Before Surgery

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Duke was scheduled to have his front left leg amputated this past Thursday. Our vet contacted us Wednesday afternoon and pleaded that we not have the surgery done. He consulted with the oncologist and together they decidedeven if Dukes leg was amputated, it wouldn’t stunt the growth of the cancer at all and we would only be losing precious time with our baby without pain. Duke does not have cancer in his bone like most dogs get it, it is in his nerves, so he does not limp, or act like he even knows a lump is growing at his elbow. He does not baby the leg nor does he lick it constantly.

 The doctors gave us the choice to amputate or not, but explained to us they do not recommend it and it wouldn’t prolong the cancer from migrating to his chest. They did give us the choice of Chemo, but again explained since it is an unusually high grade cancer, they aren’t sure if it would stunt the growth any more than not doing the chemotherapy.

  It has been a very emotional last few days. My husband and I haven’t come to a decision yet on the chemo,but not taking him to the vet for amputation made me feel as though I let my friend down. I personally felt as though that was all I could do for him is to give him that chance, and for the vet to tell me it wasn’t a good choice made me feel like I gave up on him. It is such a hard decision. I almost feel like we have no options and that’s a horrible feeling.

  For now, Duke is being Duke. He is moving a little slower today than usual. That could either be the rain here in Florida effecting his arthritis, or he may be wore out from all the extra attention and walks he has been getting the last few days . 

  We will take it one day at a time. For now, he is not in pain, and knows he is loved greatly. That’s all that really matters I suppose.

 Thanks again for all the encouragement and help. This site has been such a blessing and even though I am not a parent of a tripawd, I will continue to update this site on the condition on my fur baby.

Tripawds is a user-supported community. Thank you for your support!

5 Days before amputation surgery.

 Duke is having a great day!Our whole family is home today. He and his brother Rebel went outside this morning for several hours “exploring” the back yard. This is a favorite past time for my dynamic duo. He was chasing lizards and sniffing trees,oh and going for a swim in his doggy pool. He had visitors this afternoon, my parents, brother and his girlfriend came by to visit with him. He always loves to give kisses to visitors.

Its great to watch him roll around on his back on the living room floor loving his life! He is so beautiful and spoiled. Today is a great day. To get to spend quality time with him reminds me of why I cant let this amputation knock down my spirit.

Anyone out there have any advice on how to calm the nerves of my 8 year old son in regards to having a tripawd? He considers Duke his brother, and is very frightened by the thought of him becoming tripawd.

Thanks in advance.

  I am beginning this blog 6 days before Duke is scheduled for his amputation and 7 days after our first visit to the canine oncologist. Needless to say, I am scared. Although, we have had only had Duke in our lives 6 years, less time then our own son, I can not imagine life without him.

  It is a hard choice to have an animals leg amputated, and I am still not sure what I am doing is right. I know we want him around, but the questions that keep popping in our minds is: are we being selfish? Will this procedure be too painful? will he be able to cope on 3 legs? Will he be thankful for the extra time given for the amount of pain?

 Duke was diagnosed with a high grade nerve sheath tumor. This means, even with amputation and chemo, the cancer will come back. It is a rare form of cancer in pets.

6 weeks ago we had the tumor surgically removed. It was a heart wrenching time. The surgery was 5 hours, then he spent another 4 hours howling from the drugs and the pain. We both spent several sleepless nights on the floor together.I think this is what is bothering me about the amputation. The pain.

The tumor has come back ten fold. Our vet gave us one option: amputation. We went to a specialist to get a specific diagnosis. His response was amputation followed by chemo. Although even with this treatment plan, the cancer will never go in remission, it will only be prolonging the inevitable. 6months to a year. This brings me back to my question: are we being selfish??

Duke is currently resting queitly at my feet. He is so full of life! Runs, jumps, barks, eats, plays, chases balls!! How can he be sick!?

Well, we will just take it one day at a time. Spending time with him and spoiling him silly along the way. I will keep blogging throughout this journey.

Thanks.

 Duke is my dog. He is a beautiful black lab. He will be 7 in October 2009. In January, Duke started to develop a small knot on his left elbow. He did not limp or seem to care it was even there, but we decided to have him checked anyway. In May 2009, he was diagnosed with a rare Nerve sheath turmor.

My 4 legged son has cancer.