Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Somebody stop the rollercoaster I want to get off!
The last few days have been so up and down.... Here are the highlights: This morning Etta finally turned that magic corner that I have read about in so many of your posts. The old etta was back. She went bounding over to he favorite neighbor for a treat! And then came bounding back to me when she saw that I was getting the car ready for her to ride in. She seemed to have finally found her stride on 3 paws! This was huge as even yesterday she could only manage a few steps before laying down.
Next Etta got her staples out today.... Hooray!!!
Then she saw the oncologist.... Boooooo!!!
Not good news but also not a good experience and we will get a second opinion from the Vetrinary Cancer Group in Culver City. Mackenzie's mom (thank you) and Etta's rehab doc both recommended the same doctor there...
The oncologist said that Etta has histiocystic sarcoma and that she is in remission. However, she felt that we should start chemo asap. She seemed to decide without me that etta would start chemo. In fact she was prepared to start her today but she felt that etta was not in good shape and needed another week.
She also said that etta should be in much better shape after two weeks from surgery and then waffled about the chemo because etta seemed like a lost cause (my words not hers). But, then she rebounded and said that I shouldn't wait very long and I should schedule now for the appt. It was very confusing and honestly, I felt like I was being sold the store. There was a lot more to it but I didn't feel like this was the place for etta.
I will say that the final nail in the coffin was etta didn't like her. She's a lab for godsake! She likes everyone! Etta froze up like an icicle and the doc actually said "what's wrong with her?"
The bottom line from her was that without treatment she has 3 months left and with chemo 6-9 months... Kinda a rough afternoon. Of course etta having a much more positive attitude than me took it all in stride and as soon as we got back home she bounded back over to the neighbors for more treats!
Our angel "Etta" amputation on 4-15-10 lost her front limb. initially dx'd with neurofibrosarcoma. However, after surgery they discovered histiocytic sarcoma a very aggressive cancer. After two full rounds of chemo our special angel lost her battle on 6-21-10. the sweetest and most gentle soul. Our lives are forever blessed for having known her...
You are absolutely making the right decision to go to a diff. doc...what was the MATTER with that doc....no wonder Etta didn't like her. And all you have to do is take a quick tour through these forums to see that anyone giving time estimates is NUTS! some things go better than others, but who the heck knows and that doctor must have skipped a few classes. I would have had a hard time not opening my big mouth and telling her off.
You give Etta a big big hug from us and tell her she will like her next doctor much better....grrrr (Magic wants to bite that doctor and he likes everyone)
Whaaaat???!!!
It sounds to me like the vet is a lost cause!
I admit I got a little lost, did the vet say that she was a lost cause today or before she had her amputation?
You know something I've learned...some vets have either a chip on their shoulder from the long hours and low pay and/or have lost their love for animals and see it as a JOB.
A long time ago, I went out with a new vet and although he was really cute, he had a horrible attitude. It's like he had an angst again people doctors because they get paid better. All he talked about was his student loans, working on the weekends and nights and crappy pay. That lasted two dates (and he was really, really cute)!
My point, don't let it get you down. It's her, not you. Etta even knew that!
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.
Oh my gosh, roller coaster indeed. Well, celebrate the major achievements that Etta's made so far, and say bye bye to the oncologist you aren't comfortable with. That means sooooo much, to have a team that you can trust and don't feel like you're getting mowed down by.
We can also attest to the pawesomeness of the Vet Cancer Group. Did you see our interviews with the VCG founder, Dr. Rosenberg? We also have another friend whose dog isn't a Tripawd but is going there for treatment and they are also very hoppy with them.
As for the bottom line...rest assured, nobody is a prophet, nobody knows for sure. The doctors give you those statistics because that's what studies have shown to be median survival rates, but all dogs are different. I didn't have chemo. I was told I had 4 months and I lived two years. Other dogs have outlived their prognoses by many months as well. You just have to go with the flow and toss out those estimates because nine out of ten of them are wrong.
Hang in there. Call VCG and make an appointment. Then breathe. We're here for ya! Give Etta a big smooch from us.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
cometdog said:
It sounds to me like the vet is a lost cause!
Tell it like it is! Yeay! Love your straightforwardness, Comet.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
cometdog said:
I admit I got a little lost, did the vet say that she was a lost cause today or before she had her amputation?
This was today...after the amputation.... on the day etta emerged from her post surgery "coma"
Thanks everyone for your grounding comments.... it helps alot!
Our angel "Etta" amputation on 4-15-10 lost her front limb. initially dx'd with neurofibrosarcoma. However, after surgery they discovered histiocytic sarcoma a very aggressive cancer. After two full rounds of chemo our special angel lost her battle on 6-21-10. the sweetest and most gentle soul. Our lives are forever blessed for having known her...
i agree with all about the 'nostrodamus' numbers they throw out. the vet school who did gayle's amputation said 'grimmmmmm', with a 40% chance of metastisizing... well our vets said - doesn't that mean there's a 60% chance it won't???? we are having our vets do the chemo (they are in the loop with the oncologist on dosage, etc.) which works much better for us and gayle. if a gigantic meteor hits earth tomorrow, then any number is not good...give up numbers and enjoy each day with etta. what ever you decide to do, it will be because you love her, so that's a good thing!!
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
This was today…after the amputation…. on the day etta emerged from her post surgery "coma"
Thanks for clarification. I stand by my original comment!
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.
As my onco vet said..."yes those are the published median survival time numbers, but if I didn't believe that we had a chance of beating the odds and actually "curing" the cancer I would've put a bullet in my head 14 years ago."
Etta's right - kick that vet to the curb and see someone who really cares about what they do and has an interest in being positive. There's enough negativity out there already.
Way to tell her Etta! You're a great judge of character!!!
Tai Dog and Laura
Tai – 9 yr old lab. Diagnosed Osteosarcoma Dec 18/09. Front right leg amputated Dec 21/09. Started chemo Jan 7/10. Lung mets discovered Sept 16/10. Valiant to the end on Oct 26/10 when cancer reappeared in a leg and we made the decision to set her free. Forever in my heart where not even cancer can take her from me.
Etta I am glad you got your staples out and are feeling and acting like your old self again. Keep showing everyone how wonderful you are. How dare the vet say and act like Etta is a lost cause, I am glad you will be seeing a new vet you both deserve so much better than the treatment than you received today.
Etta keep healing, enjoying life, getting treats from your favorite neighbor and just loving life one day at a time.
Jo Ann & Tasha
Tasha 8 years old, First cancer diagnosis 6/26/09, Last cancer diagnosis 9/26/09, Amputation 10/01/09, Loving our girl moment by moment.
Tasha lost her battle and became my Angel on May 4 2011. Forever in my heart….
I agree with Etta....that vet can go far, far away....I'll be nice and hold my tongue!!!!!!!!!! VETS make me soooooooooooooooooooo angry....I agree 110% with Comet!
Good for you for seeking another vet!
Rally on Etta!!!
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
The bottom line from her was that without treatment she has 3 months left and with chemo 6-9 months…
Yeah right. 
Talk to Toto. Talk to Jackers. And many many others. Toto - wasn't your "bottom line" something like 3 weeks because you have the very aggressive hemangiosarcoma? Was that 6 months ago or longer? Jackers - wasn't your "bottom line" something like 3-4 months due to your tender age and high grade OSA? That was something like 9 months ago. Jerry of course made it to 22 months with no chemo, and certainly no-one predicted that.
The science and statistics do not yet seem good enough to predict a bottom line in terms of time.
The bottom line to the dogs and us is that as long as they have a chance of being bright and bushy tailed again, whether that is for 2 days or 2 years, it is worthwhile going on. When the time comes that a dog is in pain with no chance of improvement, well that is a different story.
The bottom line is that it is stupendous news that Etta is feeling better.
Take your lead from Etta- enjoy today.
Stats are stats- some make it longer, some shorter. My pug Maggie has mast cell cancer and was given 6 to 9 months with chemo. We did chemo and are 3.5 YEARS past the amp. Mag is an exception, but it just shows that there is always reason for hope and to be positive.
One word of advice if I may- don't focus on the numbers. I made that mistake with Maggie at first- I was counting months, wondering if we would make the next birthday, and thinking about what I would do for my other pug when I lost Mag. Meanwhile Mag was right there in front of me, trying to show me how to live in the moment and enjoy what I had.
I'm glad you are seeing a new vet- I have been fortunate with our regular vet and our oncologist to find people who care about Mag and want what is best for her- it makes a huge difference.
Karen and the pug girls
All of you are amazing! Yesterday was just horrible and this is a learning curve I never expected to have... (as I am sure none of you did either...). I have taken another deep breath and ready for the next step.
I just called VCG and made an appointment for Tuesday. Looking forward regardless of the outcome, to having a supportive team behind my girl!
Thanks everyone! I will keep you posted.... julie
Our angel "Etta" amputation on 4-15-10 lost her front limb. initially dx'd with neurofibrosarcoma. However, after surgery they discovered histiocytic sarcoma a very aggressive cancer. After two full rounds of chemo our special angel lost her battle on 6-21-10. the sweetest and most gentle soul. Our lives are forever blessed for having known her...
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