Hi Annie,

That's so wonderful Duke is cone-free! WOOOHOO!! A BIG milestone for sure.

So here's my thinking about oncology, take it for what it's worth: it can't hurt to get information from an oncologist. It doesn't commit you to anything and you will feel more confident about whatever path you decide to take. There are no right or wrong choices when it comes to cancer, but you will feel so much better knowing you left no stone unturned when considering how to respond. And honestly I wish we had done a consult for Jerry when he was diagnosed. We didn't. I'm pretty sure it wouldn't have changed anything but I wouldn't have always been wondering "What if?" as he fought the disease. 

If you talk to an oncologist, you'll learn that veterinary cancer oncology isn't like it is for humans. The goal is to preserve quality of life at all costs. Treatments are milder and in most cases dogs respond pretty well to it. An oncologist can give you all the details about what is expected for a dog with Duke's cancer. Here's a list of questions you might ask a vet oncologist should you decide to meet with one.

But if you decide not to do chemo that's OK too! As for alternatives, you'll save yourself a lot of money and effort by talking to an oncologist who is more oriented to natural medicine. There is so much money that gets wasted by parents looking for cancer therapy, and lots of snake oil salespeople ready to take your dollars. A vet can help you cut through the garbage. The AHVMA Directory is a good place to look for one of these experts.  If you want to let us know what town you live in we can try finding one for you, or message me your location.

I also recommend reading the Dog Cancer Survival Guide for an overview of the different types of treatments.