Welcome Josh & Austin(who is a she ;-),

Isn't this just the bestest place for information and comfort with our dogs with cancer and amputation?!  My dog had soft tissue sarcoma as well on her left knee but the pathologist's couldn't nail down exactly which type BUT those two that your dog could have were ruled out...so I'm no help either...although from what I've read about STS's, they do have a better outcome with surgery alone.  I am not doing chemo..doing homeopathics with Dr. Charles Loops in NC (I'm in Maine - do phone consults).

Glad your pup is doing well after amputation and the 2 weeks of hell for you isn't too bad!  🙂 

Tracy, Maggie's Mom

Josh, Austin, and Mom,

We are so very sorry to hear of Austin's initial diagnosis and the need for the amputation, but you have found an excellent site filled with wonderful people who will share their collective experience base, provide great advice, and give support. Like so many here, Miss Cherry had the dreaded osteosarcoma so we are not the best to discuss the effectiveness of chemotherapy for Austin. You have already elevated the quality of life for Austin by eliminating the source of the pain, and I know that you now want to extend that quality just as long as possible. You have already heard of Pam who should be able to provide some excellent information on the need/effectiveness of the chemotherapy.

I have a usual set of suggestions, but since you are so very far along and doing so well, I will hold them. Please keep us all posted on Austin's progress. We send pawsitive thoughts to all your family.

Spirit Cherry & Dad

Synovial Cell Sarcoma is what was first suggested to us by Harley's Orthopedic Surgeon, but when we went back to speak with him about Harley's biopsy results (which came back inconclusive), the Pathologist had suggested Histiocytic Sarcoma.  She (the Pathologist) mentioned something to our Surgeon about recent changes concerning Synovial Cell Sarcomas ... for the life of me, I can't recall what was said (I was in shock) ... but maybe something about how they were diagnosed or classified?  Honestly, it was a blur.  Sorry, I know that didn't help and probably confused you more ... but all I remember is we were no longer dealing with Synovial Cell Sarcoma and now dealing with Histocytic Sarcoma, and it was due to a recent change (this was in November 2009).  (Sorry for this added confusion ... I should email our Surgeon now that I can comprehend things again and ask about this.)

What we were told about Histiocytic Sarcoma ... it is a highly aggressive form of cancer, which is rarely caught before it has spread. 

After amputation, it was confirmed Harley had Histiocytic Sarcoma (it was his left elbow), and that it was unfortunately microscopically in the lymph node that was taken as well.  We decided to go ahead with chemo, with hopes that if it were microscopically elsewhere in the body the chemo would kill it.  We have had 5 rounds of CCNU/Lomustine so far. 

Harley is 4.5 months post-amputation.  If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.

Hi our dog Tehya was also diagnosed with Histiocytic sarcoma cancer and we were told that it was far more aggressive than Osteosarcoma and to hit it with everything we could. Hers was diagnosed in her front leg higher up near her shoulder. We started her out on Lomustine orally and found that wasn't strong enough so hit her with a blast of Doxo to try and slow it down. We are sorry to say that we couldn't slow it down and the cancer came back with a vengance.

I hate to post this as our prognosis was not good but wanted you to know so that you could check again with your vet just to make sure you are covering all options.

Harley is doing amazing and is certainly an inspiration for the dogs out there that have the same dreaded cancer.

We wish you the best of luck and as Harley's Mom says if you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask!

Darlene Angel Tehya's Mom