So… ![IMG_7090[1]](http://dearabby.tripawds.com/files/2015/10/IMG_70901.jpg)
the title shares our bad news, but I’ll start with the good news.
- We are back HOME! Our vet cleared Abby for stairs and she bounded up all 32 stairs no problem. Yeah! She was far more concerned about the 3 pumpkins that had appeared in her absence than the fact that she has one less leg.
- The vet cleared us for a gradual return to her normal activity!! This is huge news for a pup who hasn’t even been on a walk since July. We didn’t try anything crazy since getting to the vet was a big step up in activity already, but we’re excited to have the possibility.
- She got her stitches out!
I never gave up hope, but as we had been warned would be likely, it was in fact osteosarcoma. Her biopsy 8 weeks ago was negative, but we’ve learned that is by no means foolproof. Even worse, the lymph node behind her knee tested positive as well. As I understand it, this is quite rare and not good news. It does confirm what the oncologist told us two weeks ago–that puppy cancer is usually very aggressive.
Abby had her first dose of chemo today immediately after having her stitches out. I was glad I had learned so much from the Tripawds site that we felt comfortable just moving forward. The goal is 5 rounds. We may also try something called tyrosine kinase, but that would be down the road and I don’t know much about it yet.
Our goal is to get her back to enjoying life. We don’t get to dictate how long she’ll be with us, but we want to give her every chance at a happy and pain-free life with our family.
ABBEY!! WELCOME HOME!!!
Seriouslu, you climbed up all those stairs???? OMD! You are recovering just fine!!
For whatever it’s worth, my Bull Mastiff, Happy Hannah, supposedly had bad lymph involvement too. The Onco said that “changed” her prognosis.
Fortunately, Happy Hannah didn’t pay any attention to gloomy statistics! We had THE most glorious bonus time of over one year and two months! It’s amazing how many tummy rubs, ear scratches, treats, snuggles, ice cream and cheeseburgers you can squeeze into a day!!
I’m so glad Abbey can just get on with being a puppy and enjoying her cute little puppy self!
You have a great attitude and that kind of energy is a healing treatment too!
If you want to, .maybe you can update your post in the forum and/or put the link to Abbey’s blog. I know everyone is interested in cheering Abbey on! Sometimes the blogs go up and down really fast.
Give that precious girl a big smooch for us! And a group hug from all of us to YOU! You are doing a great job for Abbey!!
Hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
I think you guys have a GREAT attitude and that is going to take you VERY far on this path.
If you feel like giving up hope, just look at Abby, she isn’t. In fact, she doesn’t give two hoots about lab reports and x-rays and all that stuff, it’s all about living in the moment to her. Such a hard lesson for us humans but a good one that lasts a lifetime if we’re open to it. I KNOW you are!
I’m sorry about the diagnosis, it’s not an easy one but we will be with you every step of the way OK? Call the helpline, post in the forums, do whatever it takes to keep you pawsitive and hopeful. We’re here for you. xoxo
I am so sorry about this diagnosis. I told you about Sassy. She was 6 though but she survived beyond the “stats” and especially when she developed lung mets. She kept amazing everyone including her vet.
Never give up hope. I never did until she was gone. Live in the moment. If you need to talk don’t hesitate to pm me and I will give you my phone #. Rottie loves are the best
I have never hear of tyrosine kinase. Is it a type of chemo or metronomic therapy???
xoxxoxo
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Yes, I went back and read Sassy’s story. Such a sweet girl! Always good to know those who have beaten the odds. I think that tyrosine kinase is actually not the medication, but rather the enzyme that the medication would impact? I’ll ask more when we see the oncologist again, but now that I’ve read more I think it’s metronomic therapy.