wonderful friends.  It is good that the tumor is down by the ankle I have read.  That is where it was on my boy and they say that improves the odds for more time for you.  I would ask around to see if there is some way or something you can put on his leg to help protect it.  My boy didn't have a visible tumor, but less than a week after diagnosis he had a fracture at the site.  I have since wondered if there was some cast or some wrap I could've put on him to help strengthen it.

Elizabeth and Sammy

I hadn't heard anything about odds and location, but Holly's tumor was almost at the hip joint, which both the vet and oncologist said was highly unusual.  The oncologist is predicting that when it comes back it will reappear at her hip, rather than in her lungs or spine.  It could be interesting to start a forum on where these tumors have been, and see whether within our community there is anything to be gleaned from that.