Gayle I'm so glad you joined us! I met you and Sessy at UC Davis yesterday. She is a darling, sweet thing The clinical trial coordinator saw me and we chatted about my dog (who was apparently being goofy in the back and making everyone laugh) and she said they were going to talk to you. Does Sessy qualify for the trial?

Unfortunately, none of us has a magic ball or the ability to see into the future, so we are stuck with the doubt, the fear and the unknown. You know Sessy best. You can anticipate better than anyone how she might physically handle the surgery and recovery based on her current health. If my Fionn was not still relatively young and in good health otherwise, my decision would likely have been different. I did not  attempt any life prolonging measures with my other dogs due to their age, health and types of cancers. And the decision to let them go in peace was equally as hard as the decision to go ahead with Fionn's amputation. The "right" decision is the one YOU make- whichever way you go. NO ONE else gets a vote. I cannot tell you how many people thought and continue to think I am crazy to have done this. I care not a whit! I'm not going to lie, the first week post op was awful. I was sure I had done the wrong thing. I had difficulty physically handling my big dog on the stairs and the meds made him so loopy he had no life in him. But, by the second week things were MUCH better and it's been happy, happy joy, joy ever since. I wish you could have met him, but he got done early. Of course, he was still a bit sedated from his xray and laid like a lump in the middle of the lobby when they brought him out so not too impressive really! 

There are LOADS of wonderful people here for support. Hopefully someone with greyhound experience will chime in. Admin Jerry has some helpful links to get you all you need to know to be prepared if you do go forward with the surgery. There are a couple of elderly dogs who just had their surgeries and I think they all had other health issues as well. In the end, it's a crap shoot as to the time we will be given BUT, in most cases, that time is spent pain free. I know you think Sessy's pain is well controlled and maybe it is now, but it won't be for long. Fionn also responded well once we put him on tramadol and gabapentin before surgery. My neighbors thought he was all better. A few days before surgery his pain came back and no amount of meds were helping. Bone cancer is excruciating and, since dogs are so good at hiding their pain, knowing when they are experiencing it is difficult. See any number of posts (including many of mine) dealing with pain control after surgery. I was told by vets and my human patients that the pain of surgery is much less than the cancer pain and it is temporary. Removing the leg or euthanasia is the only way to take away the pain completely. 

I am in no way trying to lead you one way or another. Like I said, the decision you make IS the right one. And you need to get rid of the guilt. Easier said than done I know, but CANCER did this to Sessy, not you. You are only responsible for attempting to make the remainder of her life, however long that may be, all about quality of life. Dogs only know TODAY, THIS MOMENT. They don't grasp the concept of yesterday or tomorrow. Enjoy the NOW with her- that's all that really counts.

If you haven't found it here's a link to Fionn's blog. All the good, bad and truly ugly about his recovery. 

Blessings to you and Sessy. Please keep in touch whatever you decide. Maybe we will see each other again at UCD!

Nancy and Fionn

The recovery from amputation is a hard two weeks, but most dogs bounce back really quickly and go on to have a great quality of life.  My Otis only lived about another 7 months, but they were 7 really good months and absolutely worth it!  

Gayle, I so glad you found someplace to do the surgery sooner. I was lucky that there was a cancellation at UCD and Fionn could be seen sooner than anticipated. 

Lots of advice on the blogs and forums here about how to prepare for the post op period. Since Sessy is older, booties of some sort may be helpful for her when she's on a slippery surface like the vets office. I have used the rubber Pawz, which will do in a pinch but they make their paws sweat. I got mine at Petsmart. I much prefer Grippers Dog socks. You have to measure her foot, but they stay on and have cloth inside so less sweating. Yoga mats or something similar for any hard floors at home. A harness (and you may find one you like better than the one I showed you) will be invaluable. 

She may lose her appetite for a bit and since she's got no teeth (seriously Tripawd-land, since she has no teeth it makes Sessy EXTRA cute!) have on hand whatever especially temping and delicious foods you think she would eat just in case. Have help on standby if you need something. You probably won't want to leave her side for awhile so stock up on groceries for yourself too. Sally would recommend having chocolate handy and I like to combine that with wine, but these are just suggestions

Cold and hot packs. I found a moldable clay pack at Walmart that can be used cold or hot. I used it as a hot pack (you microwave it) and frozen peas for the cold pack.  

Look at incision pictures. Seriously. Otherwise you will likely be shocked and upset when you see her. Well, you will be anyway, but being prepared for it will help you not be upset in front of her. Enjoy your day of spoiling and please let us know if you need anything! 

Healing thoughts and blessings from Nancy and Fionn

Thinking about you and Sessy today😀

Sending positive vibes and mojo this morning for Sessy!