Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi Stacy,
I'm glad to hear Lulu is on the road to recovery. Thanks for sharing her story, it is amazing what she has been through in her life and she is lucky to have you. It is good news they caught the new tumor early and were able to get it at the same time.
I am just sitting here trying to keep positive thoughts about Zoe, her surgery is scheduled for right about now. They could only do needle biopsy, they said to get regular biopsy would be another major surgery and may even have to split her pelvis. I decided to just have faith and take care of 1st and foremost the nasty painful tumor on her leg since it is growing by the day.
Even though this website has helped me come to terms with my decision, I still can't help but have doubts, my mind is racing, I can't eat. I'm betting you may have felt the same way just a few days ago. It does help to reassure me when I read about Lulu and Romeo.
Keep me posted and thanks again,
Karin
Dear Karin,
We all have doubts, and so many people have expressed and even started the topic of "Regret Amputation." We never know that right decision and even when I thought I had come to terms with the surgery, I hadn't. The one thing that now makes it okay is watching Lulu's recovery, she's amazing, making strides everyday. People say that it is harder on us than on our dogs, and its hard to believe that is true the days leading up to surgery, during the surgery and after as you watch your beloved recover, but I am starting to actually to truly understand it. I am very grateful that Lulu doesn't know she is sick and doesn't feel any stigma for having one less leg. She quickly accepted her new state of being and is making it work.
I know this is it a bit silly, but I wish I could be there to hold your hand, reassure you that you have made the best decision you could make for Zoe and know that good medical care and lots of love is all she needs. The truth is that there is no right solution, it's not black/white. I've seen that the love part is a huge component in the healing and recovery. Lulu was doing much better after I visited her in the hospital then she was earlier that day. She has been making her biggest strides after her visits with her favorite neighbor (who always gives her treats, she goes right up to his door, whines and sometimes knocks). I know your stomach is clenching, but that's okay, what you feel is normal, all the positive, the negatives, the what ifs and if onlys . . . . It's okay, no matter what happens it will be okay. You and Zoe have each other now, and that's all we ask, (right, now if only I could take my own advice).
Being part of this group, and I know I/we've said it over and over, but we are here for you, supporting you both. And as Jerry said, just remember to breathe, (as my yoga teacher would say, focus solely on the breath, inhale . . . . exhale . . . inhale . . . exhale).
All the best,
Stacy
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I hate when people judge me for what we have spent on Emily I give them one of three answers depending on my mood. One is we wanted a laptop but decided to spend it on our lap dog (yes, Emily is a doberman mix but she thinks she is a lap dog). The second is that we could have taken a vacation but our memories of Emily will be more important. The third, when I am feeling less than nice, I'm not asking you to help pay for it so don't worry about it.
Good luck to both of you, Lulu and Zoe, and to all of us.
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
HA! We actually did spend our vacation money on the amputation surgery...
Alright, so I spoke with the oncologist today and the biopsy results aren't good. There were cancer cells in the edges of the tumor and surrounding tissue removed on both the tumor and the amputated leg, meaning that they weren't able to get all the cancer out on either of the tumors. I wasn't planning on doing more chemo and the doctor said that it would be different types of chemo to treat the two different types of cancer. The types of chemo that would work on Lulu for the breast cancer would be too hard on her, so that is definitely a no go. For the mast cell, the doctor is considering therapy with leukeran (I'm not sure of the spelling), which should have minimal side effects. All the other types of chemo she would consider are too harsh & I won't put Lulu through that. Lulu is a fighter, so we move on, heal from the surgery and decide are next steps (especially after I find out the cost of this protocol since the surgery sucked out my bank account). And I am trying to take my own (and many of your) advice and live for today with my sweet girl.
Karin - How are you and how is Zoe? We are still with you in spirit.
Emily's Mom - I kind of like that last bit even if it is a little harsh:
The third, when I am feeling less than nice, I'm not asking you to help pay for it so don't worry about it.
Is any one else a bit tired of the "oh cancer, how old is she?" I must say it is starting to get to me. 
stacy said:
Is any one else a bit tired of the “oh cancer, how old is she?”
Indeed. 
The Big Dog over at 2dogs2000miles recently wrote about the epidemic of canine cancer, mentioning the younger age of dogs being diagnosed.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Stacy, I am so sorry to hear about Lulu. I don't even know what to say. It just doesnt seem fair that you both have to go through this. I am somewhat familiar with Leukeran and I don't think the drug itself will be that expensive, relatively speaking, but they will have to monitor blood counts, liver function etc which as you well know I'm sure, adds to cost. My vet has mentioned the new Pfizer drug Palladia, which from my understanding is free right now because it just came out, but I think you also will have alot of labs with that as well. But it is indicated for mast cell tumors, and from what I have read may also help to treat other types. It is also tablet form. I'm thinking that maybe due to Lulu's heart problems or something they don't want to try that? Anyway, I'm so sorry.
I appreciate that you could even be thinking of Zoe and I right now. Zoe did well, they called me last night a couple times, to let me know how surgery went and I just got off the phone with her student with morning update. They said she may even get to come home a day early. She ate this morning and they got her up and she is already compensating for lack of 4th. However one thing they said that concerns me is her lymph node that was removed looks enlarged. Now I am awaiting the histopath. report results. I am just a few days behind on the journey (more like rollercoaster ride) that you are on.
Just remember Lulu's a survivor, she's been beating the odds her whole life.
I too am with you in spirit,
Karin
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