Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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"We did not get all the cancer cells." The words that devastated me this afternoon. Eventually, I will put his whole story into a blog and a timeline - I need to for my own benefit.
April 15 was the day the words Nerve Sheath Tumor were first mentioned - located in the arm pit (brachial plexus). May 3 we had an MRI and discovered this tumor was not small, but "baseball sized". Too much pain to let him come home after the manipulations for MRI and Chest X-ray (clear), so surgery was scheduled for following day at U of MN Veterinary Hospital. Removal of left front limb, lymph node and a rib (or much of a rib). Tough first 24 hours, but a huge bounce back at 36 hours and has been in good spirits and very ambulatory with no issues since coming home at about 48 hours post surgery.
And now these words. 
We already had a consult with Oncology scheduled for earliest date possible - June 6. On waiting list for openings.
Looking for any experience with amputation and follow up treatments with this cancer which is normally slow growing and not aggressive, but somehow is for us.
My beautiful boy is named Pofi (rhymes with Sophie) and he was named for the town in Italy my mother's parents were from.
Any information welcome. Thank you.
Lisa, Minneapolis
On October 27, 2016, nearly 6 months after amputation, and 18 months since his cancer likely started, we lost Pofi to a recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in his spine quite suddenly. His canine sister also succumbed to cancer on March 1, 2019 - we lavished her with our love in the interim, but life was never quite the same without her only real canine friend. Cliff kitty had to leave us, too, suddenly, in August 2019. Lucia kitty grieved all these losses, but helped us welcome two new Lurchers into our home and our lives, Shae and Barley.
Hello and welcome, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.
I'm sorry you had to find us, but now that you are here you will find lots of good information and support from people who have walked this path before.
I dealt with a different kind of cancer, mast cell, in my pug Maggie. I did a quick forum search on Nerve Sheath Tumor and Found These Results. Maybe you can find some info there until some members with experience chime in.
Where did they see more cancer cells?
It's good to hear Pofi is doing well post amp.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Thank you so much, Karen.
I don't have a copy of the report yet - they will send it to me soon.
There were some edges they tested that had clean margins and some that had margins that were less than desirable and a few spots they tested that had cells right to the edge. I cannot remember exactly which directions were more clear and which were less.
I need to figure that out. All of us, regular vets and specialist vets, rehab, etc., are shocked and awed at how well this dog was masking pain. I keep trying to concentrate on the fact he is in much less pain post surgery than the last two weeks before. I swear, he heard her say cancer and tumor and suddenly realized he was ill...
Thank you for the search link. I will begin to work my way through it. I am just hoping there are options to slow any recurrence...
Lisa, Minneapolis
On October 27, 2016, nearly 6 months after amputation, and 18 months since his cancer likely started, we lost Pofi to a recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in his spine quite suddenly. His canine sister also succumbed to cancer on March 1, 2019 - we lavished her with our love in the interim, but life was never quite the same without her only real canine friend. Cliff kitty had to leave us, too, suddenly, in August 2019. Lucia kitty grieved all these losses, but helped us welcome two new Lurchers into our home and our lives, Shae and Barley.
Hey Pofi and his humans! The avatar picture is adorable! Clearly you have tons of personality and spunk! It comes shining through! Can't wait to see more pics.
Deep breaths....B R E A T H E.....B R E A T H E....all this can be so.overwhelming at first!
Don't.have specific input regarding the margins, etc.
Can remind you, however, that Pofi does NOT know he jas a diagnosis"! He coukd care less about that and doesn't give a rip about statistics! Days on a calendar mean nothing to him! Pofi lives in the moment, in the now, in the present. What Pofi does care about is living a pain free life full.of loving and spoiw and treats! Ppfi is his own man! He does NOT have a timeframe stamped anywhere on his butt!
You have already done one of the most important things you can do for Pofi...you have given him extended QUALITY time that is pain free!
The fact that Pofi is doing this well, this early in recovery is wonderful! And it continues to get better!
You have been through an awful lot these past couple of weeks. You have ro be exhausted emotionally and physically, not ro mention overwhelmed with confusing information!
My Happy Hannah had osteosarcoma. When the "report" came back, I sat down with my regular vet and he tried to simplify things for me.
And don't hesitate to call EVERY DAY to see if an opening has opened up for a consultation with the Onco. That seems like a long time to have to wait. Moreso for you than Pofi! Maybe they could at the very least give you a phone consult! I'm guessing you don't have anyother Onco alternative that could fit you in sooner?
Clean margins are not always possible and other options are available in those cases. I'm just not well versed.in what they are...but I.know they exist!
Hang in there! YOU ARE NOT ALONE, OKAY?? A treatment plan will be.figured.out.and you can move forward. In the meantime, let NOTHING rob you of your time together! Pofi sure isn't!
Love and hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
Thank you, Sally, Happy Hannah, Merry Myrtle and Frankie.
I am definitely trying to focus on how much better Pofi is feeling compared to how he was feeling 2 weeks ago or even 1 week ago. His personality, which had suddenly been so sedate, is coming back.
It has been a roller coaster - the story is a long one. I need to map it out and blog it.
He is being treated through U of MN Veterinary Hospital - they are the big dogs for all major medical in the entire state and that is why their Oncology department (the whole department - DVM students and staff) are so booked. I just had so hoped we were going to have a lower grade of this usually not fast growing or aggressive tumor type and that this would be a bit less urgent and more "abundance of caution" options.
He really had been a virtual tripod those last few weeks - fully lame on that leg. And so he is ridiculously well adjusted. We weren't supposed to allow it, but he has been completely insisting on going upstairs to sleep in our bed since the first night home - 48 hours post surgery.
Pofi is 11.5 years old and amazingly strong.
Lisa, Minneapolis
On October 27, 2016, nearly 6 months after amputation, and 18 months since his cancer likely started, we lost Pofi to a recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in his spine quite suddenly. His canine sister also succumbed to cancer on March 1, 2019 - we lavished her with our love in the interim, but life was never quite the same without her only real canine friend. Cliff kitty had to leave us, too, suddenly, in August 2019. Lucia kitty grieved all these losses, but helped us welcome two new Lurchers into our home and our lives, Shae and Barley.
So sorry to hear about your circumstance, but great that Pofi is adapting well to life as a Tripawd. We are osteo, so I can't really help much. It must be frustrating to have to wait for your oncology appointment, but it seems like the option of waiting for the best might be preferable to a quick appointment with someone with less experience and fewer resources to help your Pofi. Hang in there!
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
I just replied to your message, I didn't realize your pups name was Pofi! What a cute a name.
NST's have fingers that reach out from the main tumor and I think sometimes they can be difficult to get. The good news is they tend to be localized. You have done a great thing already, to get rid of that pain. I left you my email as life has been crazy and I don't get on here near as often as I should anymore.
Hugs to you and Pofi!
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”
On the good news front, Pofi had been begging for walks and the surgeon okayed after suture removal, which was Monday. So he had walkies on Tuesday and Wednesday and was really happy about it. Neighbors are amazed at how he is getting around and so soon.
Also, we did get Oncology appointment date improved from June 6 to May 31 and then to tomorrow, May 20. Pleased we can start assessing options. Nervous as I haven't seen the pathology report yet.
Lisa, Minneapolis
On October 27, 2016, nearly 6 months after amputation, and 18 months since his cancer likely started, we lost Pofi to a recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in his spine quite suddenly. His canine sister also succumbed to cancer on March 1, 2019 - we lavished her with our love in the interim, but life was never quite the same without her only real canine friend. Cliff kitty had to leave us, too, suddenly, in August 2019. Lucia kitty grieved all these losses, but helped us welcome two new Lurchers into our home and our lives, Shae and Barley.
Great news on getting the earlier appointment!
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
Now that's some pawesome pawgress, glad to see everyone is moving right along!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
You are such a great advocate for.Ppfi!!Getting the appointment moved.up seems.like a.good."sign"! You'll be able.to develop a plan and move forward. That in itself will bring you some relief...although Pofi could care less.about any.of that stuff!!
For.Pofi to feel this well so early.is recovery is just beautiful! He really is ready to get on living a pain free life!!
We're all cheering for.Pofi! Update with your plan.of action when you can!
Higs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
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