Kevin is all done with his surgeries for the UF clinical trial! (3 days of SRT 9/25, 9/26, 9/27 & Cementoplasty 10/14). 2 days post radiation my dog was moving like he was before he started limping. Walks limited to around the block became limited to a mile with me having to keep up with him and stop him from going further due to risk of fracture from radiation. Now that he had his Cementoplasty surgery, next two weeks will be recovery, checking incision for infection, and limiting his movement for the cement to harden and no fracture.

Recap: Took him in for what I thought to be dislocated shoulder but X-rays showed bone mass. Barely had a limp and would still run, jump, play. Went to oncologist who told me quality of life check was only paths she recommends since he’s 105lbs and 8/9 years old. Left feeling defeated and helpless but decided his quality of life was still too great to give up. Researched options here and was told about Cementoplasty. Contacted the oncologist in NC & then one in Tallahassee (I’m in Orlando) who performed Cementoplasty to see what tests I needed to know if he’s a viable candidate. Had them performed and was put in contact with UF who has a clinical trial of SRT Radiation into Cementoplasty. Through CT scans, discovered his tumor is currently on a non-weight bearing section of his bone and he was a prime candidate. Spent the past month driving back and forth for CT scans, SRT, and Cementoplasty surgery.

I just want to say thank you to everyone in this group and all the groups I’ve been asking questions in. You have been a massive support to myself, and every new person I see joining today. My journey is not over, and things can still go wrong. I’m not decided on chemo yet as my dog became aggressive at the Vet, but have been making many diet changes. If all goes well these next 2 weeks, my dog will get to keep his leg and return to those 3 mile walks for pup cups and around the lake he’s been begging for. That’s the best I can ask for right now until it eventually spreads

To anyone new going through this - it’s hard and I’m so sorry. Take a moment to breathe and research your options if you have the ability and time. Ask all the questions you need to know, and get all the answers you need to hear. Some won’t be easy to hear, but some can open new doors. I found an option to save my dogs leg, but I also had to accept the risks involved if anything goes wrong during or after surgery once we started as they lead to amputation. The best advice I’ve heard to accept amputation was “you’re not doing this to your dog, you’re doing it for your dog”.

If anyone has any questions about SRT radiation or Cementoplasty, I’d be happy to answer them with the current knowledge I have. I hope my dogs involvement in this trial helps inform Cementoplasty to be more available in the US.

Jerry - if you read this, THANK YOU! You were the one who first responded when I was that person lost, hopeless, and defeated. You provided me support and the knowledge of the treatment option I just went through to save my dogs leg. I will be forever grateful for your help and teaching me about Cementoplasty. Thank you, thank you, thank you from me and Kevin. Kevin’s first walk around our lake again to get a pup cup will be dedicated to you.