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Ok so, Amputation went well. We are back to normal life and going through Chemo...now what?
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Caledonia MI
Member Since:
13 October 2011
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25 November 2011 - 10:42 am
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I am so unbelievable happy right now that Levi is back to doing all of the things he loves! Life is great once again. However, I know with Osteosarcoma we are still most likely in a downhill battle. I'm holding out hope that we will be one of few that go into remission but I also want to be realistic. I'm just wondering from others what happens from here. How often should we do xrays to check for spread? Are there other signs I should be looking for? My big question is-if we do find mets how long do we have from there? And are the dogs in pain with "lung cancer"? How do you know it's "time" if it's in the lungs? It was so easy to tell with the painful bone tumor. I'm just wondering what to expect if it spreads. I hate to bring this topic up but I like to be prepared for the worst but hope for the best...

Levi was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma 7-7-11
Ampuversary 10-14-11
Lung Mets Discovered 1-4-12. Chemo seemed to not be working so we switched to Artemisinin and other supplements. In May, Levi developed a sinus infection and started having seizures. The cancer had moved to his brain. We let him go 6-26-12.

On The Road


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24 September 2009
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25 November 2011 - 12:42 pm
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What Now? Treasure every moment to the fullest!

Every dog is different, so there is no one answer about an average prognosis after metastasis. Jerry's mets showed up at around 16-18 months, and he enjoyed his life on three legs for 24 months. We did not choose to do IV chemotherapy, but after discovering his lung mets, we put him on metronomics and K9 Immunity.

We also chose not to do regular x-rays and checkups, chosing instead to focus on quality of life, not quantity.  This Ask A Vet forum topic discusses prognosis after lung metastasis. Search the forums and blogs for much more advice from others.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Chicago, IL
Member Since:
5 March 2011
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25 November 2011 - 8:31 pm
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It's nice to be prepared but I would say, don't get ahead of yourself.  Like Jim said, enjoy each day as it comes.  When things change (and they will), you'll deal with it.

http://tate.tripawds.com/
August 16, 2006 to November 28, 2011
TATE ~ Forever in our hearts.

Orange County, CA
Member Since:
28 November 2008
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25 November 2011 - 9:43 pm
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Okay, slow down a little!  I think you might be falling into the same trap that so many of us fell into when we first heard the cancer diagnosis:  you are worrying too much!  I can tell you from personal experience, if you stress over this too much, it will take away from the joy of having Levi with you today, tomorrow, and each day after that.  It's the one thing I would change if I could go back in time to when Max was first diagnosed.  

Your vet will recommend a schedule for x-rays; we went every two months during and after chemo.  As for other signs to look for, you know your dog best.  You know when he is not acting "normal," and when you feel that happens on a particular day, take him in for a checkup.  But keep in mind he may just be having one bad day.  I remember that every time Max decided he didn't want breakfast or dinner, I was sure he was going to die!  I was way too stressed out:  it was just one meal, sometimes he just didn't feel like eating.

As for lung mets, Jim is correct: different dogs can live different amounts after the onset.  Max made it 3 months, then had other complications from the cancer that couldn't be dealt with. Other pooches here on the forums live for months and months and months without showing any symptoms.

Enjoy every day with Levi.  If he's feeling punky on a given day, you'll notice and then deal with it.  In the meantime, don't let the cancer cause you to become too worried and take away from your time with him today.  I saw the videos you posted the other day, and he looked like he was having a pretty good time!  Follow his lead! 

Peoria, IL
Member Since:
8 November 2010
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26 November 2011 - 12:46 am
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I know your fears because I have shared them — but the predominant advice is good: enjoy each day. Sammy, who also had osteosarcoma, recovered beautifully from the amputation of his right front leg last November. Within weeks he was running, jumping and swimming. We opted for chemo; in fact, we did a sixth round after we heard that some university sites were reporting good results. We tried artemisinin , a herb supported by great anecdotal evidence and the subject of a clinical trial at Ohio State university, but it aggravated Sammy's epilepsy so we had to stop. After our intial worries, we settled into a state of gratitude and the feeling the Sammy would beat the odds. Every day was special and we made sure we enjoyed Sammy and Sammy enjoyed life. Every checkup was a victory when his lung x-rays came back clear. Then, this September he collapsed while swimming and x-rays showed cancer ravaging his left front leg. Ironcially, his lungs were still clear. We decided to do nothing more than monitor the damage and make Sammy happy. We, too, worry about knowing when it is time. These past two weeks have been difficult. He no longer walks outside by himself, although a Thanksgiving houseful motivated him to walk up and down the stairs of the deck by himself. Today he was exhausted, and my husband had to carry him outside again. Despite it all, his personality is intact and his tail thumps joyfully. He tosses his head and moans for attention, then grins when he gets it. He still makes us laugh every day and he doesn't seem to be in pain. I don't know when he will no longer enjoy life, but our vet gave us some good advice: she said to not panic at the first bad day, or even the second. Three bad days in a row probably means it is time to let them go. So, for now we are in a holding pattern. Sammy's life is not perfect, but I thnk it is still good.  It would be so much easier if they could talk, wouldn't it?

Smilin' Sammy, March 16, 2004 – Dec. 5, 2011
Golden retriever, diagnosed with osteosarcoma in September 2010 — right front leg amputated November 2010. He fought valiantly to stay with us; but a second diagnosis of osteosarcoma, this time in his left front leg, was more than our golden warrior could overcome. He loved his pack — and everyone else he met.

We loved him even more.
Thanks for the pennies, Sammy. They helped.

St. Louis, MO
Member Since:
16 September 2011
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26 November 2011 - 10:01 am
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I'm glad that Levi is doing well!!!

I must admit, I share your fears also!  Charley just celebrated his 1 Year Ampiversary on 10-28-11 and I would be lying to you if I said that I don't worry.  The worry may be a tiny bit in the background instead of the forefront, but it is still there.  Charley also did 5 rounds of Carboplatin.

My plan with Charley is to boost his immune system with supplements since cancer is an "immune disease" as well as give him supplements that help kill cancer cells.  These include vit E, vit C, fish oil (1000mg per 10 pounds of weight), K9 Immunity Plus daily and then artemisinin or Artemix with Butyrex or curcumin with turmeric.

We still go back to the onco every 4 months for chest rads too. Feel free to ask me any questions!!!

Charley reminds us everyday that he is living with cancer, not dying from cancer. As Eleanor Roosevelt said, "Today is a gift.  That is why we call it the present."  

Hugs and chocolate kisses,

Ellen & Charley xoxo

Charley's Blog:  CHOCOLATE KISSES


DOB: 3-29-08, male chocolate lab  
Dx: OSA L proximal humerus 10-19-10

Amputation: L front leg & scapula 10-28-10

Chemo: 5 rounds of Carboplatin

Video (12 weeks post amp):Tripaw Charley Playing

♥♥♥ Lots of supplements and love!!! ♥♥♥

7
26 November 2011 - 10:30 am
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So happy to hear that Levi is doing so well and back to his normal self. I definitely know how it is to worry about what happens next. I opted not to do chemo for Valentina so sometimes it makes me feel like she has less time than Dogs that did have chemo. But I do try not to dwell on that. I just felt in my heart what was best for my Dog and that's what I did. That's what we all do and which ever decision we make we should all just appreciate each day as it comes and make the most of it. I think sometimes that being prepared ahead of time is good but I also know that when the time comes when you need to know more this site will still be here and you will be able to find out all you need to know. Of course you do want to know all the things about diet,supplements and such but I think that you will "know" when something has changed and you need to think about the quality of life thing. Right now just relish in each moment that you have with Levi. Dogs are one of life's greatest blessings!! smiley

krun15
8
26 November 2011 - 3:33 pm
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Good to hear again that Levi is doing so well.

I think it is smart to prepare yourself for what might come, knowledge is power, just don't dwell on it.

After Tri-pug Maggie's amp she was given 6 to 9 months WITH chemo because of lymph node involvement.  I was watching the calendar- sort of expecting her to disappear in a puff of smoke when the date came.  But I realized that while I was waiting for the next bad thing to happen, Maggie was right there in front of me, living her obstinate pug life.  I was very fortunate to be able to learn that lesson while Mag was still here, and was amazingly fortunate that Mag beat mast cell cancer.  That is not to say there weren't problems- lesions on her liver, more mast cell tumors, early kidney failure.  But through it all she was a happy pug and we just dealt with what ever came our way.

When we got the second cancer diagnosis I didn't even ask for a prognosis.  I learned from the first time around to be grateful for and treasure everyday.

You have to do what makes the most sense for you and Levi, just don't forget to appreciate the now.  We call it being more dog!

 

Karen and the pugapalooza

San Diego, CA
Member Since:
29 October 2010
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26 November 2011 - 3:43 pm
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To answer some of your questions - just because it is in the lungs doesn't mean it's "time." Abby's first very tiny met was spotted last December. She is now up to 3 mets, so hers have been slow to develop. (We are worried now the cancer may have spread to her remaining leg, but that's a whole other recent story.) But... in the meantime, she's had many many months living with her lung mets - and being VERY active with them. They don't cause her any trouble at all - at least not at the moment.

Try to not worry about that they will necessarily develop - maybe you will be lucky and you'll have worried for nothing. (I know that's easier said than done - esp'y from me the queen of worrying.) If they do develop - you could still have a lot of good time left with Levi.

Hang in there. Cancer's a rough ride.
Jackie, Abby's mom

Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!

Caledonia MI
Member Since:
13 October 2011
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27 November 2011 - 5:56 pm
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Thanks everyone!  You're right. Knowledge is Power.  I felt when Levi was first diagnosed I couldn't find any good knowledge and we probalby made some poor choices.  I just want to be prepared if we should get bad news.   There is no worse feeling than not knowing what to do and frantically searching the internet all night long....I have been looking through some blogs which has helped a lot.  We are doing K9 Critical Care which is the same concept of K9 immunity .  They are a small company here in Michigan. Birkdale Medicinals.  I'm very happy with the results!  I wrote down eveyone's suggestions and will go over them with my vet next time I see her.  Thanks everyone and Happy Holidays!

Erica, Jeff, Levi, and Koa

Levi was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma 7-7-11
Ampuversary 10-14-11
Lung Mets Discovered 1-4-12. Chemo seemed to not be working so we switched to Artemisinin and other supplements. In May, Levi developed a sinus infection and started having seizures. The cancer had moved to his brain. We let him go 6-26-12.

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