Hi Buppa, thanks for joining us. I hope you don't mind that I moved your post to a new topic, I just didn't want your story to get lost in the one you originally commented on.

I'm sorry to hear about your Rottie. What's his name? When you say he got his paw removed, you mean his entire leg right? Just wonderin.

What kind of cancer are you dealing with? And who would be doing the chemotherapy?

Choosing a treatment is a big, intimidating decision, many people here have been through it and can totally relate. Vent away.

It sounds like you're going to a specialty center, which we know is big $$. And if so, then they need to take the time to explain the pros and cons of each treatment. You are the client, it's your money and you have the right to be clear on everything before deciding. These questions to ask your oncologist can help. Also, do check out the Dog Cancer Survival Guide, it's an incredibly helpful tool for going through cancer whether or not you choose chemotherapy.

In the Dog Cancer Survival Guide, Dr. Dressler recommends asking these questions:

• What do you expect to happen as a result of the treatments you recommend? What is the best possible outcome?
•  What is the worst? How likely is either of those to happen?
• If this treatment works, how much time do you think it will gain us?
• If this treatment works, how much quality of life do you think it will gain us?
• What are the odds this treatment will not work?
• Why are you recommending this treatment? Are there negatives is using this?
• What is the probably outcome if we decline this treatment?
• Are there other treatment options, and what are the positives and negatives about each one?
• Do you have any written material I can take home to read?
• How long will this treatment last? How often do I have to come in?
• Do I stay with my dog during the treatment, or do I have to leave him with you?
• Does my dog need sedation or any other medications during treatment?
• Is this treatment uncomfortable in any way for my dog?
• Is there any special care I need to give after this treatment? Do I need to be home the rest of the day? The next?
• Are there any supplies or over the counter medications I will need at home for after-treatment care?
• What are the side effects of this treatment? How often do they occur? What do they look like?
• How do I know if a side effect is severe enough to warrant calling you for emergency care? How likely is that?
• What do I need to prepare my dog for this treatment?
• How do dogs normally feel after this treatment? Immediately afterward? In the days that follow? When do they feel normal again?
• Are there any foods, supplements or anything else to avoid before or after the treatment?
• Are there any new treatments or clinical trials to consider?
• How much does this treatment cost? Is the cost mostly up front or spread out over time?
• Does my dog have any other (non-cancer) health issues that limit our treatment choices or may affect her outcome?
• Does my dog have any other (non-cancer) health issues that may affect her life quality?
• If I have a limited budget, which treatment or treatments are my first priority?

I hope this helps. Again, welcome.. We hope to make this journey easier for you and your pup.