GreytHurleyDawg

Hey, Kristin (and everyone!)! We are fine. The emotional weight is bearing down on us because any surgery is a risk and I don't want to be all geared up for this and then he doesn't make it through that part of it. That's why we are all crossing our fingers, paws and toes though, right?? Other than that, we are pretty prepared! I won't be able to say my house is clean and ready just yet because I am still working on it but each day brings us closer. Today we took him to the very nice coffee shop/ dog wash and groom place to get his nails trimmed. His bad leg just started shaking!! Poor guy...even with the pain meds, it is still a source of some consternation. Needless to say, we did not get those nails trimmed. I held his back end while she did the good rear leg. He does seem to be panting a lot and sleeping less. He whines in the morning when he can't come up the steps to sleep upstairs in our bed. So, there are behavioral changes going on that we think are from the meds. The swelling we saw on his leg is all gone so he must have chewed at it, got meds and then the swelling receded. I work every day now until the night after his surgery. I wish I had the freedom to be around!! Ok, the real question I need to ask is: Does OSU allow us to pick the chemotherapy drug or do they send what is currently their top choice? How do we decide if we make the choice? I searched online last night during slow time at work and wasn't coming up with a comparison other than price. I was just wondering. I have to email OSU soon but I figured with it being the weekend, I would wait. I saw the greyt pics of Charlie on the Cute & Funny!!!! He looks GREYT!!!! I showed them to my husband because he had been asking if the surgeon would take the whole leg including the hip or if he would leave the femur(?) part and when I saw that Charlie had his surgery done a little lower, I had to share! Our surgeon DID say that he prefers to take as little as possible to provide a little protection to the underbelly and it will depend on the dog. So, we will see but if it's not dangerous, I hope he retains a little of the muscle and bone there. I don't know if it helps with balance but that was the feeling we got. Kisses to all the dogs out there whose owners are in here reading this!!

Kristin, It is so good to find everything going well in this thread, as I hoped and expected!!! You have been in my thoughts but we were going through some important decisions in our own lives with Hurley's osteo. He will have his amputation next Wednesday!! Woo Hoo!!!! It looks like we have some greyt hounds who will be kicking some osteo butt for as long as possible!! It sounds like she is having fewer problems than expected: keep up the good work!! I'm sure that leap to the love seat made your heart stop!!!! Pinky!!!!! Don't scare your mumma like that!! The fact that she is dragging you around is a good sign!! Right? I will continue to check in on Pinky's recovery and it better be good!!!

I haven't posted in awhile since we have been busy actually having appointments (as opposed to waiting for the vet to come back from conference)! YAY PINKY is what I think needs to be said, first and foremost!!!!!!!!! So, we have Hurley's amputation scheduled for next Wednesday! Everything is still all clear, we are not repeating xrays per the oncologist, blood work is good and orthopedic surgeon checked him out today. Amicar Rx is already called in. I have off Friday through Sunday after the surgery. Jim or I can take off Thursday, perhaps, if he comes home then. I now have a 4 legged Hurley Dawg for a few more days. I'll be taking pics, cleaning the house and working so I can pay the bills. In fact, beginning Saturday, I am scheduled to work 6 days in a row. But then I will be all there for my pupper. The surgery could have been done today (Friday) but I would have had to call in sick to work on a weekend and I'm on call, etc, etc! Plus the time to get ready would have been really short. I have to get to bed. I have a busy day off tomorrow and tons of stuff to do!

Since I ended on a bad note in my last post, I just wanted to clean up my mess, if you will. I should not be taking out my frustration on your thread and I do feel that I could be hijacking it slightly. That being said, my main concern was that if his leg is swelling and the tumor is growing, it may be spreading as well to the lungs or who knows where. Someone provided the info that they went 9 days between diagnosis and amputation. I don't know if that is feasible in every case. New xrays would be needed for Hurley. I have heard of the gap being much less too....like within a day or two of diagnosis to the O.R. I could care less, of course, if the tumor raged on inside his leg IF we could cleanly remove the leg and be done with it, but it doesn't seem anywhere near likely. This is truly a cruel disease and that is exactly why we are facing the limited options and short decision times. I always like to end my posts with hope and strength because I want to be able to show that my husband and I are exactly that....but it is me that posts here and gets the extra info and inside looks at other owner's lives. He has not even looked up the info on the internet, which I find odd because if the subject were history or politics or what have you, HE is all over the internet. But with the dogs, he gets his information from me or the vet, person to person. So, the breakdowns witnessed here are just me or me dealing with his newest method of decision-making. Unfortunately, we will lose our pet but we have the knowledge of this and can do what we can to make his life a good one. He is 8.5, we would not expect him to see the age of 12 even if he was healthy. We would hope for 10 or over. So if he makes it another year or year and a half, he'll get there. If not, then he still lived a pretty sweet life. I have been ignoring the inevitable and focusing on the decision at hand but Jim drew it out for me...he is the one thinking of the endgame now. We were even talking about the seasons and how if he makes it another year, we have him all summer 2012...we would love that!! That would be our goal. Beyond that is beyond that. I hope I am not upsetting anyone else here, just glad to have a place to plot out my thoughts and get some help from others in the same proverbial boat. i just went through losing my dad in January to lymphoma...that cancer was no kinder at the end. I only wish we had euthanasia as an option for people in his situation, his last days were drugs and hospice care to care for his body. My dad and I were not very close in past years and I didn't get a great conversation or breakthrough in our relationship with him before he was too doped up to even speak but I was THERE. It is so different with Hurley, he is someone I see EVERYDAY and love so much, but he isn't a person, he is an innocent and compassionate dog, the best dog I could ever wish for. And I have that closure time with Hurley, for that I am greytful. The GO PINKY!!!!!!!!! still stands because I am so excited that she is getting this chance!!!!! ETA: We don't feel that OSU or UW-Madison are close enough for us. We won't be taking much time off work, just the minimum, and would prefer to get it done closer to home. The AEC should have recommendations for us but they aren't answering their phones right now with it being a busy Sunday. I also searched for board-certified vets and NONE came up inside Milwaukee, which i think is unbelievable but there are a few in Port Washington and Waukesha. The hunt continues!

Many good thoughts for Pinky in her journey to kick this sarcoma into a coma!! I have another snafu if I decide to amputate: the oncologist who comes back Tuesday does not have a surgeon available and we will have to find one on our own. This is something we could have been researching before it turned into a Sunday and we are sort of left with our hands tied!!!! Why in the world would she not mention this until now? So, if his leg is swelling, we may too late anyway....or is it all the delays from our oncologist that slowed us down? I know it's not her fault but I feel like our options are fading. Someone told me they were glad we are on top of the ball....I think we might have just slipped underneath it. Had I known she wasn't going to be able to arrange everything, I would have been calling and searching. Perhaps I can make contact with another hospital today anyway?

It sounds like Pinky and Hurley are VERY similar!! He is 8.5 years old, VIVACIOUS and has the lesion in his left hind (tibia) leg!! I so want to get on with this treatment, whatever we ultimately decide...it is scary having to wait for our oncologist to return to town. may I ask if you are doing the amputation at Ohio or locally? Oh, and Hurley was able to trot with his bad leg held up easily too!!!!! He figured it out very quickly. I still agree that biopsy is unnecessary so it will be easier to speak about this with the oncologist than just have her email me directions. Actually, I will clearly state in my next email that I am unwilling to do it, other than a FNA but I would like to do blood tests or anything else we can get done BEFORE she gets back Tuesday. I will email OSU about the Chemo if we do the pamidronate. Leg sparing was discussed but Dr R said it was not proven to be successful and was too expensive and, in effect, would not be performed by her. Actually, the posts about the extreme expense even after amputation is all done (followup xrays and bloodwork while doing chemo and how difficult and we would feel each time we wait) and the actual care required and emotional response from the amputee for up to 2-3 weeks while my husband and I are away at work (earning money so we can continue to pay bills) sometimes for as many as 8.5 hours (or as little as 5.5 hours) scares the bejeesus out of me!! No one has pushed any opinions on us and I now feel better about my decision NOT to post on facebook yet...I can just imagine the outpouring of past experiences and attempts of sympathy that are truly unnecessary because we are not ready to feel sad yet. All I CAN say is my husband and I agree to disagree right now because we both are going to choose between pamidronate and amputation. I am sorry if I sound like a broken record (only because I may be sorry to bring you, the reader, a sigh of despair but not sorry enough to feel I have to apologize for our right to make our decision on our own with our oncologist and with Hurley in mind) but that is it in a nutshell. We are fighting against time. If what she said is true, the tumor can double in size in 3 days. His leg is also swelling more now. Does that mean it is exponentially growing? I shudder to think. In a way, i want to rush him onto the O.R. table and get it done, damn be the consequences if he doesn't have everything ready (like Amicar)...but that is foolish thinking and totally unrealistic. I can't think in that mindset. Jim is my other half. He wants to push for pamidronate so we have a real choice that may not EXTEND his life but may spare him from a 2-3 week recovery time from a very, very difficult surgery to bounce back from. That could be enough to allow him to have a peaceful time and quality of life. I totally see why people do that. I know we are all supportive of each other and I respect that...no one needs to persuade anyone else to see things their way. The final decision just needs to be directly stated. That's where I am right now. Hurley was carried up (and down from) our upstairs bedroom last night and was our honored guest in the bed. I feel a little closer to him again from having had that time. Thanks again for being part of this group, everyone!

We are definitely getting cold feet about the possibility of amputation and we are leaning much more toward Pamidronate + Chemotherapy. Can anyone confirm that OSU will still send the free Chemo meds if we do NOT do the amputation? Decision-making is hard at this point and our oncologist is out of town until Tuesday...we want to jump right onto whatever our ultimate decision is when we see her then (and make the appt to see her, as well...everything is so far away right now!). She wants a biopsy done before Chemo if we go this route. Is that completely necessary? OSU confirmed the lesion from the xray. It just has to be sarcoma.

Thanks for all the support and advice. I do not have the double cancer coverage so I will just hope for the best. I also am aware that the after care is just as expensive as the surgery. Yeesh. At work tonight, I got a couple of 'Oh that's so sads" but I think it is hopeful, not just sad. I have a chance to have more time with my gentlehound and he will be treated so well!! I got up to about page 14 in this topic, so I don't 'know' many of you yet but we are in a special group and that's enough to know!!

I will most likely start my own topic too but we are looking at Osteo for Hurley in his left hind leg, in the hock. I think Dr. Couto will recommend amputation and chemo but I just sent off the consult form with the 5 xrays attached. The oncologist at our emergency vet is familiar with his research and has met him so i am hopeful that Hurley will receive excellent care We have VPI superior level for him and that is good, since we have no savings to draw upon. They usually have done a very good job of reimbursing us but I am quite sure they will not allow us to try too many treatment options. The reason I say this is because the bisphosphates sound interesting but we could do amputation if it doesn't work. I am sure Dr. Couto will make it clearer for us. We would like to start treatment (besides his pain management) before it gets any worse. This is the thread I never wanted to participate in but maybe it won't be so bad!

This is the first I have heard about Mojo's lymphoma!! I am so sorry to hear this. But through the kindness of OSU and all who support them, you will get their help. Good luck finding a capable vet for the chemotherapy. If there is anything we can do, let us know!!! Johanna and Jim

Xan and family, I was so sorry to see the news! I don't pretend to know all of Wabi's story but I have enjoyed learning as much as possible about Miss Sweetness whom we came to know as Wabi! I can't imagine the pain and ache you are are going through right now. Please accept my condolences. I hope that one day you can publish a beautiful dandelion book filled with Wabi and her story!! Love and inappropriate footsteps to you all during your healing and remembering.

My deepest condolences to you, Diane. She sounds like a precious and beloved Mizzy Lady! May you always carry a piece of her in your heart. And she was very beautiful: I'm glad you had several years of her companionship!

Congrats!! And there has been a lot of good advice (as usual) on this topic!! I just thought I would chime in because we have three greyhounds and Hurley has very thin, delicate ears: he is black but you can almost see through them if you straighten them out and shine a light behind them! Lol. Our Woodie has the THICKEST, largest ears I have ever seen....his might be as thick as a normal dog (well, maybe no one is normal!)...he loves for his ears to be messed with! Petra has thinner ears but she doesn't display any sensitivity except if you tug or pinch them. But Hurley just has his views on how his ears should be touched!! He will yelp and snap (looking like he would be happier if he got a bite in but he rarely does make any contact with his teeth.....rarely, but not never!) if they are pulled to straighten!!!! I know there is a permanent crease where his ears flop over: this is where I think it hurts him. On the inside of the ear, you can clearly see the fold: don't ever hurt that or be prepared for his retaliation!! He is a very good-natured dog but with the ears, he just wants you to back off!! This being said, I rub his ears all the time but usually at the base or very gently. He approves certain scritchies so I know he is okay. I definitely have a strong bond with my gentlehound, Hurley, and my husband would get snapped at for possibly the same touching. I can only say it this way: my husband's intent is to roughhouse and be playful whereas my intent is to scratch him so that he gets a good scritchie: no more, no less. Hurley can sense that Jim wants to "ramp it up" versus my "safe" massaging. I'm sure you will also find that his ears are very descriptive of his mood.....Hurley just came close to me because it is thundering and he is mad at the noise so his ears were laying flat back and I was able to completely cover them with my hands and pet downwards. When they are straight up, no dog wants to be ear rubbed! When they are at half mast, you have about a 50% success rate. It takes time for them to become comfortable enough to trust you and understand you.....his ears will probably help you define your relationship. Right now, his ears are being used to perceive everything around him and he doesn't want to be disturbed at figuring everything out!! Lol Thank you for posting this: I have a newfound appreciation for the differences in my greyhounds' ears!! Try scratching right behind the ear very gently and if he ever backs/moves into it or seems to be smiling, you can take that as a go ahead to keep on scratching!! P.s. I have never personally had any children touch my dogs' ears in a bad way....they usually just stroke the head or pat the head. But these are just children we see on walks. They have never been in a home with children: i suppose that's where the danger comes into it because there is so much time and a feeling of home that you would not get on a walk.

What a sudden, but peaceful loss of your beloved Sterling!! I hope you are recovering well and that you know Sterling is at peace with no pain!! Johanna

I am so sorry to hear this and for your loss! Join your brother, Ramm, and know you gave the best to your human family!!!

Wendie, no one wants to be the one reading this, but when you do, know that she was exhibiting the happiness that life with you and your family gave her!! I am so sorry her time had come, so quickly and so severely. I know she will be missed and that she probably is taking an extra roll in stinky stuff right now! Your genuine love and pride for her shows through so well in your story......RUN FREE OF PAIN AND WORRY, DAISY DOODLES!!

How is Merlin doing today, Kerry?

Gentle hugs to Jabari!! I am keeping my fingers and all our paws crossed for good news for him and Legs, too!!

Oh my, I had a lot of tears start upon reading this, too. My dreams are usually very sheltering and I like to wake from them feeling peaceful or better. I hope Jason feels better after awhile and gifted by the dream. I have not lost a greyhound yet so I wish you both the best in your healing process. My living greyhounds seem to have old, wise souls behind their eyes: I hope to always have a greyhound in my possession to retain that wisdom and love of life! <<Furry Hugs!!>>

I am sorry you had to post this because you lost your boy! Godspeed, Kevin!

Those photos are beautiful and bring with them special memories! Thanks for loving her and posting them!

I am very sorry to hear this Run free, dear girl!!

Black Jack will be missed!! I am very glad you are using your FMLA: I had to use mine for the first time this January when my Dad took a turn for the worst and then for a week after he died. I kept extending it and extending it....it was what I needed to heal the gap that was developing in my life. I was not especially close to my Dad anymore which made it difficult since I hadn't foreseen any difficulty. Anyway, that's only 1/4, in straight numbers, of the pain and reality you have been dealt. Unfortunately, reality doesn't care about numbers and nothing can replace a life or bring it back. Take care. And I know Black Jack is happy up there or over there or wherever with his buddy Major.

Death is a part of life. But it really sucks. So sorry to hear about your many losses and your most recent: Major and now Black Jack. I can't imagine how much pain you are going through and how much change you have to face. My sympathies to you and your boyfriend. I hope the rest of the year brings good experiences and lots of love. I briefly spoke to you at the Greyhound Festival of the Bluegrass this past summer....you are needed and loved!!

Poor Dude! At least the vet is on top of it and the infected part was removed right away. Hugs for you and Dude!!!