my pyr has bone cancer (referred by a wonderful stranger)

[Woof98]

 
Hi,
Someone that responded to my prayer request already has made me feel happiness, just knowing others are praying for my babies.
My 9 1/2 yr old, male pyrenees was diagnosed on weds with bone cancer to his left front paw.
The vet said it is not in his lungs, or should I say it's not seen there but is probably already there.
We are all beside ourselves. My 10 yr old daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumor in March. Our Woof is her dog, she is really attached to him. He is our comfort.
I had a hard time expalining to her when she asked why God gave her something? Now I have to explain why God gave her dog somethin that will take him away. And explain to her why he can't fight it and win!?
I cannot stop crying. I know everything happens for a reason but I cannot understand some things.
My husband doesn't understand why I keep searching on-line...it's the same outcome. But I am hoping. What else is there to do.
I am SOOO confused about amputating? I don't want my boy to suffer and I know removal of the leg is just pain management. He still is going to be taken away in a short period of time with or without the leg. I still cannot understand why if I cut it away, why he still dies?
I know that I have to make the decision, but I keep changing my mind.
If he's going to leave this earth in as little as a few weeks, why not let him keep his leg instead of learning how to walk without it and deal with healing when he could have the pain controlled with pills and keep his leg until the meds couldn't work? I pray that someone out there can help us...give me advice. Or even a miracle. My daughter said, "Mommy you don't have to cry over Woofie anymore, he's cured. I know if I think positive and really believe he's better he will be. So he is! Because I believe that."
And I try, but then I see him limp by...God help us. If anyone has any advice PLEASE send me an email. dawndonelson@comcast.net
And thanks to the wonderful lady who referred me here. I hope someone can share a miracle or offer a prayer...maybe then the good Lord will send us one! God bless!

[zchic]

I don't have any advice for you...but I am sending prayers and posotive thoughts your way. We have a neighbor with a GSD that has cancer in a leg, she has had it for 2 years now. I know they have her on meds, but I don't know what.

[LuvmyMal]

I personally now a few dogs that had the same diagnosis and had amputation. One is a malamute and is doing wonderful, he goes to water therapy and is getting by great. One is a Great Dane and he is doing perfect.

[Woof98]

Thank you for attaching the thread. That is my story and that must be from the kind person who sent my story into this forum for me. Thank you

[Jessdryden]

I don't have any advice, but wanted to tell you that you, Woof, and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

[EllieAndBlu]

Oh Dawn - my heart aches for you and your family! I wish I could offer some advice, but I have none. What I can do is lend my support for your days ahead with Woof and your daughter. Sending you tons of positive energy, healing vibes, and hugs! Keeping y'all in my thoughts.

[bigdogs@5501]

I have never had to experience what you are going thru, I am heartbroken for you and your family. I am going to be saying lots of prayers for Woofie. Please know that there are a lot of us who are now thinking and praying for you.

[macybean]

First, I want to tell you how sorry I am that your family is facing both your daughter's tumor and your dog's cancer. I can't begin to imagine how difficult that must be.

I think that seeking out advice from a specialist is a good idea. I think that the insight they may be able to give you could make a big difference in your choices.

Generally, I am of the mindset that if something is only going to extend the life of a loved one for a very short time (and often they will likely be in pain during this time), it is better to let them live what time they have left without that and make them as comfortable as possible. I tend to lean this way especially if they are in less pain now than treatment may cause (particularly if they are older-the time they may have left is fairly limited already).

That said, no one can make this decision for you, and I'm certainly not trying to tell you what to do. Those are just my thoughts and what I would hope to do/have done in similar situations.

But again, I think the specialist will give you a better idea of what's going on. Perhaps the cancer is not very advanced after all, and treatment will offer a good chance at quite a bit of time. I think it's best to find out more as quickly as possible.

Please take care. I wish your family, your daughter, and your pup all the best.

[LuvmyMal]

my last response was pretty short, I was at work and the boss walked by, you will find this is a wonderful group and we are all there for each other. I am sorry to hear about your daughter and dog. I wish for a good outcome with the dog as that is your daughters best friend. Please post pics of both of them. Sending healing thoughts and malahugs and kisses your way.

[navarre1316]

Welcome!  I too hate that we meet under these circumstances, but as was said earlier there are a ton of very knowledgeable people on this board.  I have to agree about the specialist, or even just a second opinion.  Get all the info that you can before making a decision.  Where in the leg is it?  I don't remember reading that part if it was posted.  I'm terribly sorry that your family is having to face all of this at once.  I hope your daughter finds a way to grasp it all, sometimes children really surprise you in times like these!  Prayers and peace to your family.

[kathryn]

I wanted to welcome you to the board.  I have never had to deal with this so I have no words of wisdom to offer.  I can only offer support and comfort.  My prayers and healing thoughts are with you and your entire family. 

[Fumble]

We are sending our prayers and fumble is sending his drooly kisses to you and your family.  I can't even imagine how you are feeling, but I do know that this is one of the best places that you can help to get some support..  I will definately keep not only Woof in my prayers, but also your daughter. 

[Woof98]

 
Thanks to everyone for their kind words and prayers.
For those who asked, the cancer is in his front left leg. The x-ray's didn't show it in his lungs but the vet said that it's probably already there  microscopicall y. This cancer is very aggressive and usually once diagnosed you have a few weeks possibly a couple months with amputation. My heart keeps going back and forth. I want his last days to be pain controlled and happy. Not learning how to walk, but if amputating could give him another 2 happy years, I might do that. But then I am left with the thought that I am being selfish by keeping him here with 3 legs just to keep our family happy.
I cannot stress how much it means to hear everyones thoughts. 
I am trying to get my vet to refer me to an oncologist, but he said to get a biopsy from an orthopedic surgeon first. I don't want to biopsy since his leg is weak and is painful. I want to talk to the cancer doctors to get general information. Does anyone know an oncologist in Maryland??
I am not ready to say goodbye...
Someone has asked to see pics, I will try to attach them. I am not very good at this.

[navarre1316]

What a handsome man!!  Google search for a vet in your area and ask for a consultation visit.  Did you tell your vet about your fear of making the leg weaker with a biopsy?  If so, what was his response?  Even with the amputation, you know there are no garauntees, man, I hate that you have to make this decision.  No one is ever ready to let them go, we all know that thought, some of us very well.

How's your daughter handling this?

[Duramax]

oh those pics are adorable! it will be hard when the time comes, especialy if he's the only dog in the house, a family going from being a 'dog family' to a 'non dog family' is much harder than if there are 2 dogs in the household. you're doing every thing you can, stay strong.