Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello Friends and Thank you so much for all your words, thoughts, virtual hugs and positive spirits- I truly feel them right in my heart! 
The vet called last night with the news that the extraction of cells they took from both the large growth tumor and the smaller growth from the inner thigh do show similar cell structure of a cancer called- Histiocytic Sarcoma (sp) - This is type of cancer is a very aggressive type and before we move forward with any treatment he would like to be 100% sure that both growth are the same type of cancer.
We will be taking Joe back to UC Davis on Friday for a biopsy of both tumors; if the biopsy prove to be the same string of cancer our treatment options change because this Histiocytic string is responsive to radiation and chemo, but aggressive, so we are really just looking to buy as much time as we can ie: months. AT this moment the vet "feels" that we are dealing with a disseminated Histiocytic string. If the biopsy shows that we really are dealing with 2 types of cancer, then we start the treatment option discussion all over knowing that one string is very aggressive.
In the meantime I am going to slowly start changing his diet as I have read so many of you have, we have stopped walking him to ensure that we don't irritate or aggravate the large growth on his elbow and we will just take this process one step at a time. I am feeling discouraged at this point because the shock and emotion I had in making my way through to accepting that we were most likely going to have to amputate a front leg we just devastating and now to think that that's not even a viable option anymore- but rather we may have only 6 more months is just too much to bare. 
I will post again after Friday's visit and just want to express again my appreciation for this community and the space you provide for me to say that I'm scared to death and struggling to help my husband walk through the reality of the situation., and keep my spirits high enough that both my beautiful dogs don't feel anything is different from their normal daily life.
I'll add one of my favorite photo's of my boys- this is the best thing to come home to at the end of a long workday!
Boy this isn't an easy diagnosis for sure, but you are in GREAT hands with the experts at UC Davis (that's where our Jerry was treated), those docs ROCK, you can't go wrong there.
IF it is histio, don't panic (uh huh, easier said, I know). Here's one story that will keep your spirits hopeful:
Tripawd Tuesday Tilts a Hat to Barney B., a Six Year Histiocytic Cancer Suvivor
You sound really strong and optimistic, good job Mom! Keep us posted OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
JOE, YOU HAVE A VERY WELL INFORMED AND EMPOWERED HUMAN ASNYOUR ADVOCATE!!! You sure knew what you were doing when you picked them as your humans!!!
Yes, I certainly see why the biopsy makes sense.
But one thing I'm shouting out loud through the computer screen...........Joe does NOT have a time frame stamped on his butt, nor does he give a rip about statistics!!!! One thing we've learned on this journey, some dogs far exceed even the gloomiest prognosis (Pug Maggie..given just a few months, but got YEARS)
With my Happy Hannah, although never conclusive, they told me at surgery it had gone to her lymph nodes and that was a very por prognosis! HA! Happy Hannah didn't listen to that "crap" and graced me with her presence for one year and two months of The most blissfully happiest ime ever!
There are others here who can give you slecifics related to Joe's particular issues. But again, one thing that is universal regardless of the "specifics"....many dogs just blow "statistics" out of the water!!!
Look at that picture, that sweet loving picture....Joe has NO intentions of going anywhere anytime soon!!! He has too much spoiling and loving to soak in!!!
And yes, do check out links here to K9 Immunity and Apocaps supplements, as well as muchroom therapy. There are also wonderful nutritional links here too.
Okay, now go hug Joe and watch his tail wag! He is going to do just fine!!! THIS IS REALITY!!!
Sending hugs and love!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
Hi Mia,
Ok, now that there is a definite diagnosis, I agree with Jerry, you have a great group of vets to help you through your decisions, and a great group here for all the emotional support .........Sally had great advice as well, with supplements and holistic approach. Just follow your heart, and let Joe lead, you are on top of everything and Joe is so very lucky to have you as his human. Another thing Sally said is very much true, don't let statistics get you down, they do NOT matter......never, ever give up when fighting this crappy disease.
Thinking of you and Joe, and continue to keep us updated, {{{hugs}}}
Bonnie & Angel Polly
P.S. Sally said in an earlier post that my Polly will be looking out for Joe from the bridge, I have it on VERY GOOD authority that this is true........
My dog, Adam, just had his rear leg amputated for the same group of cancers. His was Fibrosarcoma. He's now 2 weeks post-op and he's doing great. Stitches came out today and he gets rid of the lampshade when the scab from the fistula that drained falls off.
Joe and pawrent- lets not talk in terms of time. The time that moves too slow for them is waiting for you to come home from work. Love the picture but I, like Bonnie am particularly fond of labs. Until July I had three, one of each standard color- have a t-shirt that says you can't have just one. Love him and do your best. You are obviously doing your home work and I would give you a 4.0 GPA. Stay connected!
Laurie
Hi Friends- well our Biopsy appointment went well on Friday, the Vet said they were able to get good sample sizes from both growth areas and also re-aspirated the shoulder Lymph node as it was swollen and inflamed. We are expecting to hear the results on Wednesday of this week. We are then expecting to be able to make a final decision on a treatment plan. We are just now starting our third week of tests and discussion with UC Davis and in this small period of time I can tell the elbow tumor is starting to get uncomfortable for Jojo- as he has started to struggle a little getting up the stairs and just standing for too long.
I took the below picture when we got home from our appointment on Friday- he was still a little drugged up, that when I gave him his treat, he just held on to it for a while and zoned out- it was kind of funny. He then came around and enjoyed the treat as usual!
Thanks again for all the support- we'll see how Wednesday results go!
Hi Mia,
This pic of Joe is so adorable !! I will be keeping you and Joe in my thoughts for Wednesday......I know this is stressful and very scary, but we will all be here for you, and keeping positive, happy thoughts....
Sending {{{hugs}}} your way.....
Bonnie & Angel Polly
Okay, it may not feel like it, but you are moving forward and getting closer to a treatment plan! Just continue to make every moment count and not let "waiting" or "worrying" interfere with enjoying every blissful second with that precious Jojo!!
Jojo is soooooo handsome!!! I just want to jump through the screen and snuggle with him! He looks so soft and snugly!!
I'm sure the vet visit wore him out and made him feel a little more sore. Did they give you any Tramadol or other lain meds for him? I love that even "zoned out", he still was able to savor his treat! Hold out for STEAK Jojo...STEAK!! You deserve it!!!
And Mom, be sure and eat lots of chocolate....it helps eliminate stress!! Yummy!
Sending lots of hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
Good Morning Friends- We finally heard from the Dr. on Friday (Oct 31) and the complete story is upsetting.
The biopsy results show that the tumors are of the same type (Histiocydic Sarcoma) and he also found cancer cells in the Lymph node; he said the cancer is very aggressive and is clearly on the move. We spent quite a bit of time going through our treatment options, but the bottom line is that we are now just trying to buy some more time and keep Jojo comfortable and happy.
We have decided to go with a combination of radiation and chemo (Palative therapy) The chemo will be via Oral pills every 3 weeks while the radiation will be in the hospital every week for about 4-6 weeks. We start the process on Tuesday @ 9:00 with the first radiation treatment which may take a while as they work through and diagram the road map for treatment. The doctor is talking in terms of 6 months or so- but we are not going to focus on a time line but rather on Jojo’s comfort and happiness.
I spent the weekend in tears as I worked my way around to acceptance of the situation and am now glad that we at least have a plan and can truly enjoy our time together. Jojo of course has no idea of what's going on because as of now he is not in any pain. we had a wonderful time at Halloween- we get hundreds ( and I'm not exaggerating) of trick or treaters and Jojo and Charlie ( dog #2) greeted everyone of them as they came up the steps to the door- the dogs of course tried to lick their sticky faces and sniff out all the candy in the bags. 
The dogs actually became a bigger hit the candy we handed out.
Anyhow- we will start our treatment journey tomorrow and I'll be sure to come back and post as we go down the road; I can't tell you enough how much all your positive thoughts, kind words, and encouragement have helped me walk through this process. I truly feel supported- Thank you♥
I'm so sorry about the prognosis, I can't blame you for being upset, I would be too. It does feel good to have a plan though, doesn't it? Sounds like your vet is offering some excellent guidance and with that kind of help it will make the palliative care journey easier. We will be with you all the way too, so do let us know how things are going.
As you can see, following JoJo's lead is a great inspawration, keep it up! Oh and we'd love to see some Halloween pics, sounds like a blast 
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm with Jerry, so sorry about this no-so good diagnosis......but you do have a plan, and never give up hope. There have been many success stories here, so there is definitely no harm in believing we all can beat any prognosis. Joe is feeling good, and that is all that matters to him.....Celebrate and enjoy every day and every minute with him, spoil him rotten and be in the moments. Follow his lead, he will be the one to decide where he goes from here.
Keeping you and Joe in my thoughts, continue to keep us updated, {{{hugs}}}
Bonnie & Angel Polly
Dear Mia,
I'm very sorry about the discouraging diagnosis but it sounds like you have a plan in place and are going to make the most of your time with Jojo. He just needs more Halloween candy and belly rubs. Good luck.
Penny
I'm sorry Joe's news wasn't any better. At least you know what you are up against and have a plan.
As I said in an earlier post my pug Maggie had mast cell cancer. At the time of her amp I sort of thought it would be curative, or at least that she wouldn't need any more treatment, when I picked her up the vet said things looked good. A few days after the surgery the oncologist called to say there was lymph node involvement (the node removed with the leg) and now her prognosis was 6 to 9 months WITH chemo. Maggie lived almost 4 years and did not pass from mast cell.
It doesn't always happen, but you never know. You are on the right track- make every day Joe's best day and see what plays out.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Pug Maggie is wuite a beacon of hope around here and is proof that statistics and prognosis don't carry much weight around here!
You are doing a MAGNIFICENT job of staying focused and staying in the moment! Vent, scream and cry here as much as you need...it will help you continue to stay strong and empowered for Jojo!
As Jojo is showing you...nothing is going to stand in the way of his joy and blissful worry free life! Ahhh.....to master the art of being more dog!!! What a gift!
You DO have a plan and you are moving forward!...and Jojo is thoroughly wallowing in the wheelbarrow loads of spoiling and loving being heaped upon him! Take tons of pictures....he is sooooo adorable! And give him lots of drive-thru burgers and watch the slobber fly!!
Just want to say one more thing...no dog comes with a time frame stamped on their butts!! No one!!
Extra treats tonight for everyone! And we would love to see more pics...HINT!!!
Hugs and love!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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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