Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Jane and Ember,
First, you both are heros for taking on the TriPawd journey rather than giving up the fight. There were two diagnosed with the same cancer at our local vet after Cherry, and neither survived very long. I know of another who was the companion of the manager at a local pet supply store. She chose only pain killers which we all know really do not provide a long term solution. The result was a very short painful life. The two of you chose to fight agressively and were rewarded with months of quality life after the recovery of amutation and chemotherapy. I do not want you to feel that we understate how devistating this diagnosis must be. You have clearly been blindsided by the progress of this cancer. You both deserve better but often the most difficult challenges are presented to those who are the strongest, bravest, and can muster the courage to never quit. Actually this is more true than one might expect. Had you not chose to fight the initial diagnosis, you would not be facing this new complication. I am sure that I speak for all who contribute that we all cheer your courage and strength.
We send all the positive thoughts and energy we can to help you keep you spirits and attitude as positive as possible. We all knew that this journey would not be easy, and there would be terrible twists (Cherry is once again facing one now here in Yellowstone) but the journey has provided rewards that are priceless.
Bob & Emily
Oh, my heart goes out to you and Ember. It DOES feel like the universe is out to get you sometimes. It surely doesn't seem fair. How, does it possibly make sense that a body would start to eat itself? And why does it happen to the good ones?
You just keep drowning that baby in all your love - she will know. And in the middle of all this ickiness, also make sure to let her love you back. Celebrate that love that she lives to give you and let it bring you comfort too.
All my best, and sending you infinite hugs and support.
XO Anna and Ella
Thank you Bob and Emily for being so encouraging and positive. I am sorry to hear that your Cherry is also facing a downturn - it is indeed a hallmark of this terrible disease that there are ups and downs. You get your hopes up as things go well only to have them dashed and then have the worry of things going wrong. I know our spring with Ember was indeed a gift and I am looking back on it and trying to concentrate on how happy we were.
And thank you Anna and Ella - why indeed is there such a thing as cancer in our beautiful world! A snake among the flowers to be sure.
Ember was lethargic and down yesterday and I was thinking again that the end must be near - but today she is happier. She is lying on the floor on her back and biting playfully at our ankles and rolling about to grab her ball and have her tummy scratched. She has given up trying to stand but will sit a bit. The spirit of happiness that these dogs have just bowls me over.
Jane and Ember
Jane, I'm so glad Ember continues to have good moments and feels the love of a tummy rub. It is tough to face the end, but we must remember the bonus days we received by choosing the treatment options we did. Ember is so fortunate to have you to love and care for her. My thoughts are with you.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Jane - we are thinking of you during this very, very unfair and difficult time. Our hearts reach out to yours and hope that you know deep down that Ember could not have a better mommy than you. I'm sure this was a difficult post to start; I, like you, had no idea it could spread to other bones...but duh I guess. It was because I read your experience that I recently had Zeus completely xrayed and for that I am eternally grateful to you. Ember's Hope.
Our thoughts, prayers and love go out to you and your baby.
Be well, we wish you peace.
Love Heather and Zeus
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
Thanks for your good wishes Heather and Zeus. I am consoled that at least our experiences will help someone else. Three vets told me that Ember was sure to die relatively peacefully of lung mets - so I guess that was why I was so blindsided by OS in her other distal femur. (We have not had a biopsy done - there doesn't seem to be any point now). Our excellent oncologist discussed her dying of lung mets, and also mentioned sepsis and cachesia as likely causes of her death - no one mentioned the possibility of a mirror image cancer in her other leg!
Jane and Ember
Jane,
I completely understand your feeling of being blindsided. With Wrigley, we too focused on the lung mets and thought of nothing else. I was caught completly off guard when it spread to her spine/brain.
I am so sorry you are going through this. Ember is so lucky to have a mom like you who makes her days here ones of joy and love.
Seanne and Angel Wrigley
Thank you, Wrigley for sharing your story of bone mets. OS is a rare cancer to begin with, so I guess we shouldn't be suprised we had a rare outcome. Or maybe not so rare as I am beginning to find out. I just wish the bone mets weren't so painful for our poor pups.
Jane and Ember Angel
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