Yoda had chemo (carboplatin).  Generally, the chemo given is a lot easier on the dogs than the chemo people get.  Some even make it through with no notable side effects.  If I recall correctly, Yoda's first chemo was completely uneventful.  After the second he had a allergic reaction that caused his eyes to ooze yellow/green discharge, which is something that his oncologist had never heard of with chemo, but it did go away without returning until he was done.  An eye oinment though cleared it up no problem.  And then I don't think it was until Yoda's 3rd chemo (though it may have been after his 2nd) that he had nausea/vomiting.  However, a med called Cerenia cleared that up for Yoda too.  He had a very good quality of life even while on chemo.  He went to the park, played ball, all his normal stuff.  Some vets will give a dog Cerenia right after every chemo treatment as a preventative, but Yoda's oncologist advised to have me have some on hand instead, since some dogs can make it through all their treatments without side effects. 

Yoda got his first treatment, I think, right around the 2-week mark after his amputation (which is generally when the incision finishes healing by and stiches/staples can come out).  That's pretty typical from what I've read.  Though starting before then has been done too (with Cherry, I believe, if you want to search for her story).

Yeah, that's got to be frustrating to have to wait that long from the diagnosis until the surgery.  Lots of our pups go so long simply because of not getting correct diagnoses, as did Yoda.  I was lucky enough to be able to get him in for surgery within a week to a week in a half, once we got the diagnosis.

Yay for free chemo drugs though! (If you choose that route).  Do you know what they're called?

Keep asking questions, or just sharing your frustrations!  We're happy to help and give moral support.  We've all needed it.

Sorry to hear of Ronnie's diagnosis. It's why most of us are here on this great site but it sucks regardless. 

We opted to do chemo with Tai (Adriamycin). It was 5 rounds and she tolerated it reasonably well although I did think that doses 3 and 4 were the hardest on her. I was considering not doing number 5 but decided to go ahead and stick with the protocol. She didn't get nauseous just REALLY REALLY tired for two or three days. We started the chemo two weeks after her surgery. Now that the IV chemo is over we are starting on metronomic therapy which is a constant low dose chemo to help keep the nasty mets at bay for as long as possible.

I'm glad that you have an appointment for the amputation, it will be such a relief for Ronnie to get rid of the pain. I was fortunate to get Tai's amp done two days after the diagnosis and I worried like crazy for those two days, I can't imagine how hard the three weeks must've been on you both. Only a few days to go now.

As you know from reading all of the other posts the first couple of weeks are going to be a bad roller coaster ride. Check back here often when you need a shoulder to cry on or to get the strength to keep pressing on. It's a tough fight but after the surgery recovery things generally improve dramatically.

We'll be thinking of you and keeping our paws crossed for a speedy uneventful recovery for Ronnie.

Tai Dog and Laura

PS Sorry also to hear about your other dog's passing. Although 15 is AMAZING it never seems quite long enough does it.

Ronnie could not be in better hands.  Emily had her amputation and chemo at OSU and she received such wonderful care.  Emily was also in a drug study.  It was a combined carboplatin and gemcetine (or something like that).

I have mixed feelings on the drug study.  It was good for her to try it because pediatric oncologist are watching this study so the outcome is important.  On the other hand, we were not able to add any supplements that may have been helpful to her.  Unfortunately. the outcome was not what we hoped for but we did enjoy 5 1/2 months with Emily before the cancer went to her spine.

Good luck with everything.  Everyone  at OSU will take good care of your boy.

Debra & Angel Emily