queenwinniesmom

Poor girl. But the news does sound positive. Little steps forward...I know it is slow, but I hope she keeps getting better and better.

I'm so sorry you lost your precious boy. Your tribute was lovely, and made me feel as if I knew him. Cancer is a monster!

What good hands Carrier is in---at OSU and at home! Continued good thoughts for an uneventful treatment and recovery.

Hoping Bubba is doing better.

Darcy, you and your Mom are awesome!

Oh, the precious little lady....how heartbreaking that she didn't get to her forever home.

Yes! He's doing everything right, and so are you. It's amazing how much better he looks in the last picture. All that bruising and seeping and stitches are enough to make you wonder if you did the right thing, but be assured that you did. That soft tissue trauma looks scary, but heals quickly. And now there is no pain from the tumor, and no chance of that bone shattering. Sending tons of white light for healing and a quick recovery. And gentle hugs to your sweet, brave boy.

Sending prayers and white light for Chase, and for you.

I'm so sorry you've gotten this devastating news. It brought back so vividly the feelings that overwhelmed us right after that dreaded diagnosis. I think it is the most difficult time because you're not sure of what to do, and those alternatives, as well as the well being of your precious boy, just consume your every thought. Since each dog and situation is different, I couldn't say that anything is right or wrong. You just have to do what you feel in your heart is right for Chance and for you. Even though amputation doesn't always buy a lot of time, it does eliminate that excruciating pain of an osteo tumor, and the chance that the bone will shatter. That was what we hoped for with Winnie, and she was with us for 3 1/2 years! Your family and your sweet Chance will be in my prayers.

Oh, no, two dogs in 6 months! Yes, you do need to vent, and too many of us know how you're feeling. It's just not fair. I'm so sorry you've gotten this devastating news. Hold your boy (and each other) close, and don't let the sadness steal your precious time away.

Who would have thought that Such love could be carried by The smallest of paws. A haiku for you and Cujo. I'm so sorry you lost your sweet little guy.

Maybe seeing his Mom will make him eat. I hope so. This is such a stressful time for both of you. Neither knows quite what to expect. But it's probably better that he is at the vets now. The anesthesia and pain meds can cause them to react differently--panting, that anxiety, etc. These things will ease off as his system clears. Thinking about you and Dempsey, and hoping that all goes well with his recovery.

I talked to the vet and vet techs today (I work at a shelter), and they all thought she should pass the candles okay. Of course, everyone said to be on the alert for signs of a blockage---which as paranoid as I am, I'll be doing like a hawk! But she's seemed just fine last night and today. Eating great, stomach normal, no vomiting. She's had several normal stools, but we couldn't really see much since the candles were brown too. Hazelnut. Maybe we should buy purple or red, just in case she gets the urge for some yummy wax again. Well, no candles on shelves anymore. They will be locked away!

Oh, that is scary and sad. We'll be praying that it is not bad news for Laddie tomorrow. One of my former fosters was just put to sleep for osteo too. She was only 6, and was a feisty, self-assured girl who seemed as if she'd be able to fight. But it was too bad, too fast. Such a shame. I'll be thinking of Laddie tomorrow.

Feel better, sweet girl!

DH and I just noticed some things on the floor, and realized they are 3 wicks from candles. The metal part is still attached to the bottoms. I'd gotten some hazelnut votives for Christmas, and was burning one (out of reach), and put the 3 others on a bookcase in the dining room. I didn't think they were in Grey reach, but apparently they were. These are small votive candles. I guess she must have chewed them up. Though we didn't see who did it, I'm sure it was Tess, my power chewer. I'm really concerned right now. This can't be good. Though I guess they would be in pieces, and not one big lump of wax in her stomach, would this be easy to pass? They all just ate, and I'm not sure if she did this before dinner or after. Should I be doing anything, or watching for anything? Should I call the vet?

I'm so sorry for your sudden and devastating loss. It will be doubly hard because you were in no way prepared. Osteo rears it's ugly head so unexpectedly, usually with the limp, and then the diagnosis of the tumor. Even though it was much quicker with Turbo, I hope in time that you will take comfort in knowing that he was doing what he loved, with the people he loved, till the very end.

I just read this. I wonder how she's doing. Sending prayers.

While you're understandably nervous about the surgery (I know how you feel), please know that you've made the right decision. Sending prayers and white light that everything goes perfectly on Wed.

Glad it went well today. Darcy is such an exceptional girl.

Winslow and Glynis, we love you! Wish I lived closer---I'd love to meet you both. I always check this thread to see how you're doing, and this good news is wonderful. Sweet boy, Queen Winnie would be proud.

How wonderful to see him, happy and enjoying life. You've done such a good job---and so has he. He's an inspiration!

I hope you and your precious boy have many more quality days together.

An osteo diagnosis is heartbreaking, so please never feel that you are being over dramatic. I'd say that crying is the first stage---well, maybe after the shock. We know what you're going through. Too many of us have gotten that devastating news, and made the decision that was best for our precious Greys, and for ourselves. It is the same fight, just different ways of doing what we can. With Pebbles age, and the fact that it has spread to her lungs, you are right to do palliative treatment. If she likes steak, I'd let her eat steak---the low carb, high protein is good. Fish oil is a good immune system booster too. I would second the suggestion of artemisinin---it's natural, and for osteo, couldn't hurt. I'm not sure if at this stage, you would get the same results as if it were started before the osteo progressed, but it's worth a try because it does help fight cancer cells. My Winnie was on it for 3 years! And she was put to sleep because of kidney failure, not the osteo. Like I always say (perhaps too much)---cancer is a crapshoot. You just never know how fast or how far it is going to progress. You just need to do what you believe in your heart is right for you and Pebbles. And that includes knowing when to say good-bye. She will likely let you know. Listen to your precious girl, and make the decision based on whether or not she is suffering. You know that your time will be finite, and knowing this, you are able to devote yourself to making that time together as meaningful as possible. Remember that they live in the moment---they don't worry about the future sadness, but simply know that they are loved and safe NOW because we have assured them of that. Don't let the sadness steal away the precious time that you are sharing each day. Sending prayers and white light. ETA Lisa, that was a simply beautiful post!

I should have added my Winnie while it was still 2007. Our first Christmas without her found me missing her greatly, but feeling her presence everywhere. Queen Winnifred Grace III, OBH (Order of the Brave Heart, on the GRTB message board), 11-23-95---10-2-07. She was proud, stubborn, quirky, independent, brave, and devoted to me, her Dad, and her Angel brother, Nick. Winnie was the inspiration for so many who's Greys were fighting the monster osteo. That she survived (and truly lived) for 3 1/2 years after her diagnosis, and amputation, was something of a record, I think. And I think that's the way she wanted it---Winnie was never one to do anything halfway! She taught me a lot during those years---about courage, patience, joyfulness, and just plain doing what you have to do. She left us with the dignity that was so important to her, and on her own terms. The old kidneys failed, but she beat the monster! Win, I know you're still a Queen, ruling in the Kingdom at the Bridge, with your family and friends around you. Watch out for us down here when you can, okay?