Hi Everyone!

I am just packaging up my second copy of the Tripawds Heroes book to send as a gift to Nova's oncologist.  Although I would prefer to present it to her in person, I am not able to get to her office during business hours, so I composed a nice letter to her to send along with the book.  Also, I pasted an additional letter inside the front and back covers of the book.  This letter was addressed to her patients, especially those who might be facing cancer and amputation with their pups.  I wanted to share some more detailed information with people about the wonderful experience I had at their facility, as well as tell them about my wonderful friends at Tripawds.  I remember Nova's oncologist having all sorts of nice books and pictures around her waiting room, but I have a feeling that THIS book will be very special.  I know that I would have loved to read all these inspawrational stories while I waited for hours in their waiting room during Nova's chemo sessions, or during one of those excrutiating waits for chest x-ray results.  Anyway, I wanted to share the letter I pasted into the book in case any of you would like to use it to help compose a similar note to include inside your book.  Here it is:

To the “Pawrents” of Animal Cancer and Imaging Center Patients:

Three years ago, in November 2008, I was where you are at now.  I was sad, confused and trying to make sense of the fact that my beautiful 5-year-old, 140-lb.  Great Dane had cancer, Osteosarcoma, and confronting the reality that her only chance for any quality of life would be to amputate her front leg.  When my local vet looked at the x-rays and delivered the grim news to me, she told me that an amputation would be very hard for such a big dog, and she advised against it.  But I wanted to give my big girl the best chance at a long life, so I asked her to refer me to an expert for a second opinion.  Without hesitation, she sent me straight to Dr. Obradovich.

A few days later, Nova and I came to the ACIC to meet Dr. Obradovich.  She took new x-rays and noticed that there was already a hairline fracture in the bone caused by the tumor, which meant that Nova’s leg could break at any time.  Dr. Obradovich patiently and thoughtfully answered all of my questions, and compassionately laid out all of the facts, treatment options, and prognoses.  She was positive and encouraging, and led me to making the right decision for Nova.  I scheduled an appointment for Dr. Walshaw to do Nova’s amputation.

Dropping off Nova for her surgery was one of the hardest things I have ever done.  But I couldn’t have made it through the experience without the talent and expertise of Dr. Obradovich and Dr. Walshaw, and the warmth and compassion of the entire staff at the ACIC.  After surgery, Nova hopped out to me on three legs with a big smile and a wagging tail, happy to be alive and finally free of that awful tumor.  Her recovery was free of complications and she adjusted quickly to her new life as a “Tripawd”.  We followed up with chemotherapy at ACIC and in Spring 2009 Nova was declared to be in remission.  This was followed with metronomic chemotherapy , natural supplements, and grain-free diet.  Periodic chest x-rays have repeatedly shown Nova’s lungs to be clear.  And here we are today, 3 YEARS LATER, and my big girl is STILL here on this earth…. HAPPY and HEALTHY and continuing to celebrate her victory over that awful cancer beast!  Thank you, Dr. Obradovich, for making Nova’s success possible!

Back at our first visit to ACIC, Dr. Obradovich helped me find a wonderful resource called Tripawds.com.  She showed me pictures of another Great Dane named Moose who had a successful amputation, and from that point on, the Tripawds community became like family to me.  If you are facing the difficult and heart-wrenching decision to amputate, I encourage you to join in the discussion forums at this wonderful community of supportive “pawrents” who have all been through this.  I assure you that the Tripawds family will be there for you like they were for me. 

Tripawds recently published the very special book you are holding so that people like you could read “inspawrational” stories about canine amputees Loving Life On Three Legs .  You will find that many of these pups are bone cancer survivors.  Within this book, you will find Nova’s inspiring story.  I hope that it brings you much strength and encouragement as you begin this new journey.  And I hope that your pup enjoys the same success as my big girl.  If you’d like to read more about Nova and her amazing story, please come visit her blog at nova.tripawds.com.

Again, THANK YOU to everyone at the Animal Cancer and Imaging Center for everything you have done to help make Nova a long-term survivor.   Many licks and leans to you from Nova, the amazing Great Dane Bone Cancer Survivor!

Sue Zieske (aka “Dane Mom” on Tripawds.com)

Blog:  nova.tripawds.com

Written on Nova’s 3-Year “Ampuversary” – 11/11/11

I also added this picture of Nova, taken in November 2008.  The proud warrior with her battle scars! 

I also gathered up my whole stock of Tripawds business cards, and sent them along in the package.  Rene, please send me more, because I am out!

Sue