Guest mhall Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 I took Tarmac to see a surgeon for what I thought would be a discussion about doing surgery for a torn ccl. It ended up being a disussion about cancer. Tarmac has a tumor in his left femur. I don't know how it was missed initially- it's pretty obvious on the x-ray. (The x-rays and initial consult were done at an e-vet. Tarms regular vet and the surgeon didn't get the x-rays until today. Tarms vet had been told the x-rays were clean, which is why we were opperating under the assumption that it was a partial ccl tear). After a lengthy talk with the surgeon and thinking about my feelings about chemotherapy/amputation, we've decided to forgo both and just let Tarmac hang out for as long as he is comfortable. The surgeon advised against a biopsy since we don't want to proceed with treatment. He assumes that this is osteo, but said even if it is something else amputation would buy us time but would not be a cure. We go back in a few weeks for more x-rays. I can't believe my guy has cancer and that we may only have a few months with him. When I was thinking about how ccl surgery might go, I kept thinking "well, at least he doesn't have cancer." Tarmac has mellowed and become much more affectionate over the past years. I was looking forward to spending his senior years with him. Three years together was not enough time. I'm not ready to let him go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MTFSTHNDS Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 Quote Adrienne - with the kitties Tippy & Tyler Too Missing my bridge angels Boo Zsee, Java Bean (Nitro Kristen), Zeeba and Baer the not-so-miniature schnauzer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bigbrindlebunny Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kydie Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 I am sure his 3 years with you were better than he could have ever imagined any where else Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grey14me Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 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...
queenwinniesmom Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 I'm so sorry. This news is indeed our worst nightmare. And this is the hardest time---so many emotions to deal with, while you try to be strong for your precious boy. And you just don't know how long you will have right now---but when it is time, you will know. Quote Nancy, Mom to Evangelina and Kiva Missing Lacey, Patsy, Buster, my heart dog Nick, Winnie, Pollyanna, Tess, my precious Lydia, Calvin Lee, my angel butterfly Laila, and kitties Lily, Sam and Simon My Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Catsburgandhoundtown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MandysMom Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 Quote Beverly. Missing my happy toy-flinging boy Sammy (Where's Mandrill), (8/12/2009-9/30-2021) Desperately missing my angel Mandy (BB's Luv) [7/1/2000 - 9/18/2012]. Always missing Meg the Dalmatian and Ralph Malph the Pekeapoo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaliforniaGreys Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 I am so sorry you had to hear this. No matter how long they're with us, it's never enough time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both Quote Missing my little Misty who took a huge piece of my heart with her on 5/2/09, and Ekko, on 6/28/12 For the sick, the lost, and the homeless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Energy11 Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 Sooo sorry to hear this! It is never easy to find this out. I worry everyday about one of mine getting it. Our Max died of it, and we had him only one year. He was adopted as a senior, ... old man who had him was trying to give him away at a flea market. We loved that year, and so did he! I know three years isn't much, but, I am sure so far, they've been wonderful for both of you, and we hope you have many more months with this baby! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trihounds Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 So sorry to hear of the unfortunate news. Best of luck to you and Tarmac. Quote Doe's Bruciebaby Doe's Bumper Derek Follow my Ironman journeys and life with dogs, cats and busy kids: A long road Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greyhound1 Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 :grouphug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest TBSFlame Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 I took Tarmac to see a surgeon for what I thought would be a discussion about doing surgery for a torn ccl. It ended up being a disussion about cancer. Tarmac has a tumor in his left femur. I don't know how it was missed initially- it's pretty obvious on the x-ray. (The x-rays and initial consult were done at an e-vet. Tarms regular vet and the surgeon didn't get the x-rays until today. Tarms vet had been told the x-rays were clean, which is why we were opperating under the assumption that it was a partial ccl tear). After a lengthy talk with the surgeon and thinking about my feelings about chemotherapy/amputation, we've decided to forgo both and just let Tarmac hang out for as long as he is comfortable. The surgeon advised against a biopsy since we don't want to proceed with treatment. He assumes that this is osteo, but said even if it is something else amputation would buy us time but would not be a cure. We go back in a few weeks for more x-rays. I can't believe my guy has cancer and that we may only have a few months with him. When I was thinking about how ccl surgery might go, I kept thinking "well, at least he doesn't have cancer." Tarmac has mellowed and become much more affectionate over the past years. I was looking forward to spending his senior years with him. Three years together was not enough time. I'm not ready to let him go. We never have enough time with them. My thoughts are with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burpdog Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 Quote Diane & The Senior Gang Burpdog Biscuits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
September Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 I'm so sorry. Quote http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc124/TgrrValily/CookieMac2009pt2/siggyyayayayayay.jpg Waiting at the bridge: Buddy James, Cookie Dough, Shelby, and Mac. My angels New dog mom to dachshunds Ginger and Ruger Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeputysMom Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 I have been on the recieving end of this news a couple times too...It is awful! Please accept my thoughts and prayers. Much love to your pup! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MyNellyBean Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 How terrible for you. I am so sorry. I can only imagine how you're feeling. My grey has had two flare-ups of a shoulder injury and limping, and the vet keeps mentioning that she'd like to do xrays to see if it's osteosarcoma. Like you, I would forego amputation, chemo, radiation, etc. and just focus on pain management and making sure my pooch was comfortable for as long as possible. (I can't even bring myself to do the xrays, so you're already braver than I am.) Enjoy every moment with Tarmac, give him lots of hugs and affection, his favorite treats, and make sure he is one very happy boy when he passes. I think you are doing the right thing. Just remember that dogs can sense when you're upset, so keep your chin up and try hard to enjoy these few months. You still have some fun times ahead and some good memories to make with him. He will love you for your good attitude and outpourings of love! Nell and I will be praying that Tarmac is comfortable and happy until the end. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ss556 Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 I am so sorry. I certainly wish the news was better. Just enjoy every day you have together. No, there is NEVER enough time with them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 3greysinPA Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 I'm so sorry, hugs to you both Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest eaglflyt Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 I am so very very sorry. Bless Tarmac and each of you. I pray you have many good days yet. ((((HUGS)))) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greytexplorer Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 darn recnac Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracey Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 I'm so sorry. Sending hugs to you and Tarmac. Quote ...............Chase (FTH Smooth Talker), Morgan (Cata), Reggie (Gable Caney), Rufus (Reward RJ). Fosters check in, but they don't check out. Forever loved -- Cosmo (System Br Mynoel), March 11, 2002 - October 8, 2009.Miss Cosmo was a lady. And a lady always knows when to leave. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeidisMum Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 Quote Christine- Mum to Betty (Nitro Ugly Betty), Hannah (Rj Have I Told U) and missing Heidi (Sendahl Eve) 04/21/2005-06/19/2013 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fionasmom Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 I'm so sorry. I know how difficult it is to hear that diagnosis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest KyGrey Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 I am so sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MerlinsMum Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 :cry1 I'm so sorry. Make every moment count. I hope you have many more days together before you need to let him go Quote Kerry with Lupin in beautiful coastal Maine. Missing Pippin, my best friend and sweet little heart-healer 2013-2023 Also missing the best wizard in the world, Merlin, and my sweet 80lb limpet, Sagan, every single day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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