Desp 4 advice pls!! Dog has osteosarcoma, Vet dsnt rec amput
Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2014 2:49 pm
Hello, I'm new to the forum and greatly appreciate any advice or recommendations or experience. I'm desperately researching and submitting inquiries online. I love him so much...please help.
Diagnosis
My baby boy is a 9 year old, 93 pound Rottweiler and has just been diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his shoulder ("Aggressive bone lesion associated with the right proximal humeral metaphysis"). In addition the radiologist reports she is "suspicious" that 2 round soft tissue structures in his lungs could be "pulmonary metastatic neoplasia"...or that it has metastasized or spread to his lungs. The metastatic diagnosis is not a definitive one due to the pictures captured in the x-rays but the vets also agreed that they saw similar tissue structures.
Vet Recommendation
Our vet was very honest and open, informing us that he would most likely only have a few months. And that an amputation would be her last treatment route...as it would be painful and he would be spending the little time left in recovery. She also said the chemotherapy would not extend his life...and that it too would be painful and difficult, not to mention expensive...I would be using funds I don't really have, as my insurance had lapsed. I found several success stories online...where amputation and chemo helped babies with the same cancer go 5-7 years in remission post diagnosis. I understand the information and recommendation she has given, so no disrespect to her by this post. I just want to make sure I am doing everything I have ability to, but also what is best for my baby.
Please share any thoughts / advice / experiences. THANK YOU so much in advance for your time!!!
Diagnosis
My baby boy is a 9 year old, 93 pound Rottweiler and has just been diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his shoulder ("Aggressive bone lesion associated with the right proximal humeral metaphysis"). In addition the radiologist reports she is "suspicious" that 2 round soft tissue structures in his lungs could be "pulmonary metastatic neoplasia"...or that it has metastasized or spread to his lungs. The metastatic diagnosis is not a definitive one due to the pictures captured in the x-rays but the vets also agreed that they saw similar tissue structures.
Vet Recommendation
Our vet was very honest and open, informing us that he would most likely only have a few months. And that an amputation would be her last treatment route...as it would be painful and he would be spending the little time left in recovery. She also said the chemotherapy would not extend his life...and that it too would be painful and difficult, not to mention expensive...I would be using funds I don't really have, as my insurance had lapsed. I found several success stories online...where amputation and chemo helped babies with the same cancer go 5-7 years in remission post diagnosis. I understand the information and recommendation she has given, so no disrespect to her by this post. I just want to make sure I am doing everything I have ability to, but also what is best for my baby.
Please share any thoughts / advice / experiences. THANK YOU so much in advance for your time!!!