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.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
I hate this cancer. I hate what it is doing to my girl. I hate that I am NOT a dog and fully aware of what is going on inside her body. Hate, hate, hate!!!
Sadly, as you can probably gather, those lung mets grew a bit. Enough to cause concern from her oncologist to try yet another chemotherapy on Shelby - one that takes 8 hours to administer so Shelby is at the vet today and I am able to be at home and be upset. For those who know about chemo, it is DTIC (dacarbazine) which apparently is an old school chemo since it causes nausea but there are better meds for that now. It's an 8 hour drip. We will take Xrays again in 3 weeks (for free - thank you Jesus) and pray, pray, pray that there is no change. There is a 1 in 5 chance, I guess, with this chemo for shrinkage.
At this point, I have lost track of the number of chemos Shelby has had. I think this is her 9th (I could pull out the paperwork). Her onco, Dr. Turner, told me that this is our best chance right now before we move to metronomics . If this doesn't work, we will do that in 3 weeks.
As far as her iron, she needs THAT pill since she is so anemic so we are going to give it to her in the a.m. w/some food to see if that helps. Perhaps it was the cocktail of pills all at once at dinner that was too much on her belly.
The good news - and I will indeed focus on that after I get my emotional outburst under control - is that Shelby still has no real symptoms associated with her lung mets. She is happy. She has the sparkle, spirit in her eye. Her weight is maintaining (I swear she felt heavier but she was 23.2# today - same as last time). She is a HAPPY girl.
I just feel like I am fighting a losing battle on this. I am not ready to give up since it's clear that Shelby wants me to fight for her ... but emotionally, today is one of those days I want to stay in bed and cry and cry and cry. It seems so unfair. Lung cancer killed my father and now it's going to kill my dog. I cannot find the 'suzy' sunshine today or the positive ray of light that I usually can.
I am going to go for a long run ... try and clear my head and be thankful that while it wasn't the best news ... it wasn't the worst it could be. Thank you all for your love and support ... I am so sorry to unload all this crap on you and be so sad ... my heart aches for the unfairness of this ... BUT Shelby is my idol and she wants to fight and so fight on we will!
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
YOU UNLOAD ALL YOU WANT ALISON! We know the need al too well!! Yeah, just sromp and scream and yell and cry...get it all out. I know you'll be strong when you pick Shelby up and that's all that matters. She'll be so glad to see you.
The only thing I can say right ow that is absolutley factual and not being too sunny.......a slight growth with n sysmptns, right?? Nothing's really changed...you kinda' espected that. WhatIS good and what IS a fact....Shelby's not showing outward sysmptons so they haven't compromised her at all!
Don't know this chemo, bjt it so ds like you do need to be prepared fr it takng its toll for a bit. Hopefully, the meds will cou ter-act that.
Yeah, go on and melt down for awhile...you'll pull yourself backmup before Shelby comes home. Hold to us tightly...we're holding to you, okay?
OUCH! OW Alison...not that tightly...you're drawing blood!! Whew! That's better!! We've got ya'!
Sending love and hugs!! And a few band-aides!
Saly and Happy Hannah
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!
CLEARLY THIS CALLS FOR JILL AND HAPPY HANNAH'S message to this piece of crap disease. This is for you SHELBYSTRONG!! https://www.you.....ata_player
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!
This is absolutely the right place to let it all out. That's what we're here for...not just for the good times.
You already know you need to focus on the good and you will. In the meantime, it's okay to cry and rage about this $%*&! cancer. You have lots of positives right now...eating, drinking, peeing, pooping, sparkly eyes, no outward symptoms (biggie!). Remind yourself you are doing everything in your power for Shelby. No regrets. Every day is precious.
Amy & Spirit Libby
Liberty (Libby) was diagnosed with OSA on 1-22-13. Right front amputation on 1-31-13. No IV Chemo. Metronomic Therapy started 2-19-13 along with supplements and some home cooking. Lungs clear until 1-06-14. She's still her happy, hoppy, bossy self. Living the dog life to the fullest and a proud Winter Warrior. :) RIP my Libby 4-21-03 to 3-19-14
Oh Alison I am so sorry to read this, but really those x-rays don't tell the whole picture. I really am surprised to read this actually because Shelby is doing so well and that's what really matters. I know as a human it's impossible not to focus on those x-rays. I would be just as much a mess as you are and this is exactly the place to let it all out. We're all here for you.
I am hoping beyond hope that this new chemo does the trick and shrinks those stupid mets. It really isn't fair 
We're all behind you and Shelby 100%.
xoxo,
Erica & Jill
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
Thank you ALL!!! You are right - Shelby shows NO signs of the bloody mets... Even her onco was surprised to see the growth. She was also really calm and positive when she delivered the news and helped me see that while it is a big deal, it also is not ... we're still fighting away - the f'ing cancer is just fighting harder!
Oh and I got see the Xrays ... you know how on ultrasounds you can't always see the baby but you ooh and ahh like you can? Yeah... I couldn't really tell what I was looking at either! BUT what I did see (which I guess was good) was still a lot of black which means the mets, while they are there, are still small (not as small) and also increasing in volume. Little bastards!
So Shelby gets a day at the spa (aka the vet) - she gets belly rubs, yummy food and all the attention in the world. That is the positive. I get stuck at home with a boring salad and since I can't get her till 7 p.m., I can't really start drinking until after that. I think we all know Shelby is the winner here!
See - told you after a nice run I would feel better. I'm going to run some errands, enjoy my afternoon the best that I can and find that positive mama that Shelby knows and trusts.
Life has curveballs ... that's all this is ... a little bump in the road. They assured me that Shelby would be fine to go out to lunch or dinner tomorrow with me like we used to (or happy hour) so that is our plan!
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Alison,
A little bit of a bauble, but concentrate that Shelby is comfortable. And the increase in size may not change with this new chemo drug. Sounds like your vet has loaded guns, Good.
I'm sure you'll feel better when she's home tonite.
Thinking if you and your girl.
Esther and her Snoop
Allison, that SUCKS, and I'm so sorry. But...ok here's where my official pep talk comes in...
Shelby is otherwise doing GREAT considering everything she's been through, right? And the mets are overall, behaving and not affecting her quality of life, right?
If that is true, then you are WINNING in so many different ways.
The wise oncologist Dr. Rosenberg told us in this interview, that we can stay sane if we think of cancer as something to be managed. Instead of looking at it as an unwinnable "fight" look at it as a health condition to be managed, just like weight loss, asthma, diabetes, etc. The things you have been doing are managing this disease and therefore, you are WINNING, because Shelby is doing so well!
I hope this helps cheer you up, but it sounds like that run helped too. Yay!
Hugs to you both.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Alison,
Glad your run served it's purpose... the endorphins are flowing....and you can deal with this news.
My advice....watch the videos Sally posted a few times......pick up Shelby at 7 and have lots of snuggles with her and, while she relaxes or hibernates in the bathroom, you should have a glass or two of wine.
Shelby is still Shelbystrong...and you are still a wonderful pawrent.
Many hugs
Linda and Tucker
This disease is HORRIBLE, but just remember that there are things it can NEVER EVER take away no matter what. Those are the things to focus on. Shelby's soul, her love, is all perfect and that is something cancer can't have no matter how hard it tries. I too lost my dad (and sister) to cancer, and excuse my language but as far as I'm concerned cancer can go fuck itself. I think Shelby has told it to do just that already too, b/c she has already defied the odds!! She's already won!! You are giving Shelby the greatest gifts, the time together at the coffee shop, trips to the beach, happy hour...her life is way more than this stupid disease.
I'm glad you were able to go out for a run, that always helps me too..well, that and wine 
Shelby is very lucky to have you as a mom, you take such great care of her and love her to pieces. Thats all dogs ever want. She's a princess 
{{Hugs}}
Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”
I got on as soon as I could. I am sorry to hear of the met growth, but he did say a small amount of growth. Shelby and Ty can do metronomics together. If anything, I think that is the route I will take. That seems to help keep the growth down. Your vet seems very on top of things. Got right on it today! Shrink mets, Shrink!!!! (See no upper case m for those evil little things either) Don't forget the wine this evening, have 2 glasses and definitely don't forget the Shelby snuggles. I am glad also, that she is not showing symptoms. She is comfy, enjoying life and unlike us humans, she is just living I in the moment. It is so different when we know about something. 6 months ago, I had never heard of Histeosarcoma, now it permeates my every day. it was likely there last year at this time. I think I liked it better when I did not know. Although if we do not know what we are fighting against, we cannot fully arm ourselves for battle. Catch 22 I guess. Hoping that you can relax tonight. I am sure it will be better just to have her home. Lori & TY
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
I'm sorry that the mets grew but thankfully she doesn't know that. You are such an amazing Mom to Shelby! Hope that you're enjoying some wine and snuggles.
Hugs to you both!
Jessica and Marshall
Thank you everyone ... as always, she doesn't know but she's pissed tonight. I've never seen her look so "spent" after a chemo treatment. I think it was because she spent the whole day there and is probably stressed and exhausted. She fell asleep in my arms in the waiting room.
I got her to eat a couple bites of carne asada (she would have eaten the whole pound of it but I stopped her). I made her some gluten free pasta since I think her belly is upset but she won't touch it ... she spits it out on the floor. Good times...
I have wine. I'm still pretty upset about the news and I feel like everyone at the vet was tip-toeing around me but I would rather KNOW than have them tell me she's fine and be blindsided. If I can be in some what control of this, then I will handle it better. I feel all over the map today ... I haven't felt this out of control about this since her leg was broken in June but this too shall pass and we will both sleep well tonight and tomorrow I will treat like shelby always does - a brand new day!
thank you everyone ...the support today helped keep me strong. I appreciate it more than words can ever say!
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
+1 on what Jessica said above. I'm so sorry, Alison (read your other post first before I saw the update). Big, big, big hugs to you and Shelby.
Deb and Angel Lexie* Diagnosed at age 13. Tried radiation first; wish we had amputated upon diagnosis (even with lung mets). Joined Club Tripawd April 2014 & Lexie loved life on 3 legs! Advice: Start physical therapy as soon as your vet clears it, especially hydrotherapy if available :-) See Lexie pics here.
Aww that had to be exhausting for her, and you too.
Wine and some sleep makes everything better!
We're in the chat now, hop on over.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
1 Guest(s)
