Trouble's journey began the Monday before Thanksgiving, 2008 at 4PM.  I took her in for an intermittent limp expecting to get some arthritis meds and instead got the shock of my life.  Her diagnosis was quick.  The x-ray was distinct, the 'starburst' pattern was definitely there.  The vet didn't recommend amputation, she didn't think Trouble was a good candidate.  We drove home with me in a daze.  The next day was a blur as we made decisions about going to Houston to the specialty clinic or to Bryan to A&M Veterinary College. I made an appointment with a local vet we had consulted with on another occasion, he saw us at 5:30PM on Tuesday.  He took his time, talked us through all the scenario's, gave us all the statistics, and very calmly made it clear if we wanted to stop the pain, and osteosarcoma is extremely painful, we would have to amputate. He didn't ask us to decide, but told us he would clear his schedule for us the next morning.  If I brought her in, he would be free to do the surgery.  I drove her to the clinic on Wednesday morning, less than 36 hours after her diagnosis.  By 9AM, she was in surgery.  She came home on Friday, and the great tripawd adventure that would last 27 1/2 months began.

Those first days were a blur as we began the process of adjusting to our new normal.  Frankly, Trouble adapted a lot quicker than Bob and I.  There were hours spent doing research, and for me hours spent with the new Tripawds forum I had discovered.

Trouble's biopsy came back as the tumor being totally encapsulated - it had not broken into the bone.  This was the deciding point for choosing chemo.  I was terrified to put her through the treatment.  With a very patient vet, and a husband that wasn't willing to let her go without a fight, they convinced me to give her one treatment and see how well she tolerated it.  She was amazing.  A bit tired, mild nausea for a few hours, and by the next morning as good as prior to the chemo.  She had 5 treatments of Carboplatin and tolerated them pretty well.  For the remainder of the treatments, she was given Cerenia injections prior to the chemo to fight the nausea.

Trouble, whose personality had always been strong, became a Diva.  Everyone she came in contact with loved her.  She was a true ambassador for Tripawds everywhere as well as for pit bulls. Dr F and his staff loved her as much as we did. She lived in this forum and another for those 27 1/2 months. We had an awesome support system, so many people who helped us every step of the way.

The 27 1/2 months weren't without challenges. There were many scares along the way - a seroma on her ear, a lipoma under a lymph node in her neck they thought was surely lymphoma, a day or two of immobility here and there.  And each time my heart sank, and my support team would pull me up and make me stand. The cancer journey is where every ounce of strength you have in your being comes to the forefront and keeps you moving ahead.

By the time Trouble turned 12, I knew the arthritis was starting to claim her.  In the last six months we fought the battle of keeping her mobile. In the end, as hard as I fought, and as much as I loved, we just couldn't go any further. She lived her 27 1/2 months cancer free.

My beautiful girl was an inspiration to so many. She gave the gift of hope to so many who came after her. She taught us statistics are only numbers, that there is no time stamp on the butt of a cancer fighter.

She lives forever in my heart. No other will ever take her place. On March 16, it will be 2 years since she left us, and I am fighting to write this through the tears. RIP sweet Trouble.  Run free at Rainbow Bridge.