Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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Happy birthday to Bailey and Bella! Thanks for sharing the video too.
I understand what you're going through with finances. It seems that the oncologists here are $1300 a visit. I am. Getting an email estimate after I drop my boy off sometimes.
I will say something unpopular here but it needs to be said. The humans physical abilities and financial resources have to be considered when moving forward with a treatment. The stress of the financial burden of this is very, very real.
We had an option to do a customized immunotherapy made from Allen's tumor at a cost of $12k to $15k on top of everything else. No data was available on to how successful it is. If it was going to be a cure, I think I would have made it happen. But it was just a maybe.
We have to make peace with making sound financial decisions for everyone in the household. What is the point of getting extra months if you have to get a second job or work OT to afford it. Or are too stressed out to enjoy those months?
Good luck with your beautiful girl.
ohmynixon said
I will say something unpopular here but it needs to be said. The humans physical abilities and financial resources have to be considered when moving forward with a treatment. The stress of the financial burden of this is very, very real.We had an option to do a customized immunotherapy made from Allen's tumor at a cost of $12k to $15k on top of everything else. No data was available on to how successful it is. If it was going to be a cure, I think I would have made it happen. But it was just a maybe.
We have to make peace with making sound financial decisions for everyone in the household. What is the point of getting extra months if you have to get a second job or work OT to afford it. Or are too stressed out to enjoy those months?
Oh my gosh not unpopular at all. Totally get it. In our Three Legs and a Spare book, we talk about this issue. It's not at all good for the patient if their human is all stressed out over the ability to cover the medical costs. Being in debt sucks, period, and it's a huge weight that can hinder recovery because our fur kids sense our stress even if we do our best to avoid showing it.
Those treatment costs are insane, and getting more so every year. Very few people have the ability to cover treatments like that without getting stressed out, mortgaging their house or car, etc. I know I don't.
Your last sentence is spot on:
What is the point of getting extra months if you have to get a second job or work OT to afford it. Or are too stressed out to enjoy those months?
We opted out of chemo for Jerry for a few reasons, but mainly because of distance to treatment and cost. If he only had a few months left, why spend it being stressed and driving all the time? That was our decision, and it's not the right one for everyone. We all come from different places, and whatever folks decide here we support them 100% without judgement.
What's most important is that 1) the painful limb situation is handled as best as we can, so that our dog or cat can have a better quality of life. Anything we can do after that is a bonus, but not as important as helping our pets live a pain-free life or sadly, sometimes setting them free if that's the only course of action. Nobody will ever get judged here about what they decide to do. 
Hello Tripawds family,
Just checking in to say Bailey seems to be doing really well. Today is 22 days since amputation surgery and 12 days out from 1st round of Carboplatin. We went to our regular vet today just for a tech appt to draw blood and take a temp, it's part of the chemo protocol. Results will be sent to the Oncologist for review. Fingers crossed that her values are good.
I did get some disappointing news today. I found out Bailey's Alk Phos value, while within the normal range, was fairly elevated at 159. All the studies and articles I've read point to an Alk Phos above 110 as having a poorer prognosis for median survival even with chemotherapy. The Oncologist did confirm this to be true, though they don't really know why. I guess this is true for humans with Osteosarcoma too. I try to remind myself that Bailey is her own unique self, but damn it.... Any one else have experience with their baby's alk phos level and outcome?
Anyhow, for whatever reason, I'm having a really tough day. Very emotional, lots of tears. I'm so mad that cancer has invaded my home and sense of security with my fur babies. It's crushing to know that cancer is lurking in my beautiful girl. I suppose some days are just going to be like this. My heart is really hurting. I know you all understand.
Otherwise, we just spend lots of time together and I try to soak in every moment and capture every memory. I'll update again soon.
Shannon ❤
Bailey is gorgeous. Hang in there. Trust me I am riding the same roller coaster of emotions as is many others. We are all rooting for you and Bailey
Oh yeah, we completely understand those tough days that seem to pop up out of nowhere. FWIW, those "tough" days seem to be more prevalent early on. You've been in such an intense caregiver mode these past several weeks, plus lots of intense and stressful times leading up to the decision to amputate.
So go ahead and scream and be angry. These emotions are welcome because you ne3d to vent with people who certainly understand!!
While I cant address the ALK range (which still within normal range), I cannot sress enough ....and I mean this so sincerely.....Bailey is her own dog with her own custom dedigned make up. I do recall my Vet saying the bloodwork "can be" an indicator, but not necessarily. As you know and again I mean this sincerely, "statistics " are broad guidelines. Additionally cancer may NOT necessarily be "invading" her body. Fact: Not every single dog experiences metastasis.
What I can tell uou is that I was told my Happy Hannah had lymph node involvement and that changed her"prognosis" in a negative way. She lived life to the fullest and headed to The Rainbow Bridge over one year and two months later.
You are soooo devoted to Bailey and doing EVERYTHING possible to give your BaileyTHE best life! And that is the best form of"treatment".
Thanks for your update for for being so honest about your emotions. It helps others feel "normal" when they experience those tough days
((((((((Hugs))))))))
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Bailey is beautiful!!! She's sunbathing tripawd Goddess😎
And those flirty little blonde eyelashes....be still my heart💖
Your other pips are stunning too. How old is the Chocolate? I love the touch of frosty on his mug.
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Aww pretty girl! She's really sweet and that expression is priceless!
Any one else have experience with their baby's alk phos level and outcome?
Honestly, try not to focus on this too much. While it certainly can be an issue, there just isn't enough hard science behind it to accurately predict who will do well and who won't. But here are some posts for you to check out:
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