Hi everyone,

I could sure use some advice right now so I’m coming here just like I did when my boy Cooper was first  diagnosed with Osteosarcoma.  Right now we are just 3 weeks short of one full year past surgery. I remember saying then “if I can just have him for just one more year I will be happy” well....as I’m sure you understand, there really is just never enough time.  Making the decision to amputate was the hardest thing I have ever done but within a couple weeks he was back to his old personality.  Both my vet and the Oncologist said we ABSOLUTELY did the best thing for him.  He is just the happiest dog you would ever meet.  I will be forever grateful for this group and the help and encouragement I received here.  So everything has been going along wonderfully.  Coop had the amputation, (front right)  went thru Chemo with no side affects at all, and has been happy and healthy for this whole year.  He did get very spoiled with homemade dog food, vitamins, supplements, massages, therapy treatments and his very favorite thing in the world...Swim Therapy. He is a golden retriever so swimming is his thing!  His therapist loves him because all she has to do is throw the rubber chicken over and over for him to fetch.  He can’t wait to get in the water and swims weekly for a full half hour. It’s really his happy time, and it was all thanks to this Tripawds organization that we even found his therapist.  Anyway, a couple weeks ago his vet discovered a lump just under his lower jaw.  He was hoping that it was maybe an infection in his salivary gland because he had just had xrays and his chest was clear.  Dr. had never seen osteosarcoma move to this area but after doing a CT and biopsy that is exactly what it is, unfortunately.  The Dr. says we can do Palliative radiation to try to shrink the tumor some and stop/reduce any pain, which may give him a little more time.  Right now he doesn’t show any signs of pain.  We are considering doing this.  It would be 5 treatments for 5 consecutive days.  My question is, has anyone done radiation and was there any draw backs to doing it?  What was your experience? After having such a good year with him, I don’t want whatever time we have left spent with him feeling bad, but I also am not ready to give up on him.  I was told that he might fell bad during treatment and maybe the following week but then should feel ok.   By the way, he just turned 11 but is active, lean, and has very little issues with being a Tripawd. He goes up and down our stairs and a small hill in our backyard like they are nothing.  We also fortunately have insurance that will cover  most of the expenses.  I appreciate any feedback/advice you can give me.

Thanks,

Coopersmom