Hi everyone!

We had our follow up appointment at 11:30. The oncologist said her dog also could not handle Tramadol, and it's not uncommon for them to get "funny" while on it. She and the surgeon did a thorough physical exam, had her walk around, and both said she looks like she's doing very well. So they think it's time to come off the drugs completely and let her detox. She asked me to give it a couple days and they will check in with me Wednesday. I agreed that was fair. She said whining, restlessness, panting, etc. may occur but that it's also caused by detoxing/withdrawal. So she asked me to hang tight. They believe she looks great and the physical exam did not show anything to be concerned about.

Officially, Ciara was diagnosed with Chondrosarcoma - which is rare and affects the cartilage before it gets to the bone. A lot of dogs get this in their ribs and it is curative when removed from there. With the leg, while we "got the tumor," chemotherapy is still offered to prevent the metastasis as long as possible. So the good news? Her prognosis is BETTER! We didn't do the chemo today because the oncologist wants to be sure Ciara is back to 100% and that I am more comfortable. Also, we're not "running against the clock" so to speak, so we set a Chemo date for January 2. The drug she will be getting is called doxorubicin. Has anyone had experience with this? I can ask on another forum if need be?

For now, Ciara is snoring on her bed and thank goodness no cone tonight. Trying to stay positive and glad they thought she looked great. We will be at the 2-week mark tomorrow. 

Ciara is doing pretty well with no meds. No whining, shaking, etc. She gets a little winded and can pant a bit, but nothing like it was while she was on the meds. She is licking the incision now that stitches are out - first time she's been super interested in that area. I figure it's itchy. But she is lying on that side now, which I think she's been dying to do the whole time. I'll take some video of her walking today but here's a pic of her resting on that side.

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Okay let's try this...

Thank you - she’s my baby. 

I should probably start a thread in another forum about her recovery, but while I’m happy she does not appear to be in pain, she’s definitely not herself still. Almost foggy. Lots of sleeping, which isn’t bad. Wants to eat, wants to walk, but otherwise very subdued. Mind you, we haven’t given her any pain meds since Monday. I guess we have to wait it out but it’s not sitting well with me. Just praying a lot that she will come around by next week (which will be week 3 officially on Christmas).