Hi all...firstly, Stella Belle is doing really well.  She's hopping around fairly comfortably, and is eating voraciously (honestly, nothing new there!).

We started chemo last Monday, and she's handled her first treatment pretty well.  We had one morning of nausea, which was remedied quickly with medication.  She has been tired - but I honestly believe that is more of a combination of post-amputation AND chemo, as opposed to just because of the chemo.

Stella tires very easily.  She just doesn't seem to have much stamina - in the morning, we bring her downstairs, feed her breakfast and take her outside to potty.  By the time she gets outside, she's exhausted and has a difficult time stabilizing herself to potty.  This has been an ongoing struggle anyway, but it is particularly bad in morning, and evening, after she has been standing for a few minutes, to eat.

Stella's remaining knee is compromised, having had an operation to repair a TKL about five years ago.  I definitely think this is causing her additional difficulty - and probably some discomfort - now that she is relying entirely on that leg to move her along, and stabilize her back end.

I know I want to start rehab with her, but I'm not sure when the best time is to do that.  I am worried about pushing her too hard, too soon, but I see her struggle and feel her frustration and discomfort.  I know some exercise would help build strength and in turn, help with pain and stability. 

If other senior tripawd parents could reply with their experiences, and suggestions, I would appreciate it!

Thanks so much!

Stacey & Sweet Stella Belle

PS:  Happy birthday, Stella Belle!  She is 12 years old, today