Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I would agree with the advice that Katy and others gave. To me, it was always about quality of life. I know that Shelby got a little tired or less hungry after her treatments but they never fully made her sick. And if they had, I personally probably would have stopped the treatments. So while we had 7 - 8 treatments, which is more than most, we also were fighting a different and more aggressive blood based cancer and these treatments did slow the progression a bit.
You are doing an amazing job and Bailey is very lucky to have you. And like Jerry said, they read our emotions (I used to say Shelby could not only see into my eyes but into my soul). Positivty begets positivity.
Good luck and lots of healing energy your way ....
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
How did it go on the 22nd? How is she doing since then?
~ Katy & Jackson
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
Hi everyone. I'm sorry I did not update this sooner. Bailey's blood work was 7000 (?) I always get confused on these numbers. She did do round 4... it all seemed different, she had energy and did great for about 3 days... they the urine and the blisters started and she did not want to eat... (on top of all this my daughter just graduated college on the 18th and was leaving for an Alaskan cruise with her Grandma and cousins she hasn't seen in 18 years.) If you can imagine the emotions I was going through. We were instructed to just give it a few days and keep the undercarriage clean and call in two days... so this was a little different instead of the first 24-48 hours it hit her on day 3, 4 and 5, she was pretty tired and didn't even want to drink. So ER visit for fluids. This is the first time she wouldn't even drink with pedylite in her water. But that was 4... my husband wants to be done... I'm really afraid not to do 5... I know that sounds selfish... but she has scheduled on the 19th of June round 5 but we can cancel that but we need to do x-ray regardless. Has anyone had an oncologist that does not bring in the x-rays and show them to you? We have not seen one set of x-rays. 
But for now Bailey is back to her self... she's still playing a little game with her food she wants chicken noodle soup poured on it... so much for the grain free . But whatever makes them happy.
OK another question, her left paw is getting a little raw because she wants to walk and it's getting warm. Is there something she can wear on her feet where she will get use to them? The first time I put snow boots on them it was like they were baby dear trying to walk... but walks are short but man does she want to go and she has definitely become the aggressive one towards other dogs... she's boss dog of the neighborhood... her bark has changed it's real deep but it's funny coming out of my girl.
So as of now, it's up in the air. I pray God will direct to the path I should take. I'm really not wanting to do it but then I sway the other way and say go for 5.... selfish?
HUGS
Thanks for all the support and I apologize for not getting on and responding sooner... when she gets blisters I pretty much stay with her round the clock and keep changing towels and wiping her with hypo-baby wipes.
Many thanks!
Tracy and Bailey
Winning this war since her amp. on 2/7/14 and first round of carbo on 2/27/14 and has had 4 to date. Keep fighting hard fur babies!
Ohhh and I called Colorado State Oncology where they sent her leg and they returned my call yesterday. I had a few questions about Baileys side effects with carbo... they never heard of anything like that but want to talk to me further. Sooo waiting on a call.
Hey Tracy,
Oh my gosh you are not being selfish at all for thinking about no more chemo. Putting her needs first is the kindest, most compassionate thing you can do. I would feel exactly the same way if I was in your situation, and focus on having her feel good and alive and happy, not struggling with the side effects of another round. It's what all dogs want the most out of life, and for you to be happy too, not worried about her.
Follow your heart, ask her what she wants and you can't go wrong.
P.S. Never apologize about not being here, we totally get it. Congratulations on having your daughter finish college, that's awesome.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you Jerry!
Do you recommend any type of outdoor sidewalk boot for my Bailey? She's starting to lick her front foot and I think it's from all the pouncing.
I really appreciate this and your time and courtesy.
I don't have any real advice to offer but I do know that chemo is cumulative so it would make sense that it would hit her later and harder. I was told here that it does build up in their system. Shelby never refused water or anything like that but she would get a bit more tired on day 3 after her treatment but she bounced back really quickly.
I would agree with what others have said, it's quality over quantity and about making Bailey the most comfortable. I would ask your onco what they recommend. And then ultimately, only you can make that decision. You know Bailey better than any of us.
Good luck.
Alison & her Shelby fur-ever in her heart
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
WHEW!! Amd the whole tripawd commjnity breathes a sigh of relief!! Amd Baileys feeling good!! YAAAAAAY!
Did you check the "Ask the Vet" respnse Dr. Pam gave you?? Good feedback.
I think Jerry's respnse about the "selfish" feeling was based on her interpretation that you wanted to stop at four like your hisband. To me, it sounded like yoj wanted to proceed with five, right?
The bottomline is it's aout Bailey's quality and happness and feeling good like she does today! It does seem to be accumulating in her system to the point she needed fluids. Clearly, it's causing stress to her body...to the point that she's showing outward symptons....and that means it's doing something "Internally" to cause these reactions.
I'm of course no vet.. I usually try to stay away from expressing "opinions" on something that's such a personal choice......until now!
Happy Hannah had four rounds per her Onco. She told me that is what they are teaching ow at Cornell. At first I was very upset finding out that many here do five.....some even six...and some also doing just four.. And I think I mentioned before, Colorada State jad a study that was repeated by many n this site showing tjat many Onco. were now going with four...and there was not difference between fourmor five. The fifth was just extra insurance. Again, I'm no vet and you need to check that out for yourself.
It goes back to my favorite saying that all this is such a crap shoot!
My beloved Happy Hannah had four roundsmand graced me with an additional year plus two months of pure bliss. If someone told me five rounds woud get her anoter coupleof months..BUT...she would be as sick as Bailey and with all her side effects for a week out of that month.....for me...and knowing Happy Hannah's zest for life...I would not pursue the fifth!
This is also taking a toll on you too! And the extra stress and fear surronding each treatment takes away from you staying in the present with Bailey!! Quite a crazy journey we are all on!
Whatever you decide, it will be a decision made out of love and with Bailey's best imterest in mind!!
Okay...that's my penny's worth!
And no, her onco. never showed me Happy Hannah's xrays either.
Others can chimei in on tje booties. I do know tat someome just posted on a brand/style they liked because their dog barely even noticed them! Darn if I can remember the brand though!
Okay! We have a CONGRATULATIONS in order because Bailey is feeling better!! And that makes us all sooo hapoy!
Now go enjoy being together! Video hern her walk doing her loud bark! We would love to see that!!
Sending love and hugs!!
Sally and Happy Hannah
PS. Anyone? Didn't Queen Nova just have four rounds? One of our realy'long term surviviors jist did four..
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!
Oh yes! I forgot to mention, try Pawz boots first to help her adapt.
Here's a post about how to teach her to get used to boots:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Haha Sally always knows what I'm thinking!
Yes, I meant "you" are not being selfish as in, a pawrent in general is not being selfish if they want to stop doing chemo because of the side effect.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Glad to hear that your beautiful Bailey is rebounding from her latest round of chemo.
And I can sure understand your emotions....your body really doesn't know the difference between happy stress (your daughter's grad) and worried stress (Bailey). I recommend you take Sally's advice on all things stressful and eat chocolate 
Give your lovely Bailey and her big sister a hug for all of us.
Linda and Tucker
I, too, interpreted your "selfish" comment to mean you'd want to do 5 rounds of chemo rather than stop at 4. As you know, we did 5 b/c Jackson tolerated it well and it made me sleep better. No regrets there. I frankly would have done 6, but #5 was a battle with hubby, so that was our compromise.
I have the Colorado State paper, sent directly to me from its lead author, Laura Selmic. Here's the skinny:
...you know what? I'm geeking out and will post what Rene has been after for a while....I'll break down the article and present my thoughts to you on it. Stay tuned!
Back to Bailey: her progression through her chemo has been tough, but you know what to expect now. Does that make it easier....on her? Important things to consider when thinking about 4 vs 5 vs 6 rounds.
I'm glad she's back at it! Way to bounce back, Bailey!!!
~ Katy & Jackson
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
Thanks for working the scoop with Dr. Selmic, Katy.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Just saw Jerry's link for you on the previus page about four, etc
ALSO, remember, you can still try metronomics ASSUMING the chemo pill doesn't cause a reaction too.
Hope things are settling down for you and you can get off the roller coaster ride!
Give Bailey some extra treats!! And how 'bout some extra "treats" for us.....more pictures of the magnificent Bailey!!
And how is Bella doing?
And how are yo!
Love!
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
Since you're already consulting with CSU, I would ask them about 4 vs. 5 or 6 doses. They only do 4 doses of carbo now, based on good data. You could get their take on it. Sorry to hear it has been a tough road.
Charlie, our English yellow lab, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in February 2014. He became a tripawd on February 24th, with clear lymph nodes and lungs, but that didn't last long. After three doses of Carbo, in May 2014, x-rays showed lung mets. We briefly tried Palladia, which went well. Unfortunately, Charlie developed unexplained complications in his hind limbs. We said a reluctant farewell on June 11, 2014. Still miss our boy each and every day.
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