Not what I had hoped for…
We were having a great day today, PG3 wanted to walk for a while outside, was sniffing the grass, watching the birds fly, even took a stance to chase when she saw a squirrel…but that change, at least for me, when I rec’d a call from her vet’s office. They rec’d the pathology report and confirmed that PG3 has osteosarcoma. The vet tech I spoke to didn’t have much information. I asked her what the prognosis was and she said “guarded”…what the heck does that mean? She really kind of hem-hawed around, so I asked if I could speak to Dr. Marti. He is in surgery and is supposed to call me back. I feel so bad for my little girl…
Last week, when we were told of PG3’s odds, what the costs involved were, my hubby and decided to at least do the amputation, but we aren’t sure we can afford the chemo treatments to prolong PG3’s life. I hate that it comes to money being the deciding factor on how long I can have my little girl with me. I don’t know what we will be able to do. I don’t know her full prognosis yet, but I hope that she hasn’t gone through all she has, to get to a point where she really starts to feel better and live life, only to have her life taken by this stupid, stupid cancer.
Yuk, definitely not the best way to start the day.
You are doing everything you can for your girl, and that’s all anyone can ask for.
Rio’s mom
It sucks when you find out your dog has OSA. We’ve been where you are now. But, hang on to some hope. I’ve seen some dogs do very well (live years past dx) with just the amp (and change of diet/supplements) whereas other dogs get amp and chemo and only last a few months. It’s all kind of a crap shoot. We all just do what we can do and prepare for the worst while hoping for the best. I guess I’m just trying to say that I don’t want you to think that because you can’t afford chemo she’s doomed. That’s not necessarily the case.
Have you heard of the Dr. Dressler book (i forget what it’s called off the top of my head…) – it’s a good overview of all the main options out there – including chemo and holistic options.
Hang in there! None of us knows how much time we have left – so let your pup show you how to live in the moment. She’s a happy girl – sniffing the grass, watching the birds, on alert for those stupid squirrels. And she’s got lots of love. Even with this horrible diagnosis, there are still lots of good days ahead with your girl. Remember that!
Jackie, Abby’s mom
ok, take a breath…. now row piper over, all the way…is there a date stamp on her butt??? we bet not. piper doesn’t understand cancer, or OSA or mets or astrophysics. she knows she loves you, she knows you love her. by amputating the leg, you remove the pain and definitely remove the possibility the leg will just snap. you did good, real good! whatever choices you make, you’ll make the right ones, cause you make them out of love for piper. stay focused on the now and the joy you share every moment you’re together. the rest will take care of itself without you burdening yourself with worry and guilt. ok, now roll her back, and give piper a treat!
charon & gayle
The diagnosis is always a big punch in the stomach. Definitely, definitely sucks.
Even so, I better Piper still had a great day. Probably saying to herself right now, “I coulda caught that silly squirrel if I really wanted to!”
I will never forget how my world came tumbling down when we found out that our Indiana had osteosarcoma. We had the surgery done knowing we only had up to 4 months. We certainly were blessed as we had him for 17 months. I did not choose chemo because in my situation, I was told it would only give him another few months and he may feel sick throughout that time…We opted for the 4 months and to live each moment like it was the last… We didn’t give him any supplements or change of diet…He stayed with us out of my deep love & bond we had… He is an inspiration for other tripawds. May this give you hope. We had a miracle. I wish you a miracle too – big or small…I always prayed for one more day to love him…and every day was a gift. Live in the moment and don’t worry about how & when…embrace her and love her…
We are all here for you!!
Much love & hugs to you,
♥ The Spirit of Indiana’s mom ~ Carol~♥
http://indianaslove.tripawds.com/
This was the first part of my post to you – it didn’t show up:
Whatever you decide to do for your sweet Piper is the right decision for you. Piper knows you love her and she loves you unconditionally…
Many parents go for the chemo…some do well, some do not…some beat the odds and some sadly don’t… So it is whatever feels good to the individual. Every decision that is made for our Tripawds is the right one…It’s all about love…
To echo Indiana’s mom, whatever you decide to do for your sweet girl is the right decision. We couldn’t afford the chemo for the Chili Dawg and only did the amputation. Chili Dawg was only with us for 3.5 months, and while the time was too short, I do not regret the decision to amputate. Those months were a blessing to our family and memories that we will treasure forever.
Jenna & Spirit Chili Dawg