Guest septembercrow Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 Hey, My grey Wenda will be 13 in July and she was just diagnosed with Osteocarcoma in her shoulderblade. I've heard via the grapevine the best for her would be to just manage pain to keep her comfortable. I think this is probably the best for her as well. She was diagonosed about three weeks ago now. It has rapidly grown to about he size of a baseball. WE are going to the vet again today to get more pain meds and learn more about what she can and can't do. If anyone has any advice or recommendations I would really appreciate it. As far as food or medication or anything... I want to make her remaining time as pleasant as possible of course. Also, if anyone has been through this as well? How long I can expect?? This is truly heartbreaking. I've only had her a year...she is such an angel... J Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patricia Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 I am so sorry. Please join the Yahoo group Circle Of Grey...it is a support group for greys with cancer with a wealth of knowledge. Also I am sure that someone here can give you the e-mail address for Dr. Couto. Sending many prayers and gentle hugs for your sweet girl and you also. Quote Patti-Mommy of Lady Sophia 7-28-92 - 8-3-04... LaceyLaine 8-2-94-12-5-07... Flash Gordon 7-14-99 - 8-29-09... BrookLynne...Pavé Maria... and 18 Bridge Kids. WATCHING OVER US~SOPHIA~QUEENIE~LACEY LAINE~ CODY ANGELO~FLASH GORDON. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest brindlebrigade Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 I hate to see all of the cancer in these loving greys - My nephew's 12yr was just diagnosed with this same thing and he actually was wondering the same questions you are. This is such a hard time and descision to go through. It is so good to see all of the support the greyhound owers give each other on all of these forms. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the greys and their moms/dads during these times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greyhound_bug Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 Sending you many prayers and hugs. We just went through this last year with Sullivan. He was diagnosed Jan 10th and went to the bridge June 21st, but we were one of the "lucky" ones. Sullivan had the Osteo in his right front leg and it progressed fairly slowly. We were able to manage his pain with just Metacam, some days having to double the dose, and lots and lots of love. We gave him anything that he wanted and just made sure that he was happy. Like you, we didn't have Sullivan for very long before he was diagnosed (only 10 months) and he was my heart dog. The best advice that I can give is enjoy every day that you have together. Embrace every moment and remember to laugh with her when she is trying to make you smile, hug her and tell her how much you love her and how much she means to you and take lots of pictures (if you haven't already-I took pictures EVERY day from the day Sullivan was diagnosed until he went to the bridge). There are lots of people on here who have gone through this and they were an amazing support to me, even if they didn't realize it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greybookends Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 :hope :hope :hope Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burpdog Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 Sounds like it is growing rapidly Pain meds: tramadol, morphine, neurontin. Sending many prayers. There simply is no set time....... Quote Diane & The Senior Gang Burpdog Biscuits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 I am so sorry. I can hear your heartache. I do hate cancer. Quote Irene Ullmann w/Flying Odin and Mama Mia in Lower Delaware Angels Brandy, John E, American Idol, Paul, Fuzzy and Shine Handcrafted Greyhound and Custom Clocks http://www.houndtime.com Zoom Doggies-Racing Coats for Racing Greyhounds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest septembercrow Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 Hey, thanks so much for the replys...it's nice to know there are others out there that love their creatures as well. Burpdog-I think we have communicated through Carol here in Wilmington. She told me you about you having senior greys and your recommendation to just manage her pain. I was glad to hear that opinion with from someone with experience to make me feel better about my decision... Thanks all. J Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest meandmygreys Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 So sorry to hear your sorrow.. Do what ever you need to do in your heart.. prayers and hugs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greyhoundlov Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 Quote Mary in Houston Everyone has a photographic memory, but not everyone has film. LAND OF THE FREE BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devotion Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 Prayers for you and Wende. I am so sorry that is happening. Just make sure she gets plenty of pain meds. I had one who's tumor grew very quickly in a matter of about 10 days. It went from barely visible to a baseball size. However, this is not typical but neither is osteo and it's speed. I would say that if it's that big you are probably looking at a shorter time frame. I am so sorry. Prayers for strength and comfort during this time. Quote Pam with greys Avril, Dalton & Zeus & Diddy the dachshund & Miss Buzz the kitty Devotion, Jingle Bells, Rocky, Hans, Harbor, Lennon, NoLa, Scooter, Naomi and Scout at the bridge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest KennelMom Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 I'm so sorry Our Casino (was also 13) had osteo on her shoulder...I asked our vet to advise on her level of pain based on his exam and the x-rays and what was the best we could hope for in terms of managing that pain. The lump was fairly small when she was diagnosed but grew tremendously seemingly overnight. Ultimately, it was kind of a day-to-day evaluation and our vet was ready for our call when it was time. Amputation was not an option for Casino at her age, other health issues and due to the location of the cancer. Damn I hate cancer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest caro Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 So sorry! Sending prayers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest argolola Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 You will both be in my prayers. God bless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest trevdog Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 I'm sorry to hear this. I'd also check into upping the pain meds and joining circle of Grey. It is there for both information and support. Also contact Dr. Couto, he is usually quick to reply and helpful. Unfortunately OS can grow very rapidly in some cases and it is very painful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nyGreys Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 Sending many prayers. I am so sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest chadmom Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 I am so sorry. Having just been through this, I know the heartbreak and questions you have. I just second all of the responses you have been given already. Osteo is very aggressive and painful, so make the most of everyday with your pup and know that you have already given her a wonderful life she may not have had. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aerosmom Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 I'm so sorry for you and Wenda. My Snickers was just diagnosed this week. She's only 5 1/2 so I am faced with different choices than you. To give you an idea of how fast this cancer is, we took x-rays of Snickers on March 30 when she first starting limping and nothing was there. The x-ray from Tuesday showed bone deterioration and lytic lesions. Unbelievable. Do what you can and enjoy every day with her. Quote Aero: http://www.greyhound-data.com/d?d=kees+uncatchable; our bridge angel (1/04/02-8/2/07) Snickers; our bridge angel (1/04/02-2/29/08) Cricket; Kanga Roo: oops girl 5/26/07; Doctor Thunder http://www.greyhound-data.com/d?z=P_31Oj&a...&birthland= Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grey14me Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 I'm so sorry Quote Michelle...forever missing her girls, Holly 5/22/99-9/13/10 and Bailey 8/1/93-7/11/05 Religion is the smile on a dog...Edie Brickell Wag more, bark less :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest septembercrow Posted May 20, 2007 Share Posted May 20, 2007 Thanks so much for all the replys, I am in tears. Joined Circle of Grey. Going to picnic in Wilmington to be around other greys tomorrow. Grey14me-I love the picture of Bailey with wings, so beautiful. How did you do that because I would love to do that for Wenda and my other dog Gibbous who crossed the bridge last year... Didn't think my heart could break twice, J Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gryhndsr4us Posted May 20, 2007 Share Posted May 20, 2007 I'm so sorry, Quote Sue ,Sky and Dood, Bridge angels Clark, Gypsy, Dreamy and Sneakers, Oshkosh,WI Heartbound Greyhound Adoption<p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HopeForHounds Posted May 20, 2007 Share Posted May 20, 2007 Given her age and the tumor size I doubt there are any treaments other than pain management. I would still contact Dr Couto for his opinion on pain med protocol. He or someone on staff will anser your concerns and give you any other info you need. greyosu@osu.edu I'm praying for a time when cancer is no longer a reality. Quote Casual Bling & Hope for HoundsJanet & the hounds Maggie and Allen Missing my baby girl Peanut, old soul Jake, quirky Jet, Mama Grandy and my old Diva Miz Foxy; my angel, my inspiration. You all brought so much into my light, and taught me so much about the power of love, you are with me always.If you get the chance to sit it out or dance.......... I hope you dance! Missing our littlest girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest luluaz Posted May 20, 2007 Share Posted May 20, 2007 I am very sorry to hear your girl has this cancer. Memorize her face... Love, tears and hugs from Az- Lisa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrGreyhndz Posted May 20, 2007 Share Posted May 20, 2007 I'm so sorry. There are no easy answers. Keep her pain free and be brave enough to recognize when you can't anymore. Lots of hugs and good thoughts heading your way. Quote Kim, (PW's) Nate Dogg and Chloe (TJ Zorabell) - always in our hearts, (Racey) Benson and Polly (Racey Pauline) NaturallyGrey Email List Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicocat Posted May 20, 2007 Share Posted May 20, 2007 I'm sorry you are facing this terrible disease with your girl. Cancer is such a painful disease and our precious greys can be so stoic. For me, I always try to remember the phrase "I loved you most of all today, I let you go". Quote Ann Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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