We’ve been hoping for a non-cancer diagnosis, but unfortunately we got the confirmation on Monday (July 15) that our golden retriever, Toto, does indeed have osteosarcoma in her right front leg. We are going today to our vet for a consultation about our options, but he has already told us he wants to remove Toto’s leg. We’ve done a great deal of research and this site has been so helpful and comforting! I’ve been keeping a journal and may post it here, but as for now, just hoping and praying for the best. We are staying positive and giving our big girl lots and lots of TLC! We were so unaware of how many dogs live with three legs and felt so alone…who knew of the vast community and positive outcomes! We truly thought the future was bleak. Thanks for being here!
0h my… we have all been there and done that.. and know exactly what is going through your brain! This site helped me ALOT when my Franklin was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in his front left knee. We first thought we would just let him be a dawg.. after all he was almost 14 years old!! But this guy just did not slow down.. so we chose the amputation.
Let me tell you, he did fantastic!! Certainly opened my eyes to amputation. I would not hesitate again if any of my future furbabies were to follow the same path.
There are so many of us here who are willing to offer advice, and cry with you when you need to. And.. the good thing is that none of us here will think you are weird, or a crazy dog lady. At least they haven’t said anything about me yet!! lol
Gosh…thank you for that. I am learning that amputation is certainly not nearly as bad as most people must think it is. I’ve watched YouTube videos, read blogs, viewed pictures…geez…how eye-opening indeed! I’ll be sure to post about our vet visit today. THANKS AGAIN! 🙂
Ohhh, I KNOW this is such a scarey time and I’m so glad you found your new “support group” I never could have gotten through this had it not been for this community!
It sounds like you’ve already done your homework, have seen the tripawd videos so you do know how unbelievably well they adapt….and sooo quicky!
Go through Amazon here (any orders from here helps support tripawds website:-) ) and order The Dog Cancer Book..extremely informative! Also, Three Legs and a Spare–written by “Jerry”
How old is Toto? Is he already limping. Lots of Goldens and other large dogs have this rotten disease. Most do very, very well! The amputation takes away the horrible bone pain!
I know I balled like a baby for weeks before FINALY doing “it”! Her pain was clearly starting to show and was having to bump up her meds. She was NOT ready to go!!
For Happy Hannah, and for me, the recovery was rough! For the first two weeks or so really thouht I’d made a horrible decision! I was on thise site like “fly on poop”! Tey were holding me together….telling me this was “normal” or what to do when “X” happens…..and they kept PROMISING me it would get better!
AND IT GOT SOOOOO MUCH BETTER! Happy Hannah is five months past amputation and is glorioisly happy!! Every second of everyday is a sacred gift and she and I approach it that way! Best decision I ever made!
Some recoveries are much easier than others. If you are on your own with Toto, it is stressful and exhausting…….but well worth it! It is major surgery and it has risks. Discuss all that with your surgeon. But, again, once recovery takes place and Toto’s sparkle is back…WOW!…POW!!
The gift of quality time cannot be measured in words. You think you have a bond ow? Oh my goodness….just wait….the bond will be more magical than you could ever imagine!!
And remeber, Toto doesn’t kow he’s sick…he ust knows he’s loved and that’s all that matters:-)
Stay connected tomus. We are here for you ight by your side! Please update us as soon as you can!
And we love photos around nere!! Hint!
surrou ding you with calm,
Sally and Happy Hannah
Amputation isn’t as bad as people think it is–it’s as bad as dogs think it is. Which is to say, it’s an issue for a short while, and then they get over it. Not having emotional baggage is a wonderful thing <3
Good luck at the vet!
Awww you are definitely not alone, we are so glad you and Toto found us. Remember, we are h ere to help in the Forums too, where you’ll find a lot of support so keep us posted OK?
No matter what type of cancer comes back in the lab tests, remember that cancer is not a death sentence. When you feel down, remember that Toto is living WITH cancer, he’s not dying from it. Cancer sucks but it really will bring you closer together and teach you so many great lessons about living in the Now.
Many hugs coming your way.
Thanks to each one of you! WOW! I’m starting to “get” how this works! 🙂 Posting an update from today at the vet.
Glad you found us. We’ve all been thru this so are here to listen, offer support and a shoulder to cry on. Sending Toto and you our very best thoughts.
Luanne and Shooter