crazygang Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 What a very deeply moving photograph........thanks so much for sharing Whatever your decision is will be the right one, if you feel comfortable with it in your heart when you look at Argos. Quote Run free our beloved Sir Snowy, Pip, Queenie, Sadie, Tess & Rosie until we meet again......I would rather feel the thorn than to never see the rose Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ss556 Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 what a beautiful picture. My prayers for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jettcricket Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 With Cricket her cancer is deep in her hip area. She just turned 11 in August and we decided to just do chemo/radiation. Even her radiologist told me that to do that type of surgery it's very invasive. With our first greyhound, Chance, his cancer was in his left front leg/shoulder area. We did amputate as he was only 5. It was not good. We did do radiation/chemo in the beginning and it really didn't help him. We then went ahead with amputation. I think in his case we just waited too long and he suffered from phantom pain. He had a very hard time adjusting to 3 legs. So far my girl is holding her own....it will be 6 months in November since her diagnosis and I thank God every day that she's with us. She appears to be pain free for the most part and is doing ok. She still wants to go for her walks....3 legs and all and she still greets me by the back door tail wagging and barking and her appetite is good. Whatever decision you make I wish you and your boy the best. I know how hard it is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Speedhoundz Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 Christie, have you read this? It's a very easy read and gives the prognosis for the different treatment options: http://www.animalmedicalcentreofmedina.com...steosarcoma.pdf I found it yesterday and read with great interest, as I've been contemplating what I'd do while hearing about dogs like Argos and Cookie and so many other greys. I'm so sorry you have to make this difficult decision. Beth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MorganKonaAlex Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 Our "decision" was kind of made for us. Polli was on the table getting x-rays to determine why she had a hairline fracture when she tripped. That morning at the vet, she was in extruciating pain (vet's words) and the morphine was not helping. When they saw the tumor, they called me while she was still on the table and explained it all to me. no biopsy was necessary. Amputation was the ONLY way to go. They wanted to prep her for amputation and do it NOW. We had no time to prepare ... Our experience with Morgan is similar. We found out he had osteo. when his leg broke on a Sunday morning when he landed at the base of the stairs. It was either euthanize or amputate at that point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carronstar Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 That is one of the most beautiful and moving photos I have ever seen. As others have said, it is a very personal decision. Know that there are a lot of prayers and good thoughts here for you all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest EmbersDad Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 how do they handle stairs afterward? that is a major concern. also how much time will it give him? a couple of months? ember is 10 and will be 11 in dec. she is otherwise healthy and i chose amputation. it will be tomorrow morning. if you go to the osu website, they have a video of bosha doing steps after a recent amputation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShantisMom Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 I have asked myself this question a lot as Shanti hops around on 3 legs (but still has 4). I knew what my answer for Shanti would have been when I sat in the specialist office and looked at her leg and chest xrays. By miracle, it was not cancer on her, it was Valley Fever. So much is involved in the decision. Are Argo's lungs clear? What does your vet think is best? Does he have any issues with any other legs or joints? But ultimately, you know your dog and how he may handle it. I will say that is the most precious picture I have ever seen!!! Quote The Girls Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BootsyCollins Posted October 16, 2008 Author Share Posted October 16, 2008 Christie, have you read this? It's a very easy read and gives the prognosis for the different treatment options: http://www.animalmedicalcentreofmedina.com...steosarcoma.pdf Beth This is great - thank you! I hope you are never faced with this Quote Christie and Bootsy (Turt McGurt and Gil too) Loving and missing Argos & Likky, forever and ever. ~Old age means realizing you will never own all the dogs you wanted to. ~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BootsyCollins Posted October 16, 2008 Author Share Posted October 16, 2008 So much is involved in the decision. Are Argo's lungs clear? What does your vet think is best? Does he have any issues with any other legs or joints? But ultimately, you know your dog and how he may handle it. I will say that is the most precious picture I have ever seen!!! His lungs appear to be clear. His other front leg has pretty bad arthritis, so I worry about that also. My biggest hesitation is that we live in an old city row house with steep wooden stairs and hardwood floors. He has always been skittish on stairs, even ours, even after 3 years, and to not be able to go upstairs with us at night would be hard for him. I could not carry him down, especially with a newborn. He'd also have to use our stairs going in and out of the house, and he'd have to jump in and out of the back of my explorer - all things that I could not do for him. I talked to the vet. She is not pushing us either way, but is just trying to be as supportive as possible while giving us all of our options. Quote Christie and Bootsy (Turt McGurt and Gil too) Loving and missing Argos & Likky, forever and ever. ~Old age means realizing you will never own all the dogs you wanted to. ~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KingsMom Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 That picture is just the sweetest. My prayers for all of you. It is a difficult decision at best...talk to Argos...ask him what he wants to do. My thoughts exactly... talk to that pupper he will let you know. It is an exceedingly sweet picture. Quote TNT Star Wars X Oshkosh Enigma King's PedigreeKing's sisters: Oshkosh Updraft, Dazie and forever in our hearts Oshkosh Ultra, Lily (3/7/03-2/18/13) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest SoulsMom Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 (edited) You could always use ramps for going outdoors and into the car. As for inside, I've already decided that it Soul could no longer do the stairs that I would make the dining room my bedroom. Edited October 17, 2008 by SoulsMom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cello Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 Christie I am so sorry that you are having to make such tough decisions - especially at a time in your life that should be filled with joy. You know your dog best. Better then your vet, and better then any of us here. You also know what your home situation is like. The stairs and vehicle are serious considerations. You have a newborn baby to also consider, and are just recovering from childbirth. A lot will depend on what kind of help and support you have available in your circle of friends and family. No one here doubts the level of love that you have for Argos. That goes without saying. You need to make the decision that is best for your entire family. We do the best we can with what resources we have available. More is not always better in every situation. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers. Carol Ann Quote Molly Weasley Carpenter-Caro - 6 Year Old Standard Poodle. Gizzy, Specky, Riley Roo & Lady - Our beloved Greyhounds waiting at the Rainbow Bridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest longdogs Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 Your picture reminds me of Nugget with our new granddaughter. She adored the baby but succumbed to osteo not long afterward. She wasn't a candidate for amputation or we would have given it a try. There really is not right or wrong decision here. It's not as though any guarantees come with any treatment regime. I personally wouldn't worry about amputation causing any difficulties, and any resulting pain or discomfort seems much easier to deal with than that from the cancer. That doesn't necessarily make it the best option. The only advice I can offer is to trust in your choice and not to regret it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Vinnie Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 It took me all day of thinking and hemming and hawwing before I could come back and comment. That picture has been in my mind all day, right alongside Polli and Darcy and our Angel Vinnie. There truly is no right or wrong answer - the answer comes from your heart and no matter how many times you argue with yourself for amp or no amp - it still comes back to the first answer your heart told you. The moment that you saw the picture with Lucas and Argos - what did your heart tell you? Yes, amp is difficult - but isn't everything in life worth having ... difficult at times? With Vinnie, it was an easy decision, we knew we would amputate - it was just a matter of who would do the amputation. And we did follow with chemo, unfortunately, Vinnie's was a most aggressive form of osteo and they think that because he was still a puppy, and growing rapidly, that it gave a boost in the wrong way to the osteo - we walked him to the bridge 3 months after diagnosis, amp & chemo at the age of 14 months. We were able to be with him as he came to work with me and at the time our office was downstairs - and at home the steps were in small groups except for one area - we usually guided him with his leash or carried him for that part. When he first came home, we made our living room our bedroom and all layed with him out on the floor. You have a new, beautiful baby boy & restrictive stairs - but that does not mean it cannot work - again as another poster indicated, a lot depends on how you set everything up for the first couple to three weeks and who can help you with him. It is amazing how quickly they adapt to 3 legs and there is so much that can be done to help with the pain and "phantom" pain - our vet used a technique they were using on soldiers having to lose a limb and it worked wonderfully with Vinnie. Follow your heart and don't second guess yourself as all you will do is drive yourself crazy. Either way you go, celebrate each day with both your beautiful boys and know that you are blessed. Sending hugs and scritches along with extra prayers for you all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LolasMom Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 Such a profoundly beautiful photo. My prayers are with you and Argos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BootsyCollins Posted October 17, 2008 Author Share Posted October 17, 2008 I want to thank all of you for your kind words and for taking the time to show your support. I am sure you all know how important this community is, especially during times like this. We have decided against amputation. The arthritis he has in his other leg is the biggest consideration, followed closely by our situation here at home. We love him more than we can say, and we think it's best for him to enjoy what is left of his life with as little stress as possible. He doesn't know that there is anything wrong - all he knows is that he has been getting a lot more treats lately and is suddenly allowed on the couch! He's a happy boy. With all sincerity - thank you. I will probably be overloading GT with photos of Argos in the coming weeks/months. Christie Quote Christie and Bootsy (Turt McGurt and Gil too) Loving and missing Argos & Likky, forever and ever. ~Old age means realizing you will never own all the dogs you wanted to. ~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFullHouse Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 Hugs to you both, I know what a hard decision that was to make. Looking forward to tons of pictures! Quote Judy, mom to Darth Vader, Bandita, And Angel Forever in our hearts, DeeYoGee, Dani, Emmy, Andy, Heart, Saint, Valentino, Arrow, Gee, Bebe, Jilly Bean, Bullitt, Pistol, Junior, Sammie, Joey, Gizmo, Do Bee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest SoulsMom Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 (edited) Enjoy your babies. You know your boy the best, and what will make him the happiest. Can't wait to see the pics Edited October 17, 2008 by SoulsMom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobinM Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 As difficult as it was to come to that decision, there must be a bit of relief knowing that a decsion was made. Not knowing what to do is very stressful. Now, just enjoy, enjoy, enjoy both your beautiful boys. Hugs to you all Quote ROBIN ~ Mom to: Beau Think It Aint, Chloe JC Allthewayhome, Teddy ICU Drunk Sailor, Elsie N Fracine , Ollie RG's Travertine, Ponch A's Jupiter~ Yoshi, Zoobie & Belle, the kitties. Waiting at the bridge Angel Polli Bohemian Ocean , Rocky, Blue,Sasha & Zoobie & Bobbi Greyhound Angels Adoption (GAA) The Lexus Project Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest longdogs Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 I second the above. Just go with it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest SusanP Posted October 18, 2008 Share Posted October 18, 2008 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MonsterMomma Posted October 18, 2008 Share Posted October 18, 2008 It hasn't been that long since we were faced with the same decision. I respect your choice, and wish you peace with it. Most of all, I wish you extra days and weeks and months filled with love and absent of pain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greytmonty Posted October 18, 2008 Share Posted October 18, 2008 Only you know what is best for your dog and your family, and it sounds like you made the best decision after thinking it all through. Hugs from Philly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Naty Posted October 18, 2008 Share Posted October 18, 2008 It's never an easy decision. When faced with that choice last year with Troy, we chose not to amputate since he had neurological weakness in the other hind leg that was not ravished by cancer. I feel for you and wish you wonderful days with Argos ahead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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