Inca and family,

We are very sorry to hear of Inca's diagnosis but you have found a great community filled with wonderful people willing to share their diverse experience base, provide guidance, and support.  Cherry and Emily (whose Mom will almost definately contribute as soon as she logs on) did not tolerate Tramadol well.  We took Cherry off the medication after just days.  Having said that, the advice above is excellent.  Cherry's first chemotherapy treatment was just hours after the amputation and therefore was on an extreme cocktail of chemicals (multiple pain killers, anti-nausea, anti-vomit, appetite stimulants, and the chemo itself.)  If Inca is tolerating the pain killers, then you should administer the full perscribed duration. The first two weeks are usually the hardest, but there can be both ups and downs even after that time.  That is why I often suggest keeping a very detailed journal.  This would be more detail than one might want to post on a Blog, but the Blog space is also a good idea.  Cherry's detailed journal allowed me to made honest assessments of her progress days/weeks/months later and not have it distorted by false memory.  It would be very difficult to say exactly when you will see the Inca of old, but I will tell you that for Cherry, eleven the day before the amputation, the sparkle did return, the mischief maker did return, and she did recover to a very good quality of life.

I would also suggest that you remember to treat the spirit as well as the body.  Find something that Inca loves and can still do during recovery.  Then exploit that love to give them purpose.  For Cherry, it was/is her trips in the truck/car.  It was the first and for a long time, the only place that she would willingly take food when offered.  To this day, as the time when she thinks that she is going for a ride approaches, you can see the excitement grow.  Jake's mom would probably tell you that for Jake it was the swimming pool.  Once Jake saw the pool and was allowed back in, the improvement appears to have been remarkable.  View the Fun!  Doug and Heidi will tell you that for Molly it continues to be canoe trips.  Watch her celebrate her one year anpuversary!  Finally there is Calpurnia who loves the life filled with the outdoors and sledding and has survived the amputation for more than two years.  View the fun!  Help them find a purpose to fight.  Watching these video clips will also help you realize that there will be a recovery.

Paws Crossed and Sending Pawsitive Thoughts,

Bob & Cherry

Thanks for the update.  I'm glad Inca is doing well.

Debra & Angel Emily

Suzanne, Ken and Inca,

I know that it may not feel like it, but that was a great report!  No doubt about it, Inca is doing extremely well in such a very short period of time.  Perhaps its just that great Irish air, but more likely that great tender loving care.  There is nothing in the world that can compare to TLC.  Be patient and try not to let Inca over do the activity until the stiches are out.  By that time, the TriPawd walk will be well established.  I still marvel at how Cherry could turn in-place with just a flick of her paws.  They never stop amazing me.

Paws Crossed for more great updates, and Sending Pawsitive Thoughts,

Bob & Cherry