Biospy results are in = osteosarcoma.  It's what we thought.  Ugh.  Oncology appt is this Thurs, so we'll get the low down on Jackson's condition and treatment options.

Today was his first day he actually rested on his stump's side!  He fell asleep all curled up in our old king-sized down comforter!

Meet Jackson, our handsome man:

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Thanks.  It appears a Google Web Album doesn't cut it.  I'll try Snapfish (this worked).

Meet Jackson!  He's doing so well!  More wags and wiggles today!

We're back from the oncologist. We had a really good appt and so glad we went. Getting experts involved helps tremendously! We opted for chemo. We want to give it all we've got and he is a great candidate for it: he's only 8, has no other health issues to contend with, the hospital is a quick drive down the highway, and side effects are nil and/or will be well managed.  We do 3 treatments (carbo) then a chest xray to determine if we stay the course or no, and aim for a min of 4 treatments, with the option to do 6 total. An appt will take about 45min and that includes an exam and bloodwork each time. We were sent home with 2 antinausea meds and an antibiotic.  The nausea meds are up to Jackson if he needs them.  The antibiotic he'll get at night for 10d. This will help his bone marrow and white blood cell count stay in check, plus the antibiotic has some anti-cancer properties. We'll keep him on 50mg rimadyl forever, as that has anticancer properties, too (it's an NSAID and can be part of metronomic therapies).

4 vs 6 treatments: she said there isn't a lot of evidence that 6 is superior to 4.  She did not mention the new (as of Oct 2012), official guidelines for doing 4 treatments.  We'll re-evaluate this as we approach the 4th treatment.

She wants Jackson off antioxidants the day before, of, and day after chemo. After that, she's OK with what we want to do. She encouraged us to see a holisic vet for more help or insight. Right now, we plan to use high doses of Omega3 oil, an immune booster, an Essiac formula, a glucos/chrondr joint supplement, and of course the rimadyl.

Vaccinations? She says that since this isn't a cancer of the immune system, it's fine to proceed with vaccinations and using tick preventive stuff.  He's due this month for his shots.  Upon deeper thought, I don't know how Jackson's immune system is not involved at this point?  Because of that, I'll press for a more complete answer, or at the least have his titers checked before vaccinating.  We may also wait a few months before vaccinating, or at least until chemo is done. We're inclined to not vaccinate right away, have his titers done, and when it's tick season here (we live ~30min away from Lyme, CT) giving him a Frontline-like product, maybe at a lower weight class?

So here were.  We have a plan, we have an expert, and we feel good.  Poor, but good. We're optimistic here that our little furry friend will fight this thing. We're giving it what we can!

Wahoo, folks!  As everyone was saying, about the time stitches come out, the magic starts to return!  We played fetch tonight!  Jackson went for his favorite ball (which he hasn't seen since late Oct) and wanted to play!  At first we kicked it only a few feet, but he clearly wanted some air, so we tossed it up.  He talked back to us and the ball (he hadn't yet vocalized since his surgery).  He pranced.  He pointed.  He wiggled.  He spun around.  He was back!!!!!  It lasted for about 5min, but they were the best 5min we've had in a long time.  My heart is warm.  He seemed so happy, so pleased with himself, too.  WAHOOOOO!  Our boy is more like himself!

(So handsome on his down-comforter perch)

(He's 'stump-side' down!  YES!)

(Waggin' and lickin', all excited!)

(Gotcha!  Mid-yawn.  Sweeeet)