Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello everyone-just an update on Lola, our 6 yr old Newfie. Sadly her cancer has returned, don't know how much time we may have with her-heart breaks everyday watching this tumor grow bigger and bigger. We noticed a bump about 3 weeks ago in nearly the same spot as her amputation (front left leg). Took her in 2 days later, did xrays, couldn't see much, so we biopsed it the next day. The news we had been dreading to hear, cancer's back and pathologist noted it appears to be very aggressive osteosarcoma. The bump that was a size of golf ball within a week is now nearly the size of a cantaloupe, unbelievable! We have stopped chemo and are now managing her pain, she is still eating well, just very tired. I pray I know when the time is right to let her go and not just hang on for selfish reasons. I can't imagine saying goodbye to this beautiful girl. I know so many of you have been in this position, so hard, one day at a time is all I can do!
Margaret... I havent met you before, but hearing that your furbaby is a newfy touches my heart because my tripawd pup is a Newfy as well, and I know what a wonderful and special girl you have. I also know without a doubt the heartbreak that you must be feeling right now. I have no magical words of wisdom or special cures, just encouragement to enjoy each minute you have with your special girl. My thoughts and prayers are with you....
Coopsdad
Coopsdad/ Kenneth Blackburn
http://cooper.t.....ipawds.com
the monkeydogs only THINK they have invaded the tripawd state
Margaret said
We noticed a bump about 3 weeks ago in nearly the same spot as her amputation (front left leg).
So sorry to hear this news, but thanks for the update.
Just a bit confused... if Lola had her leg removed, where is the tumor growing? Was it a partial amputation, or is it on the other leg?
Enjoy every moment you have together with your sweet Lola, and consider asking your vet if bisphosphonates are an option to help slow the tumor growth and kill the pain.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I am so sorry to hear your news. Words are so inadequate at this time. I know you have fear, but try hard not to let it rob you of the precious time you have with your special girl.
My thoughts are with you both.
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.
I am also so sorry to read this update on your beautiful pup. Enjoy every moment with her. In your heart, you'll know when it is time. If I recall correctly what someone else wrote on this site recently," it's better to let them go a few days early rather than a day too late". My heart aches for you.
Sending you lots of golden hugs,
Cathy
Hello Margaret,
I am so sorry! I think I remember when you first posted, we wanted to see pictures of your girl. When did she have her amputation?
My newfoundland mix Sammy is the joy of my life, he is the dog of my heart, so I can only imagine how this is affecting you with your beautiful newfie girl. I pray that she has lots of quality time with you and you can be at peace with this. It sounds like you have done all that you can, now it is out of your hands.
Elizabeth and Sammy
Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in the right front leg 8/23/10,
leg fractured 8/27/10,
leg amputated 8/30/10
http://sammyand.....pawds.com/
I couldn't begin to say how special Sammy is to us. Living and laughing with and loving this wonderful boy is priceless.
Margaret,
I just found your original post, her amputation was Feb. 8th, wow, that is so fast. I am so sorry she is at this point so quickly. What type of amputation did she have? Did they leave the scapula in? Was it a partial?
Elizabeth and Sammy
Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in the right front leg 8/23/10,
leg fractured 8/27/10,
leg amputated 8/30/10
http://sammyand.....pawds.com/
I couldn't begin to say how special Sammy is to us. Living and laughing with and loving this wonderful boy is priceless.
I am so very sorry that Lola's cancer is back. Just continue to cherish each moment together. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Jo Ann & Tasha
Tasha 8 years old, First cancer diagnosis 6/26/09, Last cancer diagnosis 9/26/09, Amputation 10/01/09, Loving our girl moment by moment.
Tasha lost her battle and became my Angel on May 4 2011. Forever in my heart….
Margaret, Your story is about as close to Gus as I've seen yet, left front, golf ball lump going big. We lost him only 3 1/2 months after surgery, didn't do chemo but tried metronomic therapy about 6 weeks after surgery, but I think the cancer was just too aggressive. I always said I would never let Gus suffer for my sake, his last few days I knew things were reaching a point I could no longer control, but I don't think he was suffering. He was uncomfortable, it was hot at the time, so I tried to keep him cool inside, but he would want outside, so I let him, and he would lay on the porch like always, but I could tell his breathing more labored, and finally made the decision to let him go the next morning, but he went on his own early that evening.
I tell you this because your story sounds so close to Gus that just watch Lola, I think she will tell you when it's time. I spent alot of time with Gus his last week, would get up and check on him through the night, so he always knew I was there. The one thing I really wanted was to be with him when he went, I had left for about an 45 min-hour, nothing seemed different, but he was gone when I got back. I hated myself for leaving, but accepted that maybe he didn't want me there at that time, he was his own guy, so I feel he did things his way right to the end. Its nothing I can change, so spend time with Lola, watch her, and I think you will find, as hard as making that final decision is, she will tell you , it's that gut feeling we get, and she may make the final call for you.
Agonizing is an understatement, but then what decision on this journey isn't. you'll have the support of everyone here, too many of us have been in your shoes, but we make it through because we're family, and we know what it's like, so take one day at a time and enjoy them, don't wonder if today is the day, she may give you more time than you think, Paws up, Spirit Gus and Dan
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
Oh I'm so sorry to hear about Lola! I'm just so sorry you didn't get much time either.
It's incredibly hard to let go. My heart goes out to you.
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
I'm so sorry for you and Lola, I wish you had more time together. This is such a tough thing to go through.
Whatever happens remember that you share a bond that cannot be broken, and Lola will always be with you in spirit. For now, treasure every moment and spoil her rotten.
Sending my deepest condolences and heartfelt wishes for peace and comfort at this time...
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you everyone for your kind words. Lola has bounced back somewhat after doing a round of radiation. The doctors recommended 5 days straight of it to help relieve some of the pain and it really has done wonders for her. It seems to have at least stunted the growth of the tumor for now and her lungs are still clear so I am praying we can buy a little more time with our babe. We were so desperate when I last wrote and am now just so happy she is in good spirits once again. Thanks again for all the support. Also fyi it was a full amputation, the drs said this cancer has a mind of its own, it had obviously already latched on elsewhere when the whole leg and shoulder blade were removed.
Thanks for the update, give Lola a good belly rub for us!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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