Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Wookie's last chemo was on 10/6 and for the first time, he did not do well after the chemo. He gradually became more and more lethargic, not wanting to get up and not wanting to eat. His blood work was perfectly normal. I talked to his oncologist and internist and the consensus was that Wookie is feeling sick at this point due to the progression of his cancer, rather than lingering effects of the chemo. Which was, of course, not what I wanted to hear.
We decided to start him on injectable steroids on 10/17, hoping to perk up his appetite and general well being. He slowly was showing improvement. Then this morning I get up and he was JUMPING to get at his breakfast and doing the happy dog run around. I was so happy for him, it was like I had the old Wookie back!!! Until I went outside and saw the massive amounts of bloody diarrhea he started having overnight. So even though the steroids made a huge difference, we can no longer continue them. I'm continuing the Prilosec, Carafate, and Famotidine and hopefully the GI bleeding will stop soon.
I just don't want to believe that this is the beginning of the end.
Right hind limb amputated 7/3/12 for OSA, started on alternating cycles of Carboplatin and Doxorubicin and oral Palladia. Single lung met 9/1. Met in the neck muscle removed 9/30. Large mass in sublumbar lymph node 10/2. Rescue chemo with ifosfamide 10/6. Mets to the rib and axillary lymph node 10/21. Started Leukeran and Pred 10/25. Wookie left this Earth for a far better place on 12/4/12. I miss you, Boo, you were my heart.
Wookie I'm sorry you are having such a rough go of it. I hope you start feeling better soon. Sending our best juju your way.
Marla and Daisy
My Two Tripawds...Biscuit 
and Spirit Daisy 
I was so happy to see the old Wookie was back, and so heartbroken to see the treatment would have to be stopped. You guys are in my thoughts.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Wookie, you are so adorable
So very sorry he is having this trouble. Sending healing thoughts your way.
Joan and Lily
Our beautiful Lily was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her front leg on 12/14/11 at age 8 and had amp on 12/16/11. She completed 5 rounds of carbo. She was so brave and kicked cancer's butt daily! She lived life fully for 4 years, 3 months, and 15 days after her amp. My angel is a warrior princess. I miss her so much.
Oh Wookie, I'm so sad to read this. You are so young and this cancer is not playing nice, and it breaks my heart. I wish I knew the right things to say right now, but somehow there just doesn't seem to be any right words to use. When things get to this point, it's hard enough to see straight much less be logical or smart. I hate cancer!
I send all my love and wishes that your belly feels better and that you can have more good days ahead. I know your Momma is doing all she can for you, and remember we are all here sending pawsitive energy your way.
In the meantime, please tell your Momma to try not to focus on the end. I know that's soooo hard. But don't let cancer steal the time you have together right now. There will be plenty of time for tears later, but for now, just love each other as much as you can.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh Wookie, I have been wondering how you have been doing and saddened to read that you had a bad day. Hopefully the diarrhea will clear up quickly. Good thing you have a vet for a Mom who knows how to manage whatever comes up. I hope the weekend is better for both of you. Wishing and hoping for happy days.
Harley is an 8 year old Golden Retriever. Amp surgery for an infiltrative lipoma canceled due to two masses in chest. A rescue, he found his forever home on 3/18/07 and left for his eternal home on 1/09/13. His story and medical history are at http://myharley.....pawds.com/
Oh, I'm so sorry to hear this. This disease sucks so heavily, but it breaks my heart the most when it goes after the young pups.
Remember that Wookie doesn't know he is getting cheated out of time with you, he just knows he's had a wonderful time with you.
Enjoy every moment. There will be time to be sad later.
Hang in there,
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
I'm sorry Wookie is not tolerating the treatment, your boy has been dealt a really crappy hand. I wish I could say or do something to make this easier for you.
You will find the strength and courage to live this part of the journey because Wookie needs you.
We are here for whatever support you need.
Sending strong, peaceful thoughts your way tonight.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
So sorry ur not feeling well just now wookie, but you have the best mummy in the world who will look after you.. sending kisses from Mr Frank.. xxx
I can't say anything that hasn't been said already. We just wanted you to know that we are thinking about you and Wookie and hoping for many good days ahead. Rizzo crashed just like that on chemo number five and I thought that was it.....really sick, and things got better. I hope that's the case for you guys too. We love you Wookie!!
All our Best,
Suzie and TWP Rizzo
Jack Russell born in 2001. Mast cell cancer found Dec 2009 and right rear amputation. Five rounds of chemo done before all treatment stopped. Living life to the fullest!! Read my story at http://rizzo.tripawds.com
I am so very sad reading this. Wookie is so young; he should have years of happy dog dancing ahead of him. How I hate cancer. My hope is that he keeps feeling good, he keeps on fighting, and you are able to enjoy every single moment with your brave boy.
Catherine
Scout: January 31, 2002 to November 7, 2011
Scout's diagnosis was "poorly differentiated sarcoma"; amputation 1/11/2011. Scout enjoyed 9 fantastic years on 4 legs and 9 glorious months on 3 legs. If love alone could have saved you…
I'm so sorry to hear this about Wookie. I too was hoping the chemo would make a difference, and give him some more time with you. As others have said, this disease really sucks, and I'm so sorry that Wookie is having to fight it. It's tough, but like Jerry said, try not to focus on what will come. Just live daily with your boy, and love him up. Sending positive thoughts to Wookie, hoping he will feel better soon.
Diane
I'm so sorry. He's adorable. Please take good care of yourself and Wookie.
I am really sorry to hear that Wookie is having a hard time with the treatment. Cancer is so unfair and Wookie has certainly had more than his share of unfairness.
As Jerry says, try not to let the cancer steal the time you have left together. Make the most of it. Try to live in the moment and enjoy each precious day that you have with Wookie. As painful as it is this time can draw you even closer together and leave you with very precious memories. Try and save the tears and sadness for later.
We are hear to support you however we can.
Thinking of you.
Karen and Spirit Magnum
Magnum: 30th May 2002 to 5th May 2012. Lost her back left leg to osteosarcoma on 5th Sep 2011. Lung mets found on 20th Mar 2012 but it was bone mets in the hip that ended her brave battle. Magnum's motto - "Dream as if you'll live for ever, live as if you'll die today" (James Dean). Loyal, loving, courageous and spirited to the end. My beloved heart dog, see her memoirs from Rainbow Bridge ...... http://princess.....pawds.com/
Thank you all so much for your support!
I'm happy to report that Wookie has been feeling AWESOME these past few days!!! He suddenly has a ravenous appetite and has been MUCH more energetic. We took him to the dog park yesterday and he was excited to go and see his friends (human and canine). He didn't play, but was happy to do the meet and greets for ~20 mins before having to take a rest. This is a HUGE improvement from the week before.
I can still feel the sublumbar mass so I don't think the last course of chemo really had an effect on it. I have finally made the decision to stop any further chemo treatments (I mean it this time!) and not do any further diagnostics unless it will make a difference in how I would treat him.
I just want him to be as happy as he can be for however much time he has left. I'm trying to not even think about how long that might be. He is a happy boy today, and that is all I need to know. 
Right hind limb amputated 7/3/12 for OSA, started on alternating cycles of Carboplatin and Doxorubicin and oral Palladia. Single lung met 9/1. Met in the neck muscle removed 9/30. Large mass in sublumbar lymph node 10/2. Rescue chemo with ifosfamide 10/6. Mets to the rib and axillary lymph node 10/21. Started Leukeran and Pred 10/25. Wookie left this Earth for a far better place on 12/4/12. I miss you, Boo, you were my heart.
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