Welcome to the family, I think most find when these guys come home they are acting way better than we expect, then once home seem to let down, I think part of the reason is the drugs they give them while there, so don't be surprised if you see Scout go down some the next few days, thats pretty normal, but having appetite is always good along with doing the business, both ways, sometimes that becomes a concern, you would be amazed at the kind of celebrating that can happen here after that first poop, but expect ups and downs, figure on these next 2 weeks being a roller coaster, if you get a chance to sleep, take it, you may not get much at times. Bummer they found lymph nodes with it. You might wonder about chemo, talk to your vet about options, including trying to determine if or how much the cancer has spread. Quality of life should be your first priority, chemo can have some challenging side effects , some dogs have minimal, they all act different. It's not cheap and can be very time consuming depending on where you have to take Scout, some here have done a holistic treatment and therapy, they will tell you about that. Some  such as myself decided not to do it, we thought we caught the cancer early, found lung mets 6 weeks later and Gus died 3 1/2 months after surgery, so I don't know if chemo would have helped him at all. One thing you need to do is make a decison and be able to live with it, no regrets, you do what you think is best for your situation, no wrong decisions, we make one and hope the outcome is what we intended. This whole journey is usually not a very easy ride at first, it sometimes is actually overwhelming, but you need to keep a level head, this journey can last a long time, thats a good thing, but you are about to learn more than you ever thought in the next few weeks about dogs and cancer, how resilient and determined they are in dealing with all they go through, and you will be amazed at how normal they are once they heal, they just hop instead of walk, gives them character and takes about 3 years off our life!!!!  Don't be afraid to ask any questions, experience gives the best answers, Paws up, Spirit Gus and Dan 

Hey Scout,

Welcome to the best place to be if you become a Tri-pawd!

Be patient with your family, they are very worried about you right now. But it sounds like you know how to show them that you are a fighter and fearless donut hunter! Help them to see that you are the same Scout who went into that surgery room- and now that you are out of there you will show them the fantastic adaptability your brother and sister Tri-pawds have shown their pawrents.

Rest up buddy, the next couple of weeks may have some ups and downs, but whatever happens, know you are loved and trust your pawrents are doing all they can to help you fight on.

Hey, ask them when they are going to post a picture of you! We can't have enough beautiful goldens to look at around here.

Deborah

Mom to Spirit JD and Serena & Maya the quadpaws

Welcome to Tripawds.  It sounds like Scout is doing well.  Some dogs do really well and others struggle more with the amputation. However, the common theme seems to be the first two weeks are the hardest.  My Emily was like your Scout and I was grateful.  She did, however, have a reaction to the pain meds (tramadol) and got really spooked.  She would stare into space and just acted strange.  If you see a weird reaction just call your vet and yo can get a different med. or if it is towards the end of the two weeks just take him off it and see if he does okay.

Especially for a front leg amputee balance can be an issue.  If you raise Scout's food dish he won't have to lower his heavy head as far to eat and possible throw off his balance.  No, I'm not saying he has a fat head but he might if he keeps eating those doughnuts!

Most importantly remember Scout doesn't know he has cancer.  Dogs don't have the phychological issues with amputation.  Scout just wants to live, love and be happy.  That is what dogs do best.  Enjoy him and cherish all your time together.

Debra & Angel Emily

Like others have said, some just have "it" and recover well in the first two weeks post amp, while others have a bit of a harder time. It really depends on the dog's will and the amount of meds. Chloe was a bit dizzy and drooly when she was on Tramadol, but once she seemed to be handiling the pain (or didn't have any) I weaned her off them. From that point on it was all I could do to keep her quarantined in the living room all day and not bolting when we went outside for potty breaks...

Good luck and we are always here if you have any further questions!

-Chloe's mom