Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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We all know the emotional roller coaster all to well.
Your up and down and up and down...I feel so emotionally and mentally exhausted and finally this morning...I lost it and cried my eyeballs out!
My surgeon called me yesterday with our biopsy results from Henri's tumor that was in the front limb ( distal radius )....well, she said, I have great news...it is Fibrosarcoma not Osteosarcoma...with treatment, Henri may live a year...possibly longer. I was on top of the world thinking oh, maybe my boy will be here in a year???? But then things changed....QUICKLY!
We had an Internal Medicine appt this morning ( same place he had his amputation surger ) and they said that it is a RARE cancer and not enough research has been done. She cant give me time line figures and his tumor proved to be a 3, very aggressive ( out of a 1 to 3 ) scale....so chemo is necessary.
The problem is...they dont know what chemo to give but are leaning towards Doxorubicin which I have heard HORRIBLE things about. I had to leave Henri at the Vet all day because they are doing ultrasounds....and a cardiogram to see if the cancer has spread and if his heart is strong. Henri is 11...
It broke my heart to have to leave him there...I am a mess today~
Just when you get your hopes up,you loose it! So now I am back to being completely worried~
Im glad I can pick him up after work this evening but I just feel I cant put Henri through too much more.
I do want to do chemo if it will prolong his life...but they can not guarantee anything. : ( Dont know enough about the cancer.
I am already at 4000.00 spent so far....and yes he is worth it...but this is before chemo.
I dont want to make him sick!!! : (
Any words of advice would be helpful and much appreciated!
Hugs
Henri's mom!!! ( Wendy )
Good that the vet is so optomistic! Well, Jack's tumor, although it was osteosarcoma and not fibrosarcoma, was high grade highly productive. We did adriamycin (which is aka doxorubicin). 4 rounds because we could not afford all 6 rounds. Jack never got sick and always seemed more energitic after his sessions than before (he got diarrhea for 1/2 a day after his last round, but he has diarrhea a lot anyways, so i'm not sure if it was related). We had absolutely no problems whatsoever. He is about to celebrate his 9 month ampuversary. Just goes to show that you can't rely on statistics, and that each dog will fight the cancer in their own way! By all means, if you feel uncomfortable with the protocol your vet has chosen, don't do it. There are lots of options. Just know that not all dogs respond horribly to the same drugs. There are also anti-nausea drugs you can give as a precautionary measure, even before your dog shows any sign of feeling sick. We lived in MI at the time of his treatments, and each chemo session cost about $500 every 3 weeks. I wouldn't change it for a thing. Good luck with your decisions!!!
<3 Laura and Jack
p.s. adriamycin/doxorubicin damages the heart a little with each dose they give, so there is a limit to how much they can give a dog within their lifetime. Just thought I'd share in case you weren't informed of that!!!
Oh gosh...I'm SO sorry Wendy...my heart is breaking for you. I see his sweet face and it reminds me of my boy - those golden retrievers - heart breakers!!!
Take a deep breath and remember that you have to stay pawsitive for him and for you. We never know what tomorrow holds - with or without cancer in our lives and these are those critical times where we need to stay in the moment for sake of sanity. You will drive yourself crazy with the worry (I know - easier said than done). You will obviously need to make some decisions based on the results and I KNOW it's hard, but try and have a clear head and guess what...you get to pick him up today after work and see his sweet smiling face 
Please keep us posted....you are in my thoughts and prayers.
(((hugs)))
Heather
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
Oh poor, poor Wendy.
My heart just breaks for you. I just looked up fibrosarcoma and is very rare in humans as well. It looks like even with humans amputation is the best treatment. Chemo seems to be done just because they are not even sure what to do. BUT take what I'm writing with a grain of salt because I don't know for sure - that is just how I interpreted it with a cursory look.
I can't even begin to offer advice. EXCEPT do what is best for you, your family and sweet Henri. You'll find the answers, somehow and someway.
Lots of hugs and warm wishes during this horrible time.
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Dear Wendy: What a sweet boy Henri is. You can really tell in his picture. Something in his face reminds me of our boy Romeo.
Romeo is a ten yr old golden/lab mix. He was diagnosed with osteosarcoma late July. He had his surgery on Aug 17. And we recently celebrated his six month ampuversary! After the first month, Romeo bounced back and has been running, hopping, playing. He even jumped a fence in pursuit of a squirrel!
My heart goes out to you. I think the decision to amputate (even when you know it's the right decision), the initial recovery, and the chemo/not to chemo decision is gut wrenching. We agonized over chemo. I posted a frantic plea very similar to yours about six months ago. We were initially going to do chemo, got a consult w/ an oncologist, and secured the funds through Care Credit. But we just couldn't shake the feeling chemo wasn't the right choice for Romeo and our family. He's had a history of stomach problems and chemo would involve a minimum of a three hr round trip ea treatment. Overall, we felt it was a quality of life issue. If Romeo had two months or two years, he was going to enjoy his life every day. He was going to go to the park, enjoy his food, and be with his family. He was not going to be in and out of the vets every other week. He was not going to be sick and tired. My partner who is a nurse practitioner felt very strong about this. It was harder for me. I cried more I think about this decision than the surgery. But in the end I just knew chemo was not for Romeo. I just felt in my gut it would make him sick and miserable. We vowed we would never look back. No regrets. And we can honestly say we have none. And that's the best advice I can give through this journey, follow your gut. your heart. YOU KNOW HENRI BETTER THAN ANYONE. And your dog is not a number (my favorite vet----from Romeo's puppyhood--- told us that when I called to tell him of the diagnosis). I think most oncologists will pressure you to do chemo and tell you its the only way.The oncologist we talked to basically made us feeling like we were neglecting Romeo by deciding against chemo.
I'm truly thankful for all the tripawds that have been helped by chemo---and it does seem like quite a few such as Jack have not had any problems with it. We might have chosen chemo if Romeo was younger. I think in the end you just have to follow your heart and know the decision you make out of love for Henri will be the best decision for him. I know this is so hard. And I'm so sorry you have to go through this.
Everyday we have with Romeo feels like a tremendous gift. Soom Henry will be up and about and you'll feel the same.
Take care. Hugs to Henri, Eve and Romeo
Wendy,
My heart goes out to you and Henri....I know your feelings... I had contemplated chemo prior to Maggie's surgery but after surgery, that decision changed - two reasons: she got so terribly sick after surgery, I couldn't do it to her and the other, we never figured out what TYPE of soft tissue sarcoma it was on her knee, so it would of been only a shot in the dark with what type of chemo to use...the vet said could do Doxorubicin BUT she really didn't recommend it as Maggie was so sick after surgery. She feared it would make her sick again.
Instead, I turned to what was in my heart to begin with - natural medicine - homeopathy. So I'm going to give you just something to 'chew on'...something different than the traditional chemo treatments...
Please take a look at Maggie's homeopath's website, Dr. Charles Loops in NC (95% of his clients are phone consults as I am too). Maybe you've been reading some of the blogs lately about him that Admin has been posting?
Just a quote from his website:
"Sixty percent of my new cases have cancer and most of these several hundred companions each year survive longer and have a better quality of life than cancer patients treated with Western medicine or other modalities (see Cancer Treatment information ). The homeopathic approach is both very cost effective for guardians and gentle and natural for their companions.
Having practiced 30 years as a veterinarian, 10 with Western medicine and 20 with homeopathy, there is no doubt about which is the more effective system and which has the most curative approach to disease. The side-effects of homeopathic treatment are better health and a heightened sense of well-being, a statement that cannot be made in support of Western medicine."
Only you know what you should do, Wendy....think it thru as clearly as you can & go with your gut.
Hugs,
Tracy, Maggie's Mom
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
I'm sorry I forgot the link to Dr. Loops website:
http://www.char.....psdvm.com/
Tracy, Maggie's Mom
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
I lean towards what Maggie and Tracy have been doing (obviously based on the link below) but most importantly do what you feel comfortable with. At the end of the day, you have to be happy with your choices made.
Hugs through this hard time,
Gina
Where do you live? Is there a Vet School near you that can consult on your case? Vet Schools seem to be on top of what is the newest and latest treatment courses. Or perhaps they even have a clinical trial you can participate in??
Harley had his amputation done by an Orthopedic Surgeon, and it was our Orthopedic Surgeon that took it upon himself to contact the head of Oncology at UW-Vet School to see what our options would be (Harley also has a rarer form of cancer, and it’s highly aggressive, as well). We also got input from the Internal Medicine Vet at the same practice as the Orthopedic Surgeon, and also from our Primary Vet (who spoke with UW-Vet School Oncology, as well). We ended up following what UW-Vet School recommended, even though we were never really given a timeline for how long Harley may be around (we are currently 3.5 months post-amputation and chemo #5 next week).
We were lucky the chemo that was recommended seems to be one of the cheaper ones (at least from what I have seen on here ... CCNU/Lomustine). But one thing we did to save money was to choose to do chemo with our Primary Vet, not at the Specialty Clinic with the Internal Medicine Vet (the Internal Medicine Vet did do ultrasounds/xrays/bloodwork the day before Harley’s amputation, which were clear). By choosing to do chemo with our Primary Vet, it is less than ½ the amount of money ... for the same drug and bloodtests! Also, we trust our Primary Vet, and Harley is used to them ... so from a comfort point, it’s nice to be able to go to them.
Remember, even if you decided to start chemo ... if Henri does get sick, you can stop at any point. You don’t have to do the full course. You can stop whenever you want or feel you need to.
Whatever you decide to do will be the right choice. It’s hard to figure this all out ... chemo/holistic/natural/combo/nothing. Unfortunately, there is no one right answer. This Emotional-Rollercoaster sucks, doesn’t it?! I've cried my eyes out many times.
-Gwen & Harley.
Amputation on 11/10/09, due to Histiocytic Sarcoma in left elbow. Angel Harley earned his wings on 06/24/10.
Overall, we felt it was a quality of life issue. If Romeo had two months or two years, he was going to enjoy his life every day. He was going to go to the park, enjoy his food, and be with his family. He was not going to be in and out of the vets every other week. He was not going to be sick and tired.
We vowed we would never look back. No regrets. And we can honestly say we have none. And that's the best advice I can give through this journey, follow your gut. your heart.
Dear Wendy,
We are sending pawsitive thoughts your way and hope that soon a decision will become clear in your mind and settle in your heart. We hope that soon you will be at the flat part of the roller coaster ride, instead of all the ups and downs and round and rounds...
Like Gwen we decided against chemotherapy, and Gwen I have alway had trouble typing in the quick reason as to why we deicided against it but you have summed it up exactly how I would have, why we chose not to do it. But Koda has Oesteosarcoma.
Have you thought of getting a second opinion??? I only say that because then it would put you at ease if both thought chemo was the answer then if you did it you would know it was the best decision at the time and go through the motions if the side affects affected his stomach etc. Maybe post it under Ask a vet a question and Pam may want to comment. And or make a phone call to another vet hospital in a different state...
Thinking of you and beautiful Henri,
Storm and Koda
Wendy,
I am so sorry for your news. Remember though that none of the doctors really know how much time Henri will have. Even though it probably seems impossible, trust yourself. Look into Henri's eyes and do some soul searching. Chemo does not equate long life. Emily was in a promising drug study and she made it less than six months. Having said that, she also had no problems with chemo except a drop in her white blood cell count.
Remember what Gwen said, too. If you start chemo you can quit at anytime.
I hated the roller coaster, too, but would give anything to be back on it.
As he has been, Henri is in my prayers.
Debra & Angel Emily
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
Zeus said:
Take a deep breath and remember that you have to stay pawsitive for him and for you.
romeo2 said:
YOU KNOW HENRI BETTER THAN ANYONE. And your dog is not a number
Wendy and Henri,
This community is so very wonderful and the advice is absolutely first rate. I sometimes wonder why I add my voice when there are so many great voices around. In that vein, it would be hard to make two better points than the two above from Heather and Eve. They both have always made my burden easier.
I was about to comment to you regarding your pawsitive response to Rosie's Mom earlier today, when I read this posting. Personally, let's take the fact that it is not Osteosarcoma as a positive even though we are trading the Devil we know for the Devil we do not know. The mere fact that you have made it this far, have provided excellent input to others like Rosie's Mom, and have not totally lost it, is testiment to the extreme quality of your character, Henri's character, and the love you two share. You fight the best way you think possible and this community will do nothing but applaud your efforts. In trying to move positive forward, do not let the quest for perfection inhibit your ability to improve Henri's status. Since you posted just after Cherry to Rosie's Mom, I will asume that by now you realize just how bleak Miss Cherry's prognosis was at the time of the amputation and chemotherapy. Much like Henri, Miss Cherry was eleven the day before the amputation, and in spite of the odds, I was able to share 405 days with her after the amputation. As I said to Rosie's Mom, after the initial recovery, every one of those days was better her last days as a QuadPawd.
Unfortunatly, this roller coaster will not end - or should I say it will continue until the cancer has won. Comming to grips with that reality is never easy, was never something that gave me much comfort, but it did remind me why I chose this battle. The roller coaster is far better than the alternative. You are faced with choices now regarding the next phase of the treatment. For Miss Cherry, I chose a very aggressive chemotherapy regiment, and even when she did have complications, I did not back away. For us, it was always giving her the best chance for the fullest and longest recovery time. I know that you will make the best decision for Henri. Your postings tell of the love that will assure you will always do the very best for Henri.
I may be offline for a couple of weeks, but know that you will remain in my thoughts. I know that you will continue to get the great advice and support that defines this community.
Spirit Cherry's Dad - Bob
Storm said:
Like Gwen we decided against chemotherapy, and Gwen I have alway had trouble typing in the quick reason as to why we deicided against it but you have summed it up exactly how I would have, why we chose not to do it. But Koda has Oesteosarcoma.
Nope, we did opt for chemo, I believe it is Eve/Romeo that didn't pursue it. We did agonize over the decision, though. Ultimately, it was in speaking with the Internal Medicine Vet that put us at ease with going ahead. She explained the standard information of how canine chemo is not like human chemo, but more importantly she reassured us that we were in control. It was our dog, our decision. We could stop chemo at any point we wanted to.
I greatly agree with the quality of life statement. Although we did choose chemo, at the first sign Harley is not himself, he is done. We have also opted for no additional xrays/ultrasounds; we are just going to let Harley tell us how he is doing (plus, I worry … and if I knew something was growing again, well, it just wouldn't be pretty … lol 
). This is just the path we have choosen; no more right nor wrong than anyone else's.
I wish you peace in whatever decision you make with Henri.
-Gwen & Harley
Amputation on 11/10/09, due to Histiocytic Sarcoma in left elbow. Angel Harley earned his wings on 06/24/10.
Much like Gwen, we went into chemo with the understanding if Trouble didn't do well we would stop. I didn't want to compromise her quality of life. Making these decisions for Henri will be horribly difficult. Do all your research, ask as many questions as you can think of, settle yourself in a peacefull place and focus on what is best for Henri. YOU are the only one who really knows.
That said, throw statistics out the window. These dogs have a lot of things, but a time/date stamp on their butt is not one of them. We just don't know how long we have with them, so we have to make the best of each moment we have. Take each day you are given whether it is 60 or 600 and be thankful for each one. I believe in my heart, we were chosen to help these precious creatures on their journey, they are our destiny, we are their strength. Take that one step forward, and we are all here for the strength we provide each other.
We are with you as you go through this difficult time. Sending lots of healing thoughts for Henri and strength for you.
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.
Wendy,
I'm so sorry to hear the latest news about Henri... Like we all said... it's a freaken rollercoaster ride at times 
.
Adriamycin (doxorubicin) is the chemo of choice for sarcomas... and is usually well tolerated in dogs. Your vet can give you a handout on what possible side effects to look for. Some dogs get nauseous after the chemo, and your vet will probably prescribe you something for that. There is also a drug called dexrazoxane (sp?) that is sometimes used in humans in conjuction with doxorubicin, as a cardioprotective agent. I'm not sure if they use that in dogs now, but you can ask your vet oncologist about that. From what I read, heart toxicity may occur while taking this chemo, but it's rare... and the usual dosage given to dogs seems to be much less than the dose required to cause toxicity... I don't know... so many questions, but your oncologist would be best able to answer them.
I agree that it's a good idea to get a second opinion from another specialist if you can... They may have slightly different experiences with treating this type of fibrosarcoma... or they may totally agree with your vet's treatment plan.
If you don't decide to do chemo, that's OK too... You have to make the decision based on Henri... and only you know your baby the best... but whatever you decide... we'll be here to support you!!!
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you try to decide... It's so hard, I know...
Angel Jake's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
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