I, too, struggled with the chemotherapy question.  For us, the cancer was contained and there were no lung mets visible at the time of amputation. The vet was very confident chemo was our best option.  My husband was confident it was Trouble's best chance at survival, and I was sitting on the fence. Scared of side effects, not wanting her to be sick on top of having to recover from major surgery and learning a new way of life.

They (my husband and the vet) finally convinced me to try one round.  If she didn't handle it well, we wouldn't do any more. For us, it was the best choice. She beat the odds for 27 1/2 months, months we may not have had without it.  But then, we don't know for sure.

In the end, you make the decisions based on the information you have, your circumstances, and what you feel in your heart.

Good luck on your decision.  It is a personal one, and everyone here will support you regardless of your choice.

Hi everyone , 

This is a timely discussion. Maddie. Is 23. Days post amputation and had her first Round of Chemo on the 24th with no ill effects, no stomach issues no loss of appetite .  She had the same limp just before thanksgiving - diagnosis about 5 weeks later on the 2nd , amputation on 1/8/15. There. Was cancer in the lymph node so that was removed also a piece of tissue in the vein leading away from the shoulder was suspect and was confirmed to be osteosarcoma. No tumors in the lungs were seen so that is good. And she is in good spirits. And amazes me every day .

i read and was given the opinion that chemo would be the thing that had. The best chance of providing her with the longest and best time here.  50% of the dogs alive at a year and 20% at 2 year. I spoke to people whose experience was 7 months, 17. Months , 15 months...the checker at the grocery stores dog had amputation at 11 yrs old and No chemo and it has been 3 years and going strong.

if Maddie continues with the easy time and her blood work in good on 2/10 then chemo  #2 on 2/17.

I know that the cancer had metastasized

 , I know that this chemo is not curative but it also doesn't feel like it is only palliative. So I feel pretty informed .

goodluck to you and your pup.i am rooting for you !

connie and Maddie 

i 

Hi Snooperloop,

My bullmastiff has the same diagnosis of synovial cell sarcoma. I first noticed a small lump on his ankle about 6 months ago, and he just had his amputation on Thursday. When I found out it was cancer, I had the same reaction, wondering if it was already too late to do anything that would make a difference. Well after lung xrays and lymph node ultrasound, everything looked clear, so I went for the amputation. I am now faced with the same decision as you, to chemo or not to chemo. My thought process at the moment is much like Sally's was for Happy Hannah. He is healthy and strong so it wouldn't hurt to try one round and see how it goes. I want to know that I gave him every opportunity for more happy, healthy time here with us. I know it is a difficult decision and I completely understand what you are going through - I think everyone here understands and will support you in this. 

Love to you and Bonzai,

Jennifer and Titan

Everyone that has replied that you can stop chemotherapy at anytime are right.  Most dogs have no major problem with chemo.  I share loads of FB posts from oncologists both from Australia and USA and UK and they all are doing well with the chemo itself.  My personal experience with Frodo was no ill effect business as usual throughout his treatment.

Having spoken to a couple of hundred dog owners in Australia over the last 5 yrs about their dogs with cancer one thing has stood out to me regarding the ones that had problems with the chemo.  After asking a number of questions a really common factor to most was that corners had been cut with diagnosis.  Many had not had pathology (diagnosis by the vet visually), many had not had the correct radiology that is required however they were given chemotherapy drugs.  The thing is with chemo it is specific to the type of cancer and the stagging and grading of the cancer. If the wrong one was given due to the corner cutting this could not only not have the desired effect, but make the dog sick.  I have info on chemo on my page Treatments

I do have a question for Snooperloop:

How did it happen that the sample was not sent for pathology? As I understand this was your primary vet that did the amputation but did not get the biopsy?  I think I would prefer to listen to the oncologist if he thinks chemo is the way to go. If it is histiocytic sarcoma was it localised or disseminated?  Frodo had it localised and was successfully treated with Lomustine.